IllustrationWHILE DRIVING IN VERY COLD WEATHER, TRANSMISSION WILL SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL INTERMITTENTLY, VEHICLE TAKEN TO DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES IN 3 YEARS. DEALER DID NOT HAVE A REMEDY. CURRENTLY, WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED, DEALER WANTED TO REBUILT TRANSMISSION. *AK
1998 Dodge Durango
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Durango years
Owner complaints for the 1998 Dodge Durango are substantially higher than the model-year median of 231.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Durango years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
180–25K
8025–50K
15850–75K
9475–100K
75100–150K
16150K+
441 reports with mileage · 524 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Suspension. Review the 540 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 103 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Steering. Review the 90 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
51 crash reports12 fire reports21 injury reports
Power Train complaints
103 reportsWHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, A LOUD WHINING SOUND WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE DURANGO. AFTER VERIFYING THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS CORRECT AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE SURE THAT THE 4WD WAS NOT ENGAGED, THE WHINING SOUND BECAME LOUDER. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE TO A DEALER IN NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TX (A SUBURB OF FORT WORT…
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WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, A LOUD WHINING SOUND WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE DURANGO. AFTER VERIFYING THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS CORRECT AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE SURE THAT THE 4WD WAS NOT ENGAGED, THE WHINING SOUND BECAME LOUDER. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE TO A DEALER IN NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TX (A SUBURB OF FORT WORTH). THE SERVICE ADVISOR WAS SURE THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL NEEDED TO BE CHANGED AND ALL WOULD BE FINE. AFTER SERVICING THE DIFFERENTIAL THE SERVICE ADVISOR CONTACTED ME TO LET ME KNOW THAT THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTED. AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION THE DEALER FOUND THAT THE "RING AND PINON SET, AND CUP AND CONES" NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ( THIS IS THE RING AND PINON GEAR, THE PINON SEAL, AND THE SIDE BEARING THAT SUPPORT THE DIFFERENTIAL CASE). THE ESTIMATED COST FOR THIS REPAIR WAS $1323.08. I REMINDED THE SERVICE ADVISOR THAT A 1998 DODGE DURANGO WITH 47333 MILES SHOULD NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND WHY SHOULD I PAY FOR THIS REPAIR SINCE I BELIEVE THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL PROBLEM IS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT. THE SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT HE COULD DO AND HE SUGGESTED I CALL DODGE CUSTOMER SERVICE. AFTER SPEAKING TO DODGE CUSTOMER SERVICE THREE TIMES, THEY "REVIEWED" MY SITUATION. SINCE I DID NOT HAVE ANY EXTENDED WARRANTY, DODGE OFFERED TO PAY HALF OF THE REPAIR COST AS A "GOOD WILL GESTURE". IN THE END, THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL WAS REPAIRED AT A COST TO ME OF $502.28. THE TOTAL COST OF THE REPAIR WAS $1004.56 AND WITH DODGE'S "GOOD WILL GESTURE" THE REPAIR COST ME OUT OF POCKET $502.28. HOWEVER, AFTER REVIEWING THE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS LISTED ON THIS SITE I FEEL MORE STRONGLY THAT THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL OF THIS VECHICLE.
