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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.

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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

Engine And Engine Cooling complaints

281 reports
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50,000 miles · Nov 18, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling

MY 99 DURANGO HAS A DEFECTIVE ENGINE! MY OIL PRESSURE GAUGE DROPPED TO ZERO WHILE DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY SO I PULLED OFF AND LET THE MOTOR COOL DOWN AND CHECKED THE OIL. AFTER LETTING THE ENGINE COOL OFF FOR A WHILE I PRECEDED HOME. AFTER ABOUT 10 MILES BACK ON THE ROAD THE CHECK GAUGES LIGHT CAME ON, THE OIL PRESSURE HAD DRO…

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MY 99 DURANGO HAS A DEFECTIVE ENGINE! MY OIL PRESSURE GAUGE DROPPED TO ZERO WHILE DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY SO I PULLED OFF AND LET THE MOTOR COOL DOWN AND CHECKED THE OIL. AFTER LETTING THE ENGINE COOL OFF FOR A WHILE I PRECEDED HOME. AFTER ABOUT 10 MILES BACK ON THE ROAD THE CHECK GAUGES LIGHT CAME ON, THE OIL PRESSURE HAD DROPPED TO ZERO AGAIN, AND I COULD FEEL THE TRUCK SLOWING DOWN WITHOUT LETTING OFF THE GAS. I PULLED OFF THE NEXT EXIT AND THE MOTOR KNOCKING LIKE SOMEONE WAS SLAMMING A HAMMER ON THE HEADS. THE DEALER SAID TO HAVE IT TOWED IN SO THEY COULD LOOK AT IT. AFTER 2 DAYS THE DEALER CALLED ME BACK AND SAID I NEEDED A NEW LONG BLOCK. I AND ASKED HOW A MOTOR WITH ONLY 50,000 MILES ON IT COULD NEED A NEW BLOCK. THE DEALER'S RESPONSE WAS THE ENGINE HAD SOME SLUDGE IN THE OIL AND IN HIS OPINION THOUGHT IT WAS DUE TO LACK OF MAINTENANCE. IT TOOK EVERYTHING I HAD TO KEEP FROM GOING OFF ON THIS GUY FOR ACCUSING ME OF NOT MAINTAINING MY $30,000 TRUCK! I DO THE OIL CHANGES, AIR FILTER, AND FLUID LEVEL MAINTENANCE MYSELF BECAUSE I DON'T TRUST SOME OF THESE GUYS THAT WORK AT THESE DEALERS. IT'S MY $30,000 THAT'S WHY I DO MY OWN MAINTENANCE! I CALLED CHRYSLER'S 800 HELP LINE AND EXPLAINED WHAT HAPPENED TO THE GUY WHO TOOK MY CALL. HE LISTENED, BUT SOUNDED VERY UN-INTERESTED AS HE ASKED A FEW QUESTIONS, PUT ME ON HOLD AS HE CALLED THE DEALER WHERE MY VEHICLE WAS. AFTER 15-20 MINUTES HE CAME BACK ON THE LINE AND SAID HE WAS SORRY, BUT THERE WAS NOTHING HE, NOR CHRYSLER COULD DO TO HELP ME BECAUSE THE DEALER TOLD HIM THAT HE THOUGHT IT WAS DUE TO LACK OF MAINTENANCE. MY WIFE CALLED CHRYSLER LATER AND SHE EXPLAINED THE STORY TO THE LADY THAT TOOK HER CALL. HER RESPONSE TO MY WIFE WAS THIS: "IF YOU CAN PRODUCE RECEIPTS FOR ALL THE MAINTENANCE MAYBE WE WILL CHANGE OUR MINDS." MY WIFE TOLD THE LADY I DO ALL THE MAINTENANCE, NO OTHER SERVICE SHOP, AND SHE TOLD MY WIFE THAT OWNERS THAT DO THEIR OWN OIL CHANGES ARE NOT DODGE CERTIFIED MECHANICS. *LA

