Introduction:
The Dodge Durango has been a popular choice for law enforcement agencies across the United States due to its performance and reliability. However, the Indiana State Police recently faced a setback with their fleet of 219 Durango Pursuits, experiencing a high failure rate that has cost taxpayers millions of dollars and led to weeks of vehicle downtime. The issues predominantly stem from a failing oil cooler, causing oil leaks and potentially leading to engine failure. Stellantis, the parent company of Dodge, has agreed to cover the cost of repairs, even for vehicles outside of warranty parameters. Let’s take a closer look at the challenges faced by the Indiana State Police with their Dodge Durango fleet.
The Indiana State Police made a decision to order 519 Dodge Durango Pursuits to replace their aging fleet of Dodge Chargers. However, out of the 219 Durangos that have been put into service since May 2023, 39 have experienced a significant issue with their oil coolers. These failures have left the vehicles inoperable, requiring lengthy warranty repairs that can take up to two months to complete. This has resulted in a substantial number of vehicles being out of service for extended periods, affecting the agency’s ability to respond to emergencies and carry out their duties effectively.
The failures of the oil coolers in the Dodge Durango Pursuits have had a significant impact on the operations of the Indiana State Police. Police Superintendent Doug Carter expressed his frustration with the situation, noting that the agency has had to sideline brand new vehicles that are meant to serve the citizens and taxpayers of Indiana. This not only results in a loss of value and functionality but also raises concerns about the reliability of the vehicles in crucial law enforcement activities. The agency is facing challenges in maintaining its fleet and ensuring that officers have access to safe and reliable vehicles to carry out their duties.
Officials have identified the failing oil cooler as the primary cause of the problems experienced by the Indiana State Police with their Dodge Durango fleet. The oil cooler issue can lead to oil leaking into the coolant system, which in turn can cause the engine to shut off. Drivers have reported noticing a bad odor and smoke coming from the exhaust before the engine failure occurs. If left unaddressed, the problem can escalate to a complete engine failure, posing a safety risk to officers and potentially causing further damage to the vehicles. The complexity of diagnosing and resolving the issue adds to the challenges faced by the agency in maintaining its fleet.
In response to the issues faced by the Indiana State Police, Stellantis, the parent company of Dodge, has pledged to cover the cost of repairs for the affected vehicles, even if they are outside of warranty parameters. The automaker has stated that the police-ordered Durango Pursuit is designed to meet or exceed all relevant safety standards and is subjected to severe operating conditions that the standard retail version of the Durango is not exposed to. Stellantis acknowledges the complexity of the problems faced by the agency and the potential for additional damage if the issues are not addressed promptly.
As the Indiana State Police and Stellantis work to address the challenges posed by the failing oil coolers in the Dodge Durango Pursuits, it is essential for both parties to collaborate effectively to ensure the safety and reliability of the vehicles. The agency must prioritize the maintenance and repair of its fleet to minimize downtime and ensure that officers have access to operational vehicles. Stellantis, on the other hand, must continue to support the Indiana State Police in addressing the root cause of the issues and implementing long-term solutions to prevent similar problems from arising in the future. By working together, the agency and the automaker can overcome the current challenges and maintain a fleet of Dodge Durango Pursuits that meet the needs of law enforcement operations in Indiana.