NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
181 reportsClear category filter107,900 miles · May 19, 2005
Power TrainSeat BeltsWheelsCrash
AT CHRISTMASTIME OUR TRANSMISSION BEGAN ACTING UP. WE BELIEVED THE HARSH WINTER WEATHER WAS CAUSING THE PROBLEM BC ONCE THE ENGINE HEATED UP, THE VEHICLE DROVE JUST FINE. AT ANY RATE, WE TOOK IN TO BE SERVICED IN MARCH AND HAD THE 4X4 REAR DIFFERENTIALS FLUSHED AND SERVICED AND THE FLUID CHANGED. WHILE IT WAS IN FOR THAT REPA…
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AT CHRISTMASTIME OUR TRANSMISSION BEGAN ACTING UP. WE BELIEVED THE HARSH WINTER WEATHER WAS CAUSING THE PROBLEM BC ONCE THE ENGINE HEATED UP, THE VEHICLE DROVE JUST FINE. AT ANY RATE, WE TOOK IN TO BE SERVICED IN MARCH AND HAD THE 4X4 REAR DIFFERENTIALS FLUSHED AND SERVICED AND THE FLUID CHANGED. WHILE IT WAS IN FOR THAT REPAIR (AT A DEALERSHIP) THEY CALLED AND SAID THE 2 FRONT BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. WE KNEW ABOUT THE RECALL, SO ASKED THEM ABOUT IT, BUT IT JUST FIGURES OUR VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. SO, $1600 LATER, WE WENT AND PICKED IT UP AND SEEMED TO DRIVE JUST FINE. WELL, THEN 3 WKS. LATER I WAS DRIVING TO THE GROCERY STORE. I WAS STOPPED A RED LIGHT, AND WHEN IT TURNED GREEN I WENT TO GO AND IT JUST BARELY ACCELERATED. LUCKILY, THE RED LIGHT WAS RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE GARAGE WE NORMALLY USE. I WAS ABLE TO TURN THE VEHICLE AROUND AND GET IT TO WHERE I WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF THE GARAGE. I WENT IN AND TOLD THE MECHANIC WHAT HAPPENED. THE TRUCK WAS IN THE SHOP FOR 2 WKS. IT NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION AFTER HAVING JUST BEEN SERVICED! IT COST $3300! OVER THE PAST 2 MONTHS WE HAVE SPENT $4600 IN REPAIRS ON A VEHICLE THAT WE ARE STILL PAYING FOR! I AM IRRATE! WE EVEN BOUGHT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WHEN WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE 5 YRS. AGO, BUT NOW WITH 108,000 MILES IT'S NOT COVERED ANY LONGER (WARRANTY ONLY WENT TO 100,000). 2 YRS. AGO I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WITH DURANGO WHERE THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL POPPED OFF AFTER ANOTHER VEHICLE HIT IT. WE DON'T BELIEVE HE COULD HAVE HIT IT WITH ENOUGH FORCE FOR THAT TO HAPPEN IF IT HAD NOT BEEN DEFECTIVE TO BEGIN WITH. HIS WIFE EVEN SPOKE TO ME ABOUT THIS LAST CHRISTMAS AFTER THE RECALL CAME OUT. I AM FED UP WITH THIS TRUCK AND I WANT DODGE TO KNOW IT.
