Indiana State Police Face Issues with New Dodge Durango Pursuit Fleet

The Indiana State Police (ISP) are experiencing significant mechanical issues with their new fleet of 2024 Dodge Durango Pursuit vehicles. Since May 2023, the ISP has been transitioning from the discontinued Dodge Charger Pursuit models to the Durango Pursuit, ordering 516 units at a cost of approximately $25.8 million. As of now, 219 units have been placed into service.

However, the transition has not been smooth. ISP reports that 39 of these new vehicles have suffered mechanical failures due to defective oil coolers. The defective parts have sidelined these vehicles, impacting the department’s operations and leading to frustrations among officers.

ISP Superintendent Doug Carter expressed his disappointment in a recent statement: “ISP has used Dodge as our primary police vehicle provider for the last decade-and-a-half; it is unfortunate that we have found ourselves in this precarious position. We’re having to sideline brand new vehicles, losing out on their value and functionality… the citizens and taxpayers of Indiana are being shortchanged and deserve better.”

The 2024 Durango Pursuit models are designed with features tailored to law enforcement needs. They come with a standard all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, which includes an active transfer case to improve fuel economy and traction, which is crucial for officers operating in diverse conditions. Other standard features include antilock brakes, a rear backup camera, advanced airbags, and a heavy-duty engine cooling package.

These vehicles have two engine options: a 3.6-liter Pentastar® V6, offering 293 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, and a 5.7-liter HEMI® V8, delivering 360 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque. These engines provide the necessary power for pursuit and emergency response situations. However, it remains unclear which of these powertrains is affected by the oil cooler defects or if both are experiencing issues.

The Durango Pursuit also includes practical additions for law enforcement use, such as a load-leveling suspension with Nivomat® self-leveling dampers and upgraded anti-roll bars to ensure consistent handling under varying loads. The vehicle’s 8.1 inches of ground clearance enhances its off-road capability, allowing it to patrol less-traveled areas effectively.

Despite these features, the current mechanical issues are a significant setback for the ISP. Superintendent Carter has been in communication with a representative from Stellantis, Dodge’s parent company, but has not received a timeline for resolving the problem. As the situation unfolds, the ISP continues to seek solutions to ensure its fleet is fully operational and reliable for its officers and the citizens it serves.

Source: WTHR Indianapolis