The 2014 Dodge Durango is a well-loved mid-size SUV with solid towing capabilities and plenty of family-friendly features.
However, many owners have encountered transmission issues that affect the vehicle’s overall performance, drivability, and reliability.
Many of these problems have focused on the 8-speed automatic transmission (ZF 8HP70) introduced in the 2014 model. Knowing what to look out for can help you tackle transmission issues before they become costly repairs.
1. Delayed or Harsh Shifting
The 2014 Dodge Durango owners have frequently reported delayed or harsh shifting issues. In these cases, the transmission takes longer than expected to change gears or shifts abruptly, making the drive less smooth. This problem is often noticeable when the vehicle is cold or shifting from lower to higher gears.
Many believe the problem is linked to calibration issues of the transmission control module (TCM). The TCM manages the gear changes, and shifts can become delayed or rough if incorrectly calibrated.
Some of these issues have also been connected to software glitches in the transmission control system. In response, Dodge has released software updates to help alleviate the problem.
Durango owners often experience rough shifts when accelerating from a stop or downshifting. These tend to occur in city and highway driving before the vehicle reaches 50,000 miles.
The 2014 model year, especially vehicles equipped with the 3.6L V6 engine paired with the ZF 8-speed transmission seems to be most affected by these shifting problems.
2. Transmission Slipping
Another major issue reported by Durango owners is transmission slipping. In these cases, the engine revs, but the vehicle fails to accelerate as expected. This lack of power can be dangerous when merging onto highways or overtaking other cars.
Transmission slipping often results from worn clutch packs inside the transmission. As these clutch packs wear down over time, they lose their ability to engage the gears properly, leading to the slipping sensation.
Low or leaking transmission fluid can also cause slipping, preventing the transmission from maintaining the pressure to engage the gears smoothly.
Most reports of transmission slipping come from owners of vehicles with more than 60,000 miles, though some have noticed the problem as early as 40,000 miles.
The issue tends to occur most frequently in the second through fourth gears. Durango models with the V6 engine are more prone to slipping, though V8 models have also been affected to a lesser extent.
3. Failure to Engage Gear
Many owners have complained about Durango’s failure to engage gears, particularly when shifting from park to drive or reverse.
When this happens, there’s a noticeable delay in the vehicle’s response, or it may take several attempts to get the transmission to engage.
This problem is often caused by faulty shift solenoids, which control the flow of transmission fluid and allow the vehicle to shift between gears.
If these solenoids malfunction, they can prevent the vehicle from engaging gears properly. Another common cause is issues with the TCM, which can prevent the transmission from engaging altogether.
Owners have described this issue as particularly common when the vehicle has been sitting for a while or is cold. In some cases, the transmission will eventually engage with a jolt, which can be unsettling.
Most reports of this problem come from vehicles with 50,000 to 80,000 miles, with many owners needing to replace the shift solenoids or TCM to resolve the issue.
4. Transmission Failure
Some 2014 Durango owners have experienced complete transmission failure in more severe cases. When this happens, the vehicle cannot shift between gears or move at all, often requiring a full transmission rebuild or replacement.
One of the leading causes of total transmission failure is torque converter failure. The torque converter plays an essential role in transmitting power from the engine to the transmission, and when it fails, the vehicle can no longer shift or move.
Internal gear damage can also result in transmission failure, particularly after prolonged driving with other transmission issues like slipping or hard shifting.
Transmission failures are commonly reported between 70,000 and 100,000 miles, with many owners reporting prior issues with slipping or hard shifts before the transmission ultimately failed.
Repair costs for a complete transmission replacement can exceed $4,000, making it a significant financial burden for affected owners.
5. Vibration and Shuddering
Many drivers of the 2014 Dodge Durango have reported experiencing vibrations or shuddering at low speeds or accelerating from a stop.
This sensation often occurs during shifts or while cruising at steady speeds, making the drive uncomfortable and raising concerns about potential damage to the vehicle.
This issue is often linked to torque converter shudder, which happens when the torque converter struggles to engage appropriately during shifts.
Transmission mount issues can also contribute to vibrations and shuddering, as worn mounts allow for excessive movement in the transmission.
The shuddering is most often reported between 20 and 40 mph and is commonly described as feeling like driving over rumble strips.
The problem occurs most frequently in vehicles with more than 60,000 miles, with many owners needing to replace the torque converter to resolve the issue.
6. Transmission Fluid Leaks
Some 2014 Durango owners have noticed transmission fluid leaks, which can lead to low fluid levels and eventually cause damage to the transmission if not resolved. These leaks are often discovered by spotting fluid underneath the vehicle or noticing shifting problems due to low fluid levels.
Most transmission fluid leaks are caused by worn seals and gaskets, which can fail over time. In rare cases, cracks in the transmission housing can also result in fluid leaks, requiring more extensive repairs.
Fluid leaks are most commonly reported in higher-mileage vehicles, with owners noting issues with leaking seals around the transmission pan or cooler lines. Left unaddressed, these leaks can lead to serious transmission damage and poor shifting performance.
Conclusion
Transmission problems in the 2014 Dodge Durango can be a real headache, ranging from slipping and hard shifting to complete failure. Recognizing these issues early and dealing with them quickly can help you avoid costly repairs.
Regular maintenance and being alert to warning signs, like fluid leaks or delayed shifting, can keep your Durango running smoothly and help prevent more significant problems.