NHTSA Complaint #10584533 — 2004 DODGE DURANGO

MOISTURE ENTERED INTO THE CYLINDERS VIA THAT AIR INTAKE MANIFOLD DUE TO A WATER SEAL DESIGN DEFECT IN THE AREA OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER ARMS. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED, RAIN WATER COMING DOWN THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WILL FLOW DIRECTLY UNDER THE COWL AND ONTO THE ENGINE BLOCK. THIS WATER INTRUSION CAUSES UNDUE STRESS ON THE PISTONS, RODS, AND CRANKSHAFT EVENTUALLY CAUSING A ROD TO BREAK AND PUNCTURE THE ENGINE BLOCK. IF THIS HAPPENS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE RESULTS COULD BE DEADLY. THE OTHER KNOWN SCENARIO IS AFTER THE CAR IS PARKED FOR A PERIOD OF TIME (EXPOSED TO RAIN), THE CYLINDER WILL FILL WITH WATER, CAUSING A HYDRO-LOCK CONDITION AND THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START. THE ENGINE USUALLY IS FOUND TO ALSO HAVE A BENT OR FRACTURED ROD AT THIS POINT. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM BY DODGE / CHRYSLER AND THEY REFUSE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. SEE THE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON EDMUNDS.COM BLOGS AND ON YOUTUBE REGARDING THIS TOPIC. *TR