Title: Indiana State Police Experiences Challenges with Dodge Durango SUVs
Reliability Issues Plague Indiana State Police’s Dodge Durango Fleet
The Dodge Durango has been widely regarded as a reliable SUV in recent years. However, the Indiana State Police have faced significant challenges with their fleet of 219 Durangos, experiencing a troubling failure rate of nearly 20%. These issues could potentially cost taxpayers around $4 million and result in weeks of vehicle downtime.
Costly Repairs and Vehicle Downtime Impact Operations
Initially, the Indiana State Police hoped to replace their aging Dodge Chargers with 519 Durango Pursuits. Unfortunately, out of the 219 vehicles put into service since May 2023, 39 have been plagued by a failing oil cooler. The repairs required for this issue can take up to two months, leaving the agency without crucial vehicles for extended periods.
Superintendent Doug Carter Expresses Frustration
Police Superintendent Doug Carter expressed his disappointment with the situation, stating that the Indiana State Police have relied on Dodge as their primary police vehicle provider for the past fifteen years. He acknowledged that the current predicament was unfortunate, as the agency finds itself having to sideline brand new vehicles while losing out on their value and functionality. Carter emphasized that the citizens and taxpayers of Indiana deserve better.
Potential Engine Failure and Warning Signs
The oil cooler issue experienced by the Indiana State Police can lead to oil leakage into the coolant system, ultimately causing the engine to shut off. Drivers noticed a foul odor and observed smoke coming from the exhaust before experiencing a shutdown. If left unaddressed, this problem can result in complete engine failure.
Stellantis Offers Support and Pays for Repairs
In an effort to alleviate tensions, Stellantis, the parent company of Dodge, has stepped in to cover the costs of repairs, even for vehicles that are outside warranty parameters. Stellantis reiterated that the police-ordered Durango Pursuit meets or exceeds all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards and is designed to withstand severe operating conditions that the standard retail version of the Durango may not face. The automaker further acknowledged that the complexity of diagnosing these issues could result in additional damage before being noticed.
Conclusion
The Indiana State Police’s struggles with their Dodge Durango fleet highlight the challenges organizations can face when relying on a particular vehicle model. The frustration expressed by Superintendent Doug Carter emphasizes the need for improved reliability and better support from vehicle manufacturers. In response, Stellantis has taken responsibility for the repairs, showcasing their commitment to customer satisfaction. Moving forward, it will be critical for the Indiana State Police and other law enforcement agencies to closely evaluate vehicle options and prioritize reliability to ensure uninterrupted operations.