Dodge models we see most
| Model | US model years | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Caravan | 1987-2020 | 2008-2010 vans are in ignition switch recall 14V373000; a jolt can turn the key out of run. |
| Journey | 2009-2020 | 2009-2010 Journeys share the Grand Caravan's ignition switch recall, 14V373000. |
| Durango | 1998-2009, 2011-present | 2011-2013 models were recalled for a TIPM fuel pump relay that can cause a stall (14V530000, 15V115000). |
| Dakota | 1987-2011 | 2000-2003 four-wheel-drive Dakotas are in recall 04V596000 for upper ball joints that corrode and wear. |
| Neon | 1995-2005 | 1995 Neons were recalled because fuel and rear brake tubes corroded under a rubber isolator (96V228000). |
| Charger | 2006-2023 | 2012-2014 Chargers with the eight-speed and monostable shifter are in rollaway recall 16V240000. |
| Ram pickup (Dodge-badged) | 1981-2010 | 1994-1999 trucks in salt-belt states, Illinois included, were recalled for a corroding hood latch spring (01V040000). |
Known Dodge problems that end up at the scrapyard
Corroded upper ball joints on 2000-2003 Dakota and Durango 4x4
Recall 04V596000 covers 2000-2003 Dakota pickups and Durango SUVs with four-wheel drive. Moisture can get into the front upper ball joint, wash out the grease and corrode it, and the joint wears until it can separate, causing loss of control. Clunking from the front end on one of these trucks is a reason to stop driving it. source
TIPM fuel pump relay stalls on 2011-2013 Durango
NHTSA's review of a petition over Chrysler's Totally Integrated Power Module found one real defect: a fuel pump relay inside the TIPM-7 that could cause a no-start or a stall. Chrysler recalled 2011 Durangos and Grand Cherokees (14V530000), then 2012-2013 models (15V115000). A Durango that cranks but won't fire may simply have this unrepaired relay. source
Ignition switch recall on 2008-2010 Grand Caravan and Journey
Recall 14V373000 covers 2008-2010 Grand Caravans and Town & Countrys and 2009-2010 Journeys. Road bumps or a jolt can knock the ignition out of run, which shuts off the engine and with it the airbags, power steering and power brakes. Owners were told to remove everything from the key ring except the ignition key until the fix was done. source
Where Dodges usually give out
Dodge sold huge numbers of minivans, compact cars and trucks, and they age in predictable ways on Chicago streets. Grand Caravans and Journeys from 2008 to 2010 carry an ignition switch recall, and a van that has changed hands a few times may never have had it done. The first-generation Durango and the Dakota pickup it was based on had front upper ball joints recalled because water and salt could wash out the grease. And the 2011-2013 Durango had a power module relay that could leave you stranded with an engine that cranks and won’t start.
Rust finishes the job on many of them. Even the hood latch on 1994-1999 Dodge Ram pickups was recalled in salt-belt states, Illinois named among them, because its return spring corroded. Sedans have their own list: 2012-2014 Chargers with the monostable shifter needed a software update to warn drivers who open the door while still in gear, and the 1995 Neon was recalled for fuel and brake tubes that corroded where they passed through a rubber isolator.
Car, van or truck: how a Dodge is valued
Size and completeness matter most. A Durango or Ram carries far more metal than a Neon or Caliber, and a Grand Caravan with its seats and sliding doors intact has parts other owners need. A running engine helps, but a van that won’t move is still worth buying. We’ll ask about the catalytic converter, the wheels and tires, body damage, and where it’s parked so the right tow truck is sent.
Before your Dodge is picked up
Newer Dodges with Uconnect have a Clear Personal Data option in the radio’s Reset menu; run it so your paired phones and presets don’t go with the car. On any Grand Caravan or Journey from the ignition recall years, hand over the key on its own, not a heavy key ring. Take the toll transponder off the windshield and find the title. Our step-by-step guide to junking a car in Chicago covers plates, insurance and the city sticker, and the makes we buy are listed on one page.
Selling a junk Dodge: questions
Do you buy older Dodge Ram trucks, or only cars?
Both. Pickups badged as Dodge Rams through the 2010 model year are Dodges, and we buy them in any condition, rusted frame and all. Newer trucks sold under the Ram brand have their own page on our site.
My Grand Caravan's transmission is slipping. Should I fix it or junk it?
Compare a repair quote with what the van is worth to you after the repair. On a high-mileage Grand Caravan that is also rusting, selling it as is often makes more sense. We buy it either way and tow it free if it can't be driven.