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1999 Dodge Durango

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Durango years

Owner complaints for the 1999 Dodge Durango are substantially higher than the model-year median of 231.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

1,148 reports with mileage · 819 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 1,102 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 281 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 181 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

106 crash reports20 fire reports49 injury reports

What owners actually said

1,967 reports
Mileage unknown · May 3, 2022
Service Brakes

Steel Brake lines burst. The Steel lines are all rusted and corroded. Even the factory replacement pieces corroded again. This happened 2 times and even when I replaced them with original factory pieces ,it happened again .this can't be a coincidence.

NHTSA ODI #11463158

113,000 miles · Oct 5, 2020
Electrical SystemEngine

PHANTOM MISFIRE CAN DROP ENGINE RPM AND STALL. EVERY POSSIBLE SENSOR REPLACED. FUEL PUMP, INJECTORS REPLACED. ENTIRE IGNITION SYSTEM REPLACED. THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND WHILE THE PHANTOM MISFIRE HAPPENS A PROFESSIONAL CODE READER SHOWS NO MISFIRE AND NO HISTORY OF EVENTS. CAN HAPPEN AT ANYTIME, ANY SPEED. AT …

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PHANTOM MISFIRE CAN DROP ENGINE RPM AND STALL. EVERY POSSIBLE SENSOR REPLACED. FUEL PUMP, INJECTORS REPLACED. ENTIRE IGNITION SYSTEM REPLACED. THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND WHILE THE PHANTOM MISFIRE HAPPENS A PROFESSIONAL CODE READER SHOWS NO MISFIRE AND NO HISTORY OF EVENTS. CAN HAPPEN AT ANYTIME, ANY SPEED. AT SLOWER SPEED THE ENGINE WILL CUT OFF WHILE DRIVING CAUSING A DANGEROUS PROBLEM WITH LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKE HYDRAULICS. CONDITION HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR OVER FIVE YEARS AND I'M INTO THIS DEMON FOR THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS.

NHTSA ODI #11362829

249,000 miles · Jun 16, 2020
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART WITH THE GEAR SHIFTER EITHER IN PARK OR NEUTRAL HOWEVER, ONCE THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS SHIFTED INTO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE STALLED AGA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART WITH THE GEAR SHIFTER EITHER IN PARK OR NEUTRAL HOWEVER, ONCE THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS SHIFTED INTO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE 249,000.

NHTSA ODI #11329114

22,300 miles · Dec 4, 2019
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemSteeringCrashFire

HELLO MY NAME IS [XXX] I BROUGHT THIS SUV 12/3/2019 .THE GUY I BOUGHT THIS SUV FROM HE TOLD ME THERE'S AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITH THE BATTERY TO THE TRANSMISSION I FOUND THERE WAS SEVERAL THINGS WRONG WITH IT THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOOSE. NEED A TUNE-UP OH WHEN I GOT HOME THE CAR STARTS SMOKING INSIDE THEN THE OUTSIDE THAT'S HOW IT…

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HELLO MY NAME IS [XXX] I BROUGHT THIS SUV 12/3/2019 .THE GUY I BOUGHT THIS SUV FROM HE TOLD ME THERE'S AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITH THE BATTERY TO THE TRANSMISSION I FOUND THERE WAS SEVERAL THINGS WRONG WITH IT THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOOSE. NEED A TUNE-UP OH WHEN I GOT HOME THE CAR STARTS SMOKING INSIDE THEN THE OUTSIDE THAT'S HOW IT CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDERNEATH TO THE FIREWALL I THINK NOT SURE PLEASE HELP INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #11286786

108,000 miles · Nov 19, 2019
Electrical System

THE VEHICLE LOSES ALL POWER AND WONT START AND ON THE ODOMETER IT SAY NO BUS BUT U WAIT A FEW MINUTES SOMETIMES UP TO FIFTEEN MINUTES IT WILL RESTART BUT NO CODES COME UP WITH THE ODB2

NHTSA ODI #11280967

212,000 miles · Sep 27, 2019
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Engine

