2021 Dodge Durango

The engine cooling system on my 2021 Dodge Durango GT failed due to ruptured coolant lines, including the rear coolant tubes supplying the rear air conditioning system and both transmission heater hoses. These lines carry engine coolant to the rear HVAC system and transmission. The ruptures caused coolant loss and engine overheating during normal operation. The failure appears related to the routing of the lines near the transmission housing, causing excessive wear not attributable to driver error. This model year has a documented history of similar failures. The vehicle and components are available for inspection and are currently at the dealership. My safety and the safety of others were put at risk because the vehicle overheated while I was driving at normal speed in traffic. A major overheating warning appeared while driving. Overheating in traffic creates a risk of sudden loss of power or the need to stop unexpectedly, which could result in a collision. Although I was able to drive slowly due to proximity to home, this condition would be hazardous on longer trips. The issue was confirmed by an authorized Dodge dealership, which verified failure of the coolant lines and provided an estimated repair cost of approximately $3,600. The vehicle has only been inspected by the dealership. A third-party warranty provider (Warranty Solutions) denied coverage, and I am disputing the decision. The vehicle remains at the dealership because I do not feel it is safe to drive. No prior warning signs were present. The overheating warning appeared suddenly at approximately 62,000 miles. I noticed the smell of coolant upon arrival at the dealership, indicating an active leak.

The heating hose exploded due to unknown pressure and ended up getting steaming, hot coolant, and all the cylinders and causing engine failure on a Dodge Durango that I purchased 80 days ago. and I have manufacturer, the dealer and an extended warranty, and after verbal and written promises, now I’m left with almost a $20,000 bill and no car and wasting money on rentals. I have filed to BBB and other complaints towards the dealership. I have tons of other people who have had similar problems with this year and model and newer.

Driving in traffic when suddenly a large volume of smoke was pouring out from my vehicle obscuring the view of everyone behind me. Pulled over and shut down, found coolant all over engine bay and had vehicle towed to dealership. Dealership replaced hose assembly under warranty but was without vehicle for 6 weeks waiting on the part.

On [XXX] my Durango started leaking coolant and steaming while I was driving. The steam was rising through the openings in the hood and was getting on the windshield. The coolant was pouring on the ground. I had to stop the car to prevent it from overheating. I had the vehicle towed to the dealer and they told me a coolant hose had broken at the rear of the engine. I did some research on this specific leak. I have a friend with the same year and model/trim as my Durango who also had the same exact problem just past 30K miles. When I looked online, I can find many instances of this same failure. Here's one example that includes some excellent photos of the issue: [XXX] The Dodge PN for this failed component is: 55038042AJ. This part is common for 2011-2025 Durangos and is on at least the 6th engineering revision as evidence by is cross compatibility with 55038042AE, 55038042AF, 55038042AG, 55038042AH, 55038042AI. This issue is systemic and dangerous. The engine can lose all coolant and overheat without warning. It spills coolant on the roadway creating a hazardous condition and the driver's view can be obstructed by the coolant on the windshield and in the air. There was no advance warning of this failure and I don't expect this sort of failure when a vehicle is so new and well maintained. The dealer fixed my vehicle at a cost of over $1700 for this repair which was just barely past the manufacturer's warranty term for the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)