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 2001 Dodge Durango owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that upon start of the vehicle; an abnormal clanking sound was coming from the vehicle. An independent mechanic was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was most likely related to a defective rod bearing. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 217,000.
Car idles fast when in park. RPM needles also reacts. When driving car appears as if transmission isn't working. Upon acceleration the car appears as if it's about to stop. When it does accelerate it reacts very sluggish.. Thought tranny was bad, but was informed tranny. Took in for a tune-up, was told only spark plugs May need replaced. Did online research to discover several others having same trouble. On-line feedback suggested possible tps problem or needed to replace idle speed control module. My husband and I are both on fixed incomes and don't have money to pay for "it could be". We need a definite answer to our trouble so we can properly repair it. We use this vehicle to transport our grandkids in as well as use it for vacations. Please help!!! We need an answer asap.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Dodge Durango. While driving various speeds and making a right turn, the vehicle pulled to the right and a cracking sound was heard from the front suspension. The contact indicated that the cracking noise was caused by faulty ball joints. In addition, the brake lights would not illuminate and the light bulb and socket was replaced on several different occasions. Also, the plenum gasket leaked oil from the engine, which caused the engine to lose power. The cause of the failures was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 134,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Dodge Durango. While driving 55 MPH, an unknown liquid splashed onto the windshield before the thermostat gauge indicated that the vehicle was overheating. The contact pulled over and observed under the hood that the coolant was low. The coolant was refilled, but the failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the fan clutch, electric fan, radiator cap, serpentine belt, and thermostat were replaced. The remedy failed to repair the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not found. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 212,282.
Intake or exhaust valve fell out of # 2 cylinder .faulty valve seats according to the engine company, the original Chrysler design presses the valve seats into the cylinder heads. The problem results when the powdered metal the valve seats are made of expands, causing it to drop into contact with the valve and pistons, which leads to catastrophic failure. In this process the seat breaks into many pieces causing deterioration of the piston, cylinder wall, valve and cylinder head. Http://www.torquenews.com/397/two-fatal-flaws-ruining-Chrysler-engines-catastrophic-breakdowns
I was driving down the road with 2 of my kids.. I started to smell antifreeze going into my car, all of a sudden there was smoke bursting out of my car. We replaced the thermostat 3 different times with in 3 months, the radiator house burst. And no lights came on.. The oil pressure also dropped. Took it to shop to have it fixed, cracked head gaskets and blown motor, now we are with out a car.... Sad because I will never buy another Dodge. We were also never notifies about the recall about the ball joints and paid cash for them to be replaced.
Vehicle stalls when going down a hill in four wheel low. This happened in winter causing passenger and I to spin out of control and crash into snow bank. Dealer has looked at 4 times, replacing several parts and doing a complete tune up. Chrysler has sent a tech up to look at it as well. The dealer nor Chrysler can figure this out now they are claiming it is normal for the vehicle to do this. We have tested other Dodge durangos and chysler vehicles in the same place and none of them do this.
The other driver was at a stop and I was driving between 50 and 55 MPH on the highway. The other driver pulled out infront of me from my left to right. As we impacted my air bag did not deploy but the passenger's air bag did deploy. I was the only person in my car. I struck him with such force that the vehicle I was driving was forced off the road and then was stopped by a tree. After 2 hits the driver's side air bag still did not deploy. The vehicle was deemed a total loss.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Dodge Durango. While driving 5 MPH, the vehicle made an unusual noise when making a turn and the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 195,922.
The engine continue to leak oil near the head gasket and there is water coming out of the tail pipe and continue to leak coolant. Can not drive long distance without loosing the coolant. Had to be towed off the freeway due to this happening. I was told need possible new engine and this is problem with Dodge engine.
Engine complaints in other Durango years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2001 Dodge Durango?
NHTSA has 68 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2001 Dodge Durango, 10% of the model year's 665 complaints. The component named most often is engine (19 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Dodge Durango engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2001 Dodge Durango, though it has 5 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 2001 Dodge Durango engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 81,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 4 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.