So this has been an intermittent problem for the last year or so. The issue first only happened every few months but has gotten more common lately.

Some Background:
2011 Dodge Durango Citadel AWD HEMI

Problem:
When starting the vehicle and shifting from PARK to DRIVE, the vehicle will lurch forward and a loud Grinding noise can be heard from the engine area. THe Grinding is so violent it shakes the entire car and actually makes the vehicle lurch forward. The Grinding and Shaking will go on for approximately 5-10 seconds and then the engine will shut off. No Check Engine Light and No Codes left in the computer. The only warning lights on the dash are: "ACC/FCW Unavailable, Vehicle System Error"

I have taken my Durango to the dealer over 4 times to have this problem resolved without any success. They can never get it to duplicate. I recently provided them with this video of it happening and still nothing. I have gotten Chrysler involved and have an open case. However, they have done nothing substantial to help me and continue to say, "well we can't do anything if we can't duplicate it." Total, Dodge has had my Durango for almost 20 days with no success.

Your Thoughts? I am getting really tired of this. I am all for giving the dealer or a manufacturer time to work on a vehicle, but I think I have been more than patient. Any suggestions on what to do next? I've already contacted Chrysler and opened a case. I just want my Durango to be reliable. I love the car, but am really disappointed.

VIDEO:

 

What does it sound like in Park? Does it still make noise at all, or only when in a forward gear?

 

Wow that sucks, well your first step was opening a case. I would continue to document everything as best you can and maybe try another dealer for service. I'm sure dodgecares will chime in with a suggestion...good luck!

 

It's only when in forward gear. If I put It back in park before it dies then the noise and shaking stops. And once the car dies, when I restart it everything works fine. The car goes into drive no problem.

 

Sounds to me like the torque converter.

 

This sounds like a clear cut lemon law case to me. Get yourself a new vehicle or get yourself a lemon law attorney. I would not deal with this, personally.

 

+1 for the torque converter (that's why I asked about the forward gear). You may have sheared a bolt or seven.

 

Chrysler said they will call me by the middle of next week. They said they sent the case to their engineers. I asked them if they saw the video and offered to send them the link and the girl I talked to didn't seem like she cared. Her response to every question was basically "well if the dealer can't duplicate it, we can't really do anything." I'm going to give them until next week to figure out a solution and then go from there. I think the "reasonable time for repair" as outlined in the California Lemon Law has been reached, so if they don't have a solution I will contact an attorney more than likely.

 

Update: this is the short version since im on my iphone: after going to a new dealer and letting dodge take my Durango to a training facility they still had no resolution. Then come to find out Chrysler decided to close my case without even telling me. So I reopened the case and spoke with a manager. Explained I have been more than compliant with everything they have asked me to do. I allowed them to drive my vehicle 100 miles round trip to a training facility and I even provided two more videos of the issue. After being blown off by a customer service rep I demanded to speak with a supervisor, which was like pulling teeth. I told him I had no choice but to file a lemon law suite. The manager was very helpful and asked if I would take the car back to the new dealer. I did and NOW after everything they are replacing the torque converter and the torque converter pump. Funny since I told them two months ago I thought the issue was the torque converter, as many of you suggested. Anyways, my durango is still at the dealer waiting for the torque converter to come in. Hopefully this fixes everything. I'll keep you all posted.

 

ASE Certified Mopar Mechanics...yeah right!!!

I do believe when these are replaced you'll be good to go.