Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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. …
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
We were driving east on I-90, just east of gary, in. Our SUV caught fire, we could smell smoke, and we made an emergency stop at exit 17. Another car pulled up behind us, and the driver said he saw flames under the car. My wife and I ran from the car in fear. The car had a full tank of gas, and we felt our lives were in jeopardy. I told the toll booth attendant that my car was on fire, got a fire extinguisher from her, and she volunteered to call the fire department. I put out the fire that was on the driver's side of the front axle. We called our state farm agent to report the incident. The SUV was towed to gregory Dodge in highland park, il to assess the damage, where it is still being evaluated. As a result of the fire, the front axle and drive shaft disintegrated.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Dodge Durango. While the vehicle was parked at a boat dock, it shifted out of park and into reverse. The vehicle landed in the water. The vehicle was declared to be destroyed by the contact's insurance company. There were no injuries, but a police report was filed. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id numbers 01V077000 and 07V555000 for the 2001 Dodge Durango for the automatic transmission column shift component. The dealer did not assist and the manufacturer has not been notified. The contact stated that he could provide the police report and original production sticker, if necessary. The current and failure mileages were 136,000. Updated 11/25/08. Updated 1125/08.
ABS parking brake light on. No code comes through scanner. Transmission drags and shifts improperly throughout. During slippery snow conditions not able to brake with ABS is very dangerous for my family and others on the road. There are many reviews regarding this issue with the Dodge Durango and this should be a very important matter due to all the Dodge durangoso on the road. I have been to a couple mechanics that don't exactly know what the actual problem is and that is not OK. Safety first!
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning while approaching a stop sign. The vehicle was able to restart with the gear shifter either in park or neutral however, once the gear shifter was shifted into drive, the vehicle stalled again. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage 249,000.
Over the last three years of operating the vehicle (2005-2007): 1. Fire in the front wheel assembly after 1.5 hours of 4-wheel drive - 1100$ replace 2. Speed sensor failure ($500 work) 3. Engine failure on the highway @80 MPH - $7000 replace and other costs, lucky survived 4. Joint balls replace (about 400$) 5. Ac failure ($960 repair) 6. Now parked - transmission/engine joint oil leak, estimated $1200 repair.
While driving at 65 MPH heard a loud noise and smoke coming from under the SUV with loss of speed. Pulled over and saw a fire. I put it our and had the truck towed. Upon returning home and inspecting the transmission it was split all the way around and was spraying transmission fluid on the exhaust. Transmission was replaced and new Dodge transmission lasted 7 months and lost reverse.
While on the highway, my Durango suddenly pulled to the left. All attempts to steer or use the brakes failed and my car went into a spin and hit the barrier wall of a bridge two times. The police report states that the cause of crash is that the driver "lost control of her vehicle when the left rear tire/rim separated from the axle."
I have a 1999 Dodge Durango, on Tuesday 11-2-04 the front axle fell a part. This required the vehicle to be towed, I had to rent a car and the vehicle is still in the shop at this point 11-9-04. There are only 80, 177 miles on the Durango.
Transmission complaints in other Durango years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1999 Dodge Durango?
NHTSA has 181 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1999 Dodge Durango, 9% of the model year's 1,967 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (71 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Dodge Durango transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 76,000 miles, and 3% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 18 crashes, 6 fires and 3 injuries and 1 death to transmission & drivetrain 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.