Merrillville Police Chief Criticizes Stellantis Over Faulty Durango Pursuits

Merrillville, Indiana, Police Chief Konstantinos Nuses has publicly criticized Stellantis, the parent company of Dodge, after a series of engine failures with the department’s Dodge Durango Pursuit vehicles. The vehicles purchased to help the department navigate supply chain disruptions during the pandemic have been taken out of service due to a design flaw in their oil coolers. As a result, Nuses says the department has been forced to sell them at a “significant financial loss,” leaving taxpayers to bear the burden.

In an open letter, Nuses explained, “It is heartbreaking to acknowledge that we cannot provide the reliable service you deserve when our vehicles are prone to unexpected breakdowns in the line of duty.” He expressed disappointment in Stellantis’ failure to take responsibility for the problem, which has hindered the police department’s ability to operate effectively.

Supply Chain Issues Prompted Durango Purchase –

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Merrillville’s police department faced challenges acquiring Ford Police Interceptors, the usual choice for their fleet. With supply chain delays stretching from 2020 to 2023, the department sought alternatives and purchased Dodge Durango Pursuits from a local dealer.

“Unfortunately, what began as a hopeful solution has turned into a profound disappointment,” Nuses stated in his letter. He highlighted that many of the Durangos had less than 15,000 miles on them before they began experiencing engine problems.

Engine Failures Affect Community Safety –

The first signs of trouble appeared in late 2022 when the vehicles began suffering engine failures due to defective oil coolers. As a result, the Durangos were frequently out of service, impacting the department’s ability to protect the community for extended periods.

Nuses said that in May 2023, Stellantis promised a revised part to fix the issue within two weeks. However, months later, the department is still waiting for the necessary repairs. “Despite our best efforts and the assurances we received, we had no choice but to sell the Durangos prematurely,” he said.

Nuses also pointed out that Stellantis has not offered compensation for the vehicles’ downtime. “All of us—taxpayers and police departments alike—have paid for a compromised product, and Dodge has failed to take responsibility or provide a viable solution,” he wrote.

Seeking Financial Relief for Taxpayers –

To mitigate the financial strain on taxpayers, Nuses has sought assistance from the Indiana Attorney General’s office. “I understand the burden this situation places on our community, and I am deeply regretful for the unnecessary financial strain it imposes,” he said.

Stellantis’ Response –

Stellantis responded to the situation: “The Dodge Durango Pursuit meets or exceeds all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards and is subject to severe operating conditions to which the standard, retail version of the Durango is immune. Further, certain oil-cooler issues are difficult to detect, which may lead to collateral damage and a highly complex remedy.”

The automaker expressed regret over the inconvenience caused and emphasized that they are working to expedite repairs. Stellantis also noted that the Durango Pursuit, which launched in 2018, has been deployed by thousands of police departments across North America, with overall positive feedback.

Indiana State Police Face Similar Issues –

The Indiana State Police (ISP) has reported similar problems with their fleet of Dodge Durangos. In June, ISP Superintendent Doug Carter said that at least 39 Durangos had experienced mechanical failures due to defective oil coolers. According to Carter, the average downtime for engine repairs ranged from four to eight weeks.

“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,” Carter said.

The Merrillville Police Department and other law enforcement agencies across Indiana continue to seek resolutions for their faulty Durango Pursuit vehicles as they await a more permanent fix from Stellantis.

Source: FOX 32 Chicago