Dodge Durango Rollaway Risk and Other Dodge Problems
A recent recall warned Dodge Durango owners that defective ABS modules in some recent year models may allow the SUV to start and roll away without warning.
In June 2022, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), which owns Dodge and other auto brands, announced a recall of 2018-19 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs. 270,000 vehicles were affected, and, at this time, the manufacturers do not have a fix for the problem. The recall stems from a malfunction in the antilock-brake system (ABS) module, which falsely reads pressure in the primary circuit. This defect may cause the SUV to start, shift out of park, and roll away. It can also cause the Durango brake lights to turn on. FCA told Durango and Jeep owners that this all typically happens without any warning to the driver.
FCA is not the only automaker dealing with rollaway problems. In April, Ford was forced to recall nearly 3 million vehicles due to a rollaway risk which caused at least 4 potential injuries. In the Ford recall, the defect is caused by the degradation or detachment of bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission. A previous recall of the Jeep Grand Cherokee received major media attention when a young actor in LA was fatally injured by his recalled Jeep SUV rolling into and crushing him. This particular recall also affected certain Dodge Charger vehicles.
More Dodge Recalls
Rollaway risk is not the only problem generating recalls in the Dodge lineup, and particularly in the Dodge Durango SUV. In July 2022, 52,340 MY 2022 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles were recalled due to inoperative Tire Pressure Management System (TPMS) sensors. The problem seems to result from a battery discharging prematurely, and results in a failure to properly warn the driver about low tire pressure, increasing the risk of an accident.
A July 2021 recall also affected Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles. In this recall, the vehicles’ windshields were improperly installed and could detach in the event of a collision. 21,258 vehicles were affected. Dodge Challenger models were again recalled in August 2021 due to an instrument cluster malfunction.
The 2021 Dodge Durango currently has no less than 5 outstanding recalls – a sticky exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve resulting in an unexpected loss of drive power; a loss of steering control; a detaching rear spoiler; a malfunctioning side curtain airbag; and an ESC malfunction indicator light that fails to illuminate during an electronic stability control problem. All of these should be repaired by the manufacturer at no cost to the customer.
Even More Dodge Problems
Manufacturers are forced to announce recalls when a vehicle does not meet minimum safety standards or is an unreasonable safety risk. The manufacturer must notify owners about the recall and repair the problem for free. However, vehicles can have problems that do not legally require a recall but must still be repaired by the manufacturer. Sometimes these are problems that do not meet the “safety” threshold of a recall but are still a major problem for the owner; sometimes they are a fault in an individual vehicle rather than a batch or model; but if they are significant, the owners may be entitled to have their vehicle repaired for free under warranty laws, state lemon laws, or other consumer protections.
Some of the common problems that we see in the Dodge Durango, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles are:
- Engine issues which could be anything from a defective fuel pump to total engine failure.
- Oil, water, and coolant leaks – fluid leaks inside the vehicle and water leaking through windows and doors into the vehicle are both problematic.
- Electrical issues including the starter not working and infotainment system glitches.
- Transmission problems such as jerking and rough shifting.
- Structural issues such as door parts falling off.
When a client comes to us with a problem Dodge, we talk to them about their individual vehicle issues, their purchase and repair history, and anything else that might be relevant to their claim. If they have recently purchased their Dodge and the dealer has not fixed the problem, we may be able to get them cash back or a replacement vehicle under state lemon laws, all at no out of pocket cost to them.
At Timothy Abeel & Associates, we have handled many lemon law claims for Dodge vehicles. If you are having issues with your Dodge, contact one of our experienced lemon law team to find out how we can help you too.