# Merrillville Police Chief Criticizes Stellantis Over Dodge Durango Failures


## Introduction

In a bold move, Merrillville Police Chief Konstantinos Nuses has publicly condemned Stellantis, the parent company of Dodge, following a series of engine failures in their Dodge Durango patrol vehicles. This situation has left the police chief feeling frustrated and compelled to apologize to taxpayers for the investment in what he describes as unreliable vehicles.

## Engine Failures and Design Flaws

Chief Nuses has reported that the Durangos have experienced multiple engine malfunctions, primarily attributed to a design flaw in the oil cooler. Alarmingly, many of these vehicles had logged fewer than 15,000 miles, raising concerns about their suitability for police work. As a result, Nuses is now faced with the difficult decision of selling these problematic SUVs at a loss and seeking more dependable alternatives.

## Transition from Ford to Dodge

Previously, the Merrillville Police Department relied on Ford Interceptors for their patrol needs. However, due to supply chain issues during the pandemic, Nuses turned to the Dodge Durango, which was marketed by Stellantis as a viable option for law enforcement. Unfortunately, the transition has proven to be a costly mistake.

## Public Outcry and Accountability

In an open letter to the community, Nuses expressed his disappointment, stating, “The situation is not just disappointing; it is fundamentally unfair. 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.” This statement reflects the growing frustration among law enforcement agencies regarding the reliability of their vehicles.

## Stellantis Responds

In response to the criticisms, Stellantis issued a statement emphasizing that the Dodge Durango Pursuit meets all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards. They acknowledged the oil-cooler issues but noted that they can be difficult to detect, potentially leading to collateral damage. Stellantis expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and assured that they are working to expedite service for affected vehicles.

## Broader Implications for Indiana Police Forces

Merrillville is not alone in its struggles with the Dodge Durango. The Indiana State Police (ISP) reported that 39 out of 218 Durangos they received had suffered mechanical issues, temporarily sidelining nearly 20% of their fleet. The ISP had placed a significant order for 516 Durangos, totaling approximately $25.8 million, with an average repair time of four to eight weeks for engine replacements.

## Conclusion

The ongoing issues with the Dodge Durango have raised serious concerns about the reliability of vehicles used by law enforcement. As Chief Nuses seeks to mitigate the financial impact on taxpayers, the spotlight remains on Stellantis to address these critical design flaws and restore confidence in their products. The situation serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and reliability in vehicles intended for public safety.

For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned.