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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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Mileage unknown · Jan 29, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling

OIL PRESSURE GAUGE INDICATED DROP OF OIL PRESSURE AND LOSS POWER IN THE ENGINE. DEALER HAS TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. PH *TR

NHTSA ODI #10005897

80,000 miles · Jan 23, 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, HydraulicCrash

WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THEY LOCKED UP, WHICH CAUSED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. *TS. AT 81,000 MILES THE ENGINE FAILED, AND THE MASTER CYLINDER, BRAKE BOOSTER AND LINES LEAKED. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10004532

61,109 miles · Jan 1, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling

CHECK GUAGES LIGHT COMES ON, OIL PRESSURE GAUGE GOES TO ZERO THEN BACK. HAD FUEL GAUGE DO THE SAME. TOOK INTO DEALER AND DEALER ATTRIBUTED TO WIRES AND DID A "WIGGLE"TEST. VEHICLE HAD NO MORE PROBLEM WITH FUEL GAUGE. SEVERAL WEEKS LATER THE CHECK GAUGES AND THE OIL GAUGES DID SAME THING. TOOK TO DEALER AND THEY STATED IT MA…

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CHECK GUAGES LIGHT COMES ON, OIL PRESSURE GAUGE GOES TO ZERO THEN BACK. HAD FUEL GAUGE DO THE SAME. TOOK INTO DEALER AND DEALER ATTRIBUTED TO WIRES AND DID A "WIGGLE"TEST. VEHICLE HAD NO MORE PROBLEM WITH FUEL GAUGE. SEVERAL WEEKS LATER THE CHECK GAUGES AND THE OIL GAUGES DID SAME THING. TOOK TO DEALER AND THEY STATED IT MAY BE OIL PUMP. AFTER REMOVING OIL PAN, DEALER STATED TO MUCH SLUDGE IN PAN AND HAD EXTENDED WARRANTY SEND AN ADJUSTER TO CHECK OUT. DEALER THEN TOOK ENGINE APART TO FIND THAT SLUDGE WAS THROUGH OUT THE ENGINE BUT NO DAMAGE TO BEARINGS OR VITAL PARTS. WARRANTY COMPANY "WESTERN DIVERSIFIED" DECLINED REPAIR STATING THAT TO INFREQUENT OIL CHANGES. WARRANTY STATED THAT EVEN WITH PROOF OF OIL CHANGES THAT THIS IS AN OIL BREAKDOWN PROBLEM AND NOT THEIR PROBLEM. DEALER STATED NOW THAT IT WAS OUR RESPONSIBILITY AND WANTED US TO PAY FOR A NEW ENGINE. CONSUMER REFUSED AND FORTUNATELY GOT TO TRADE IN VEHICLE TOWARDS PURCHASE OF A NEW ONE. ONLY AFTER REVIEWING NHTSA WEBSITE DID WE REALIZE THAT WE WERE IN A NO WIN SITUATION AND LUCKILY GOT OUT FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT DODGE OBVIOUSLY KNOWS ABOUT, I AM WAITING FOR THIS COMPANY TO DO THE RIGHT THING. WE HAVE SHOWN OUR COMMITMENT TO THE COMPANY BY BUYING SEVERAL VEHICLES THE LEAST THEY COULD DO IS PAY US THE SAME RESPECT!!!!!!!!

NHTSA ODI #10000676

50,000 miles · Dec 17, 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train

DURANGO`S TRANSMISSION WENT BAD, DEALER OF NO HELP ,50,000 MI. ON VECHICLE ALSO NOT THE SAME PROBLEM THAT WAS COMPLANED ABOUT. TS

NHTSA ODI #10000152

16,854 miles · Dec 9, 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentFuel System, Other

THE OIL PRESSURE DROPPED AND ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE PANEL HAD COME ON. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE HAD BECOME SLUGGISH AND THEN HAD GONE BACK TO NORMAL. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO REMEDY. THE OIL WAS BURNING EVERY 200 MILES. THE OVT VALLEY PAN GASKET WAS CHANGED, AND THE INTAKE GASKET WAS REPLACED. THERE WAS A LOUD KNOCKING AND …

