Hi, I'm new this forum. I planning on buy a 2004 durango and i like to know are they dependable, reliable. I've read that they have oil sludge problems, how can i avoid buying one with sludge problems and how to prevent it. Any info i need to know would be appreciate. Sorry if this question was asked before.

 

Looney:

There are no oil sludge problems as long a you keep it serviced with quality oil and filters at the proper intervals.

Being that 04 was the 1st year of the Gen 2 D, there are some quirks.

Rust has been an issue on a number of them, but if you are not in a snow area this might not be an issue.

The 04 Hemi motors had some reliability issues early on. Most of them have been replaced or repaired by now, but just be aware of any suspicious noises if you are considering a given Hemi engine.

A small issue concerns the drivers seat plastic wrap around cover that cracks over time needing replacement.

My 04 turned over 69K today on the way home from work. The Hemi engine was replaced under warranty at 39K due to a collapsed valve spring.

The AWD system is fantastic. Unless you are in a blizzard or going off road, you likely will not have to touch the transfer case dash switch.

You just get in it, turn the key, and go.

I have owned it since March of 2010, and have nothing bad to say about it!

Don

 

I would look at a different year, say 2006 - 2009 models,
FF

 

FF:

Come on now!. Nothing wrong with the 04-05 Durangos. I would agree though that he should get the newest one he can afford.

I would not be afraid of an older well cared for lower mile rig like the one I bought with 53K.

Don

 

I am biased for the redesigned 2007-2009 model front fenders and hood. While all vehicles have a tendency to have problems, the 4.7 liter 2004 Durango seems to be a magnet for problems. Look into the 5.7 liter Hemi for the 2004,
FF

 

I thanks everyone for their input. Really can't afford an older model and i don't want no car notes, I'll look into the 5.7 hemi

 

I have an '04 5.7L with about 215K on it currently. I have only two complaints. The first, (as with most dodge vehicles) is the rear end. I had to have it rebuilt at 192K and then again at 198k due to failed bearings in the rear end. And the second, when my inner tie rods went bad, I had to have the entire rack and pinion replaced as they don't make the just the inner tie rods for it any more as they were redesigned midway through the '04 production year. All in all though, I'm very satisfied with my D and plan on running it till the wheels literally fall off, whatever mileage that may be. BTW I have no leaks, don't burn oil, and don't have a single power train issue. It is also all original.

 

Don't do it. I have had one problem after another. They all started at about 70K miles. I now have 168K. I will state some problems off the top of my head. I may have to go get receipts to list them all.
Speedometer broke.
Exhaust headers on both sides broke bolts. (4 times)
Overheating problem. Replaced fan and radiator.
Door lock button on driver side doesn't work.
Rear end bearing went out at 70K.
Cruise control went out.
A/C leak at 75K. fixed it and then...
A/C stopped working at 125K.
The radio and interior lights don't shut off after closing the door when I get out.
The plastic around my driver's seat is busted totally off now. It started with a small crack, and eventually pieces kept falling off.
I will have to try and think about it, because I know that I have had more issues than the ones listed.

I don't know anything about the sludge problem you were stating. I maintain my durango regularly and haven't had any problem with the engine. I have the 4.7L and that is the one thing that I am impressed with on this otherwise piece of garbage.

 

We like it much better than the 99, which was plagued with problems..

The 04 drives much better, handles much better and is great for pulling out small stumps from the yard (my wife hates it when I do that). The Hemi gets about 20 mpg on the highway with full synthetic oil and cruise set at 70.

Now has 65xxx miles. Is showing rust on the front quarters despite being garaged all the time (we live in the Northeast), but really have no complaints at all. Bought as a late 2004 build date. Go for it and look for a one-owner truck...