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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

Equipment complaints

27 reports
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173,000 miles · Jul 8, 2010
Electrical SystemEquipment

1999 DODGE DURANGO. TRUCK HAS BEEN STALLING AND DYING FOR OVER A YEAR NOW, WITH NO WARNING. THE VEHICLE WILL SHUT DOWN CAUSING YOU TO LOSE POWER BRAKE + STEERING. I'VE CHANGED ALL SENSORS. PLUGS, WIRES ETC, AND STILL STALLS. NO MECHANIC OR DEALER CAN RE-CREATE THE PROBLEM AND DODGE HAS NO RECORD OF THIS PROBLEM BEING AN ISSUE, I…

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1999 DODGE DURANGO. TRUCK HAS BEEN STALLING AND DYING FOR OVER A YEAR NOW, WITH NO WARNING. THE VEHICLE WILL SHUT DOWN CAUSING YOU TO LOSE POWER BRAKE + STEERING. I'VE CHANGED ALL SENSORS. PLUGS, WIRES ETC, AND STILL STALLS. NO MECHANIC OR DEALER CAN RE-CREATE THE PROBLEM AND DODGE HAS NO RECORD OF THIS PROBLEM BEING AN ISSUE, I'M THE FIRST! HA! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10341991

121,000 miles · Dec 6, 2008
Air BagsEquipmentSuspensionCrashInjury

AFTER REPLACING HUB ASSEMBLY AT LES SCHWAB BRAKES DIDN'T WORK RIGHT WHEN STEPPING DOWN ON BRAKE IT WOULD MAKE A SOUND AS IF THEY WERE NOT CATCHING PULLING CAR FORWARD BRAKING ONLY DEPRESSED HALF WAY AFTER A FEW SECONDS BRAKE WOULD LET GO ALL THE DOWN AND THEN WOULD RETURN TO NORMAL I RETORTED TO LES SCHWAB THEY CHECKED BRAKES A…

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AFTER REPLACING HUB ASSEMBLY AT LES SCHWAB BRAKES DIDN'T WORK RIGHT WHEN STEPPING DOWN ON BRAKE IT WOULD MAKE A SOUND AS IF THEY WERE NOT CATCHING PULLING CAR FORWARD BRAKING ONLY DEPRESSED HALF WAY AFTER A FEW SECONDS BRAKE WOULD LET GO ALL THE DOWN AND THEN WOULD RETURN TO NORMAL I RETORTED TO LES SCHWAB THEY CHECKED BRAKES AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG THE SAID MAY BE SOMETHING WAS HAPPENING TO SUSPENSION BUT IT SHOULD BE OK TO DRIVE IT WOULD CONTINUE OFF AND ON FOR A FEW WEEKS TWO DAYS AFTER THANKSGIVING RETURNING FROM SHOPPING SUN WAS JUST GOING DOWN WHEN BRAKING FOR A CAR I FRONT MY BRAKES GAVE OUT CAUSING ME TO HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME DEPLOYING AIR BAGS TO BOTH SIDES AS WE WERE PUSHING CAR OUT OF ROAD THERE WAS O SKID MARKS AT ALL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10250946

60,000 miles · Feb 9, 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentPower TrainFire

OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS OF OPERATING THE VEHICLE (2005-2007): 1. FIRE IN THE FRONT WHEEL ASSEMBLY AFTER 1.5 HOURS OF 4-WHEEL DRIVE - 1100$ REPLACE 2. SPEED SENSOR FAILURE ($500 WORK) 3. ENGINE FAILURE ON THE HIGHWAY @80 MPH - $7000 REPLACE AND OTHER COSTS, LUCKY SURVIVED 4. JOINT BALLS REPLACE (ABOUT 400$) 5. AC FAILURE (…

