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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

Steering complaints

170 reports
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22,300 miles · Dec 4, 2019
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemSteeringCrashFire

HELLO MY NAME IS [XXX] I BROUGHT THIS SUV 12/3/2019 .THE GUY I BOUGHT THIS SUV FROM HE TOLD ME THERE'S AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITH THE BATTERY TO THE TRANSMISSION I FOUND THERE WAS SEVERAL THINGS WRONG WITH IT THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOOSE. NEED A TUNE-UP OH WHEN I GOT HOME THE CAR STARTS SMOKING INSIDE THEN THE OUTSIDE THAT'S HOW IT…

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HELLO MY NAME IS [XXX] I BROUGHT THIS SUV 12/3/2019 .THE GUY I BOUGHT THIS SUV FROM HE TOLD ME THERE'S AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITH THE BATTERY TO THE TRANSMISSION I FOUND THERE WAS SEVERAL THINGS WRONG WITH IT THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOOSE. NEED A TUNE-UP OH WHEN I GOT HOME THE CAR STARTS SMOKING INSIDE THEN THE OUTSIDE THAT'S HOW IT CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDERNEATH TO THE FIREWALL I THINK NOT SURE PLEASE HELP INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #11286786

185,000 miles · Jul 28, 2019
Electrical SystemSteeringWheels

MAKONG TURNS, THE OIL PRESSURE PLUMMETS. WHEEL SPEED SENSORS ARE CAUSING THE DASH LIGHT TO STAY ON. BEEN THROUGH 2 NEW PCM COMPUTERS. SPARK PLUGS FOUL OUT TOO EASY. BATTERY TEMP SENSOR NEEDS TO BE BEEFED UP. FACTORY ANTI THEFT SYSTEM STOPPED WORKING. THERE IS A SHORT SOMEWHERE. THIS DURANGO HAS DIED WHILE IN MOTION TOO. SCARY.

NHTSA ODI #11240197

Mileage unknown · May 15, 2019
Electrical SystemSteering

TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE DURANGO. VEHICLE LOST POWER. NEARLY STRANDED AND CONCERNED ABOUT BEING INJURED OR KILLED DUE TO VEHICLE LOSING ELECTRICAL POWER NO ELECTRICAL POWER IN VEHICLE; ENGINE CONTROL MODULE OVERHEATED WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, WITHOUT WARNING THE VEHICLE LOST ELECTRICAL POWER. THE CONTACT STATED THA…

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TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE DURANGO. VEHICLE LOST POWER. NEARLY STRANDED AND CONCERNED ABOUT BEING INJURED OR KILLED DUE TO VEHICLE LOSING ELECTRICAL POWER NO ELECTRICAL POWER IN VEHICLE; ENGINE CONTROL MODULE OVERHEATED WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, WITHOUT WARNING THE VEHICLE LOST ELECTRICAL POWER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES BECAME INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND DRIVEN FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE MILE BEFORE THE VEHICLE LOST ELECTRICAL POWER ONCE AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE DIAGNOSTIC CODE READER STATED NO BUSS. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE OVERHEATED DUE TO ITS PLACEMENT IN PROXIMITY TO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE NUT ON THE STEERING WHEEL KNUCKLE WAS STRIPPED WHICH CAUSED THE STEERING TO BE DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND SEVERAL UNKNOWN DEALERS WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THERE WOULD BE NO ASSISTANCE OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. PIIR = Y. AH *BF CONSUMER STATED EMC BRAIN OVERHEATS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. STEERING KNUCKLE STRIPS OUT, TIE ROD ENDS, MANIFOLD BOLTS, AND BALL JOINTS. CHECK ATTACHMENT EXCEEDS 2000 CHARACTERS. *JB

NHTSA ODI #11207843

145,000 miles · Jun 12, 2018
EngineService BrakesSteering

4 TIMES IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS WHILE DRIVING IN HEAVY CITY TRAFFIC IN THE LOS ANGELES, CA AREA THE ENGINE TURNED OFF, WITHOUT WARNING, WARNING LIGHTS, OR WARNING SOUNDS. ALL GUAGES WENT TO ZERO. THERE WAS NO ABNORMAL FUNCTION OF THE VEHICLE BEFORE EACH INCIDENT. POWER ASSIST TO STEERING AND BRAKES WERE ALSO LOST. EACH TIME IT …

