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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

What owners actually said

1,967 reports
130,000 miles · Apr 17, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling

YES I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE 99 DODGE DURANGO,,,,,,,IT SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING ,WITHOUT ANY KIND OF WARNING ,NO SPUTTERING,NO JERKING ,,,JUST SHUTS OFF ,,,,MY MOTHER IS 56 YEARS OLD AND FOR HER TO HAVE TO BE DRIVING HER CAR AND BEING IN DANGER OF IT SHUTTING OFF ANYWHERE,ANYTIME,RESIDENTIAL STREET ,FREEWAY THE …

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YES I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE 99 DODGE DURANGO,,,,,,,IT SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING ,WITHOUT ANY KIND OF WARNING ,NO SPUTTERING,NO JERKING ,,,JUST SHUTS OFF ,,,,MY MOTHER IS 56 YEARS OLD AND FOR HER TO HAVE TO BE DRIVING HER CAR AND BEING IN DANGER OF IT SHUTTING OFF ANYWHERE,ANYTIME,RESIDENTIAL STREET ,FREEWAY THE STEERING LOCKS UP THE BRAKES DON'T WORK ,,,THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM NOT ONLY FOR HER AND THE PASSENGERS IN HER CAR LIKE HER GRAND DAUGHTER,FRIENDS,FAMILY BUT FOR THE PERSON DRIVING BEHIND HER THAT HAS TO STOP VERY QUICKLY,,,,,THIS CAN LEAD TO PEOPLE GETTING SERIOUSLY HURT,,,,,SHE HAS TAKEN IT TO SEVERAL MECHANICS ,THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY CANNOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM,,,,,SO AFTER MUCH TIME AND MONEY WASTED I GOT ON THE INTERNET TO SEE WHAT I COULD FIND ,AND FOUND HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM,,,AND WHAT IT SEEMS TO BE IS THE PCM OVERHEATING AND SHUTTING ITSELF OFF,AFTER ABOUT TEN MINUTES OF IT COOLING DOWN IT TURNS RIGHT BACK ON ,,,,,,,THEN OVER HEATS AGAIN AND SHUTS ITSELF OFF AGAIN ,,I THINK THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY DODGE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10326140

110,000 miles · Apr 12, 2010
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

PCM IS LOCATED ON THE RIGHT FENDER WELL. THE RADIATOR FAN ALSO BLOWS ONTO THE RIGHT FENDER. THE EXTREME HEAT CAUSES THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD INSIDE THE PCM TO WARP WHEN IT GETS HOT AND CAUSES THE ENGINE TOO STALL. ONCE THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD COOLS AND FLATTEN OUTS IT RUNS FINE UNTIL IT GETS SO HOT THAT IT WARPS AGAIN. I WAS…

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PCM IS LOCATED ON THE RIGHT FENDER WELL. THE RADIATOR FAN ALSO BLOWS ONTO THE RIGHT FENDER. THE EXTREME HEAT CAUSES THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD INSIDE THE PCM TO WARP WHEN IT GETS HOT AND CAUSES THE ENGINE TOO STALL. ONCE THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD COOLS AND FLATTEN OUTS IT RUNS FINE UNTIL IT GETS SO HOT THAT IT WARPS AGAIN. I WAS ABLE TO DUPLICATE THIS PROBLEM BY USING A BLOW DRYER ON THE PCM. WHEN IT GOT HOT THE ENGINE STALLED. AS SOON AS IT COOLED IT RESTARTED. I RESOLVED THE ISSUE BY COVERING THE PCM WITH A HEAT DEFLECTING INSULATION WRAP AND BY ALSO RUNNING AN AIR DUCT FROM THE GRILL DIRECTLY TO THE PCM. THE PROBLEM COULD BE SOLVED BY CREATING SOME ELECTRICAL PIGTAILS THAT WOULD ALLOW YOU TO RELOCATE THE PCM TO THE LEFT FENDER AWAY FROM THE DIRECTION OF THE RADIATOR FAN HEAT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10325260

129,146 miles · Mar 27, 2010
SteeringSuspension

STEERING PROBLEMS RELATED TO LINKAGE AFFECTED BY BRAKE RESIVOIR LEAKAGE ONTO LINKAGE TO THE GEAR BOX. FLUID ATE RUBBER OFF OF THE "JOINTS" THAT LOOK TO BE LIKE THAT OF A "U-JOINT." THE FIRST TIME WAS A SAFETY ISSUE INVOLVING AN "OVERSTEER" SITUATION AND THE UNDERLYING CONDITION WAS NOT EXPLAINED OR REPAIRED. THE LINKAGE WAS REPL…