NHTSA ODI #10047093

34,000 miles · Nov 12, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling

I OWN A 1999 DODGE DURANGO. LAST YEAR WE BEGAN HAVING OIL PRESSURE RELATED PROBLEMS. WE WERE DRIVING AND THE PRESSURE WOULD DROP TO 0 AND WE WOULD HAVE TO STOP THE CAR AND HAVE IT TOWED IN. FIRST THEY CHANGED OUT OIL SENDING UNIT, NEXT THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE NEXT TIME THEY CLAIMED IT WAS DUE TO LACK OF MAINTENA…

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I OWN A 1999 DODGE DURANGO. LAST YEAR WE BEGAN HAVING OIL PRESSURE RELATED PROBLEMS. WE WERE DRIVING AND THE PRESSURE WOULD DROP TO 0 AND WE WOULD HAVE TO STOP THE CAR AND HAVE IT TOWED IN. FIRST THEY CHANGED OUT OIL SENDING UNIT, NEXT THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE NEXT TIME THEY CLAIMED IT WAS DUE TO LACK OF MAINTENANCE (CHANGING OUR OIL EVERY 3,000 MILES). YES WE DID CHANGE OUR OIL. WE HAD OUR ENGINE FLUSHED SEVERAL TIMES. IT STILL PRODUCES SLUDGE EVEN RIGHT AFTER THE OIL IS CHANGED. IT IS NOW SITTING IN OUR DRIVEWAY BECAUSE WE DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY FOR A NEW ENGINE WHICH IT REQUIRES. THE THING IS THAT WE BEGAN LOOKING ON THE INTERNET TO TRY TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM OURSELVES AND THERE ARE LITERALLY THOUSANDS OF OTHERS THAT OWN DODGE DURANGOS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. IS THERE NOT SOMETHING THAT WE CAN DO? WE WERE EVEN GIVEN A FREE EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR ALL OF OUR PROBLEMS OF COURSE UNTIL OUR ORIGINAL WARRANTY RAN OUT AND NOW THEY SAY THAT OUR WARRANTY WILL NOT BE HONORED DUE TO THIS. THIS IS THE SAME STORY AS MANY MANY OTHERS. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME. *LA

NHTSA ODI #10046829

62,700 miles · Nov 9, 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentExterior Lighting

WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FROM V & H FORD INC, MARSHFIELD, WI. IN JUNE 2003. THE NEXT DAY AFTER I GOT IT I STARTED IT & IT STARTED TO SQUEAL. MY HUSBAND NOTICED TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKING AS WELL. WE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER, WE WERE TOLD THAT THE FAN CLUTCH & SERPENTINE BELT WERE SHOT, AS WELL AS A LITTLE LEAK IN THE TRAN…

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WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FROM V & H FORD INC, MARSHFIELD, WI. IN JUNE 2003. THE NEXT DAY AFTER I GOT IT I STARTED IT & IT STARTED TO SQUEAL. MY HUSBAND NOTICED TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKING AS WELL. WE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER, WE WERE TOLD THAT THE FAN CLUTCH & SERPENTINE BELT WERE SHOT, AS WELL AS A LITTLE LEAK IN THE TRANSMISSION. THEY PUT SOME KIND OF SEALER ON IT & CONTINUED TO LEAK. (ALSO DURING ALL OF THIS TIME, OUR RPM'S KEPT JUMPING.) AFTER THE 3RD TIME, THEY SAID THEY DID A FACTORY AUTHORIZED REPAIR & PUT WHAT WAS REFERRED TO AS A "COCK RING" IN IT TO SEAL IT. THIS SEAMS TO HAVE TAKEN CARE OF THIS. THEN WHEN THE TRUCK WAS PUT IN REVERSE IT KEPT CLUNKING, THE U-JOINTS WENT OUT NEXT, THEN THE LATCH BROKE ON OUR GLOVE BOX. MEANWHILE THE RPM'S KEEP JUMPING, IT HAS BEEN BACK IN THE SHOP A TOTAL OF PROBABLY 7 TO 8 TIMES SO FAR. OUR SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON & FLASHED THE CODE OF FUEL INJECTOR #8, WHEN IT WAS PUT THROUGH THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST, HOWEVER WE ARE LEARNING THIS IS STILL NOT THE PROBLEM. LAST WEEKEND I WAS GOING TO PUT THE TRUCK IN THE GARAGE. I PUT IN DRIVE, AND IT TOOK OFF ON ME WITHOUT ME EVEN TOUCHING THE GAS. IT HAS DONE THIS SEVERAL TIMES NOW WHILE ON THE ROAD. NOW FOR THE PAST WEEK, WHEN YOU LEAVE A STOP SIGN, IT WILL SHIFT ONCE AND STAY AT ABOUT 3000 - 3500 RPM AND WILL NOT SHIFT UNTIL YOU ARE READY TO STOP. WHEN YOU TRY TO STOP THE TROTTLE STICKS AND THE TRUCK WANTS TO GO. WE ARE AT LOSS WHAT TO DO. WE HAVE OBVIOUSLY PURCHASED A LEMON THAT IT A HAZARD TO BE ON THE ROAD. TO TRADE IT IN OR TRY TO SELL IT OUTRIGHT SEEMS TO BE A CRIME, BECAUSE WE KNOW THE HORRIBLE THINGS WRONG WITH IT. I AM CERTAIN THAT IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE MY HUSBAND & I AND OUR 2 CHILDREN ARE SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED BY THE SPURATIC BEHAVIOR OF THIS DANGEROUS VEHICLE. PLEASE ADVISE US WHAT TO DO. IS THERE A LEMON LAW OR ANY THING THAT CAN HELP US. MEANWHILE, WE ARE STUCK MAKING PAYMENTS ON THIS . *AK

NHTSA ODI #10045818

68,000 miles · Nov 5, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ENGINE FAILURE. TWO PISTONS MALFUNCTIONED AND THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE BLOCK. *AK WITHOUT WARNING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD COME ON FOR A FEW SECONDS BEFORE A LOUD BANG WAS HEARD AND COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE OCCURRED. *SCC *JB

NHTSA ODI #10042710

98,500 miles · Nov 3, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling

MY HUSBAND AND I PURCHASED OUR 99 DODGE DURANGO IN SEPTEMBER 2002, USED FROM A HONDA DEALERSHIP. A FEW DAYS AFTER WE DROVE IT OFF THE LOT, THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE BEGAN TO DROP TO "0" RAPIDLY, THEN BACK UP TO "40", THEN IT STARTED STALLING AND HESITATING AFTER RESTART. WE CALLED THE DEALER, THEY SAID TO BRING IT IN, SO WE WINGED …

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MY HUSBAND AND I PURCHASED OUR 99 DODGE DURANGO IN SEPTEMBER 2002, USED FROM A HONDA DEALERSHIP. A FEW DAYS AFTER WE DROVE IT OFF THE LOT, THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE BEGAN TO DROP TO "0" RAPIDLY, THEN BACK UP TO "40", THEN IT STARTED STALLING AND HESITATING AFTER RESTART. WE CALLED THE DEALER, THEY SAID TO BRING IT IN, SO WE WINGED IT 20 MILES TO THE SHOP, WHERE THEY HAD IT IN SERVICE FOR A FEW DAYS. THEY SAID IT WAS THE OIL SENDING UNIT AND OIL PUMP, SO THEY REPLACED IT AT NO CHARGE TO US BECAUSE IT WAS WITHIN THE 30 DAYS. SO A FEW WEEKS LATER THE TRUCK DID THE SAME THING, SO WE TOOK IT BACK, THE DEALER CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO THE NEAREST CHRYSLER DEALER. THIS IS WHERE THEY REPLACED THE ENGINE AT 65,500 MILES, WHICH THE HONDA DEALER PAID FOR. I HAD THE VEHICLE LESS THAN 1 MONTH, AND HAD TO HAVE A NEW MOTOR, WELL THAT WAS 10/28/02 THAT THEY INSTALLED THE MOTOR, AND NOW MY TRUCK IS BACK IN THE SHOP 10/25/03 FOR ANOTHER MOTOR. THIS IS BECAUSE THE DODGE DEALER SAYS SLUDGE CAUSED MALFUNCTION IN THE ENGINES ABILITY TO SUCK OIL INTO THE SCREEN. OF COURSE THEY BLAMED ME, SAYING THAT I DID NOT CHANGE THE OIL ENOUGH, I PROVIDED THEM WITH SOME OF MY RECEIPTS, AND MY LOG OF OIL CHANGES I DID MYSELF EVERY 3 TO 5,000 MILES. THEY ARE REFUSING TO COVER THE COST AND SAID I HAVE TO GET AN ATTORNEY. I TOLD THEM I WAS AWARE THAT DURANGOS WITH 5.2 AND 5.9 LITER ENGINES HAVE OIL PUMP AND SCREEN PROBLEMS, AGAIN THEY REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE AND TURNED ME AWAY. NOW THEY ARE THREATENING TO CHARGE OTHER CHARGES LIKE STORAGE OF THE VEHICLE UNTIL MY ATTORNEY DECIDES WHAT TO DO. *LA