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OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS OF OPERATING THE VEHICLE (2005-2007): 1. FIRE IN THE FRONT WHEEL ASSEMBLY AFTER 1.5 HOURS OF 4-WHEEL DRIVE - 1100$ REPLACE 2. SPEED SENSOR FAILURE ($500 WORK) 3. ENGINE FAILURE ON THE HIGHWAY @80 MPH - $7000 REPLACE AND OTHER COSTS, LUCKY SURVIVED 4. JOINT BALLS REPLACE (ABOUT 400$) 5. AC FAILURE ($960 REPAIR) 6. NOW PARKED - TRANSMISSION/ENGINE JOINT OIL LEAK, ESTIMATED $1200 REPAIR. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10182059

90,000 miles · Oct 19, 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipment

DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE DURANGO THAT EXPERIENCED AN EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM. THE OIL WAS DISAPPEARING NEARLY EVERY 500 MILES. THERE WAS NO SMOKING OR ANY TYPE OF LEAKS. THE CONTACT FELT THIS WAS A MECHANICAL PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS USING FOUR OR FIVE QUARTS OF OIL RAPIDLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN …

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DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE DURANGO THAT EXPERIENCED AN EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM. THE OIL WAS DISAPPEARING NEARLY EVERY 500 MILES. THERE WAS NO SMOKING OR ANY TYPE OF LEAKS. THE CONTACT FELT THIS WAS A MECHANICAL PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS USING FOUR OR FIVE QUARTS OF OIL RAPIDLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SHOP FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE UPPER PLENUM AND THROTTLE BODY WAS REMOVED TO DETERMINE THE LEAK SITE. THE GASKET THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO SEAL THE INTAKE OF THE ENGINE BLOCK HAD APPARENTLY NOT ADHERED TO THE BOTTOM ON THE INTAKE AND ALONG THE ENGINE. THE MECHANIC NOTED THAT CHRYSLER MADE SOME DESIGN CORRECTIONS, BUT THE CYLINDER HEADS WILL COLLECT AND BLOW OVER INTO THE ENGINE, AND EVENTUALLY WILL BE EXPELLED FROM THE VEHICLE ON THE GROUND OR BURNED OUT. IT COULD COLLECT EIGHT TO TEN QUARTS BEFORE EXPELLING. THE REPAIR WAS MADE , AND A GASKET WAS REPLACED. THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME IT WAS REPLACED. THE GASKET DID NOT NECESSARILY FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THE GASKET DID NOT PERMANENTLY ADHERED TO THAT AREA. THEY RETRACTED IT DUE TO HOT AND COLD TEMPERATURES, AND COULD NOT ADHERE AS NEEDED. THE CONTACT HAS ANOTHER 1999 DODGE DURANGO THAT EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM. ALSO, THERE WAS A PINHOLE ON THE AIR CONDITIONER EVAPORATOR THAT ALLOWED THE FREON TO ESCAPE AND ENTER IN TO OTHER DURANGOS. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10140206

68,000 miles · May 17, 2005
EquipmentSteeringSuspension

BROUGHT 99 DURANG. IN FOR FRONT END ALIG. WAS TOLD $ 1600 IN REPAIRS NEEDED, GUESS WHAT? YUP, UPPERAND LOWER BALL JOINTS,INNER CONTROL RODS AND SHOCKS, WELL THE SHOCKS SEEM FINE BUT THE REST IS A MESS, CALLED DEALER IRA DODGE,AND THEY SAID ONLY RECALL WAS FOR A 2000 AND UP.I ASKED IF IT WAS NOMAL FOR ALL FOUR BALL JOINTS TO GO…

