I bought new a 2004 Dodge Durango, SLT, with the 5.7L Hemi. I changed the oil every 3000 miles and never had a single problem with that truck other than a set of new brakes I put on a year ago.

Suddenly and without warning yesterday at the end of a trip from NY to VA the truck was slow to engage into first gear from a stand still. That same day roughly 30 miles later I had a total failure complete with the burning smell. One minute I pull away from a green light and there is a second of hesitation and the truck slammed into gear. As I cruised along no problem, no burning smell, then I exited the interstate it hesitated at the end of the ramp and I drove another mile or so with the intention to check the transmission oil level at a service station that was between my home and the exit ramp. I had two traffic light stops where the hesitation to move got progressively worse. When I pulled into the service station and checked the transmission oil the level was fine. The oil looked okay but spewing out of the fill tube was smoke and that burning odor. I let it idle and was hoping to drive it home but the transmission failed completely at the service station. It had to be towed right there. I never seen anything like that. I had Dodge Diplomat that had a transmission failure but it was slipping for quite awhile before it just quit. (I was a lot poorer and younger then - I figured if I kept feeding it oil it would make it until I had the money to fix it).

I should also mention that in addition to buying it new, maintaining it regularly, it only had 57K miles on it. I really loved this truck and took great care of it.

Has anybody had an experience like this? I know I am on the hook for a transmission. Anybody have an idea what one of those 5 speed automatic transmissions will cost? I am bracing for Chrysler to tell me they won't stand by their drivetrain warranty.

 

A new rear end is about $2,000.00 and I think it is a NV44. The warranty for all Dodges was third-party so their finacial problems will have no effect on the issue. Terrible news and hopefully Chrysler rectifies your situation,
FF

 

I feel for you man. I have 2006 Durango with the 5.7L Hemi, and the transmission failed at 86,000 miles. My Durango exhibited the same behavior as yours did. I was driving along at 50 mph and came to a light. Accelerated, and the truck would not shift. Lights came on in the dash, and I nursed it home. Took it to MeadowBrook Dodge in Rochester Hills, MI (where I bought the Durango), and I was just outside the 75,000 mile powertrain warranty.

The transmission pump failed. I watched the dealer very closely, and at first it might have been only a $1500 bill (pump, torque converter, and R&R), but the clutch packs were burnt. I inspected them myself. So it cost me a full transmission rebuild. The grand total was $2300.00.

Needless to say I was furious

 

Oh just to add I had the dealer service the transmission twice. Changed the fluid and filter. You can make your own conclusions about Dodge quality.

 

2006DodgeRango, I had a first generation Durango with zero problems for four years when I traded it in got my second generation Durango. Had this one for three years without a problem. Not every single Dodge is to blame for a few that have transmission problems. My brother had his Murano for a few weeks and his transmission blew. Three years later not a single problem. Hope yours is corrected soon,
FF