WHEN OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE GOES BEYOND 80 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT, WHILE IN MOTION, THE COMPUTER HAS SHUT OFF THE ENGINE MULTIPLE TIMES AND A CODE SAYING NO BUS IS DISPLAYED IN THE DASH FOR A FEW SECONDS. IT HAS HAPPENED TO ME GOING 70 MPH. IT HAS HAPPENED GOING 45 MPH AND AS LOW AS 20 MPH. ALL I HAVE TO DO IS PULL OVER AND LET THE COM…

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WHEN OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE GOES BEYOND 80 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT, WHILE IN MOTION, THE COMPUTER HAS SHUT OFF THE ENGINE MULTIPLE TIMES AND A CODE SAYING NO BUS IS DISPLAYED IN THE DASH FOR A FEW SECONDS. IT HAS HAPPENED TO ME GOING 70 MPH. IT HAS HAPPENED GOING 45 MPH AND AS LOW AS 20 MPH. ALL I HAVE TO DO IS PULL OVER AND LET THE COMPUTER COOL OFF AND IT TURNS ON AGAIN. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AS POWER STEERING SHUTS OFF AND BRAKES BECOME VERY HARD. I HAVE A GREAT CAR IN THE WINTER. IN THE SUMMER IT'S A DEATH TRAP THAT CAN SHUT OFF ENGINE, POWER STEERING AND BRAKES IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY. CHECK YOUTUBE AND GOOGLE FOR "DODGE DURANGO NO BUS" AND YOU WILL FIND THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE WITH THE COMPUTER.

NHTSA ODI #11258585

185,000 miles · Jul 28, 2019
Electrical SystemSteeringWheels

MAKONG TURNS, THE OIL PRESSURE PLUMMETS. WHEEL SPEED SENSORS ARE CAUSING THE DASH LIGHT TO STAY ON. BEEN THROUGH 2 NEW PCM COMPUTERS. SPARK PLUGS FOUL OUT TOO EASY. BATTERY TEMP SENSOR NEEDS TO BE BEEFED UP. FACTORY ANTI THEFT SYSTEM STOPPED WORKING. THERE IS A SHORT SOMEWHERE. THIS DURANGO HAS DIED WHILE IN MOTION TOO. SCARY.

NHTSA ODI #11240197

Mileage unknown · May 15, 2019
Electrical SystemSteering

TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE DURANGO. VEHICLE LOST POWER. NEARLY STRANDED AND CONCERNED ABOUT BEING INJURED OR KILLED DUE TO VEHICLE LOSING ELECTRICAL POWER NO ELECTRICAL POWER IN VEHICLE; ENGINE CONTROL MODULE OVERHEATED WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, WITHOUT WARNING THE VEHICLE LOST ELECTRICAL POWER. THE CONTACT STATED THA…

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TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE DURANGO. VEHICLE LOST POWER. NEARLY STRANDED AND CONCERNED ABOUT BEING INJURED OR KILLED DUE TO VEHICLE LOSING ELECTRICAL POWER NO ELECTRICAL POWER IN VEHICLE; ENGINE CONTROL MODULE OVERHEATED WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, WITHOUT WARNING THE VEHICLE LOST ELECTRICAL POWER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES BECAME INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND DRIVEN FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE MILE BEFORE THE VEHICLE LOST ELECTRICAL POWER ONCE AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE DIAGNOSTIC CODE READER STATED NO BUSS. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE OVERHEATED DUE TO ITS PLACEMENT IN PROXIMITY TO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE NUT ON THE STEERING WHEEL KNUCKLE WAS STRIPPED WHICH CAUSED THE STEERING TO BE DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND SEVERAL UNKNOWN DEALERS WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THERE WOULD BE NO ASSISTANCE OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. PIIR = Y. AH *BF CONSUMER STATED EMC BRAIN OVERHEATS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. STEERING KNUCKLE STRIPS OUT, TIE ROD ENDS, MANIFOLD BOLTS, AND BALL JOINTS. CHECK ATTACHMENT EXCEEDS 2000 CHARACTERS. *JB