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BROUGHT 99 DURANG. IN FOR FRONT END ALIG. WAS TOLD $ 1600 IN REPAIRS NEEDED, GUESS WHAT? YUP, UPPERAND LOWER BALL JOINTS,INNER CONTROL RODS AND SHOCKS, WELL THE SHOCKS SEEM FINE BUT THE REST IS A MESS, CALLED DEALER IRA DODGE,AND THEY SAID ONLY RECALL WAS FOR A 2000 AND UP.I ASKED IF IT WAS NOMAL FOR ALL FOUR BALL JOINTS TO GO AT 64K(IT COULD HAVE BEEN EARLIER I NEED NEW TIRES AT THE TIME INNER WHEEL WAS WEARING) HE SAID NO.. OH WELL RIGHT, THIS IS RIDICULOUS.CHECKED PART NUMS AT LOCAL PARTS PLACE(AUTOZONE) FOR ALL SAID ABOVE ,$259.THAT INCLUDED NEW SHOCKS, BETTER ONES TOO.ILL NEVER BUY A DODGE AGAIN.AND ILL NEVER GO TO FIRESTONE TIRES

NHTSA ODI #10121233

Mileage unknown · Jan 14, 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentSuspension

DODGE DURANGO 1999 BALL JOINTS FAILURE. IT HAS SAME PROBLEM AS 2000 AND UP MODELS. THE CONSUMER WANTS TO KNOW WHY THE MANUFACTURER EXCLUDED THE 1999 MODEL. *BF *NM THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD HAD GONE BAD AND WAS REPLACED, THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW WAS INOPERATIVE AND WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES, AND THE A/C HAD GONE OUT. THE CON…

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DODGE DURANGO 1999 BALL JOINTS FAILURE. IT HAS SAME PROBLEM AS 2000 AND UP MODELS. THE CONSUMER WANTS TO KNOW WHY THE MANUFACTURER EXCLUDED THE 1999 MODEL. *BF *NM THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD HAD GONE BAD AND WAS REPLACED, THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW WAS INOPERATIVE AND WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES, AND THE A/C HAD GONE OUT. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT. *SC THE ENGINE HAD A PING SOUND AND WAS REPAIRED 4 TIMES BUT STILL PINGING. *TC

NHTSA ODI #10108605

Mileage unknown · Dec 16, 2004
EquipmentSuspension

MY 1999 DURANGO WENT THROUGH A WHOLE FRONT END AT 50,000 MILES AND AT 100,000 MILES THE SAME SIMTOMS ARE PRESENT, WHY DID'NT THE 1999 YEAR MODLE GET RECALLED? Y FRIEND HAS A 1999 AND JUST HIT 60,000 MILES AND HAD TO REBUILD THE FRONT END, THE SHOP SAID THERE WAS 3/4 INCH PLAY IN THE BALL JOINT.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10103967

60,000 miles · Nov 11, 2004
EquipmentSteeringSuspension

PREMATURE BALL JOINT WEAR ON MY 1999 DODGE DURANGO SUV. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10098665

Mileage unknown · Nov 3, 2004
Electrical SystemEquipmentFuel System, Other

WHILE DRIVING THERE WAS A POPPING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER IN WHICH THEY FOUND THAT THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE COMPLETELY WORN OUT. *AK THE COVER UNDER THE HOOD WAS RIPENED, THE BLACK GUARD UNDER THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS HANGING, THE COOLANT RESEVOIR WAS LEAKING, THE POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK…

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WHILE DRIVING THERE WAS A POPPING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER IN WHICH THEY FOUND THAT THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE COMPLETELY WORN OUT. *AK THE COVER UNDER THE HOOD WAS RIPENED, THE BLACK GUARD UNDER THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS HANGING, THE COOLANT RESEVOIR WAS LEAKING, THE POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKED, THE A/C WAS NOT COOLING DUE TO AN OPEN WIRE FROM THE LOW PUSH SWITCH, AND THE FUEL GAUGE DID NOT READ PROPERLY. *SC

NHTSA ODI #10094818

70,000 miles · Oct 15, 2004
EquipmentSuspension

I OWN A 1999 DODGE DURANGO AND HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE BALL JOINTS FOR A SECOND TIME. THE FIRST AT 39,000 MILES AND AGAIN AT 70,000 MILES.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10095829

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.