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THE OIL PRESSURE DROPPED AND ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE PANEL HAD COME ON. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE HAD BECOME SLUGGISH AND THEN HAD GONE BACK TO NORMAL. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO REMEDY. THE OIL WAS BURNING EVERY 200 MILES. THE OVT VALLEY PAN GASKET WAS CHANGED, AND THE INTAKE GASKET WAS REPLACED. THERE WAS A LOUD KNOCKING AND OR CLICKING IN THE MOTOR. THE DEALER FOUND SLUDGE IN THE MOTOR, AND FOUND THAT IT WAS BLOWN. THE SEAT WOULDN'T SLIDE/HARD TO LIFT, AND THE A/C COMPRESSOR WAS FOUND LOOSE. TS SCC

NHTSA ODI #8023922

Mileage unknown · Dec 9, 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingUnknown Or Other

HAD CONTINOUS PROBLEM WITH THE OIL PRESSURE GUAGE FLUCUATING, VEHICLE HAD BEEN MAINTAINED, OIL WAS ALWAYS CHECKED AND CHANGED WHEN NEEDED, TOLD BY MECHANIC FAULTY FILTER, SAID WAS NO LEAKS BUT HAD TO ADD OIL AT TIMES. WHEN IT PROBABLY SHOULDN'T HAVE NEEDED TO, THERE SEEMS TO BE A DEFINITE PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR AND TYPE OF TRUCK…

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HAD CONTINOUS PROBLEM WITH THE OIL PRESSURE GUAGE FLUCUATING, VEHICLE HAD BEEN MAINTAINED, OIL WAS ALWAYS CHECKED AND CHANGED WHEN NEEDED, TOLD BY MECHANIC FAULTY FILTER, SAID WAS NO LEAKS BUT HAD TO ADD OIL AT TIMES. WHEN IT PROBABLY SHOULDN'T HAVE NEEDED TO, THERE SEEMS TO BE A DEFINITE PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR AND TYPE OF TRUCK DUE TO ALL THE INFORMATION FOUND ON THE INTERNET, DODGE/CHRYSLER SHOULD OWN UP TO THEIR REPUTATION AND COME CLEAN, I WILL NEVER BUY ANYTHING THAT HAS TO DO WITH THIS COMPANY EVER AGAIN. I WAS DRIVING HOME WITH MY DAUGHTER ON THE TURNPIKE, THE OIL GAUGE KEPT DROPPING BACK AND FORTH THEN ALL THIS TAPPING AND LOUD NOISES FROM THE ENGINE, I PULLED OVER AND HAD TO BE TOWED HOME AND WAS TOLD I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE, YOU COULD SEE A HOLE, I GOT NO SATISFACTION FROM THE DEALER OR FROM THE ZONE REPRESENTATIVE, SHE PARROTED THE DEALER AND DUE TO MY FINANCIAL STATUS AT THIS TIME I CANNOT AFFORD NOR DO I BELIEVE I SHOULD HAVE TO PUT OUT A CENT. THIS VEHICLE DEFINITELY NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED I BELIEVE IT TO BE A LEMON OF A VEHICLE. DT

NHTSA ODI #770634

Mileage unknown · Dec 9, 2002
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingEquipment

MY ENGINE DIED WITH 44,000 MILES DUE TO SLUDGE BUILD-UP DEALERSHIP SAYS I DID'NT CHANGE MY OIL BUT I DID AND I HAVE RECIEPTS. I HAVE ALL MY PAPER WORK WHERE I TOOK IT IN FOR REPAIRS FOR THE GUAGES GOING OFF AND OIL PRESSURE DROPPING, HAVING TO PUT 2 QTS OF OIL EVERY 200 MILES, KNOCKING IN MOTOR, AND NOW MY WARRANTY IS OUT I HAVE…

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MY ENGINE DIED WITH 44,000 MILES DUE TO SLUDGE BUILD-UP DEALERSHIP SAYS I DID'NT CHANGE MY OIL BUT I DID AND I HAVE RECIEPTS. I HAVE ALL MY PAPER WORK WHERE I TOOK IT IN FOR REPAIRS FOR THE GUAGES GOING OFF AND OIL PRESSURE DROPPING, HAVING TO PUT 2 QTS OF OIL EVERY 200 MILES, KNOCKING IN MOTOR, AND NOW MY WARRANTY IS OUT I HAVE A BLOWN ENGINE. DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO ACCEPT ANY RESPONSIBILITY. MY POWER WINDOWS AND QUIT WORKING IN THE SUMMER COULD NOT ROLL DOWN WINDOWS AND THE AIR CONDITION WAS NOT BLOWING OUT COLD AIR . GAS TANK STRAP BROKE WITH A FULL TANK OF GAS & WAS BEING HELD ON WITH ONLY 1 STRAP, GAS TANK WAS HANGING DOWN. I HAVE SEVERAL MORE MINOR GRIPES BUT THE MAIN THING NOW IS THE ENGINE. I HAVE READ OVER SOME CONSUMER COMPLAINTS WEB SITES AND IT SEEMS I'M NOT THE ONLY PERSON HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. DT