NHTSA ODI #10121628
Mileage unknown · Apr 21, 2005
Power TrainSuspension
1999 DODGE DURANGO SPEED SENSOR FAILED AS WELL AS THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS. ***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR AT 49,000 THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. THE SPEED SENSOR FAILED FOR A SECOND TIME. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10119268
120,000 miles · Apr 19, 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainSteering
STARTED WITH REBUILT TRANSMISSION, THEN SLUDGED IN MOTOR. HAD TO REPLACE MOTOR WITH ONLY 120,000 MILES MOTOR AND TRANSMISSION 5,000. ALSO HAD TO REPLACE BALL JOINTS, TIE RODS AND BEARINGS COST $1,000*AK
NHTSA ODI #10118101
80,000 miles · Apr 15, 2005
Power Train
WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE TRANSMISSION. OWNER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER, AND OWNER WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION APPEARED AS IF THE DRIVER HAD BEEN GOING 80 MPH, THEN SUDDENLY SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO PARK. THEN, OWNER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, WHO CLAIMED THAT VEHICLE HAD…
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WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE TRANSMISSION. OWNER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER, AND OWNER WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION APPEARED AS IF THE DRIVER HAD BEEN GOING 80 MPH, THEN SUDDENLY SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO PARK. THEN, OWNER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, WHO CLAIMED THAT VEHICLE HAD TOO MANY MILES ON IT, AND THERE WAS NOTHING ELSE THEY COULD DO. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10118886
69,000 miles · Mar 22, 2005
Power TrainSuspension
MY DURANGO STEERING HAD BEEN OUT OF CONTROL I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND BOTH FRONT BALL JOINTS ARE BAD AND IT IS LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID FROM THE FRONT SEAL.IT IS COSTING 700.00 TO BE FIXED. THIS IS MONEY I DO NOT HAVE. I HAVE OWNED THE CAR 1 AND A HALF YEARS.IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10114473
88,000 miles · Feb 5, 2005
Power TrainFire
WE WERE DRIVING EAST ON I-90, JUST EAST OF GARY, IN. OUR SUV CAUGHT FIRE, WE COULD SMELL SMOKE, AND WE MADE AN EMERGENCY STOP AT EXIT 17. ANOTHER CAR PULLED UP BEHIND US, AND THE DRIVER SAID HE SAW FLAMES UNDER THE CAR. MY WIFE AND I RAN FROM THE CAR IN FEAR. THE CAR HAD A FULL TANK OF GAS, AND WE FELT OUR LIVES WERE IN JEOPARDY…
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WE WERE DRIVING EAST ON I-90, JUST EAST OF GARY, IN. OUR SUV CAUGHT FIRE, WE COULD SMELL SMOKE, AND WE MADE AN EMERGENCY STOP AT EXIT 17. ANOTHER CAR PULLED UP BEHIND US, AND THE DRIVER SAID HE SAW FLAMES UNDER THE CAR. MY WIFE AND I RAN FROM THE CAR IN FEAR. THE CAR HAD A FULL TANK OF GAS, AND WE FELT OUR LIVES WERE IN JEOPARDY. I TOLD THE TOLL BOOTH ATTENDANT THAT MY CAR WAS ON FIRE, GOT A FIRE EXTINGUISHER FROM HER, AND SHE VOLUNTEERED TO CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. I PUT OUT THE FIRE THAT WAS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE FRONT AXLE. WE CALLED OUR STATE FARM AGENT TO REPORT THE INCIDENT. THE SUV WAS TOWED TO GREGORY DODGE IN HIGHLAND PARK, IL TO ASSESS THE DAMAGE, WHERE IT IS STILL BEING EVALUATED. AS A RESULT OF THE FIRE, THE FRONT AXLE AND DRIVE SHAFT DISINTEGRATED. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10109882
Mileage unknown · Jan 27, 2005
Power Train
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY WENT OUT, WHILE OUT OF TOWN, AT 60,500 MILES. DEALER AND COMPANY REFUSED TO ASSIST IN ANY WAY SINCE 500 OUT OF WARRANTY. VEHICLE WAS NOT ABUSED OR USED FOR TOWING HEAVY EQUIPMENT. MAINTAINED REGULARLY, BUT NO ASSISTANCE EVEN AFTER CONTACTING CHRYSLER/DAHMLER. COST $1,600 TO REPLACE AT A TRANSM…
