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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

Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints

154 reports
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95,000 miles · Oct 20, 2006
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrashInjury

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH IN THE RAIN, THE ABS LIGHT ON THE DASH ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY, AND THE VEHICLE SWERVED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE VEHICLE ULTIMATELY COLLIDED WITH A CONCRETE BARRIER IN THE CENTER OF THE HIGHWAY, AND STRUCK ONE PERSON, WHO SUFFERED TWO BROKEN LEGS. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN AT THE S…

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH IN THE RAIN, THE ABS LIGHT ON THE DASH ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY, AND THE VEHICLE SWERVED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE VEHICLE ULTIMATELY COLLIDED WITH A CONCRETE BARRIER IN THE CENTER OF THE HIGHWAY, AND STRUCK ONE PERSON, WHO SUFFERED TWO BROKEN LEGS. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN AT THE SCENE OF THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A JUNKYARD, AND DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS.

NHTSA ODI #10171428

62,000 miles · Oct 11, 2006
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE AND MY BRAKE LINE BLEW. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, ALL OF THE BREAK LINES ON MY 1999 DODGE DURANGO WERE RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10170579

73,006 miles · Oct 6, 2006
Service Brakes, HydraulicSuspension

I HAVE BEEN READING THE EXISTING COMPLAINTS, AND WOULD LIKE TO ADD MINE. I JUST HAD A FAILED WHEEL BEARING ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF MY 1999 DODGE DURANGO REPAIRED. THE SERVICE MANAGER STATED THAT HE DIDN'T KNOW IF OR WHEN THE RIGHT HAND SIDE ONE WOULD FAIL, BUT ALSO THAT BOTH LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE DEFECTIVE. THE COST OF JUST …

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I HAVE BEEN READING THE EXISTING COMPLAINTS, AND WOULD LIKE TO ADD MINE. I JUST HAD A FAILED WHEEL BEARING ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF MY 1999 DODGE DURANGO REPAIRED. THE SERVICE MANAGER STATED THAT HE DIDN'T KNOW IF OR WHEN THE RIGHT HAND SIDE ONE WOULD FAIL, BUT ALSO THAT BOTH LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE DEFECTIVE. THE COST OF JUST THE WHEEL BEARING REPAIR WAS EXPENSIVE, BUT THE BALL JOINT REPAIR WOULD BE NEARLY DOUBLE THAT. OUR PROBLEM IS THAT WE JUST CANNOT AFFORD THE REPAIRS ON THIS VEHICLE. IN THE PAST SIX MONTHS, WE HAVE HAD TO REPLACE A FAULTY TRANSMISSION SENSOR AND THE WHEEL BEARING. WE NOW HAVE LEARNED OF THE BALL JOINT FAILURE, AS WELL AS THE FAILURE OF THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM, PLUS A REAR WHEEL ABS SENSOR THAT FAILED. ALL TOLD, WE ARE NOW FACING OVER $2000 IN REPAIRS, THIS AFTER SPENDING $1500 FOR THE PRIOR ONES. I HAVE SEEN OVER 500 COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE BALL JOINTS ON THIS YEAR OF CAR. PLEASE FORCE A RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY INJURED. THANK YOU. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10170112

98,000 miles · Sep 21, 2005
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

DT: WHILE DRIVING THE BRAKE LINE DISINTEGRATED. THE BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON AFTER THE BRAKES FAILED. THERE WAS BRAKE FLUID LEAKING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THIS HAPPENED ON SEPTEMBER 20, 2005. HAD NOT CONTACTED THE DEALER. BACK ON OCTOBER 19, 2004 THEY CHANGED REAR BRAKE SENSOR. *AK UPDATED 11/02/05. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10137165

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

74,000 miles · Jul 12, 2005
Air BagsService Brakes, Hydraulic

DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE AIRBAG LIGHT KEPT COMING ON AND OFF. THE ABS LIGHT ALSO KEPT COMING ON AND OFF. THEN THIS OCCURRED THE RPM GAUGES WOULD STOP WORKING ALONG WITH THE OTHER GAUGES ON THE DASHBOARD. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE TRUCK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT THE TRUCK IS NOT COVERED UNDER ANY RECALL. THE OW…

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DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE AIRBAG LIGHT KEPT COMING ON AND OFF. THE ABS LIGHT ALSO KEPT COMING ON AND OFF. THEN THIS OCCURRED THE RPM GAUGES WOULD STOP WORKING ALONG WITH THE OTHER GAUGES ON THE DASHBOARD. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE TRUCK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT THE TRUCK IS NOT COVERED UNDER ANY RECALL. THE OWNER HAS TALKED TO MANUFACTURER. THEY TOLD THE CONSUMER TO HOLD ON TO HIS REPAIR RECEIPTS. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THERE WAS NOT A RECALL ON HIS VEHICLE. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10128501

82,000 miles · Jul 6, 2005
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash

DT: CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT 25 MPH, WHEN SHE WAS GETTING READY TO GO UNDER AN OVERPASS, SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES FOR A RED LIGHT AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOORBOARD. CONSUMER WAS APPLYING THE BRAKES SUDDENLY AND HARD FOR A QUICK STOP. HOWEVER, THE ABS BRAKES DID NOT ACTIVATE. THERE WERE NO SKID MARKS ON THE ROAD. CONS…

