NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
281 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Feb 18, 2002
Engine And Engine Cooling
DROVE VEHICLE FROM PHILA, PA AREA TO SCRANTON AREA FOR SKI WEEKEND. EXPERIENCED NO PROBLEMS DURING THIS TRIP OR PREVIOUS TO THIS TRIP. RETURN RIDE BACK TO PHILA AREA, OIL PRESSURE GAUGE BEGAN TO FLUCTUATE TO ZERO THEN NORMAL. IT DID THIS SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE HEARING A TICKING UNDER HE HOOD AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, PULLED TO THE SID…
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DROVE VEHICLE FROM PHILA, PA AREA TO SCRANTON AREA FOR SKI WEEKEND. EXPERIENCED NO PROBLEMS DURING THIS TRIP OR PREVIOUS TO THIS TRIP. RETURN RIDE BACK TO PHILA AREA, OIL PRESSURE GAUGE BEGAN TO FLUCTUATE TO ZERO THEN NORMAL. IT DID THIS SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE HEARING A TICKING UNDER HE HOOD AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND ENGINE SHUT DOWN. VEHICLE HAD 28,800 MILES AT THE TIME AND SIX MONTHS LEFT ON 3/36 WARRANTY. DISTRICT MANGER FOR CHRYSLER PLACED A RESTRICTION ON THE WARRANTY DUE TO EXCESSIVE SLUDE FOUND IN THE VALLEY OF THE ENGINE. VEHICLE OWNERS MANUAL HAS TWO MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES FOR OIL CHANGE, EVERY 3K OR EVERY 7.5K; I PRODUCED MAINTENANCE RECORDS FOR OIL CHANGES EVERY 7.5K. I HAVE SINCE FOUND SEVERAL TSB'S ON THIS VEHILCE REGARDING OIL CONSUMPTION, ETC. I FINALLY HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE PHILA AREA WHERE MURRAY DODGE IN CONSHOHOCKEN, PA REPLACED THE ENGINE FOR $5.7K. THE OIL PUMP AND OIL PICK UP TUBE WERE COVERED UNDER WARRANTEE, BUT NOT THE LONG BLOCK. IT IS DISTRESSING THAT THE MANUFACTURER WILL NOT WARRANT THE REPAIR EVEN WITH MAINTENANCE RECORDS. I HAVE FOUND AN ARTICLE IN A SYNDICATED NEWSPAPER COLUMN WHICH INDICATES THAT CHRYSLER IS AT FAULT FOR HAVING A MAINTEANCE SCHEDULE OF 7.5K MILES IN THE OWNERS MANUAL, THE ARTICLE ALSO MENTIONS A POSSIBLE VENTILATION DESIGN FLAW WHICH CAUSES CONDENSATION AND SLUDGE TO BUILD UP. TSB # 9923 IS IN REGARDS TO OIL SEEPAGE PAST THE ENGINE OIL FILTER ADAPTER PLATE GASKET. MY MECHANIC INDICATED TO ME THAT THIS MAY CAUSE A VENTILATION PROBLEM WITH THIS ENGINE. TSB#090699 IS IN REGARDS TO ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION DUE TO INTAKE MANIFOLD PAN GASKET OIL LEAK. TSB# 090500 IS REGARDING OIL CONSUMPTION DUE TO LEAK ALSO. I AM UNCERTAIN IF THIS IS AN ENGINE PROBLEM OR AN OIL PUMP PROBLEM. WHEN I ASKED CUSTOMER RELATIONS AT CHRYSLER, THEY INDICATED THERE WERE NO REPORTED PROBLEMS WITH THIS ENGINE. SCRANTON DODGE AND MURRAY DODGE SERVICE MANAGERS ALSO DENIED ANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS ENGINE.*A
NHTSA ODI #758415
Mileage unknown · Feb 18, 2002
Engine And Engine Cooling
IN FEBRUARY 2002, OIL PRESSURE DROPS TO ZERO AND ENGINE BLOWS. IN OCTOBER OF 2000, OIL PRESSURE DROPS TO ZERO. DEALER REPLACED OIL PUMP ($462). VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN MAINTENANCED WITH REGULAR OIL CHANGES.*AK
NHTSA ODI #758392
Mileage unknown · Feb 2, 2002
Engine And Engine Cooling