A LOUD HOWLING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE REPAIR SHOP WHERE I WAS TOLD THAT THE REAR AXLE BEARINGS AND POSSIBLY DIFFERENTIAL RING AND PINION WERE BAD. I WAS ADVISED BY MY MECHANIC TO GO BACK TO THE DEALER SINCE THIS WAS AN ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MATERIAL AND WORKMANSHIP DEFECT OBVIOU…
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A LOUD HOWLING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE REPAIR SHOP WHERE I WAS TOLD THAT THE REAR AXLE BEARINGS AND POSSIBLY DIFFERENTIAL RING AND PINION WERE BAD. I WAS ADVISED BY MY MECHANIC TO GO BACK TO THE DEALER SINCE THIS WAS AN ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MATERIAL AND WORKMANSHIP DEFECT OBVIOUS BY THE LOW (22,000) MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE THAT LOOKS LIKE THE DAY IT CAME OUT OF THE SHOWROOM. THIS VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN USED OFF-ROAD. I RECEIVED NO SATISFACTION FROM THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD SINCE THE VEHICLE IS 9 MONTHS OUT OF WARRANTY THAT I WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIR COSTS. I STRONGLY DISAGREE. THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS LISTED IN THIS SECTION WITH THE SAME PROBLEM I EXPERIENCED AND I'VE BEEN TOLD BY AN EXPERT THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL IN THIS VEHICLE HAS A SERIOUS DESIGN DEFECT INVOLVING THE RING AND PINION NOT BEING CAPABLE OF HANDLE THE FORCES IMPOSED BY THE DRIVETRAIN OF THIS VEHICLE. REPAIR COSTS ARE ESTIMATED AT $1500 - $2000. CHRYSLER/DODGE SHOULD STEP FORWARD AND ADMIT A DESIGN FLAW EXISTS. I WILL FIGHT THIS IN COURT IF I HAVE TO. DODGE, YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF FOR NOT FESSING UP TO THIS. *AK
TRANSMISSION HESITATES BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD GEAR. WHEN IT DOES SHIFT INTO 3RD GEAR THE VEHICLE SURGES. WHEN SHIFTING INTO REVERSE THE TRANSMISSON GIVES A CLUNK NOISE. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR. WAS TOLD FROM DEALER THE MINIMUM REPAIR WOULD COST $1400-$1500 BUT COULD BE MORE. I OPTED FOR A LOCAL REPAIR …
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TRANSMISSION HESITATES BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD GEAR. WHEN IT DOES SHIFT INTO 3RD GEAR THE VEHICLE SURGES. WHEN SHIFTING INTO REVERSE THE TRANSMISSON GIVES A CLUNK NOISE. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR. WAS TOLD FROM DEALER THE MINIMUM REPAIR WOULD COST $1400-$1500 BUT COULD BE MORE. I OPTED FOR A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY. I WAS SHOWN A COMPLETE SERVICE AND TECHNICAL BULLETIN DESCRIBING THE PROBLEM AND REPAIR FOR DODGE VEHICLES. THE LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY SERVICE OWNER HAD JUST GOTTEN BACK FROM A TRAINING SEMINAR ON THIS PROBLEM. THIS REALLY SOUNDED ODD, AS THE DEALER WHEN ASKED BY ME IF THERE WAS A CLASS PROBLEM IN TRANSMISSIONS DENIED ANY. THEN WHY WOULD THEY PRINT MANUALS AND TRAIN PERSONNEL FOR PROBLEMS THAT DO NOT NORMALLY OCCUR. THE LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY PERFORMED HYDRAULIC PRESSURE TESTING AND DETERMINED ALL PRESSURE PARAMETERS WERE BEING MET. THEN CHANGED ALL TRANSMISSION FLUIDS TO A HIGHER VISCOSITY. SINCE THIS WAS DONE, I HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED ANY SHIFTING HESITATION OR PROBLEMS. THE DEALER WHEN PRESSURED WOULD ONLY OFFER 10% OFF THE REPAIR COSTS. DODGE REGIONAL REFUSED TO ASSIST IN ANY WAY. I HAVE PERSONALLY TALKED TO 4 INDIVIDUALS WHO OWN DODGES AND HAVE HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS.*AK
