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39 of 219 late-model Durangos purchased by Indiana State Police have had oil cooler failures

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bb37

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
INDIANAPOLIS — Troopers with the Indiana State Police are facing car issues as the department moves to new Dodge Durangos.

Beginning in May 2023, the Indiana State Police began transitioning from the Dodge Charger to the Dodge Durango.

Since then, the department has ordered 516 Durangos at an approximate value of $25.8 million.

In rolling out 219 Durangos to date, 39 of the new vehicles have experienced mechanical failure due to defective oil coolers, according to ISP.

www.wrtv.com

State Police face issues with new Dodge Durangos, many requiring engine replacement

In rolling out 219 Durangos to date, 39 of the new vehicles have experienced mechanical failure due to defective oil coolers, according to ISP.
www.wrtv.com www.wrtv.com
 
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#2 ·
What is the issue with the oil coolers? Why is a new engine needed as a fix? But in the grand scheme of things, if Stellantis hands the ISP a pile of shit why would we expect anything better?
 
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#3 ·
I saw that article and it reminded me of a member here who is with one of the states who was having the same issue and slow repair times. So it's been going on for a looooong time now. I think the ISP is trying to get the attention of Dodge with a news story but Dodge doesn't give a crap about anyone.
 
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#4 ·
Maybe they have some type of special oil cooler, there are not many posts on here about oil coolers and none that caused an engine to fail from doing a quick search. What about warranty these are 2023 models

Maybe its the V6

 
#6 ·
cambo said:
Maybe they have some type of special oil cooler, there are not many posts on here about oil coolers and none that caused an engine to fail from doing a quick search. What about warranty these are 2023 models

Maybe its the V6

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Is it the V6? I could see Dodge giving super Hemi discounts to law enforcement agencies instead of the V6.
 
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#8 ·
I believe these are the V8's. This is not the first we have heard of it. I recall 2 members here that got new 5.7L engines under warranty because the block was allegedly incorrectly machined where the oil cooler attaches.

That is some crazy BS!!!!!!!

Don
 
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#9 ·
Don Fox said:
I believe these are the V8's. This is not the first we have heard of it. I recall 2 members here that got new 5.7L engines under warranty because the block was allegedly incorrectly machined where the oil cooler attaches.

That is some crazy BS!!!!!!!

Don
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That one person was me.
Same thing happened with my oil cooler and they replaced the engine with only 5,000 miles then new engine with only 4,000 miles on it developed another oil leak this time from the oil pan gasket.
After having that repaired twice, the dealership still couldn’t get it to stop leaking.
I traded that turd in and never looked back! :poop:
I will never purchase another Durango ever again. These newer 5.7’s are pure junk!
 
Discussion starter · #10 ·
Here's a link to the press release from Indiana State Police. Not much additional info. Oil Cooler Issue Sidelining New Indiana State Police Dodge Durango Patrol Vehicles

It was my understanding that the oil cooler is in intimate contact with the coolant. The oil cooler somehow fails and allows oil to get into the coolant.

My assumption is that the engine failures are resulting from troopers not noticing the problem soon enough and continuing to drive the vehicle with compromised oil and coolant.
 
#11 ·
#12 · (Edited)
cambo said:
What was your symptom some type of engine light ?
was it a 2023 ?



What years are considered newer ?

My 2014 R/t was the most reliable vehicle ever owned sold it at 135K
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The numerous oil coolers the dealership put on would not mate flat with the engine block causing oil to leak out making a hell of a mess on the underside and I was having to put in about two quarts oil every 50 miles or so.
No CEL’s what so ever. No codes etc…

Dealership stated and was confirmed by FCA that the engine block was not milled correctly to specs when it was produced causing the surface to be slightly warped.

Second engine they put in the oil pan gasket started leaking at the rear and after the dealership repaired it twice, they couldn’t get it to seal correctly.

Yes it a 2023 build date July 2023.
Poor quality control on these engines and vehicle in general.

My rear hatch was slightly off so the track lights didn’t line up evenly and the black weather strip on the rear door outside bottom window turned an ashy splotchy white color which had to be replaced twice!

The rear exhaust tip passenger side was slightly turned inward toward the hitch area and had to be replaced also.

I was very happy to get rid of this piece of junk!
I got a very good deal trading it on a new Ford Explorer ST which I got $8,000 more for the Durango than what KBB and NADA had listed.

I got 0% financing 60 months, 8/100,000 bumper to bumper warranty thru Ford motor company and not some third party vendor.
 
Discussion starter · #13 ·
I was informed over the weekend that the Durangos in question are HEMI-powered.

From what I understand, the oil cooler is failing internally allowing engine oil and coolant to mix. If the problem is not noticed soon enough, engine lubrication is compromised and the engine fails.
 
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#14 ·
bb37 said:
I was informed over the weekend that the Durangos in question are HEMI-powered.

From what I understand, the oil cooler is failing internally allowing engine oil and coolant to mix. If the problem is not noticed soon enough, engine lubrication is compromised and the engine fails.
Click to expand...
From what I gather the oil cooler just attaches to the original oil filter location then the oil filter threads onto it. They basically come on all special service package Durango that have the Hemi. The coolers have a manufacturing defect and are allowing oil to enter the cooling system due to the fact oil pressure is greater than cooling system pressure when the engine is running. The engine is then starved of oil and damage is done to engine internals.
Image
 
#16 ·
23 DD RT Plus said:
That one person was me.
Same thing happened with my oil cooler and they replaced the engine with only 5,000 miles then new engine with only 4,000 miles on it developed another oil leak this time from the oil pan gasket.
After having that repaired twice, the dealership still couldn’t get it to stop leaking.
I traded that turd in and never looked back! :poop:
I will never purchase another Durango ever again. These newer 5.7’s are pure junk!
Click to expand...
This is happening to me currently, What should I do? I'm sitting here with a mud puddle of oil and coolant on the driveway debating on replacing the cooler and flushing the system, or am I already screwed? I was on the phone with stellantis and they're no help
 
#17 ·
mark101 said:
This is happening to me currently, What should I do? I'm sitting here with a mud puddle of oil and coolant on the driveway debating on replacing the cooler and flushing the system, or am I already screwed? I was on the phone with stellantis and they're no help
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If you are still under warranty, take it to your dealership. If not, get rid of it quickly.
I loved my DD but I got tired of the BS after two engines and they still couldn’t get it right, that’s why I got rid of it and purchased a new Ford Explorer ST.
Keep us informed what you find out on your DD.
 
#18 ·
23 DD RT Plus said:
If you are still under warranty, take it to your dealership. If not, get rid of it quickly.
I loved my DD but I got tired of the BS after two engines and they still couldn’t get it right, that’s why I got rid of it and purchased a new Ford Explorer ST.
Keep us informed what you find out on your DD.
Click to expand...
No warranty, do you think I can take it in as it sits or should I put on a new oil cooler and flush the system and then take it?
 
#19 ·
mark101 said:
No warranty, do you think I can take it in as it sits or should I put on a new oil cooler and flush the system and then take it?
Click to expand...
If you are mechanically inclined have a lift to do the job, you would be better off. If not, I would have it towed into the dealership. I don’t know if they have a TSB on these, if so I would call the dealership and explain what’s going on.
What year is your DD?
 
#20 ·
Mark101:

Welcome to DDN:
It would be better to start your own thread re this issue. Please include the year/model/engine/mileage of your Durango.
I see that you have a '19 from one of your other posts. Please don't make multiple responses on the same issue in different places.
Doing so makes it harder to help you, because the pertinent info is all over.

Help us help you.

Don
 
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