AS IN MANY OTHER CASES LISTED ON YOUR SITE WITH THIS VEHICLE, MY ENGINE WAS FOUND TO HAVE SLUDGE, WHICH BLOCKED THE OIL PUMP (PRESUMABLY) AND THE ENGINE FAILED. I HAVE PROPER MAINTENANCE RECORDS, YET THE WARRANTY COMPANY (AMERICAN FINANCIAL) MAINTAINS THAT I DID NOT CHANGE THE OIL. ONE MONTH PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, I TOOK MY VEH…
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AS IN MANY OTHER CASES LISTED ON YOUR SITE WITH THIS VEHICLE, MY ENGINE WAS FOUND TO HAVE SLUDGE, WHICH BLOCKED THE OIL PUMP (PRESUMABLY) AND THE ENGINE FAILED. I HAVE PROPER MAINTENANCE RECORDS, YET THE WARRANTY COMPANY (AMERICAN FINANCIAL) MAINTAINS THAT I DID NOT CHANGE THE OIL. ONE MONTH PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO DULUTH DODGE (THE ORIGINAL DEALER) COMPLAINING OF FLUCTUATING OIL PRESSURE. THEY REPLACED THE OIL PRESSURE SENDING UNIT, AND MY ENGINE FAILED 3,000 MILES LATER (THE OIL WAS CHANGED THE DAY BEFORE I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER, AND THE RECOMMENDATION IS TO CHANGE IT EVERY 7,500 MILES). THE WARRANTY COMPANY PROMISED TO HAVE THE OIL TESTED TO RESOLVE OUR DISPUTE, BUT AFTER NUMEROUS CONTACTS WITH THEM (BOTH VERBAL AND WRITTEN) THEY NEVER DID. THEREFORE, I PAID OVER $5,000 TO HAVE THE ENGINE REPLACED. I BELIEVE OTHER MODELS OF VEHICLES WITH THIS ENGINE (THE 5.2 LITER, OR 318 CID) HAVE SIMILAR PROBLEMS. DUE TO THE LARGE NUMBER OF FAILURES LISTED ON YOUR SITE ALONE, I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A MAJOR DEFECT WITH THE ENGINE.*AK
NHTSA ODI #757666
Mileage unknown · Jan 8, 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingSuspension
FOR OVERSEAS CARS WTHOUT A WARRANTY TRANSFER CERTIFICATE FROM THE TIME OF EXPORT, CHRYSLER EUROPE WILL NOT HONOUR THE 3YR/36MO WARRANY OR FACTORY CALLBACKS. NO SAFETY DEFEC TMENTIONED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #756557
Mileage unknown · Dec 12, 2001
Engine And Engine Cooling
THIS VEHICLE LOSES OIL PRESSURE, HAS LARGE SLUDGE BUILD UP NO MATTER HOW MANY OIL CHANGES IT GETS. THE PROBLEM STARTED OUT WITH A LACK OF OIL KNOCK. NOT THE SO CALLED SPARK KNOCK, BUT LIFTER KNOCK. OIL GETS CHANGER IN SPRING AND FALL. YOU CAN CHANGE OIL EVERY WEEK AND THE MANUFACTURER WILL STILL SAY IT'S A LACK OF MAINTENANCE.*A…
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THIS VEHICLE LOSES OIL PRESSURE, HAS LARGE SLUDGE BUILD UP NO MATTER HOW MANY OIL CHANGES IT GETS. THE PROBLEM STARTED OUT WITH A LACK OF OIL KNOCK. NOT THE SO CALLED SPARK KNOCK, BUT LIFTER KNOCK. OIL GETS CHANGER IN SPRING AND FALL. YOU CAN CHANGE OIL EVERY WEEK AND THE MANUFACTURER WILL STILL SAY IT'S A LACK OF MAINTENANCE.*AK
NHTSA ODI #755580
Mileage unknown · Oct 12, 2001
Engine And Engine Cooling
OIL PRESSURE DROPPED TO ZERO AND ENGINE STALLED. LUCKILY I WAS ON A SIDE ROAD GOING VERY SLOWLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DODGE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE MANIFOLD WAS REMOVED REVEALING SLUDGE COVERING EVERYTHING INSIDE. CHRYSLER CLAIM PROBLEM CAUSED BY LACK OF MAINTENANCE. THE VEHICLE HAS HAD REGULAR OIL CHANGES ACCORDING TO TH…
