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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

Exterior Lighting complaints

24 reports
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107,249 miles · Aug 15, 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingExterior LightingService Brakes, Hydraulic

DT: ON JULY 31, 2005 THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. SHE TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER AND HAD IT FIXED. THE NEXT DAY THE LIGHT WAS STILL ON. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. CURRENTLY, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, ABS LIGHT AND A BRAKE LIGHT WERE ON. VEHICLE HAD BEEN TO THE DEALER 4 TIMES AND STILL COULDN'T FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PRO…

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DT: ON JULY 31, 2005 THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. SHE TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER AND HAD IT FIXED. THE NEXT DAY THE LIGHT WAS STILL ON. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. CURRENTLY, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, ABS LIGHT AND A BRAKE LIGHT WERE ON. VEHICLE HAD BEEN TO THE DEALER 4 TIMES AND STILL COULDN'T FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED . SHE HAS PAID FOR ALL THE TRIPS TO THE DEALER AND THEY HAVEN'T FIXED IT YET. SHE COULD NOT AFFORD TO CONTINUE PAYING FOR ALL REPAIRS. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10132912

20,000 miles · Mar 22, 2004
Electrical SystemExterior LightingLatches/locks/linkages

I OWN A 1999 DODGE DURANGO WITH APPROXIMATELY 64,000 MILES. IMMEDIATELY UPON PURCHASING THE VEHICHLE I HAVE EXPERIENCED A LARGE POPING AND DRAGGING SOUND WHEN TURNING OR PERFORMING A U-TURN. RECENTLY I ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A U-TURN AND MY CAR NEARLY LOST CONTROL AND FELT AS IF IT WOULD TIP OVER. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN TO CERRITO…

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I OWN A 1999 DODGE DURANGO WITH APPROXIMATELY 64,000 MILES. IMMEDIATELY UPON PURCHASING THE VEHICHLE I HAVE EXPERIENCED A LARGE POPING AND DRAGGING SOUND WHEN TURNING OR PERFORMING A U-TURN. RECENTLY I ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A U-TURN AND MY CAR NEARLY LOST CONTROL AND FELT AS IF IT WOULD TIP OVER. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN TO CERRITOS DODGE AND I WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICHLES UPPER AND LOWER, RIGHT AND LEFT BALL JOINTS WERE COMPLETELY SHOT. ALL WERE REPLACED. I CONTINUE TO EXPERIENCE THE POPPING AND DRAGGING SOUNDS. UPON PURCHASING THE VEHICHLE, I HAVE HAD TO CHANGE THE (ALL FOUR) TIRES 3 TIMES, OBTAIN 3 WHEEL ALIGNMENTS, CHANGE THE BATTERY (WENT COMPLETELY DEAD AT APPROXIMATELY 25,000 MILES) REPAIR THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH (BRAKE LIGHTS WOULDN'T TURN OFF), AND REPAIR DOOR/HATCH LOCKS (UNABLE TO LOCK AND MAKE LOUD BUZZING AND CLICKING SOUND). *AK

NHTSA ODI #10063662

92,089 miles · Feb 13, 2004
Exterior LightingStructureSuspension

WHILE DRIVING OUR DURANGO AT NIGHT AND SWITCHING THE LIGHTS FROM BRIGHT TO DIM I HAVE HAD THE HEADLIGHTS GO OUT. THE LAST TIME THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT, I HAD USED MY BRIGHTS WHILE TAKING COUNTRY ROADS, BUT WHEN I GOT ON THE MAJOR HIGHWAY, I-35 MY HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT COMPLETELY. I WAS UNABLE TO PULL OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND I…

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WHILE DRIVING OUR DURANGO AT NIGHT AND SWITCHING THE LIGHTS FROM BRIGHT TO DIM I HAVE HAD THE HEADLIGHTS GO OUT. THE LAST TIME THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT, I HAD USED MY BRIGHTS WHILE TAKING COUNTRY ROADS, BUT WHEN I GOT ON THE MAJOR HIGHWAY, I-35 MY HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT COMPLETELY. I WAS UNABLE TO PULL OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND IT WAS VERY FRIGHTENING. I HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN WHEN I WENT FROM BRIGHT TO DIM ONCE BEFORE AND I THOUGHT IT WAS A FLUKE, THIS LAST TIME WAS SCARY. I HAD BOTH CHILDREN IN THE VEHICLE ON THE NIGHT OF JANUARY 30, 2004. THIS IS DEFINATELY A HAZARD AND COULD CERTAINLY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. MY HUSBAND WORKS 35 MILES FROM HOME AND WHILE GETTING ONTO ANOTHER MAJOR HIGHWAY HE HAD THE FRONT BEARING FREEZE AND THE CV JOINT BREAK. HE WAS ONLY GETTING ONTO THE ON RAMP WHEN THIS HAPPENED, THANK GOD HE WAS NOT ON THE FREEWAY GOING 60 MPH WHEN IT SNAPPED. I HAD DRIVEN THIS VEHICLE JUST 1 WEEK PRIOR TO THIS HAPPENING AND HAD ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING THAT THIS MIGHT OCCUR. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT WE SHOULD HAVE HEARD SOME NOISE. THE WHOLE UNDERSIDE OF THE DURANGO WAS COVERED IN GREASE FROM THE BEARING. THIS TO ME MEANS THAT IT HAD BEEN MAINTAINED AND THIS WAS A FAULTY PIECE OF METAL. WHILE WE HAD IT IN THE SHOP FOR REPAIR WE WERE TOLD WE NEED TO REPLACE THE WHOLE FRONT END SUSPENSION. THIS VEHICLE IS NOT THAT OLD AND WE NEED TO HAVE IT REWIRED AND THE FRONT END RE-DONE. I WOULD RATHER PUT MY MONEY INTO A DIFFERENT VEHICLE BUT FEEL WE WOULD BE PUTTING LIVES AT RISK IF WE SOLD THIS DURANGO TO ANYONE. I THINK THAT DODGE NEEDS TO TAKE A LOOK AT THEIR PARTS, BECAUSE EVERYTHING I HAVE MENTIONED COULD BE LIFE THREATENING. IF A WHEEL SNAPS WHILE GOING 10 MH A POERSON CAN HANDLE THE VEHICLE, IF IT SNAPS AT 60 MPH SOMEBODY IS GOING TO BE HURT. THE LIGHT ISSUE IS HUGE! YOU HAVE TO HAVE LIGHTS, NOT ONLY ARE YOU ENDANGERING YOURSELF BUT EVERYONE ELSE ON THE ROAD WITH YOU. I THINK IT IS TIME DODGE WAS HELD RESPONSIBLE AND FORCED TO FIX THESE OBVIOUSLY FAULTY PARTS. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10057127

