2002 DODGE DURANGO

Typical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Harsh 2-3 or 3-4 shifts, flaring on upshifts, Slipping in overdrive under load, Metal shavings in pan during fluid service, Check engine light with solenoid pack codes

Fix: Solenoid pack replacement buys time (4-6 hrs labor) but most need full rebuild or reman unit by 120k. R&R is 8-10 hours plus 2-3 for torque converter if needed. The cooler line fitting at radiator leaks and contaminates fluid — always inspect during any trans work.

Estimated cost: $2,800-4,500

Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunking over bumps, especially when turning, Wandering steering, poor return to center, Uneven tire wear on inside edges, Play visible during suspension inspection

Fix: Factory uppers are riveted into the control arm — replacement means full upper control arms (1.5 hrs per side). Lowers are pressed in, about 2 hrs per side with proper tooling. Budget 6-8 hours for all four corners plus alignment. This is a recall item on some VINs but often needed even post-recall.

Estimated cost: $1,200-1,800

Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi

Symptoms: Coolant loss with no external leaks, white smoke on cold start, Misfires on cylinders 2, 4, 6, or 8 (exhaust side), Overheating with no obvious cause after typical repairs, Bubbles in coolant reservoir, combustion gas test positive

Fix: Early 4.7L PowerTech engines drop exhaust valve seats or crack between valve seats. Requires head removal, inspection, and machine work or replacement heads. Book time 14-18 hours for both heads plus machine shop markup. Some cases justify a reman long block instead (20-24 hrs).

Estimated cost: $3,500-6,500

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Rough idle, stumbling on acceleration, Check engine light for lean codes (P0171/P0174), Oil weeping at intake valley, oil consumption, Fuel odor in crankcase, milky oil cap residue

Fix: The pressed-steel pan under the intake manifold cracks or gasket fails, creating vacuum leaks and oil migration. Intake removal, gasket set, clean valley: 6-8 hours. Magnum engines (5.2/5.9) also prone to this. Aftermarket kits with aluminum pans exist and are recommended over OE replacement.

Estimated cost: $800-1,400

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunk or vibration during 4WD engagement, Binding sensation in tight turns with 4WD on, U-joint play detectable by hand, Grease flung on undercarriage from torn boots

Fix: Front driveshaft uses a double-cardan joint at transfer case and conventional U-joints at axle. Lack of greasing kills them early. U-joint replacement is straightforward (2-3 hrs), but if CV section is worn, whole shaft replacement is faster. Part-time 4WD system means this only shows when engaged.

Estimated cost: $400-900

Typical onset: 100,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Loss of A/C refrigerant, oily residue on passenger floor, No airflow mode control or stuck on defrost, Clicking or grinding from behind dash when adjusting temp, Sweet coolant smell with heater on (heater core separate issue)

Fix: Evaporator is buried behind the entire dash. Full dash removal: 10-14 hours labor. Blend door actuators fail too, but that's 2-3 hours and accessible. If evap is leaking and you're already in there, do heater core and all actuators at once. Many owners skip A/C repair due to cost.

Estimated cost: $1,500-2,200

Typical onset: 90,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: No-start or long crank, especially when hot, Stalling or surging at highway speed, Fuel gauge erratic or stuck on empty/full, Whining noise from tank area during acceleration

Fix: In-tank pump accessed via bed removal or fuel tank drop. Tank drop is 3-4 hours, less if you catch it before rust makes bolts a nightmare. OE-style module includes pump and sender; aftermarket pumps alone are cheaper but require harness splicing. Straps and filler neck often corroded on northeastern trucks.

Estimated cost: $600-1,100