Merrillville Police sell defective Dodge patrol cars due to design flaw

The Merrillville Police Department has announced the sale of its fleet of Dodge Durango pursuit vehicles due to a significant design flaw that has resulted in engine failures. Chief of Police Konstantinos Nuses explained that the department switched from Ford to Dodge in 2022, prompted by pandemic-related supply chain issues. However, the transition has led to problems with the oil cooler in each vehicle, causing failures in engines that had less than 15,000 miles. Despite efforts to resolve the issue, including discussions with Dodge's manufacturer Stellantis, the department has not received a promised revised part. Chief Nuses expressed frustration over the lack of accountability from Dodge, stating that taxpayers and police departments have paid for a compromised product without any compensation for the downtime. This situation has hindered the department's ability to effectively serve the community. The problem is not isolated to Merrillville; it reportedly affects other law enforcement agencies, including the Indiana State Police. The department is seeking assistance from the Indiana Attorney General's office to address the situation. Stellantis has responded by asserting that the Dodge Durango Pursuit meets federal safety standards and that the oil-cooler issues are complex and difficult to detect. As the department prepares to sell the defective vehicles, the ongoing challenges highlight the broader implications of supply chain disruptions and the need for manufacturers to ensure the reliability of products provided to law enforcement agencies.