ALL FOUR BALL JOINTS HAVE FAILED. LOWERS REPLACED AT 80000 MILES AND UPPERS AT 100000. SEEMS EXCESSIVE. FRONT AXLE INNER BEARINGS COMPLERTE FAILURE WHICH DAMAGED FRONT AXLE ITSELF AND NEEDED REPLACED. FROM LOOKING AT THE MANY OTHER FRONT SUSPENSION COMPLAINTS LODEGED, THERE APPEARS TO BE A REAL PROBLEM THAT SHOULD BE INVE…
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ALL FOUR BALL JOINTS HAVE FAILED. LOWERS REPLACED AT 80000 MILES AND UPPERS AT 100000. SEEMS EXCESSIVE. FRONT AXLE INNER BEARINGS COMPLERTE FAILURE WHICH DAMAGED FRONT AXLE ITSELF AND NEEDED REPLACED. FROM LOOKING AT THE MANY OTHER FRONT SUSPENSION COMPLAINTS LODEGED, THERE APPEARS TO BE A REAL PROBLEM THAT SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. FRONT SUSPENSION IS A REAL SAFETY CONCERN. *AK
THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD MAJOR COMPONENT BREAKDOWNS SINCE PURCHASE. INITIALLY, IMMEDIATELY AFTER PURCHASE THERE WAS A CLICKING SOUND IN THE STEERING COLUMN. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THERE WAS A TSB AND REPLACED STEERING COLUMN. THE SECOND PROBLEM OCCURRED IN FEBRUARY 2000, SOME THREE MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE. WE BEGAN TO NOTICE A …
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THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD MAJOR COMPONENT BREAKDOWNS SINCE PURCHASE. INITIALLY, IMMEDIATELY AFTER PURCHASE THERE WAS A CLICKING SOUND IN THE STEERING COLUMN. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THERE WAS A TSB AND REPLACED STEERING COLUMN. THE SECOND PROBLEM OCCURRED IN FEBRUARY 2000, SOME THREE MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE. WE BEGAN TO NOTICE A SIGNIFICANT PULSING IN THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE DEALER ATTRIBUTED THIS TO ABS BRAKES. SEVERAL MONTHS LATER WHEN THE PULSING WAS SIGNIFICANTLY GREATER AND THE BRAKING WAS BEING AFFECTED, AN INDEPENDENT SHOP REVIEWED THE BRAKES AND INDICATED THAT THE ROTORS WERE SEVERELY WARPED AND CAUSING THE PULSING SENSATION. THIS WAS REPAIRED OUT OF POCKET. IN FEBRUARY, 2001 THE TEMPERATURE BEGAN FLUCTUATING, SPIKING HIGHER TEMPERATURES CAUSING THE CHECK GAUGE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. IT WOULD THEN RESET. HANOVER DODGE, A DIFFERENT DEALER INDICATED THAT THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING SEAL WAS LEAKING AND REPLACED THE THERMOSTAT AND GASKET. THIS WAS PAID OUT OF POCKET. APPROXIMATELY TEN DAYS LATER, THE RADIATOR HAD A MAJOR FAILURE REQUIRING REPLACEMENT. THIS WAS PAID OUT OF POCKET IN THE AMOUNT OF $610.33. IN MAY, 2001WE WERE ALERTED TO A PROBLEM INVOLVING THE FRONT END. IN BRINGING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, A LEAK WAS NOTICED FROM THE TRANSMISSION COOLER AND ALSO AND MORE CRITICALLY IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE LEFT UPPER BALL JOINT REQUIRED REPLACEMENT AS WELL AS THE INNER TIE RODS. THESE REPAIRS WERE ALSO PAID OUT OF POCKET IN THE AMOUNT OF $923.45. THE LATEST ISSUE AROSE SEVERAL WEEKS AGO WHEN A HOWLING SOUND WAS NOTICED COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THROUGH RESEARCH AND INDEPENDENT EVALUATION IT HAS BEEN DETERMINED THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL HAS A DESIGN DEFECT WHEREBY THE RING AND PINION CANNOT HANDLE THE LOAD OF THE VEHICLE. I HAVE NOTED SEVERAL OF THE SAME COMPLAINTS BEING MADE TO YOUR ORGANIZATION IN THIS DATABASE. WE BELIEVE THAT THE VEHICLE WE HAVE IS DEFECTIVE. EACH PROBLEM HAS INVOLVED A MAJOR COMPONENT OR SYSTEM.