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4 TIMES IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS WHILE DRIVING IN HEAVY CITY TRAFFIC IN THE LOS ANGELES, CA AREA THE ENGINE TURNED OFF, WITHOUT WARNING, WARNING LIGHTS, OR WARNING SOUNDS. ALL GUAGES WENT TO ZERO. THERE WAS NO ABNORMAL FUNCTION OF THE VEHICLE BEFORE EACH INCIDENT. POWER ASSIST TO STEERING AND BRAKES WERE ALSO LOST. EACH TIME IT WAS IN DRY, SUNNY WEATHER WITH THE TEMPERATURE BETWEEN 60 AND 80 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. EACH TIME I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO A CURB OR PHYSICALLY PUSH THE VEHICLE OUT OF TRAFFIC. EACH TIME, EXCEPT ONE, THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARD. THE ENGINE WOULD TURN OVER BRISKLY BUT WOULD NOT START. AFTER 4 TO 6 ATTEMPTS THE CAR WOULD START NORMALLY AND THEN RUN NORMALLY AS IF NOTHING HAD EVER HAPPENED. EACH TIME THE GASOLINE TANK WAS AT LEAST ONE QUARTER FULL. TWO ADDITIONAL TIMES IN THE LAST TWO MONTHS THE ENGINE SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING AND THEN ALMOST IMMEDIATELY TURNED BACK ON AGAIN. THE TRANSMISSION WAS COMPLETELY REBUILT 5 MONTHS AGO. THIS HAD THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE A CRASH BUT DID NOT IN EACH OF THE INSTANCES.

NHTSA ODI #11101370

180,000 miles · Dec 1, 2017
Air BagsExterior LightingSteering

MY STEERING IS BAD I HAVE LITTLE CONTROL OVER VEHICLE AT HIGH SPEEDS I THINK IT'S IN THE WHEEL ITSELF OR MAYBE AIRBAGS?. REPLACED BRAKE PARTS FRONT AND BACK AND STILL PROBLEMS WITH TRYING TO STOP BUT SKID .HUB REPLACED AND ITS BETTER. HEAD LIGHTS DO NOT WORK PROPERLY

NHTSA ODI #11051781

186,000 miles · Jan 10, 2016
EngineService BrakesSteering

WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS TIMES ON THE HIGHWAYS MY CAR SHUTS DOWN AND I LOSE STEERING AND POWER BRAKES WHICH MAKES IT HARD TO SLOW DOWN AND MOVE TO SIDE OF ROAD. AFTER 10 TO 15 MIN L CAN RESTART MY CAR.

NHTSA ODI #10819177

131,000 miles · Jul 15, 2015
Electrical SystemEngineSteering

USUALLY HAPPENS WHEN IT IS HOT OUT BUT THE TRUCK JUST SHUTS OFF WITH OUT NOTICE ALL POWER TOO ALL GAUGES GO TO 0 POWER STEERING. DOES NOT MATTER HOW FAST OR SLOW I AM GOING. I HAVE TO PARK IT AND LET IT SIT ANYWHERE FROM 5 MINUTES UP TO TWO HOURS. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL PARTS REPLACED AND THE PROBLEM CONTINUES NO ONE SEEMS TO …

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USUALLY HAPPENS WHEN IT IS HOT OUT BUT THE TRUCK JUST SHUTS OFF WITH OUT NOTICE ALL POWER TOO ALL GAUGES GO TO 0 POWER STEERING. DOES NOT MATTER HOW FAST OR SLOW I AM GOING. I HAVE TO PARK IT AND LET IT SIT ANYWHERE FROM 5 MINUTES UP TO TWO HOURS. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL PARTS REPLACED AND THE PROBLEM CONTINUES NO ONE SEEMS TO HAVE AN ANSWER. THIS IS SO DANGEROUS NOT ONLY FOR ME BUT ALSO ALL OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD. THIS NEEDS TO BE FIGURED OUT SOON I FEAR FOR MY LIFE AND THE LIFE OF OTHERS.

