Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Dodge Durango owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Accident, airbags did not deploy, seat belts didn't work proper. Loss of of control from steering problems. Steering problems on wet roads. Transmission problems, doesn't shift proper, no air condition, can not drive with windows down in back, very hard to control. Car is parked because I am afraid to drive it. Been back to dealer with problem after problem.
I have had several problems with my 98 Durango. I am the original owner, and the vehicle has 31,000 miles. The current problem, and the one for which I filed the complaint, deals with the electric windows not unctioning. The left rear window went out last year. Within the past two months, the passenger window went out, and the right rear has begun to operate inconsistently. As for repairs, a local Chrysler dealer said they believe the problem are the window regulators. As to cost, I am currently working with Chrysler corp.(national customer service center) as to what they will do to fix. My own investigation indicates that this is a common problem on this year Durango. Just today Chrysler has asked me to have the problem re-diagnosed at the local dealership (at my cost). They will then determine if and what they will do. …
I purchased a 1998 Dodge Durango in March of 1998. The car was brand new with 3 miles on it. The car was excellent until about 52,000 miles. 1st repair, water pump. At about 56,000 transmission rebuild. At about 61,000 heater core, and power steering fluid leaking. At 77,000 transmission rebuild again. At about 80,000 miles, steering wheel started to stiffen up and very difficult to turn wheel they told me I needed a new rack and pinion. Durangos do not have rack and pinions, they have gear boxes. At about 94,000 transmission rebuild. At 106,000 trasnmission rebuild and installed a transmission cooler this time around along with an aftermarket transmission gauge which tells me the temp of the trans(price was $125.00 for gauge and wiring). Called Dodge was like talking to my dog, they said that it wasn't their problem. …
I purchased a 1998 Dodge Durango, slt, brand new. Over the last two years we have had the oil pressure gauge drop to zero and twice have replaced the oil sending(?) unit. In July, 2004, while on vacation, the oil pressure drops to zero, it starts knocking and before we can get to an exit it gets loud and dies. We coast into a filling station and the oil is running out on the ground. My husband walks to a u'haul and rents a truck and trailer, goes to a hardware store and buys a come-along to get the Durango onto the trailer to tow it home. After doing research on the internet, I find this is a common occurance among the Dodge durangos. When we started out for vacation, the Durango had 69,000 miles on it. …
Oil pressure on 1998 Durango kept dropping to 0. Many trips to dealer were unable to determine cause of problem. Sept '01, engine failed. Replaced engine at cost of $4500. Sludge was found in old engine. Chrysler tried to say it was because of improper oil changes. Not true. March, 2005 oil pressure is dropping to 0 again. Car is at repair facility. They say it needs a new oil sending unit. I am concerned that the engine will fail again due to the apparent defect in this particular engine Chrysler makes. What can be done? Dec. 2003 we replaced the ball joints for $1300. Find out in 2004 that Chrysler recalled 2000-2003 durangos for defective ball joints. Why were the 1998 and 99 models left out? Is this not the same part as the 2000? Chrysler merely says no more information other than 98 is not included.
Complaint received via e-mail. I have a 1998 ball joints, and that the car is unsafe. I figured they were just trying to make money for another job. I went directly to my neighborhood shop to see what they said and they agreed. Dodge knew that this is a problem. Also, a cash cow to them at $1500.00. I have driven this vehicle gently and only had high 50000 miles at the time of repair. 1998 Durango should be included in this recall. The consumer stated that the oil pump failed and the tranny failed. The intake gasket manifold failed and consumed 1 qt of oil in two days. The vehicle uses excessive anti freez. The crank shaft was replaced as well as connecting rod and bearings. The consumer stated that the vehicle had to many problems and dealer knew of the problems beforehand. Four ball joints have been replaced.
This trouble mimics dozens and dozens of the same problem I have read about on multiple websites, including this one concerning 1998-99 5.2 v8 Dodge Durango's. Oil pressure gauge will go to zero. Truck is turned off and oil checked, confirming correct oil level. Upon restarting of truck the pressure returns to normal. When the pressure gauge bottoms out the valves will begin to tap shortly after if the truck is not immediately shut down. This has occurred 4 times within 2 days and has since been taken to my mechanic. Per a conversation with the dealership where I bought the vehicle, they do not wish to get involved as they are not a Dodge dealer. I need some sort of assistance; judging by all the other reports on this problem my engine is due to fail and there is nothing I can do about it!!!
I own a 1998 Dodge Durango. In the last 2 years I have had to replace the engine and drive shaft, simply because they failed. The SUV has been meticulously cared for; all maintenance schedules have been followed. In addition, the ABS computer/system had to be replaced, and now 15 months later, the ABS light has come on again. I wanted to know if other customers have experienced similar problems with this vehicle. When I called customer service, the only people I have been able to talk to have been the low level employee. They will not, and probably have been instructed not to, forward the call to someone in upper management. They will not give me any information as to whether the problems I have had with this vehicle are common.this has been very frustrating.
Faulty clock spring. $178 to replace/repair. My vehicle apparently not affected by recall of 216,000 vehicles. Clock spring failure results in failure of airbag to deploy. I guess I'm extremely lucky I was not involved in a life-altering accident. Refer to recall # 01V153000. Per invoice, the engine light had come on and there were rattles upon acceleration, the service dealer found #5 cylinder misfire and removed the #5 spark plug and viewed signs of coolant on the spark plug. (recommended removal of the left cylinder head for further inspection/consumer declined) there was also a scraping noise when the vehicle was turned, the clockspring was found faulty due to internal damage, the clockspring unit was replaced.
Check engine light came on; cracked left cylinder head at 40,000 miles. Dealer repaired under warranty; claims to not know why head cracked. Exactly 40,000 miles later, left cylinder head cracked again. Dealer will not repair; car is 3 months outside of extended warranty. Dealer still can't give reason for cylinder head failure. Other mechanics/dealers believe cylinder heads fail due to faulty casting. There was a scraping noise when the steering wheel was turned. The service dealer found internal damage in the clockspring and replaced the unit. The consumer requested reimbursement.
Engine complaints in other Durango years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1998 Dodge Durango?
NHTSA has 66 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1998 Dodge Durango, 7% of the model year's 965 complaints. The component named most often is engine (27 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Dodge Durango engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1998 Dodge Durango, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1998 Dodge Durango engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.