Indiana State Police (ISP) pulled more than three dozen Durango SUVs from service after discovering oil and coolant mixing. Last year, ISP began switching from Dodge Chargers to the 2023 Dodge Durango. The group ordered 516 SUVs for around $25.8 million, and 219 of these went to troopers. However, 39 Durangos suffered mechanical failures due to faulty oil coolers. ISP now expects this issue in an additional 40 police vehicles, totaling 79 potential failures.

The Dodge Durango Pursuit comes equipped with a heavy-duty engine cooling package. The oil cooler problem has made an estimated $3.9 million in equipment unusable. According to WDRB, ISP Superintendent Doug Carter discussed the issue with a Chrysler representative but didn’t get a resolution timeline. Each fully equipped ISP Durango costs about $50,000. In May 2024 alone, 15 Durangos experienced this oil cooler failure, resulting in engine repairs or replacements that take four to eight weeks. Troopers have reportedly lost some confidence in these vehicles, resorting to backup cars.

When coolant and oil mix in a vehicle’s engine, it can lead to severe problems.

Coolant regulates engine temperature, while oil lubricates moving parts. The fluid systems should stay closed, meaning they never naturally interact. An oil-to-coolant breach can cause overheating, as the coolant can’t effectively manage the engine’s temperature. It also leads to inadequate lubrication, increasing friction and wear on internal engine components. Over time, this can result in engine failure.

To fix the problem, a tech must replace the faulty cooler. The engine should then be flushed to remove the contaminated oil and coolant mixture. Depending on the damage, gaskets or other parts may need to be replaced. In severe cases, the engine might need to be rebuilt or replaced entirely. Normally, regular maintenance and early detection are crucial to preventing such extensive damage.

Carter expressed frustration, noting that Dodge has been their primary vehicle supplier for 15 years. He highlighted the financial and functional losses and stated that Indiana’s citizens and taxpayers deserve better.

Stellantis responded by stating that the Dodge Durango Pursuit meets all federal safety standards and that the oil-cooler issues are hard to detect. They regret the inconvenience and are working to expedite repairs, noting that feedback from other police agencies has been positive since the model’s 2018 launch. Stellantis also said that it’s paying for the repairs related to this problem, even if the warranty has expired on compromised units.