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OIL PRESSURE DROPPED TO ZERO AND ENGINE STALLED. LUCKILY I WAS ON A SIDE ROAD GOING VERY SLOWLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DODGE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE MANIFOLD WAS REMOVED REVEALING SLUDGE COVERING EVERYTHING INSIDE. CHRYSLER CLAIM PROBLEM CAUSED BY LACK OF MAINTENANCE. THE VEHICLE HAS HAD REGULAR OIL CHANGES ACCORDING TO THE OWNER'S MANUAL WHICH IS AT 7500 MILES AS I DO ALL HIGHWAY DRIVING. CHRYSLER WILL NOT REPLACE UNDER WARRANTY AND SAY WE NEED TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. AFTER HAVING THE CAR TOWED HOME AND LOOKING AT THE BLOCK IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THERE IS NOT ENOUGH DRAINAGE IN THE BLOCK. THERE ARE POCKETS ALL ALONG THE INSIDE WHERE OIL COULD NOT POSSIBLY ESCAPE UNLESS THE CAR WAS LITERALLY TURNED UPSIDE DOWN. THESE ENGINE ARE DEFECTIVE. ALL DURANGO OWNERS NEED HELP TO ENSURE THAT CHRYSLER REPLACES ALL OF THESE LEMONS. PLEASE HELP US.*AK
NHTSA ODI #753164
Mileage unknown · Oct 11, 2001
Engine And Engine Cooling
MOTOR WAS KNOCKING UNDER ACCELERATION. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED FOR ENGINE KNOCKING. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY STATED THAT MOTOR WAS GONE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
NHTSA ODI #897600
Mileage unknown · Oct 1, 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, HydraulicSteeringCrash
CONSUMER WAS ABOUT TO SWITCH LANES AND STEERING GOT STUCK. CONSUMER SLAMMED BRAKES AND VEHICLE LANDED UP ON RIGHT SIDE OF ROAD AND WENT INTO BUSH. DEALER CLAIMED THAT WATER PUMP/ SERPENTINE BELT FAILED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #897133
Mileage unknown · Sep 10, 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, Hydraulic
CONSUMER STATES THE ROTORS AND BRAKE SHOES HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 15,000 MILES.*JB
NHTSA ODI #563091
Mileage unknown · Sep 9, 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingUnknown Or Other
FOLLOWED MANUFACTURERS MAINT. SCHEDULE. OIL PRESSURE PROBLEM DEVELOPED AT APPROX 31K MILES. DEALER REPLACED OIL SENDING UNIT. OIL PRESSURE PROBLEM RETURNED AT APPROX 34.5K MILES. DEALER CHANGED OIL AND FILTER, REPLACED OIL SENDING UNIT AGAIN, AND COMPLETED TSB 180600. AT APPROX. 35.5K MILEAGE, WHILE AT CRUISE SPEED (65-70 M…
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FOLLOWED MANUFACTURERS MAINT. SCHEDULE. OIL PRESSURE PROBLEM DEVELOPED AT APPROX 31K MILES. DEALER REPLACED OIL SENDING UNIT. OIL PRESSURE PROBLEM RETURNED AT APPROX 34.5K MILES. DEALER CHANGED OIL AND FILTER, REPLACED OIL SENDING UNIT AGAIN, AND COMPLETED TSB 180600. AT APPROX. 35.5K MILEAGE, WHILE AT CRUISE SPEED (65-70 MPH), RAPID TAPPING FOLLOWED BY IMMEDIATE LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE AND TOTAL ENGINE POWER LOSS. TOWED TO DEALER, BUT DEALER CLOSED AND WILL HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL 9/10/2001 FOR EXPLANATION/REPAIR.*AK
NHTSA ODI #751963
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.
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