WHILE BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY CAR MADE A LOUD NOISE, CAR WAS INOPERABLE, CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALER. WAS NOTIFIED BY THE DEALER THAT THE RING AND PINION GAR HAD CRACKED, AND REAR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.*AK
TRANSFER CASE EXPLODED ON I-75 NEAR WEST BRANCH MICHIGAN WITH PARTS FLYING IN ALL DIRECTIONS. LOST POWER AND PARTS BLEW OUT DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE. DURANGO ALMOST FLIPPED OVER GOING AT THIS SPEED. FORTUNATELY, THERE WAS VERY LITTLE TRAFFIC GOING SOUTHBOUND AND AS I FISHTAILED FORM LANE TO LANE I WAS ABLE TO STOP IT WITH INCIDE…
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TRANSFER CASE EXPLODED ON I-75 NEAR WEST BRANCH MICHIGAN WITH PARTS FLYING IN ALL DIRECTIONS. LOST POWER AND PARTS BLEW OUT DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE. DURANGO ALMOST FLIPPED OVER GOING AT THIS SPEED. FORTUNATELY, THERE WAS VERY LITTLE TRAFFIC GOING SOUTHBOUND AND AS I FISHTAILED FORM LANE TO LANE I WAS ABLE TO STOP IT WITH INCIDENCE. I FELT THIS WAS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION. I STILL HAVE THE DAMAGED TRANSFER CASE THAT SHOWS HOW IT EXPLODED. THERE WAS NO WARNING. CRYSLER COULD NOT HAVE CARED LESS ABOUT THIS SITUATION. ALL THEY SAID WAS THAT PARTS FAIL SO LIVE WITH IT.*AK
A THREE YEAR OLD SON CLIMBED INTO VEHICLE AND SHIFTED GEAR FROM PARK TO REVERSE AND AGAIN FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE WITHOUT EVER APPLYING BRAKES. THEN, SHIFTED AGAIN INTO FORWARD WITHOUT TOUCHING THE GAS PEDAL OR BRAKE PEDAL. CRASHED INTO THE GARAGE. *AK
VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING LOUD NOISE FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL UNIT. TOOK TO REPAIR SHOP AND THEY REPLACED LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE OF REAR DIFFERENTIAL. WANTED TO ALSO REPAIR DIFFERENTIAL RING AND PINION BECAUSE THERE WAS STILL A LOUD NOISE.
Official recalls
401V153000 · Air Bags
May 8, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS. SOUND DEADENER MATERIAL INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL COULD BECOME DETACHED FROM THE COVER AND HOUSING. NOTE: THE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS WERE BUILT AT THE WARREN ASSEMBLY PLANT ("S" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 16, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; ST. LOUIS NORTH ASSEMBLY PLANT ("J" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 19, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; LAGO ALBERTO ASSEMBLY PLANT ("M" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 23, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; AND SALTILLO ASSEMBLY PLANT ("G" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 23, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000. IMPORTANT: VEHICLES THAT HAVE ALREADY HAD THE PROPER CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE BEEN EXCLUDED FROM THIS RECALL. IN ADDITION, 1997-2000 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES THAT HAVE HAD A SUSPECT REPLACEMENT CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THIS RECALL.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE MATERIAL COULD INTERFERE WITH THE CLOCKSPRING RIBBON AND CAUSE AN OPEN CIRCUIT. THE DRIVER AIR BAG SYSTEM WILL BECOME DISABLED, AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 18, 2001. ALSO SOME 1997-200 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES THAT, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE HAD A SUSPECT REPLACEMENT CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
99V341000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
Dec 2, 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE REAR BRAKE TUBE CAN CONTACT AN UNDERBODY CROSSMEMBER EVENTUALLY WEARING A HOLE IN THE TUBE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE TUBE WERE PERFORATED, THERE WOULD BE A REDUCTION IN BRAKING FROM THE REAR WHEELS, INCREASING STOPPING DISTANCES.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RUBBER ISOLATOR ON ALL VEHICLES THAT DO NOT INDICATE TUBE CONTACT. VEHICLES THAT SHOW CONTACT AND HAVE LESS THAN 45,000 MILES AND NO SIGNS OF RED RUST WILL HAVE THE RUBBER ISOLATOR INSTALLED WITH SILICONE TO PROTECT THE TUBE WHERE THE COATING HAS WORN OFF. VEHICLES THAT EXHIBIT CONTACT, AND HAVE MORE THAN 45,000 MILES OR SHOW SIGNS OF RED RUST, WILL HAVE THE BRAKE TUBE REPLACED WITH THE PRODUCTION TUBE AND ISOLATOR.
99V342000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:mounting
Dec 2, 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE FUEL TANK STRAP CAN SEPARATE DUE TO FATIGUE DURING OPERATION. IF THIS OCCURS, THE TANK WILL BE UNSUPPORTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FUEL LEAK.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DOUBLE TOGGLE LOCK FUEL TANK STRAPS WITH SINGLE TOGGLE LOCK DESIGN. NOTE: AFFECTED VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH MAY 21, 1998, ALSO REQUIRE THE REAR BRAKE TUBE INSPECTION/REPAIR. AS A RESULT, THE FUEL TANK STRAP AND BRAKE TUBE REPAIR WILL BE PERFORMED ON THESE VHEICLES IN A SINGLE SERVICE PROCEDURE UNDER RECALL 99V-341/DAIMLERCHRYSLER #841. AFFECTED VEHICLES BUILT FROM MAY 22, 1998 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 25, 1999, ONLY REQUIRE THE FUEL TANK STRAP REPAIR, WHICH WILL BE PERFORMED UNDER RECALL 99V-342/DAIMLERCHRYSLER #842.