NHTSA ODI #11207843

150,000 miles · Apr 9, 2019
Unknown Or Other

1999 DODGE DURANGO. START OUT WITH GOING DOWN THE ROAD AND IT WOULD JUST STALL OUT. WOULD HAVE TO WAIT FOR A WHILE THEN IT WOULD RESTART. I REPLACED THE CAM SENSOR, CRANK SENSOR, THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR, TRANSMISSION SENSOR COMPUTER. DROVE FOR 6 MONTHS THEN IT STARTED HAVING THE RPMS TO FLUCTUATE AND WOULD NOT STAY RUNNING. PU…

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1999 DODGE DURANGO. START OUT WITH GOING DOWN THE ROAD AND IT WOULD JUST STALL OUT. WOULD HAVE TO WAIT FOR A WHILE THEN IT WOULD RESTART. I REPLACED THE CAM SENSOR, CRANK SENSOR, THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR, TRANSMISSION SENSOR COMPUTER. DROVE FOR 6 MONTHS THEN IT STARTED HAVING THE RPMS TO FLUCTUATE AND WOULD NOT STAY RUNNING. PUT ANOTHER COMPUTER IN AND CHECKED SENSORS. IT KEEPS THROWING A CODE THAT COMPUTER IS BAD AND MULTIPLE CODES ARE BEING SENT FOR LOTS OF SENSOR ISSUES. I HAVE BEEN ON THE DODGE FORUM AND WOW THE COMPLAINTS ON THERE. HAVING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM.E OWN TWO DODGES AND AFTER THIS; THE PROBLEM I REALLY WOULD NOT RECOMMEND A DODGE TO ANYONE. THIS ALL HAPPENED WHEN DRIVING, NOW AFTER ALL THIS, IT WILL NOT EVEN RUN ENOUGH TO MOVE TO TAKE TO A DEALER. WHICH THEY SAY THEY DO NOT KNOW THE EXACT THING WRONG.

NHTSA ODI #11194967

204,000 miles · Jul 5, 2018
Service BrakesUnknown Or Other

JUST BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE, THE ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT IS ON, CONTACTED SELLER AND HE STATED IT WAS NOT ON WHEN HE SOLD IT TO ME. I TOOK TO AUTO ZONE FOR THEM TO RUN THE NEEDED SCAN ON IT. IT SHOWED REAR WHEEL SENSOR. SO, I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC. HE THEN RAN 3 DIFFERENT CODE SCANS ON IT AND IT CAME UP WITH NOTHING. SO, UNFORTUN…

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JUST BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE, THE ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT IS ON, CONTACTED SELLER AND HE STATED IT WAS NOT ON WHEN HE SOLD IT TO ME. I TOOK TO AUTO ZONE FOR THEM TO RUN THE NEEDED SCAN ON IT. IT SHOWED REAR WHEEL SENSOR. SO, I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC. HE THEN RAN 3 DIFFERENT CODE SCANS ON IT AND IT CAME UP WITH NOTHING. SO, UNFORTUNATELY HE CAN'T FIX IT WITHOUT A CODE. UNLESS I WANT TO THRO MORE MONEY INTO IT JUST TO START REPLACE IKNG THINGS THAT MAYBE MAY NOT BE THE PROBLEM. NOW THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. UPON READING OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, I FEEL THERE IS A FAULTY SOMETHING IN THERE THAT NEEDS TO BE FIGURED OUT AND RECALLED. I PRAY TO GOD, MY BRAKES DONT GO OUT WHILE I AM DRIVING WITH MY KIDS IN THE VEHICLE. I AM A SINGLE PARENT AND CANNOT AFFORD TO JUST GO OUT AND BUY ANOTHER VEHICLE. FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM AND GET IT RECALLED AND FIXED, PLEASE!

NHTSA ODI #11109758

Official recalls

3

01V153000 · 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.

01V119000 · Seat Belts:front:retractor

Apr 11, 2001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN VAN, WAGON, PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MAY NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE RETRACTOR DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY, IT WILL NOT ADEQUATELY PROTECT OCCUPANTS IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 20, 2001. 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.

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.

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

3

EA03023 · 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.