Long story. I bought our 2011 Durango RT AWD in March 2012. At the time it was being loaned to a local sports figure who had a promo deal with the dealership. So when I bought the truck it was designated a “demo” and had 1600 kms on it.

Shortly after owning the truck for a bit (my wife’s daily so I don’t drive it a lot) I had the chance to go on a highway drive and noticed a vibration starting at about 100kms/hr to about 135kms/hr. It wasn’t severe but it was noticeable, mainly through the steering wheel and if there was a bottle of water in the cup holder you could see the vibrations in the water.

I brought the issue to the dealer’s attention; they drove the vehicle and confirmed the symptoms. They inspected the driveline, suspension and balanced the wheels. This did not solve the issue. I brought it back and they sent it out for a road force balance and still no solution. They indicated there was no information concerning this available from Chrysler as well.

They suggested I contact Chrysler Canada as the next step and open a case. I did so in May. Chrysler contacted the dealer who called me to get the truck back in and that they would need it for a couple of days. Summer was hectic and so I didn’t have a chance to get the truck in until recently.

The dealer did another inspection and this time switched the wheels/tires out for another set and reported the symptoms went away. They also said that there were “tech notes” from Chrysler this time pointing to the Khumo Solus OE tires as the culprit. This was different from the last time, as initially they reported no information from Chrysler. The tech said “these tires are not good on this truck”.

The kicker is the tires are warranted via the tire manufacturer and not Chrysler. As the truck was initially registered to someone else in Khumo’s eyes I am not the original owner and as such the best they would do on a “customer service” basis is to warrant 2 tires and I’d be on the hook for the others. However, the dealer service tech said the issue lies with the Khumos so I’m not overjoyed with the idea of new tires from them.

The real kicker is Chrysler Canada is flat out refusing any assistance and insist I’m on my own for the cost of the tires. I agree that may seem reasonable, as that is their warrantee policy. However this is not the only issue I’ve had. Service visits (again since March): Front seat heaters – 3 times (actually needs to go in one more time too), Radio – 2 times, Steering shaft TSB – 1 time, Transmission TSB - 1 time, Highway vibration – 3 times and counting.

I escalated the issue and was told that, though the guy was “empowered” to help he couldn’t, as it was the policy RE tires that they wouldn’t get involved. I pointed out to him that one could not simultaneously be empowered and not able to grant such a gesture and thus he simply didn’t want to or care to make the gesture.

The dealership seems to be picking up the ball and is looking into what they will do. Seems sad to me that the guys with the skinniest margins on their business are the ones willing to help. Suck it Chrysler Canada.

 

Update, dealer is chipping in for 2, Khumo is chipping in for 2. **** you Chrysler.

 

I'm glad the dealer is bailing you out. Good for Kumho since they just make tires and it's not their job to make them driveable on every vehicle. More than fair for them to chip in for 2.

Shame on Chrysler for spec-ing an inexpensive tire that just doesn't work well; never heard of a road test I guess. You can't put the tire on as OEM and then blame the tire mfr.

The OEM Goodyears have been decent for the 30k miles we've had them.

 

I agree. Tires are a unique case RE vehicle warrantees; they are the only part of a car that is warranted by someone other than the vehicle manufacture. If a car company sources, say, an instrument cluster from Magna and it fails within the warrantee period I don't need to hit up Magna for a new one. I get that tires are wear items and will not last anywhere near the life of the car. But from my perspective, Chrysler sourced and installed them during the vehicle assembly and, especially given my D's other service issues, their blasé and dismissive attitude regarding my ownership experience is embarrassing. I feel for the dealer as their profits are slim enough as it is, but for sure I’m not paying for new tires to (potentially) fix an issue that’s been ongoing since new.

This begs a question too: How many people on here experiencing similar symptoms (vibration at highway speeds) have Khumos and how many have other OE tire options?

 

I'm at the dealer right now for vibration at highway speed. Mine has 20" Goodyears.
They were rebalanced last time but only made a slight improvement.
The tech said I may have to leave it so they can compare it to another Durango as it may be inherent in the vehicle.

 

Glad to hear u got somewhere with them, it was great of kumho to step up like they did!

 

It sounds like they, stealership and tire company, took good care of you in the end. I've owned several brand of autos over the years and I have had my share of issues out of the gate. I can tell you with tires, VW, Lexus, and Kia will treat you the same as Chrysler...

Kia was probably the worst. I had 50 miles on the tire and complained about slight vibration. They told me there was a bubble on the side wall and I, _I_ would have to purchase a new tire! I just bought it from them, obviously someone hit a curb in their lot before I took delivery but hey, lesson learned, and now I drive a Dodge...

When I purchased the Durango, after coming off a bad experience from Ford (they failed to disclose a brand new car had been in an accident and they tried to cover it up but I noticed the over spray under the hood) I was only interested in purchasing if the vehicle was in top condition. The assumption that since it's new it is perfect is a flawed assumption.

So I test drove the hell out of it. I took it home, drove it to work, and back to the dealer. In the end the whole ordeal took me 12 hours but I'm satisfied that I got a vehicle with no issues out of the starting gate...

BTW, how do you like the new tires - aside from having resolved an issue, are the quieter, grippier or different in any way?

 

I have Kuhmo tires on my R/T. I also have vibration at highway speeds. Dealer balanced tires once and it did not resolve the issue. When I took it back the dealership said it was the road. Bunch of BS.

 

I haven't gotten the new tires yet, the winters are going on next week anyway. I will do a test and swap the new Khumos on when the arrive and take it out for a drive to see if they're any different.

 

Finally got the winter wheels/tires mounted up and on the Durango and took it for a highway drive and lo, no shaking. It was smooth like butter. So the vibrations I've been addressing are a result of either a) the OEM wheels or b) the OEM Khumos (both?). That I cannot answer yet as I haven't the replacement Khumos yet. Once I get them I'll likely toss them on the car for a test drive.