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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

Fuel System, Other complaints

8 reports
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130,000 miles · Sep 2, 2009
Electrical SystemFuel System, OtherPower Train

COMPONENT: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DETAILS: I OWN A 1999 DODGE DURANGO IT HAS 130000 MILES ON FOR THE PAST 2 MONTHS IT JUST SHUTS OFF NO POWER TO GAUGES AND ENGINE DIES JUST LIKE I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF DOESN'T MATTER WHERE YOU ARE JUST HAVE TO WAIT ABOUT 30 MIN AND WILL START BACK UP THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS TO MY FAMILY AFTER SEARC…

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COMPONENT: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DETAILS: I OWN A 1999 DODGE DURANGO IT HAS 130000 MILES ON FOR THE PAST 2 MONTHS IT JUST SHUTS OFF NO POWER TO GAUGES AND ENGINE DIES JUST LIKE I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF DOESN'T MATTER WHERE YOU ARE JUST HAVE TO WAIT ABOUT 30 MIN AND WILL START BACK UP THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS TO MY FAMILY AFTER SEARCHING THE WEB FOR THIS PROBLEM I NOTICED SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM THIS HAPPENS DAILY SEVERAL MECHANICS HAVE LOOKED FOR THE PROBLEM BUT IT HAS NOT BEEN FOUND DODGE NEEDS TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND REPAIR THERE DEFECTIVE VEHICLES. LAST YEAR I HAD TO REPLACED THE MASTER BRAIN WAS TOLD THIS WAS THE PROBLEM. NOW ONE YEAR LATER AFTER THE WARRANTY IS OUT IT IS DOING IT AGAIN, NO ONE CAN FIND OUT WHY IT IS CUTTING OUT AGAIN, BEEN IN SHOP SEVERAL TIME WITH TOLD NOTHING IS WRONG. I HAVE HAD THIS 1999 DODGE DURANGO SINCE 1999 AND ALWAYS TAKEN CARE OF IT AS FAR AS MAINTENANCE GOES. SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHAT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. I DO NOT WANT ANOTHER SUV TO ROLL OVER BECAUSE OF CUTTING OUT AND NOT BEING ABLE TO CONTROL THE SUV. I BOUGHT A DODGE BECAUSE THIS HAPPEN ONCE TO MY FORD AND I ALMOST LOST MY FAMILY (3 CHILDREN AND HUSBAND) THAT TIME. I DID LOSE THE FULL USE OF MY LEFT HAND. THIS PROBLEM NEED TO BE TAKEN CARE OF PLEASE HELP I SEE I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10282690

118,225 miles · Jun 20, 2007
Fuel System, Other

DURANGO WAS PARKED AT A BUSINESS LOT WHEN MY MOTHER TRIED TO START IT THE GAS GAUGE DIDN'T REGISTER, SO SHE CALLED MY HUSBAND TO COME AND SEE IF HE COULD GET THE VEHICLE STARTED. HE COULDN'T GET IT STARTED AFTER ABOUT HALF AND HOUR OF TRYING SO HE CALLED A FRIEND TO TOW IT HOME. I WENT WITH THEM TO TOW IT AND TREAD BEFORE WE HO…

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DURANGO WAS PARKED AT A BUSINESS LOT WHEN MY MOTHER TRIED TO START IT THE GAS GAUGE DIDN'T REGISTER, SO SHE CALLED MY HUSBAND TO COME AND SEE IF HE COULD GET THE VEHICLE STARTED. HE COULDN'T GET IT STARTED AFTER ABOUT HALF AND HOUR OF TRYING SO HE CALLED A FRIEND TO TOW IT HOME. I WENT WITH THEM TO TOW IT AND TREAD BEFORE WE HOOKED IT UP TO START THE DURANGO. THE GAS GAUGE REGISTERED AND THE VEHICLE STARTED. I DROVE IT ABOUT THREE BLOCKS BEFORE THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN ON ME IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. IT STARTED BACK UP AND I DROVE ABOUT HALF A BLOCK BEFORE THE DURANGO SHUT OFF ON ME AGAIN. I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO MANAGE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD THIS TIME, BUT I WAS STILL IN THE LANE THE VEHICLES WERE DRIVING IN WITH A VEHICLE THAT WOULDN'T START. ONCE AGAIN THE GAS GAUGE WOULDN'T REGISTER AND VEHICLE WOULDN'T START. A POLICE OFFICE STOPPED BY TO CHECK ON ME AND TO INFORM ME THAT WHERE MY VEHICLE HAD BROKEN DOWN IN A VERY BAD PLACE. WE THEN TOWED THE VEHICLE HOME. AFTER ARIVING HOME WE CHECKED THE DURANGO AND IT STARTED FOR ABOUT 3 MIN. AFTER WHITCH IT DIED AGAIN, IT RESTARTED RIGHT AFTER IT DIED BUT ONLY TO SHUT OFF WIHT IN ANOTHER MINUTE OR SO. THIS IS THE VEHICLE I USE TO TAKE MY CHILD PLACES, AND OTHER CHILDREN ALSO, I AM ONLY GLAD THAT MY MOTHER HAD BARROWED THE CAR FOR THE DAY AND I WASNT STUCK WITH MY SON IN A VEHICLE THAT COULD HAVE TURNED IN TO A DEATH TRAP HAD I BEEN ON THE FREEWAY. WE JUST PUT ON A NEW STARTD LAST WEEK AND HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS BEFORE THIS, OTHER THAN THE HEATER NOT WORKING. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10193785