NHTSA ODI #770633

Mileage unknown · Nov 1, 2002
Engine And Engine Cooling

FORTUNATELY THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. I ATTRIBUTE THAT TO USING SYNTHETIC OIL INSTEAD OF REGULAR OIL. THE OIL PRESSURE GUAGE DROPPED TO 0 THEN WOULD GO BACK TO NORMAL. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. I HOPE I GOT IT INTO THE DEALER IN TIME. THE DEALER THINKS I DID. THE DEALER CLAIMS THE PROBLEM IS SLUDGE CAUSED BY TOO INFREQUENT…

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FORTUNATELY THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. I ATTRIBUTE THAT TO USING SYNTHETIC OIL INSTEAD OF REGULAR OIL. THE OIL PRESSURE GUAGE DROPPED TO 0 THEN WOULD GO BACK TO NORMAL. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. I HOPE I GOT IT INTO THE DEALER IN TIME. THE DEALER THINKS I DID. THE DEALER CLAIMS THE PROBLEM IS SLUDGE CAUSED BY TOO INFREQUENT OIL CHANGES. I CHANGED THE OIL WITHIN THE GUIDELINES LISTED IN THE OWNERS MANUAL. PLUS, SYNTHETIC OILS ARE NOT SUBJECT TO THE SAME SLUDGE PROBLEMS AS REGULAR OILS ARE. DEALER DROPPED THE PAN, REPLACE THE SCREEN AND OIL PUMP AND CLEANED AS BEST THEY COULD. COST $809. THIS IS THE FIRST VEHICLE I'VE OWNED (33 YEARS) THAT HAS EVER HAD A SLUDGE PROBLEM. THERE HAS TO BE SOMETHING IN THE DESIGN OF THE ENGINE THAT CONTRIBUTES TO THIS PROBLEM. DT

NHTSA ODI #769179

Mileage unknown · Oct 29, 2002
Engine And Engine Cooling

CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. DEALER WAS CONTACTED. TS

NHTSA ODI #8021760

Mileage unknown · Oct 25, 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

GAS FAST AS 70 MILES OR AS SLOW AS 10 MILES PER HR. CONTACTED CHRYSLER CORP. 2X NO ONE AT C. CORP COULD GIVE ME ANSWER. I WAS TOLD TO TAKE VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP AND START WITH TSB#08-24-00 TO SEE IF THIS COULD BE THE PROBLEM. THREE ATTEMPS HAVE BEEN MADE TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. PROBLEM STILL EXIST AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED 70 MP…

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GAS FAST AS 70 MILES OR AS SLOW AS 10 MILES PER HR. CONTACTED CHRYSLER CORP. 2X NO ONE AT C. CORP COULD GIVE ME ANSWER. I WAS TOLD TO TAKE VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP AND START WITH TSB#08-24-00 TO SEE IF THIS COULD BE THE PROBLEM. THREE ATTEMPS HAVE BEEN MADE TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. PROBLEM STILL EXIST AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED 70 MPH ON I-95 10/12/02 WITH HEAVY TRAFFIC MY VEHICLE SHUT DOWN WITHOUT WARNING IF NOT FOR MY DAUGHTER FOLLOWING BEHIND ME, AND NOTICE MY VEHICLE WAS HAVING PROBLEMS I TRULY BELIEVE A MAJOR ACCIDENT WOULD HAVE OCCURRED INSTEAD OF A TRAFFIC BACK-UP THE POLICE ARRIVE AND STAYED WITH US UNTIL VEHICLE STARTED AGAIN. THIS PROBLEM HAVE ME VERY WORRIED SINCE THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO DO THIS AND THE AUTO-TECTS NOR CHRYSLER HAVE ANY IDEAL WHY. VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN WITH NO WARNING WHILE DRIVING I COULD BE GOING. DT

NHTSA ODI #768877

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.