Indiana Police’s New Dodge Durangos Already Sidelined By Mass Engine Failures

The Indiana State Police’s recent purchase of 250 new Dodge Durangos has been met with a major setback, as a significant number of the vehicles have already been taken out of service due to engine failures. The fleet was implemented in an effort to replace the force’s aging Viper patrol vehicles, but it appears that the switch has been plagued by problems.

According to officials, nearly 20% of the new Durangos have been sidelined due to engine failures, which has left officers struggling to keep up with their duties. The affected vehicles have been deemed unavailable for patrol, leaving the community with reduced law enforcement coverage and increased response times.

“We are extremely disappointed in the performance of the Dodge Durangos,” said a spokesperson for the Indiana State Police. “We thought we had made a smart decision by purchasing a new fleet, but it appears that the issues with the engines are more widespread than we initially thought.”

The engine failures have been attributed to a combination of factors, including faulty pistons, crankshafts, and oil pump failures. The problems are believed to be linked to a design flaw in the engine’s manufacturing process, rather than a defect specific to the Indiana State Police’s vehicles.

The affected Durangos were purchased in 2022, and the issues began to manifest after a few months of use. Despite repeated attempts to resolve the problem, the engine failures have continued to occur, leaving officers frustrated and concerned about the safety of their vehicles.

“We are working closely with the manufacturer to resolve the issue and get our vehicles back on the road,” continued the spokesperson. “In the meantime, we are doing our best to keep the community safe with the resources we have available.”

The mass engine failures have not only caused inconvenience for the police department, but also have significant financial implications. The cost of repairing or replacing the affected vehicles is estimated to be in the tens of thousands of dollars, a burden that may be passed on to taxpayers.

The incident has sparked concerns about the reliability and durability of the Dodge Durangos, as well as the procurement process used by the Indiana State Police. The incident serves as a reminder that even the most advanced and seemingly well-designed vehicles can have issues, and that manufacturers and law enforcement agencies must work together to ensure the safety and reliability of the vehicles used in the field.

In an effort to mitigate the problem, the Indiana State Police is working with Dodge’s parent company, FCA, to negotiate a resolution. In the meantime, the department is exploring alternative options, including the use of rental vehicles or other patrol vehicles to help keep the community safe.

The Indiana State Police’s experience with the Dodge Durangos serves as a cautionary tale for law enforcement agencies nationwide, highlighting the importance of rigorous testing and evaluation of new vehicles before they are put into service. As the department continues to work to resolve the issue, it is clear that the safety and effectiveness of the vehicles are of utmost importance.