98V019000 · Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator
Jan 30, 1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. THE FASTENER WHICH SECURES THE GENERATOR CABLE TO THE POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER (PDC) HAS AN INSUFFICIENT CLAMP LOAD, RESULTING IN A LOOSE CONNECTION AND ELECTRICAL ARCING AT THE CONNECTION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL RETIGHTEN THE GENERATOR CABLE AND BATTERY CABLE FASTENERS TO THE PROPER TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
3EA03023 · Upper Ball Joint Separation
Opened Nov 19, 2003 · Closed Feb 11, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension; Suspension:front; Suspension:front:control Arm; Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Arm; Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Ball Joint
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) IS RECALLING THE TARGET POPULATION OF APPROXIMATELY 600,000 MY 2000 THROUGH 2003 DURANGO AND DAKOTA VEHICLES WITH FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE TO REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINTS WITH REDESIGNED PARTS THAT DO NOT HAVE THE JOINT INTEGRITY CONCERNS AND HAVE SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED JOINT RETENTION CAPACITY (NHTSA RECALL NO. 04V-596).THOUGH DCC DOES NOT ADMIT TO A SAFETY-DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS, ODI BELIEVES THAT THE FACTS IN THIS INVESTIGATION SHOW OTHERWISE.BECAUSE OF THE LOW RATES OF SEPARATION INCIDENTS IN THE REMAINING SUBJECT VEHICLES, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THOSE POPULATIONS AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS IN THOSE VEHICLES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Additional source detail variants (5)
Suspension
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) IS RECALLING THE TARGET POPULATION OF APPROXIMATELY 600,000 MY 2000 THROUGH 2003 DURANGO AND DAKOTA VEHICLES WITH FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE TO REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINTS WITH REDESIGNED PARTS THAT DO NOT HAVE THE JOINT INTEGRITY CONCERNS AND HAVE SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED JOINT RETENTION CAPACITY (NHTSA RECALL NO. 04V-596).THOUGH DCC DOES NOT ADMIT TO A SAFETY-DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS, ODI BELIEVES THAT THE FACTS IN THIS INVESTIGATION SHOW OTHERWISE.BECAUSE OF THE LOW RATES OF SEPARATION INCIDENTS IN THE REMAINING SUBJECT VEHICLES, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THOSE POPULATIONS AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS IN THOSE VEHICLES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Suspension:front
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) IS RECALLING THE TARGET POPULATION OF APPROXIMATELY 600,000 MY 2000 THROUGH 2003 DURANGO AND DAKOTA VEHICLES WITH FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE TO REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINTS WITH REDESIGNED PARTS THAT DO NOT HAVE THE JOINT INTEGRITY CONCERNS AND HAVE SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED JOINT RETENTION CAPACITY (NHTSA RECALL NO. 04V-596).THOUGH DCC DOES NOT ADMIT TO A SAFETY-DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS, ODI BELIEVES THAT THE FACTS IN THIS INVESTIGATION SHOW OTHERWISE.BECAUSE OF THE LOW RATES OF SEPARATION INCIDENTS IN THE REMAINING SUBJECT VEHICLES, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THOSE POPULATIONS AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS IN THOSE VEHICLES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Suspension:front:control Arm