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DT: CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT 25 MPH, WHEN SHE WAS GETTING READY TO GO UNDER AN OVERPASS, SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES FOR A RED LIGHT AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOORBOARD. CONSUMER WAS APPLYING THE BRAKES SUDDENLY AND HARD FOR A QUICK STOP. HOWEVER, THE ABS BRAKES DID NOT ACTIVATE. THERE WERE NO SKID MARKS ON THE ROAD. CONSUMER HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE SIDE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. CONSUMER STATED THAT WHEN SHE FIRST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE THERE WAS NOISE UNDER THE HOOD AND THE DEALER TOLD HER THE ABS BRAKES WERE TRYING TO TEST THEMSELVES. AFTER THE ACCIDENT CONSUMER COULD HEAR A GRINDING NOISE UNDER HOOD WHEN VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THE NOISE WAS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND ONLY LASTED FOR A COUPLE SECONDS.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10127667

110,000 miles · Jun 16, 2005
Service Brakes, HydraulicSuspension

DT:CONSUMER NOTICED THAT VEHICLE STARTED RIDING ROUGH. CONSUMER REPLACED SHOCKS, BUT THE FRONT END STILL SEEMED TO RIDE ROUGH ENOUGH TO FEEL ALL BUMPS IN ROAD. CONSUMER HAD BRAKE PADS CHANGED AND THE MECHANIC SHOWED CONSUMER THAT BALL JOINTS WERE BAD. MECHANIC CHECKED BOTH TOP AND BOTTOM BALL JOINT ON DRIVER'S SIDE. BALL JOINTS…

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DT:CONSUMER NOTICED THAT VEHICLE STARTED RIDING ROUGH. CONSUMER REPLACED SHOCKS, BUT THE FRONT END STILL SEEMED TO RIDE ROUGH ENOUGH TO FEEL ALL BUMPS IN ROAD. CONSUMER HAD BRAKE PADS CHANGED AND THE MECHANIC SHOWED CONSUMER THAT BALL JOINTS WERE BAD. MECHANIC CHECKED BOTH TOP AND BOTTOM BALL JOINT ON DRIVER'S SIDE. BALL JOINTS SHOWED LOTS OF WEAR. THEN, MECHANIC CHECKED PASSENGER SIDE TO FIND THAT MORE SLACK WAS IN PASSENGER SIDE THAN DRIVER SIDE. MECHANIC TOLD CONSUMER THAT THERE WERE STORIES OF WHEELS COMING OFF OF SAME TYPE OF VEHICLE. CONSUMER SAYS THAT VEHICLE IS NOT USED FOR OFF ROAD USE. VEHICLE IS USED FOR HIGHWAY AND CITY DRIVING. CONSUMER IS SCARED TO DRIVE VEHICLE. CONSUMER IS AWARE OF RECALL ON NEWER MODELS. FEELS THAT SAME PROBLEM EXISTS WITH THIS VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAS NOT YET REPLACED BALL JOINTS. VEHICLE IS SERVICED REGULARLY ABOUT EVERY 4500 MILES AT A QUICK LUBE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10125553

Mileage unknown · May 10, 2005
Service Brakes, HydraulicSuspension

1999 DODGE DURANGO EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH CONTROL ARMS AND BALL JOINT FAILURES.*MR THE CONSUMER HAD ALL THE BALL JOINTS REPLACED IN LATE 2003 AFTER HEARING INCIDENTS FROM THE MEDIA. IN LATE 2004, THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A MINOR LOW SPEED ACCIDENT AND THE LEFT CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY INCLUDING THE LEFT BALL JOINT WERE RE…

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1999 DODGE DURANGO EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH CONTROL ARMS AND BALL JOINT FAILURES.*MR THE CONSUMER HAD ALL THE BALL JOINTS REPLACED IN LATE 2003 AFTER HEARING INCIDENTS FROM THE MEDIA. IN LATE 2004, THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A MINOR LOW SPEED ACCIDENT AND THE LEFT CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY INCLUDING THE LEFT BALL JOINT WERE REPLACED. (THE CONSUMER DID NOT STATE IF THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE). AFTER THE REPAIR THE CONSUMES WIFE STARTED TO HEAR A POPPING SOUND, THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER BUT NO PROBLEM WAS FOUND BUT THEY DID CHECK ALL THE BOLTS AND TIGHTENED TO SPECS. IMMEDIATELY AFTER PICKING UP THE VEHICLE THE NOISE WAS STILL THERE. THE CONSUMER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE HIMSELF BY REMOVING THE LEFT FRONT TIRE AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY AND FOUND THE COTTER PIN INSTALLATION POORLY DONE ON THE UPPER BALL JOINT. THE CONSUMER THEN FOUND THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY WHICH HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN REPAIRED TO BE POORLY DONE AS WELL. THE BRAKES SQUEAKED, BUT THE CONSUMER DECLINED THE REPAIRS. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10121513

89,000 miles · May 9, 2005
Service Brakes, HydraulicSuspension

DT: FRONT END SUSPENSION WORN OUT. AND ABS BRAKES; THE BRAKES WORK BUT THE ANTI-LOCK DOESN'T WORK . *AK

NHTSA ODI #10120324

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.