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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY WENT OUT, WHILE OUT OF TOWN, AT 60,500 MILES. DEALER AND COMPANY REFUSED TO ASSIST IN ANY WAY SINCE 500 OUT OF WARRANTY. VEHICLE WAS NOT ABUSED OR USED FOR TOWING HEAVY EQUIPMENT. MAINTAINED REGULARLY, BUT NO ASSISTANCE EVEN AFTER CONTACTING CHRYSLER/DAHMLER. COST $1,600 TO REPLACE AT A TRANSMISSION CENTER.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10108031
80,751 miles · Jan 2, 2005
Power TrainSuspension
OUR TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT TO 3RD GEAR,REMOVED,REBUILT AND RE-INSTALL, EXCHANGED TORQUE CONVERTER NEEDED, REPLACED ALL SOLENOIDS AND SWITCH 12/31/04 STARTED AROUND 80,000 MILES. WORK DONE @ 80751. I AM ONE OF 3 PEOPLE THAT I KNOW WHO HAVE (OR HAD) A 99 DURANGO ON MY SONS HOCKEY TEAM, ALL HAVE HAD TROUBLE WITH TRANNY, 1 AT …
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OUR TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT TO 3RD GEAR,REMOVED,REBUILT AND RE-INSTALL, EXCHANGED TORQUE CONVERTER NEEDED, REPLACED ALL SOLENOIDS AND SWITCH 12/31/04 STARTED AROUND 80,000 MILES. WORK DONE @ 80751. I AM ONE OF 3 PEOPLE THAT I KNOW WHO HAVE (OR HAD) A 99 DURANGO ON MY SONS HOCKEY TEAM, ALL HAVE HAD TROUBLE WITH TRANNY, 1 AT 64,000 MILES, FIXED AND TRADED, OTHER HAS SAME SYMPTOMS AS OURS, HAS 72,000 MILES.-- ONLINE STORIES SEEM TO INDICATE THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED PROBLEM, TRANSMISSION SHOP SAID SEEMS TO BE VERY COMMON WITH EARLY MODELS TRANNY 42RE?--DATE OF BUILD 9/98-- VIN#1B4HS28Y3X535962-- NOT TO MENTION THE NEW "0 OIL PRESSURE" READING THAT HAPPENED THIS PAST W/E, WHICH SEEMS TO BE POPPING UP, WILL CLEAN PAN AND REPLACE PVC TO SEE IF THAT PROBLEM IS SOLVED AS RESEARCH INDICATES, AND LAST BUT LEAST- BALL JOINTS---AND NEW TIRES WILL BE NEEDED DUE TO UNEVEN INSIDE WEARING, EVEN IF "ROTATED" EVERY 7500 MILES. LONG TERM CHRYSLER OWNER, ALL VEHICLES OVER 125 K MILES, NEVER A PROBLEM--WHAT RECOURSE/SATISAFACTION IS THERE FOR THIS ?*JB
NHTSA ODI #10105611
Mileage unknown · Dec 30, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic
I HAVE A 1999 DODGE DURANGO, BRAKES REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED, RADIATOR, AIR COMPRESSOR AND MORE PROBLEMS. *BF THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE BALL JOINTS WERE GONE AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS STICKING. *SC *JB
NHTSA ODI #10108936
75,000 miles · Dec 30, 2004
Power Train
WHILE PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT THERE WAS A LOUD KNOCK AND THE VEHICLE SHOOK. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, 75,000 MILES. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED HOME. THE NEXT DAY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS NOT ILLUMINATED, I HAD A MECHANIC DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM AND HE SAID THERE WASN'T ONE AND THAT SOMETIMES THE LIGHTS JUST COME ON AND RE…
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WHILE PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT THERE WAS A LOUD KNOCK AND THE VEHICLE SHOOK. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, 75,000 MILES. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED HOME. THE NEXT DAY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS NOT ILLUMINATED, I HAD A MECHANIC DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM AND HE SAID THERE WASN'T ONE AND THAT SOMETIMES THE LIGHTS JUST COME ON AND RESET THEMSELVES. AT 83,000 MILES MY TRANSIMISSION BEGAN TO SLIP. THE MACHNIC STATED THAT THE LOUD KNOCK THAT I EXPERIENCED EARLIER WAS A ROD THE CONNECTS THE TRANSMISSION THE THE ENGINE BREAKING AND THAT I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED WITH ONLY 83,000 MILES ON A WELL MAINTAINED VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10104788
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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