NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
281 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Aug 25, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
WE HAVE A 1999 DODGE DURANGO. THIS VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN PROPERLY MAINTAINED, HOWEVER, IT RECENTLY DIED! WE WERE 150 MILES FROM OUR HOME WITH 3 YOUNG CHILDREN WHEN THE OIL PRESSURE DROPPED, THE MOTOR STARTED KNOCKING AND THE TRUCK JUST DIED. NOW WE HAVE TO GET A NEW ENGINE. THERE ARE MANY CASES JUST LIKE MINE AND DODGE REF…
Read full complaint
WE HAVE A 1999 DODGE DURANGO. THIS VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN PROPERLY MAINTAINED, HOWEVER, IT RECENTLY DIED! WE WERE 150 MILES FROM OUR HOME WITH 3 YOUNG CHILDREN WHEN THE OIL PRESSURE DROPPED, THE MOTOR STARTED KNOCKING AND THE TRUCK JUST DIED. NOW WE HAVE TO GET A NEW ENGINE. THERE ARE MANY CASES JUST LIKE MINE AND DODGE REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10033431
Mileage unknown · Aug 22, 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, HydraulicSuspension
CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALER FOR A FRONT END PROBLEM. THE DEALER STATED THE LOWER BALL AND THE UPPER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND ALSO THE ENGINE SEEMED TO BOG DOWN, THE DEALER FOUND EXCESSIVE OIL IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. *JB *NLM
NHTSA ODI #10029812
77,100 miles · Aug 21, 2003
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingExterior Lighting
AT 70MPH, ON I-75 IN MICHIGAN '99 DURANGO TRANSFER CASE BLEW APART CAUSING VEHICLE TO JUMP WITH SMOKE POURING OUT THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. WAS BARELY ABLE TO GET VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL AND OFF TO SIDE OF ROAD. MECHANIC STATED FRONT DRIVESHAFT CRACKED THUS MAYBE CAUSING TRANSFER CASE CV JOINT TO GO BLOWING APART TRANSFER CASE. …
Read full complaint
AT 70MPH, ON I-75 IN MICHIGAN '99 DURANGO TRANSFER CASE BLEW APART CAUSING VEHICLE TO JUMP WITH SMOKE POURING OUT THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. WAS BARELY ABLE TO GET VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL AND OFF TO SIDE OF ROAD. MECHANIC STATED FRONT DRIVESHAFT CRACKED THUS MAYBE CAUSING TRANSFER CASE CV JOINT TO GO BLOWING APART TRANSFER CASE. ANOTHER VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A FLAT TIRE AT HIGH SPEED DUE TO RUNNING OVER PIECES OF TRANSFER CASE. HAVE SPENT OVER $4000 DOLLARS IN REPAIRS TO DURANGO IN 3 YEARS INCLUDING (FRONT DRIVESHAFT, TRANSFER CASE, WATER PUMP, PCM, UPPER & LOWER BALL JOINTS, UPPER CONTROL ARMS, SWAY BAR BUSHINGS, FRONT ROTORS, BRAKES, ETC. ONLY 78,000 ON THE VEHCILE WHEN TRANSFER CASE BLEW UP. CAN I FILE A CLAIM FOR LEMON LAW REGARDING BALL JOINTS. UPPERS NEED REPLACED AGAIN.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10033252
36,000 miles · Aug 16, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
OUR VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY 45000 MILES ON IT AT AROUND 36000 MILES THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A OIL PRESSURE AND ENGINE FAILURE. WE WERE TOLD BY DEALER THAT IT WAS DUE TO LACK OF MAINTENANCE, UNTRUE. WE HAD CHANGED OIL PROPERLY. WE REPLACED THE OIL PUMP NOT A COUPLE OF MONTHS LATER THE SAME PROBLEM WE HAD TO HAVE A OVERH…
Read full complaint
OUR VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY 45000 MILES ON IT AT AROUND 36000 MILES THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A OIL PRESSURE AND ENGINE FAILURE. WE WERE TOLD BY DEALER THAT IT WAS DUE TO LACK OF MAINTENANCE, UNTRUE. WE HAD CHANGED OIL PROPERLY. WE REPLACED THE OIL PUMP NOT A COUPLE OF MONTHS LATER THE SAME PROBLEM WE HAD TO HAVE A OVERHAUL OF THE ENGINE BUT WERE TOLD THE PROBLEM WOULD PROBABLY STILL EXIST AND TO GET RID OF THE VEHICLE AROUND 4000.00 LATER WE ARE LOOKING AT A WHOLE NEW ENGINE AND POSSIBLE TRANSMISSION AT AROUND 4000. PLUS LABOR. THERE ARE TOO MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS VEHILCE AND IT'S ENGINE TO IGNORE. WHAT WRONG WITH DODGE? SOMEONE MUST NEED TO DIE IN A ACCIDENT FOR THIS TO BE RECALLED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10032930
