Indiana State Police (ISP) say that repeated mechanical failure has sidelined a large number of Dodge Durango patrol vehicles, hindering their ability to patrol effectively.
ISP says that the police fleet transition from Dodge Charger to the Dodge Durango began in May 2023, when the agency ordered 516 Durangos worth about $25.8 million. A total of 219 Durangos have been sent into the field for patrol duty since then.
ISP says that since they’ve deployed the Dodge Durangos, 18% have experienced a mechanical failure due to a defective oil cooler.
“That means approximately $3.9 million dollars of equipment may not be available for their intended use by ISP personnel,” ISP said in a news release.
Troopers said that during May 2024 alone, they had 15 Durangos experience the oil cooler failure, and that the average downtime for an engine repair or replacement is four to eight weeks.
“This downtime creates a huge burden on fleet operations, a significant loss of confidence in the vehicle by ISP personnel, and an ineffective loss of public service while the Trooper cycles in and out of a pool car to perform their daily duties,” state police said.
“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,” ISP Superintendent Doug Carter said. “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.”
ISP says that they have spoken to the automotive manufacturers but they have not been given a timeline for the resolution of the issue.