NHTSA ODI #10734397

150,000 miles · Jul 1, 2015
SteeringSuspensionWheels

NUT CAME OFF LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING CAUSING WHEEL TO COME OFF VEHICLE. WHEN PICKING UP PIECES, I NOTICED THAT THERE IS NO COTTER KEY TO KEEP THE NUT FROM BACKING OFF. HAD THIS HAPPENED AT HIGHER SPEEDS, THE RESULT WOULD HAVE BEEN VERY SERIOUS.

NHTSA ODI #10731558

144,000 miles · May 30, 2015
Electrical SystemSteeringSuspension

THE VEHICLE IS HARD TO STEER IT ALSO HAS A PROBLEM DISENGAGING THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE THE VEHICLE'S TIRES IN THE FRONT RUB AGAINST THE WHEEL WELLS CAUSING UNEVEN TREAD WEAR THE VEHICLE IS DEEMED UNSAFE ALSO DUE TO THE VEHICLE'S SUSPENSION BUSHINGS IN THE FRONT IN THE TIE RODS IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE ARE LOOSE CAUSING A OVER COMPE…

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THE VEHICLE IS HARD TO STEER IT ALSO HAS A PROBLEM DISENGAGING THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE THE VEHICLE'S TIRES IN THE FRONT RUB AGAINST THE WHEEL WELLS CAUSING UNEVEN TREAD WEAR THE VEHICLE IS DEEMED UNSAFE ALSO DUE TO THE VEHICLE'S SUSPENSION BUSHINGS IN THE FRONT IN THE TIE RODS IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE ARE LOOSE CAUSING A OVER COMPENSATION AND UNDER COMPENSATION FOR STEERING POSSIBLY RESULTING IN FATALITY ULTIMATELY DUE TO A BAD LANE CHANGE FORCING THE VEHICLE TO COLLIDE WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE ENDING UP ULTIMATELY IN FATALITY.

NHTSA ODI #10722447

Mileage unknown · May 6, 2015
Steering

THE PASSENGER SIDE STEERING KNUCKLE IN MY 99 DODGE DURANGO SLT 5.9L V8 MAGNUM FAILED AT THE STEERING KNUCKLE CALIPER PIN HOLES POSSIBLY DUE THE THREADS IN THE OVERLY SOFT METAL BEING EASILY OVER TORQUED. ONCE ONE PIN FAILED THE OTHER FAILED SHORTLY AFTER RESULTING IN A CALIPER FREELY MOVING ALONG THE ROTOR DAMAGING THE WHEEL A…

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THE PASSENGER SIDE STEERING KNUCKLE IN MY 99 DODGE DURANGO SLT 5.9L V8 MAGNUM FAILED AT THE STEERING KNUCKLE CALIPER PIN HOLES POSSIBLY DUE THE THREADS IN THE OVERLY SOFT METAL BEING EASILY OVER TORQUED. ONCE ONE PIN FAILED THE OTHER FAILED SHORTLY AFTER RESULTING IN A CALIPER FREELY MOVING ALONG THE ROTOR DAMAGING THE WHEEL AND POSSIBLE WARPING THE ROTOR. APPARENTLY THERE IS A "KNOWN" ISSUE WITH THESE STEERING KNUCKLES I BELIEVE THEY WERE ALSO PUT IN DODGE DAKOTAS. I'M NOT ENTIRELY SURE OF THE YEAR SPAN THEY WERE MANUFACTURED AND INSTALLED. I'VE BEEN ASKING AROUND ONLINE, CHRYSLER, AND MY LOCAL DEALER AND I'VE BEEN UNABLE TO FIND OUT OF THESE PARTS ARE S TILL BEING MANUFACTURED THE SAME. THE WEBSITE I DID FIND THAT HAD THEM SENT ME THIS "THE REPLACEMENT THAT WE SELL WILL BE EXACTLY LIKE THE ONE FROM FACTORY" WHICH LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THERE HASN'T BEEN ANY CORRECTIONS MADE AND THAT THE NEW PARTS COULD FAIL JUST LIKE THE OLD ONES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10714923

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.