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) IS RECALLING THE TARGET POPULATION OF APPROXIMATELY 600,000 MY 2000 THROUGH 2003 DURANGO AND DAKOTA VEHICLES WITH FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE TO REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINTS WITH REDESIGNED PARTS THAT DO NOT HAVE THE JOINT INTEGRITY CONCERNS AND HAVE SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED JOINT RETENTION CAPACITY (NHTSA RECALL NO. 04V-596).THOUGH DCC DOES NOT ADMIT TO A SAFETY-DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS, ODI BELIEVES THAT THE FACTS IN THIS INVESTIGATION SHOW OTHERWISE.BECAUSE OF THE LOW RATES OF SEPARATION INCIDENTS IN THE REMAINING SUBJECT VEHICLES, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THOSE POPULATIONS AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS IN THOSE VEHICLES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Arm
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) IS RECALLING THE TARGET POPULATION OF APPROXIMATELY 600,000 MY 2000 THROUGH 2003 DURANGO AND DAKOTA VEHICLES WITH FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE TO REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINTS WITH REDESIGNED PARTS THAT DO NOT HAVE THE JOINT INTEGRITY CONCERNS AND HAVE SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED JOINT RETENTION CAPACITY (NHTSA RECALL NO. 04V-596).THOUGH DCC DOES NOT ADMIT TO A SAFETY-DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS, ODI BELIEVES THAT THE FACTS IN THIS INVESTIGATION SHOW OTHERWISE.BECAUSE OF THE LOW RATES OF SEPARATION INCIDENTS IN THE REMAINING SUBJECT VEHICLES, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THOSE POPULATIONS AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS IN THOSE VEHICLES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Ball Joint
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) IS RECALLING THE TARGET POPULATION OF APPROXIMATELY 600,000 MY 2000 THROUGH 2003 DURANGO AND DAKOTA VEHICLES WITH FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE TO REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINTS WITH REDESIGNED PARTS THAT DO NOT HAVE THE JOINT INTEGRITY CONCERNS AND HAVE SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED JOINT RETENTION CAPACITY (NHTSA RECALL NO. 04V-596).THOUGH DCC DOES NOT ADMIT TO A SAFETY-DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS, ODI BELIEVES THAT THE FACTS IN THIS INVESTIGATION SHOW OTHERWISE.BECAUSE OF THE LOW RATES OF SEPARATION INCIDENTS IN THE REMAINING SUBJECT VEHICLES, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THOSE POPULATIONS AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS IN THOSE VEHICLES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
PE03032 · Front Susp. Upper Ball Joint Failure
Opened Jul 16, 2003 · Closed Nov 19, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension:front; Suspension:front:control Arm; Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Arm; Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Ball Joint
IN JULY 2003, ODI OPENED PE03-032 BASED ON 4 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING SEPARATION OF AN UPPER BALL JOINT.COMPLAINTS ALLEGED AN UNEXPECTED COLLAPSE IN THE FRONT END AND IN SOME OCCASIONS THE BALL JOINT SEPARATION IS ALLEGED TO HAVE RESULTED IN THE WHEEL, BRAKE ROTOR, AND STEERING KNUCKLE SEPARATING FROM THE VEHICLE.SINCE OPENING THE PE, ODI HAS RECEIVED 23 ADDITIONAL COMPLAINTS RELATED TO BALL JOINT SEPARATION. DAIMLERCHRYSLER HAS IDENTIFIED A WEAROUT CONCERN IN THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS THAT IS BELIEVED TO OCCUR AFTER WATER INTRUSION EVACUATES THE JOINT LUBRICANT.DAIMLERCHRYSLER DOES NOT BELIEVE THE CONDITION POSES AN UNREASONABLE RISK TO SAFETY BECAUSE THE SUSPENSION DESIGN IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCES THE LIKELIHOOD OF JOINT SEPARATION.OVER 99 PERCENT OF THE FAILURES ARE RELATED TO WORN BALL JOINTS (E.G., NOISE COMPLAINTS).DAIMLERCHRYSLER REVISED THE REPAIR PROCEDURE IN AUGUST 2003 TO ALLOW THE UPPER BALL JOINTS TO BE SERVICED SEPARATELY FROM THE UPPER CONTROL ARM AND REDUCE REPAIR COSTS. DAIMLERCHRYSLER CHANGED THE SUPPLIER OF THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS FROM TRW TO NEW CASTLE MACHINING & FORGE FOR MY 2000 VEHICLES.MY 2000 DURANGO VEHICLES ACCOUNT FOR 25 OF THE 37 SEPARATION COMPLAINTS.THE UPPER BALL JOINT WAS REDESIGNED IN MY 2003.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER ASSESS THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN MY 2000-02 DURANGO VEHICLES.