38,000 miles · Jul 25, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING UP A STEEP INCLINE WHEN THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT ILLUMINATED. CONSUMER HAD TO DRIVE AN ADDITIONAL 3 MILES BEFORE IT WAS SAFE TO STOP VEHICLE. CONSEQUENTLY, ALL THE ENGINE OIL HAD LEAKED OUT, CAUSING ENGINE TO "BLOW UP".*AK
NHTSA ODI #10030196
28,600 miles · Jul 8, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
OIL GAUGE PRESSURE WOULD SUDDENLY DROP TO ZERO AND THE "CHECK GAUGES" LIGHT WOULD COME AND AND A WARNING SIGNAL IS HEARD. INVESTIGATED INTERNET AND FIND THERE ARE 100'S OF CASES OF THE SAME PROBLEM.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10025677
74,000 miles · Jun 23, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
VEHICLE HAS HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS INVOLVING BOTH THE ENGINE COOLING AND OIL PRESSURE. UPON BRAKING, THE VEHICLE'S CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS FOR SERVICE. ON ONE OCCASION IT WAS FOUND THAT THE VEHICLE HAD VERY LITTLE OIL. THIS WAS ONLY ONE WEEK AFTER AN OIL CHANGE WAS PERFOR…
Read full complaint
VEHICLE HAS HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS INVOLVING BOTH THE ENGINE COOLING AND OIL PRESSURE. UPON BRAKING, THE VEHICLE'S CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS FOR SERVICE. ON ONE OCCASION IT WAS FOUND THAT THE VEHICLE HAD VERY LITTLE OIL. THIS WAS ONLY ONE WEEK AFTER AN OIL CHANGE WAS PERFORMED. NO OIL LEAK WAS FOUND. IN SUBSEQUENT WEEKS THE GAUGES STARTING DROPPING TO ZERO AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON. TOOK TO ANOTHER DEALER AND SEVERAL PARTS WERE REPLACED INCLUDING THE WATER PUMP, THERMOSTAT, ETC. I AM STILL NOT CONVINCED THAT THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN SOLVED, ESPECIALLY AFTER READING THE COMPLAINTS ON THIS WEBSITE. I WOULD LIKE THIS TO BE RESOLVED PRIOR TO MY ENGINE BLOWING LIKE MANY OF THE OTHERS THAT I'VE SEEN ON THIS COMPLAINT DATABASE. *NLM
NHTSA ODI #10023575
40,000 miles · Jun 19, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
MY 1999 DURANGO STARTED EXPERIENCING A SPARK KNOCK AND ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION DUE TO BAD INTAKE GASKET DESIGN. I HAVE TALKED TO A COUPLE OF OTHER DURANGO OWNERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AT THE SAME MILEAGE. THE GASKET CAN'T BE PROPERLY TIGHTENED AND OIL LEAKS INTO THE INTAKE CAUSING A KNOCKING UNDER LOAD. THE FIX CO…
Read full complaint
MY 1999 DURANGO STARTED EXPERIENCING A SPARK KNOCK AND ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION DUE TO BAD INTAKE GASKET DESIGN. I HAVE TALKED TO A COUPLE OF OTHER DURANGO OWNERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AT THE SAME MILEAGE. THE GASKET CAN'T BE PROPERLY TIGHTENED AND OIL LEAKS INTO THE INTAKE CAUSING A KNOCKING UNDER LOAD. THE FIX COSTS AROUND $1,000. *NLM
NHTSA ODI #10023370
Mileage unknown · Jun 3, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
VEHICLE WAS READING LOW ON OIL AND DRIVING VERY ROUGH. OIL LEVEL WAS AT SPECIFICATIONS. DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE OIL PRESSURE SENSOR HAD FAILED.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10022147
58,500 miles · May 22, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
THE VEHICLE DIES WHEN COMING TO A STOP, THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE APPROXIMATELY 2 WEEKS APART. BOTH TIMES WHEN IT HAPPENED THE GAS GAUGE WENT TO THE EMPTY POSITION THEN AFTER TRYING TO RESTART AFTER A FEW MINUTES THE GAUGE STARTED READING AGAIN AND THE VEHICLE STARTED AND RAN FINE. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND ALL THEY DID WAS LET…
Read full complaint
THE VEHICLE DIES WHEN COMING TO A STOP, THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE APPROXIMATELY 2 WEEKS APART. BOTH TIMES WHEN IT HAPPENED THE GAS GAUGE WENT TO THE EMPTY POSITION THEN AFTER TRYING TO RESTART AFTER A FEW MINUTES THE GAUGE STARTED READING AGAIN AND THE VEHICLE STARTED AND RAN FINE. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND ALL THEY DID WAS LET IT SIT THERE AND IDLE TO TRY TO VERIFY THE COMPLAINT. THEY TOLD US THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. *NLM
NHTSA ODI #10019121
Official recalls
3May 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.
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.
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
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.
Illustration