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 1999 Dodge Durango owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
1999 Dodge Durango---while out driving during the hotter months, the truck would just shut down while I was driving. The brakes stopped working, the steering wheel stopped working and the odometer read "no bus". When I finally stopped the car by running into a curb, it would not start for another 30 minutes. Finally got it started and two miles down the road, it happened again. After talking to other Durango owners, I was directed to change the PCM. Well that is a $1000.00 job. It was explained to me that the PCM box over heats because of where it is placed under the hood. That section where the PCM box is is not receiving any air flow to keep it cool. The cooling fins are nested too close to the body of the truck. This is a manufacturing problem and should be recalled . This is a safety issue, because you cannot control the car when it shuts down. …
4 times in the last two weeks while driving in heavy city traffic in the los angeles, ca area the engine turned off, without warning, warning lights, or warning sounds. All guages went to zero. There was no abnormal function of the vehicle before each incident. Power assist to steering and brakes were also lost. Each time it was in dry, sunny weather with the temperature between 60 and 80 degrees fahrenheit. Each time I was able to coast to a curb or physically push the vehicle out of traffic. Each time, except one, the engine would not start immediately afterward. The engine would turn over briskly but would not start. After 4 to 6 attempts the car would start normally and then run normally as if nothing had ever happened. Each time the gasoline tank was at least one quarter full. …
While driving at 60 MPH, vehicle began to lose power and lurch. Shortly after, smoke began to appear from center console and HVAC ducts as engine stopped running. Vehicle was safely maneuvered onto shoulder and stopped; by then heavy smoke was pouring from center console area and HVAC vents. Driver bailed out and watched from the side of the road as interior completely filled with smoke. Vehicle was towed to mechanic, subsequent examination determined underbody sound dampening mat had been ignited by overheated catalytic converter. Burning underbody mat subsequently caused extensive thermal damage to center console, carpet, and HVAC ducts inside console. Root cause of catalytic converter overheating was attributed by dealer mechanic to possible intermittent connection of coil wire, allowing excessively rich fuel/air mixture to be passed to catalytic converter.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Dodge Durango. While driving 35 MPH, the vehicle struck a light pole while attempting to avoid crashing into two other vehicles. The drivers side air bag failed to deploy and the contact sustained a large bump on his head and a cut on his upper lip. The contact has a police report and the report of the damage to his vehicle. The VIN, purchase date, and engine size were unknown. The current mileage is 167,883 and failure mileage was 1676,833. The consumer stated have been through alot with this vehicle prior to the incident he has had the engine replaced twice in the car and rebuilt the transmission prior to the car having 38000 miles on it and now he has a defective air bag. The consumer stated would like Chrysler to pay the remaining balance on the car. The consumer provided pictures of the vehicle. Updated 07/10/07
When outside temperature goes beyond 80 degrees fahrenheit, while in motion, the computer has shut off the engine multiple times and a code saying no bus is displayed in the dash for a few seconds. It has happened to me going 70 MPH. It has happened going 45 MPH and as low as 20 MPH. All I have to do is pull over and let the computer cool off and it turns on again. This is very dangerous as power steering shuts off and brakes become very hard. I have a great car in the winter. In the summer it's a death trap that can shut off engine, power steering and brakes in the middle of the freeway. Check youtube and google for "Dodge Durango no bus" and you will find this is a major issue with the computer.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that after starting the ignition, a loud ticking noise was heard outside of the vehicle and smoke emitted from the air vents. The contact inspected underneath the hood and detected that the ticking noise originated from the engine compartment. In addition, the exterior of the vehicle exhibited severe rust spots and substantial cracks. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis and they were unable to locate the problem. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 114,000.
Phantom misfire can drop engine RPM and stall. Every possible sensor replaced. Fuel pump, injectors replaced. Entire ignition system replaced. There has never been a check engine light and while the phantom misfire happens a professional code reader shows no misfire and no history of events. Can happen at anytime, any speed. At slower speed the engine will cut off while driving causing a dangerous problem with loss of steering and brake hydraulics. Condition has been happening for over five years and I'm into this demon for thousands of dollars.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Dodge Durango. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact had to maneuver to the side of the road and waited approximately 15 minutes before the vehicle restarted and resumed normal operation. The vehicle was driven to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the computer had to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure recurred several times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000. The VIN was invalid.
My son was driving on a road in fl at 45 MPH when the engine just cut-off. He managed to get it to the side of the road. He waited about 15 minutes and it started up so he drove on. The next day he was returning from class and he heard an unusual noise from the engine. He managed to get it into a parking spot and then he saw smoke coming out from under the hood. His car engine was on fire. He tried to get it out with a fire extinguisher, but in the end the fire department had to put it out. Total loss.
Usually happens when it is hot out but the truck just shuts off with out notice all power too all gauges go to 0 power steering. Does not matter how fast or slow I am going. I have to park it and let it sit anywhere from 5 minutes up to two hours. I have had several parts replaced and the problem continues no one seems to have an answer. This is so dangerous not only for me but also all other drivers on the road. This needs to be figured out soon I fear for my life and the life of others.
Engine complaints in other Durango years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1999 Dodge Durango?
NHTSA has 312 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1999 Dodge Durango, 16% of the model year's 1,967 complaints. The component named most often is engine (92 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Dodge Durango engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1999 Dodge Durango, though it has 3 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 1999 Dodge Durango engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 87,000 miles, and 3% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 7 crashes, 5 fires and 8 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.