Additional source detail variants (4)
Suspension:front
IN JULY 2003, ODI OPENED PE03-032 BASED ON 4 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING SEPARATION OF AN UPPER BALL JOINT.COMPLAINTS ALLEGED AN UNEXPECTED COLLAPSE IN THE FRONT END AND IN SOME OCCASIONS THE BALL JOINT SEPARATION IS ALLEGED TO HAVE RESULTED IN THE WHEEL, BRAKE ROTOR, AND STEERING KNUCKLE SEPARATING FROM THE VEHICLE.SINCE OPENING THE PE, ODI HAS RECEIVED 23 ADDITIONAL COMPLAINTS RELATED TO BALL JOINT SEPARATION. DAIMLERCHRYSLER HAS IDENTIFIED A WEAROUT CONCERN IN THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS THAT IS BELIEVED TO OCCUR AFTER WATER INTRUSION EVACUATES THE JOINT LUBRICANT.DAIMLERCHRYSLER DOES NOT BELIEVE THE CONDITION POSES AN UNREASONABLE RISK TO SAFETY BECAUSE THE SUSPENSION DESIGN IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCES THE LIKELIHOOD OF JOINT SEPARATION.OVER 99 PERCENT OF THE FAILURES ARE RELATED TO WORN BALL JOINTS (E.G., NOISE COMPLAINTS).DAIMLERCHRYSLER REVISED THE REPAIR PROCEDURE IN AUGUST 2003 TO ALLOW THE UPPER BALL JOINTS TO BE SERVICED SEPARATELY FROM THE UPPER CONTROL ARM AND REDUCE REPAIR COSTS. DAIMLERCHRYSLER CHANGED THE SUPPLIER OF THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS FROM TRW TO NEW CASTLE MACHINING & FORGE FOR MY 2000 VEHICLES.MY 2000 DURANGO VEHICLES ACCOUNT FOR 25 OF THE 37 SEPARATION COMPLAINTS.THE UPPER BALL JOINT WAS REDESIGNED IN MY 2003.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER ASSESS THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN MY 2000-02 DURANGO VEHICLES.
Suspension:front:control Arm
IN JULY 2003, ODI OPENED PE03-032 BASED ON 4 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING SEPARATION OF AN UPPER BALL JOINT.COMPLAINTS ALLEGED AN UNEXPECTED COLLAPSE IN THE FRONT END AND IN SOME OCCASIONS THE BALL JOINT SEPARATION IS ALLEGED TO HAVE RESULTED IN THE WHEEL, BRAKE ROTOR, AND STEERING KNUCKLE SEPARATING FROM THE VEHICLE.SINCE OPENING THE PE, ODI HAS RECEIVED 23 ADDITIONAL COMPLAINTS RELATED TO BALL JOINT SEPARATION. DAIMLERCHRYSLER HAS IDENTIFIED A WEAROUT CONCERN IN THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS THAT IS BELIEVED TO OCCUR AFTER WATER INTRUSION EVACUATES THE JOINT LUBRICANT.DAIMLERCHRYSLER DOES NOT BELIEVE THE CONDITION POSES AN UNREASONABLE RISK TO SAFETY BECAUSE THE SUSPENSION DESIGN IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCES THE LIKELIHOOD OF JOINT SEPARATION.OVER 99 PERCENT OF THE FAILURES ARE RELATED TO WORN BALL JOINTS (E.G., NOISE COMPLAINTS).DAIMLERCHRYSLER REVISED THE REPAIR PROCEDURE IN AUGUST 2003 TO ALLOW THE UPPER BALL JOINTS TO BE SERVICED SEPARATELY FROM THE UPPER CONTROL ARM AND REDUCE REPAIR COSTS. DAIMLERCHRYSLER CHANGED THE SUPPLIER OF THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS FROM TRW TO NEW CASTLE MACHINING & FORGE FOR MY 2000 VEHICLES.MY 2000 DURANGO VEHICLES ACCOUNT FOR 25 OF THE 37 SEPARATION COMPLAINTS.THE UPPER BALL JOINT WAS REDESIGNED IN MY 2003.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER ASSESS THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN MY 2000-02 DURANGO VEHICLES.
Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Arm
IN JULY 2003, ODI OPENED PE03-032 BASED ON 4 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING SEPARATION OF AN UPPER BALL JOINT.COMPLAINTS ALLEGED AN UNEXPECTED COLLAPSE IN THE FRONT END AND IN SOME OCCASIONS THE BALL JOINT SEPARATION IS ALLEGED TO HAVE RESULTED IN THE WHEEL, BRAKE ROTOR, AND STEERING KNUCKLE SEPARATING FROM THE VEHICLE.SINCE OPENING THE PE, ODI HAS RECEIVED 23 ADDITIONAL COMPLAINTS RELATED TO BALL JOINT SEPARATION. DAIMLERCHRYSLER HAS IDENTIFIED A WEAROUT CONCERN IN THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS THAT IS BELIEVED TO OCCUR AFTER WATER INTRUSION EVACUATES THE JOINT LUBRICANT.DAIMLERCHRYSLER DOES NOT BELIEVE THE CONDITION POSES AN UNREASONABLE RISK TO SAFETY BECAUSE THE SUSPENSION DESIGN IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCES THE LIKELIHOOD OF JOINT SEPARATION.OVER 99 PERCENT OF THE FAILURES ARE RELATED TO WORN BALL JOINTS (E.G., NOISE COMPLAINTS).DAIMLERCHRYSLER REVISED THE REPAIR PROCEDURE IN AUGUST 2003 TO ALLOW THE UPPER BALL JOINTS TO BE SERVICED SEPARATELY FROM THE UPPER CONTROL ARM AND REDUCE REPAIR COSTS. DAIMLERCHRYSLER CHANGED THE SUPPLIER OF THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS FROM TRW TO NEW CASTLE MACHINING & FORGE FOR MY 2000 VEHICLES.MY 2000 DURANGO VEHICLES ACCOUNT FOR 25 OF THE 37 SEPARATION COMPLAINTS.THE UPPER BALL JOINT WAS REDESIGNED IN MY 2003.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER ASSESS THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN MY 2000-02 DURANGO VEHICLES.
Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Ball Joint
IN JULY 2003, ODI OPENED PE03-032 BASED ON 4 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING SEPARATION OF AN UPPER BALL JOINT.COMPLAINTS ALLEGED AN UNEXPECTED COLLAPSE IN THE FRONT END AND IN SOME OCCASIONS THE BALL JOINT SEPARATION IS ALLEGED TO HAVE RESULTED IN THE WHEEL, BRAKE ROTOR, AND STEERING KNUCKLE SEPARATING FROM THE VEHICLE.SINCE OPENING THE PE, ODI HAS RECEIVED 23 ADDITIONAL COMPLAINTS RELATED TO BALL JOINT SEPARATION. DAIMLERCHRYSLER HAS IDENTIFIED A WEAROUT CONCERN IN THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS THAT IS BELIEVED TO OCCUR AFTER WATER INTRUSION EVACUATES THE JOINT LUBRICANT.DAIMLERCHRYSLER DOES NOT BELIEVE THE CONDITION POSES AN UNREASONABLE RISK TO SAFETY BECAUSE THE SUSPENSION DESIGN IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCES THE LIKELIHOOD OF JOINT SEPARATION.OVER 99 PERCENT OF THE FAILURES ARE RELATED TO WORN BALL JOINTS (E.G., NOISE COMPLAINTS).DAIMLERCHRYSLER REVISED THE REPAIR PROCEDURE IN AUGUST 2003 TO ALLOW THE UPPER BALL JOINTS TO BE SERVICED SEPARATELY FROM THE UPPER CONTROL ARM AND REDUCE REPAIR COSTS. DAIMLERCHRYSLER CHANGED THE SUPPLIER OF THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS FROM TRW TO NEW CASTLE MACHINING & FORGE FOR MY 2000 VEHICLES.MY 2000 DURANGO VEHICLES ACCOUNT FOR 25 OF THE 37 SEPARATION COMPLAINTS.THE UPPER BALL JOINT WAS REDESIGNED IN MY 2003.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER ASSESS THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN MY 2000-02 DURANGO VEHICLES.
PE02082 · Safety Belt Cinching Latch Plate
Opened Nov 6, 2002 · Closed Apr 23, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts
THERE ARE NO INJURIES OR FATALITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ALLEGED DEFECT.WHILE CONDUCTING THIS INVESTIGATION, ODI FOUND THAT THE SUBJECT CINCHES MEET THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 208, AND THAT MANY OF THE REPORTED FAILURES WERE DUE TO INCORRECT CHILD SAFETY SEAT INSTALLATIONS. ADDITIONALLY, THE REPORT RATE IS LOW (1.60/100K).THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE FAILS TO ESTABLISH THE EXISTENCE OF A DEFECT TREND AT THIS TIME.FURTHER ALLOCATION OF AGENCY RESOURCES TO THIS ISSUE IS UNWARRANTED AND THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS BEING CLOSED.