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

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

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

NHTSA ODI #10045818

Mileage unknown · Oct 1, 2003
Exterior LightingService Brakes, HydraulicSuspension

CONSUMER STATED THE TRUCK FAILED STATE VEHICLE INSPECTION DUE TO EXCESSIVE WEAR AND LOOSENESS OF THE FRONT UPPER BALL JOINTS.*AK THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE CENTER BRAKE LIGHTS WAS INOPERATIVE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SENSOR AND THE LIGHT BULB HAD BURNED OUT. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10032172

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. …

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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

55,756 miles · Aug 15, 2003
Exterior LightingPower TrainSteering

WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE FRONT END PULLED EXCESSIVELY TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT. ALSO, WHEN MAKING TURNS, CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD "GRINDING" COMING FROM THE FRONT END. DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE FRONT END NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO BALL JOINT FAILURE. *AK THE WHINING NOISE WAS HEARD WHEN GOING AROUND CURVES. TH…

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WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE FRONT END PULLED EXCESSIVELY TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT. ALSO, WHEN MAKING TURNS, CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD "GRINDING" COMING FROM THE FRONT END. DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE FRONT END NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO BALL JOINT FAILURE. *AK THE WHINING NOISE WAS HEARD WHEN GOING AROUND CURVES. THE MARKER LIGHTS HAD BECOME INOPERATIVE WHEN PULLING OUT OF "INT" SWITCH AND THE HEAD LAMP SWITCH WAS REPLACED, AND UPON ACCELERATION, THERE WAS A PINGING NOISE IN THE PASSING GEAR. *SCC. THE TIE RODS WERE ALSO REPLACED.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10029990

Mileage unknown · Nov 4, 2002
Exterior Lighting

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND TURN THE LIGHT SIGNAL, RIGHT OR LEFT LIGHTS WILL WORK INTERMITTENLY. AS WELL HEAD LAMP WONT WORK PROPERLY. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. MR

NHTSA ODI #8022138

Mileage unknown · Apr 5, 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingExterior LightingPower Train

MY ENGINE HAS LOCK DOWN AND THERE WERE SLUG IN THE ENGINE AND I HAVE BEEN HAVING MY OIL CHANGES REGULARLY AND I HAD AND OIL CHANGE THE DAY BEFORE MY ENGINE LOCK DOWN ON ME. THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT REPLACE MY ENGINE SO I HAD TO PAY THE HOLD BILL MYSELF AND ALSO WHEN THEY WERE REPLACING MY ENGINE THEY TOLD ME I MY THAT I HAD A LE…

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MY ENGINE HAS LOCK DOWN AND THERE WERE SLUG IN THE ENGINE AND I HAVE BEEN HAVING MY OIL CHANGES REGULARLY AND I HAD AND OIL CHANGE THE DAY BEFORE MY ENGINE LOCK DOWN ON ME. THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT REPLACE MY ENGINE SO I HAD TO PAY THE HOLD BILL MYSELF AND ALSO WHEN THEY WERE REPLACING MY ENGINE THEY TOLD ME I MY THAT I HAD A LEAK IN MY TRANSMISSION SO I HAD TO REPLACE THAT ALSO AND MY FOG LIGHTS WENT OUT ON ME WITHIN LESS THAN 6 MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASE MY DURANGO I ONLY PUT 24,000 MILES ON THE DURANGO. I ONLY HAD MY DODGE DURANGO ONE YEAR SEVEN MONTHS. THERE ARE TO MANY OTHER DODGE DURANGOS WITH THE SAME DEFECTS AND THE MANUFACTURER.*AK

NHTSA ODI #760325

Mileage unknown · Mar 21, 2002
Exterior Lighting

WHEN DRIVING WITH REGULAR HEADLIGHTS ON, WHEN SWITCHING TO HIGH BEAMS, AND BACK TO LOW BEAMS ALL LIGHTS GO OUT. CONSUMER HAS TO GO BACK TO HIGH BEAMS, THEN TO LOW IN ORDER FOR LIGHTS TO COME BACK ON. CONSUMER FEELS THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS.*AK CONSUMER STATES THAT THE DEALER REPLACED MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH. *YD

NHTSA ODI #8006121

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.