1998 Dodge Durango Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 103about this part
- Share
- 11%of 965 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 68,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 103 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1998 Dodge Durango, 11% of the 965 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 68,000 miles. 7 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Bought my Durango new in may 1998. The automatic transmission started shifting improperly in july 2000. Took it to a Dodge dealer because it was still under warranty (31,418 miles). They dropped the transmission pan and pronounced it doa (pan was full of metal shavings). Should have seen the writing on the wall but I loved this vehicle. Took it to an inspection station for safety & emissions tests in may of 2006. It failed for bad ball joints. …”
NHTSA complaint #10886041, filed 2016-07, 74,064 miles“I own a 1998 Dodge Durango front end was popping and the transmission was slipping at 51000 miles. It goes into the shop to be checked dec.23, with all the known problems with the front end this makes me very concerned. My wife and I are cheerleding sponsers and travel all over the state with the girls.”
NHTSA complaint #10050751, filed 2003-12, 51,000 miles“1998 Dodge Durango with only 59200 miles on it which now needs a new transmission. (have been told it is the over drive in the transmission that is bad) this, fortunately, has not caused any type of accident but after hearing all the horror stories about the Durango's, my wife and I believe there should be a recall to fix the never ending problems with these trucks - before someone does get seriously injured!”
NHTSA complaint #10008494, filed 2003-03, 58,800 miles“Vehicle was making high pitch sound when gas pedal was pressed. Truck only had 70,000 miles on it when I bought it (april 2003) used. I was assured by well known and respected car dealer (koeppel of new york) that vehicle was in great shape. 6 months later the vehicle need to have the front differential and rear differential to be replaced. Front differential was leaking fluid and rear was causing high pitch noise.”
NHTSA complaint #10045174, filed 2003-10, 80,000 miles“1998 Dodge Durango...transmission slips between 2nd & 3rd gear. Tachometer lurches forward with no power to the axle. This is a very dangerous situation when on the highway attempting to merge or pass. Being that chrysler knows about this, they should be forced to remedy the problem, regardless of cost. This has been happening since I purchased the vehicle. I've returned it to the dealer and they said they've never heard of this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10033056, filed 2003-08, 26,500 milesTransmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 20% |
| 2024 | 5 | 36% |
| 2023 | 9 | 28% |
| 2022 | 9 | 15% |
| 2021 | 10 | 5% |
| 2020 | 3 | 5% |
| 2019 | 13 | 9% |
| 2018 | 13 | 6% |
| 2017 | 23 | 11% |
| 2016 | 30 | 19% |
| 2015 | 38 | 8% |
| 2014 | 42 | 5% |
| 2013 | 34 | 5% |
| 2012 | 37 | 6% |
| 2011 | 51 | 6% |
| 2009 | 1 | 8% |
| 2008 | 4 | 4% |
| 2007 | 18 | 9% |
| 2006 | 55 | 6% |
| 2005 | 217 | 14% |
| 2004 | 99 | 9% |
| 2003 | 24 | 7% |
| 2002 | 71 | 17% |
| 2001 | 106 | 16% |
| 2000 | 120 | 11% |
| 1999 | 181 | 9% |
| 1998 | 103 | 11% |
Other parts of the 1998 Dodge Durango
540 complaintsBrakes
94 complaintsSteering
90 complaintsEngine cooling
66 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
50 complaintsSeats
43 complaintsElectrical system
34 complaintsAir bags
30 complaintsEquipment
27 complaintsSeat belts
27 complaintsOther or unknown
21 complaintsTires
19 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Dodge Durango
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology