Stellantis Refuses to Rescue: Indiana Police to Auction Off Seized Dodge Durangos
Mass Engine Failures Plague Indiana Police Departments’ Dodge Durango Pursuit Cruisers
Across Indiana, law enforcement agencies are facing a widespread issue with their fleet of Dodge Durango Pursuit cruisers. Specifically, the oil coolers in these vehicles are failing, causing engine damage and even complete failure. One department, the Merrillville Police Department, has decided to sell its fleet of Durangos at a significant loss due to the lack of support from Stellantis, the manufacturer.
A Frustrating Situation
According to a letter written by Merrillville Police Chief Konstantinos Nuses, the department is forced to make the difficult decision to prematurely sell the vehicles, incurring significant financial losses for the department and, ultimately, for taxpayers. Nuses describes the situation as "not just disappointing, but fundamentally unfair."
A History of Problems
The issue with the oil coolers began as early as late 2022, and despite numerous attempts to manage the problem, the department has yet to receive any help or compensation from Stellantis. In May of this year, the manufacturer promised to issue revised parts within two weeks, but it’s been four months since then, and the department is still waiting.
Stellantis’ Response
In a statement released by CBS, Stellantis claims that the Dodge Durango Pursuit meets or exceeds all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards and is subject to severe operating conditions that the standard, retail version of the Durango is immune to. The manufacturer also states that certain oil-cooler issues are difficult to detect, which may lead to collateral damage and a highly complex remedy.
A Call for Action
Nuses has asked the Indiana Attorney General’s office for assistance to "mitigate the financial impact" of the situation. The police department is looking for a solution to replace the failing vehicles and provide financial compensation for the department and taxpayers.
