I have a 2018 Durango that has a musty moldy smell inside. The dealer says there is no water or leaks inside. Some times you can smell it even before you open the door.

 

Tell them you want another one that does not smell.

 

Does the dealership agree that there is a moldy or musty smell, or could it just be the smell of the interior materials outgassing? Have you asked others not associated with the dealership if they agree it smells moldy or musty?

You might ask the dealership to replace the cabin air filter to see if that helps with the smell. Ask them to carefully inspect the filter for signs of either moisture or possible rodent infestation. They should also make sure the evaporator housing drain is not plugged or kinked and if you have a sunroof they should confirm the sunroof drains are not plugged.

-Rod

 

We're sorry to hear this. I definitely shouldn't smell moldy. I can get this escalated to a Case Specialist who'll work with you and the dealer toward a solution if you'd like. Send me a direct message with your VIN to get started.

Jasmine
Dodge Social Care Specialist

 

Did you ever find what was making the smell ? I have. 2017 that has the same thing and I can’t find out where it’s coming from

 

I don't have a problem when the A/C is in use, but notice a musty smell if using the system without A/C running, particularly on humid days. What I have found to help is to vacuum all the air outlets, turn on the fan to high, and to pour some "Febreeze" into the air inlet in the front passenger side under the hood by the windshield. It seems to eliminate the smell for a few weeks. I also replace the A/C air filter frequently.

 

Has anybody smoked in the vehicle? The smoke particles can settle in the duct work and in the summer when it's moist, they begin to smell. I've used Lysol spray disinfectant sprayed into the air intake at the base of the windshield on high fan with all the windows open. It'll go away for a while. In the winter, the heater will dry the ducts out and the smell will go away. Contrariwise, check the condensate drain on the firewall and make sure it's open.

 

If it were me,, I would remove the cowl (cover just below the windshield) and inspect that area for leaf and trash accumulation. There are two fender panels on either side of the cowl that have been known to collect leaf matter and that stuff rots and stinks just like you describe. Guess where your intake inlet for the HVAC system is??????? Right next to the places where the leaf matter collects.

Make sure that you mark the position of the wiper arms where they sit on the window before you remove them. If the car is still under warranty, have the dealership inspect it if they agree that you have a mildew smell.

When you said that you can smell it when you walk up to the car is a sure bet, there's something rotten in Demark (cowl area) LOL!!

Please keep us abreast on the outcome of the issue. I'm glad Jasmine the Dodge Social Care Specialist has reached out to you. Well done Dodge!! Well done Jasmine!!