Dodge Durango R/T
5.7L Hemi V8, cast iron block, pushrod two-valve — 375 hp and that unmistakable idle burble. MDS deactivates cylinders 1, 4, 6, 7 under light throttle — deactivated lifters run dry on cam lobes, metal debris destroys the camshaft. Class action: Petro v. FCA. Manual cars skip MDS entirely — no deactivation hardware, no lifter lottery. That is THE buying tip. Software delete via DiabloSport/HP Tuners: $400-650, prevents activation but lifters stay, voids warranty, costs 2-4 MPG. On 0W-40 at 5,000 mile intervals, the bottom end is solid.
V8 rumble on the school run
The 5.7 Hemi delivers 360 hp and a soundtrack that makes every commute an event. Just the right amount of madness for a family SUV.
Engine Weaknesses 4
MDS deactivates 4 cylinders under light load. Deactivated lifter rollers run dry, metal debris destroys camshaft. Class action: Petro v. FCA (1:22-cv-00621). Engine replacement ~$5,000. Manual cars have NO MDS — this failure doesn't apply to stick-shift Challengers.
Symptoms: Loud ticking progressing to knocking, misfires, check engine light, metal shavings in oil
Plastic impeller separates or bearing wears. Weep hole dripping coolant is the early warning. Bearing failure causes pulley wobble.
Symptoms: Coolant puddle under front, squealing noise, overheating, pulley wobble
Metallic ticking from valvetrain on cold start. Can be harmless exhaust manifold leak or dangerous MDS lifter damage. Tick that persists past warmup is a red flag for lifter failure.
Symptoms: Ticking on cold start, may disappear after warmup (exhaust) or persist and worsen (lifter)
Steel bolts on aluminum heads — different thermal expansion snaps bolts after heat cycles. Ticking on cold start that disappears when metal expands is the classic symptom.
Symptoms: Metallic ticking on cold start, disappears after warmup, exhaust smell in cabin
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
Totally Integrated Power Module fails without warning. No-start, fuel pump relay sticks, all warning lights. Primarily 2011-2013.
8-speed auto (845RE/ZF 8HP) develops shuddering during low-speed acceleration. Worn torque converter clutch is the primary cause.
Alternator may suddenly fail. Recall P60 covers 2011-2014 models.
Full-width LED taillight leaks water through degraded seals. Class action filed (Cranstoun v. FCA).
Upper rear shock mounts develop play — design flaw, not normal wear.
Touchscreen delaminates within 2-4 years. Substitute manufacturer in 2017-2018 used defective adhesive.
Front rotors warp prematurely due to heavy curb weight.
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All Dodge models Durango WD overview