NHTSA ODI #10045364

Mileage unknown · Oct 17, 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingWheels

WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 5 MPH AND PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT REAR RIM FELL OFF AND VEHICLE STALLED. DRIVER HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR ANALYSIS. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10044239

78,000 miles · Oct 7, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling

VEHICLE BEGAN TO SPONTANEOUSLY LOSE OIL AT AROUND 78,000 MILES, CAUSING OIL PRESSURE TO DROP AND SPARK KNOCK ON ACCELERATION. CHRYSLER ADMITS TO INTAKE MANIFOLD PAN GASKET OIL LEAK IN THEIR TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 09-05-00 BUT WILL NOT ASSIST THIS CONSUMER WITH THE STEEP PRICE OF REPAIR. OUT OF WARRANTY - TOO BAD - A DEFECT…

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VEHICLE BEGAN TO SPONTANEOUSLY LOSE OIL AT AROUND 78,000 MILES, CAUSING OIL PRESSURE TO DROP AND SPARK KNOCK ON ACCELERATION. CHRYSLER ADMITS TO INTAKE MANIFOLD PAN GASKET OIL LEAK IN THEIR TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 09-05-00 BUT WILL NOT ASSIST THIS CONSUMER WITH THE STEEP PRICE OF REPAIR. OUT OF WARRANTY - TOO BAD - A DEFECT OF THIS MAGNITUDE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AS A RECALL ITEM! HONDA, HERE I COME. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10041398

54,000 miles · Sep 12, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling

WHEN THE VEHICLE HAD A FULL TANK OF GAS AND DRIVEN ON A SLIGHT INCLINE, THE ENGINE WOULD SHUT OFF AND WOULD NOT START. THE CAUSE WAS UNKNOWN. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING, HE/SHE PULLED OVER AND POPPED THE HOOD, AND NOTICED THE BUSHINGS ON THE WATER PUMP WERE LOOSE, WHICH CAUSED THE RADIATOR FAN TO M…

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WHEN THE VEHICLE HAD A FULL TANK OF GAS AND DRIVEN ON A SLIGHT INCLINE, THE ENGINE WOULD SHUT OFF AND WOULD NOT START. THE CAUSE WAS UNKNOWN. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING, HE/SHE PULLED OVER AND POPPED THE HOOD, AND NOTICED THE BUSHINGS ON THE WATER PUMP WERE LOOSE, WHICH CAUSED THE RADIATOR FAN TO MOVE BACK AND FORTH. *AK THE PUMP WAS REPLACED, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM REMAINED. *SCC *JB

NHTSA ODI #10033908

Mileage unknown · Sep 3, 2003
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingEquipment

SUSPENSION BALL JOINTS AND BUSHINGS WERE REPLACED ON BOTH SIDES. PROBLEMS ALSO WITH THE TRANSMISSION SENSOR. *MR THE BALL JOINTS, AND BUSHINGS WERE REPLACED ON BOTH SIDES. THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE TRANSMISSION SENSORS WHICH WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. THE A/C, ALTERNATOR AND THE WATER PUMP FAILED PREMATURELY. *SCC *JB

NHTSA ODI #10038475

57,889 miles · Aug 27, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling

OIL PRESSURE GUAGE WOULD READ NORMAL THEN DROP TO 0 AND BOUNCED BACK AND FORTH,SOMETIMES NOT COMING BACK UP FOR AWHILE, HAD CHECKED OUT AND FOUND NO PROBLEMS,ABOUT 4 MONTHS AND ONLY 4000 MILES LATER I HAVE A 57,000 MILE BLOWN ENGINE...*AK

NHTSA ODI #10036717

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.