218,000 miles · Aug 23, 2005
Fuel System, Other

DT: THE CALLER SAID THAT THE VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN. THIS HAPPENED AT ANY SPEED. WHEN HE PULLED OFF OF THE ROAD AND SAT THERE FOR A WHILE AND THE VEHICLE STARTED UP AGAIN. THE CALLER STATED IT HAS HAPPENED INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER DID NOT KNOW WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, AN…

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DT: THE CALLER SAID THAT THE VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN. THIS HAPPENED AT ANY SPEED. WHEN HE PULLED OFF OF THE ROAD AND SAT THERE FOR A WHILE AND THE VEHICLE STARTED UP AGAIN. THE CALLER STATED IT HAS HAPPENED INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER DID NOT KNOW WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, AND URGED THE CONSUMER TO GO BACK TO THE DEALER AND PERFORM A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE PROBLEM STARTED ON JUNE 13, 2005, AND IT WAS HAPPENING TO BOTH THE CALLER AND HIS WIFE. THE DEALER WANTED TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP AND FILTER. THE CALLER SAID THAT HIS WIFE JUST CAME IN AND HAS BEEN ON THE SIDE OF ROAD THE FOR THE LAST 2 HOURS WITH THIS PROBLEM. SHE WAS ALMOST TICKETED FOR STOPPING ON THE INTERSTATE. SHE WAS PUSHED OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. HIS WIFE TOLD THE POLICE THAT IT WOULDN'T START IN A WHILE SO THEY LET HER SIT THERE UNTIL IT STARTED. *AK THE CONSUMER PURCHASED A PCM AND REPLACED IT. THE VEHICLE STOPPED THE STALLING. *SC

NHTSA ODI #10128777

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

Mileage unknown · Aug 28, 2003
Fuel System, OtherPower TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic

FRONT SUSPENSION/BALL BEARINGS COMPLETELY GONE. OIL PRESSURE GAGE DROPS TO 0 EVEN AFTER HAVING THE OIL CHANGED. TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT STAYS ON.

NHTSA ODI #10036755

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 · May 24, 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Other

DURING THE SUMMER OF 2001 I STARTED EXPERIENCING SEVERE SMOKING COMING FROM THE TAILPIPE AT STARTUP. I WOULD ALSO ENCOUNTER THE CHECK GAGE LIGHT EVERY TIME I WOULD STOP THE VEHICLE AND THE OIL PRESSURE GAGE WOULD DROP TO 0 AND RETURN TO MIDRANGE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO JIM MAY AUTO SALES ON 2 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS TO HAVE IT CHECKE…

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DURING THE SUMMER OF 2001 I STARTED EXPERIENCING SEVERE SMOKING COMING FROM THE TAILPIPE AT STARTUP. I WOULD ALSO ENCOUNTER THE CHECK GAGE LIGHT EVERY TIME I WOULD STOP THE VEHICLE AND THE OIL PRESSURE GAGE WOULD DROP TO 0 AND RETURN TO MIDRANGE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO JIM MAY AUTO SALES ON 2 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS TO HAVE IT CHECKED AND THEY SAID THAT IT WAS NORMAL AND NOT TO WORRY. IT IS CONTINUING AND I AM NOW HEARING A SEVERE KNOCKING FROM MY LIFTERS AND AM PUTTING OIL IN THE CAR EVERY 1000 MILES OR SO. THIS IS A FLEET VEHICLE AND ALL OIL CHANGES ARE WELL DOCUMENTED. I TOOK THE CAR WHILE THE WARRANTY WAS STILL GOOD, BUT NOW IT HAS EXPIRED. WHAT DO I DO NOW???*AK

NHTSA ODI #762246

Mileage unknown · Apr 19, 2000
Fuel System, Other

RECALL NO. 99V342000 MFR NO. 842 SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT DEALER WAS RUDE TO CONSUMER; PART WASN'T GIVEN APPROX. SATISFACTORY ASSISTANT.

NHTSA ODI #552162

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.