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STEERING PROBLEMS RELATED TO LINKAGE AFFECTED BY BRAKE RESIVOIR LEAKAGE ONTO LINKAGE TO THE GEAR BOX. FLUID ATE RUBBER OFF OF THE "JOINTS" THAT LOOK TO BE LIKE THAT OF A "U-JOINT." THE FIRST TIME WAS A SAFETY ISSUE INVOLVING AN "OVERSTEER" SITUATION AND THE UNDERLYING CONDITION WAS NOT EXPLAINED OR REPAIRED. THE LINKAGE WAS REPLACED. ONE YEAR OR SO LATER THE DURANGO BEGAN TO REPEAT THE ABOVE SITUATION ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AT SPEEDS OF OVER 65 MILES PER HOUR. AGAIN THE LINKAGE WAS REPLACED AND THE MASTER CYLINDER {NOT INCLUDING THE RESIVOIR} WAS REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE DUE TO THE AGE OF MY VEHICLE {OR LACK OF WARRANTY}. THE PROBLEM STILL EXSISTS BECAUSE I HAVE NO JOB TO PAY FOR REPAIRS OR A DIFFERENT VEHICLE. I HAVE REPLACED LINKAGE X2 AND MASTER CYLINDER FOR THIS SITUATION, ALSO HAD AXEL HUBS {SEALED UNITS} FAIL DUE TO DRY BEARING, BOTH SIDES FRONT. OEM REPLACEMENT PARTS BOTH FAILED DUE TO DRY BEARINGS IN LESS THAN 12 MONTHS. THIS ALSO CAUSED A DANGEROUS CONDITION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. WOBBLE AND OVERSTEERING CONDITIONS. PRIOR TO THESE PROBLEMS THE REAR SWAY BAR LINKS HAD DISINTEGRATED AND WERE REPLACED. THIS VEHICLE HAS DONE NO OFF ROAD 4X4 ACTION FOR AS LONG AS I HAVE OWNED IT. THANK YOU !!

NHTSA ODI #10322470

84,964 miles · Mar 20, 2010
Electrical System

1999 DODGE DURANGO COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. THIS SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN THE VEHICLE HAS WARMED UP. WE REPLACED THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR, STILL THE SAME PROBLEM. RESEARCH AND DIAGNOSTICS POINT TO THE PCM MODULE. THERE ARE 94 OTHER COMPLAINS AT THE FOLLOWING SITE: HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/DODGE/DURANGO/1999/ELE…

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1999 DODGE DURANGO COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. THIS SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN THE VEHICLE HAS WARMED UP. WE REPLACED THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR, STILL THE SAME PROBLEM. RESEARCH AND DIAGNOSTICS POINT TO THE PCM MODULE. THERE ARE 94 OTHER COMPLAINS AT THE FOLLOWING SITE: HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/DODGE/DURANGO/1999/ELECTRICAL/VEHICLE_SHUTS_DOWN_WITHOUT_WARNING.SHTML THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE, THE TRUCK COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN, IF THIS IS NOT ADDRESSED SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED, I AM AFRAID TO PUT MY CHILDREN IN THIS VEHICLE NOW. ITS IMPOSSIBLE TO PREDICT WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN, AT 55 ON THE HIGHWAY IT COULD BE A LIFE AND DEATH SITUATION. PLEASE DO THE RESEARCH ON THIS PROBLEM, THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL, SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET HURT, JUST FROM THE BRIEF AMOUNT OF TIME I HAVE RESEARCHED I HAVE FOUND AN ABUNDANCE OF COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10321166

138,000 miles · Mar 1, 2010
Latches/locks/linkages

THE AUTOMATIC LOCKS ON FRONT PASSANGER SIDE DO NOT WORK, AND SOMETIMES YOU CANT EVEN GET THE DOOR OPEN..NOW ITS BEGINNING TO HAPPEN TO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AS WELL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10315049

120,000 miles · Feb 9, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE DURANGO. SHE STATED WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED FROM 5 MPH OR MORE, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES WHO REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP, CRANKSHAFT SENSOR AND THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM); TO NO AVAIL. THERE WERE NO FURTHER REPAIRS TO THE V…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE DURANGO. SHE STATED WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED FROM 5 MPH OR MORE, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES WHO REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP, CRANKSHAFT SENSOR AND THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM); TO NO AVAIL. THERE WERE NO FURTHER REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE AND THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY RISK SINCE THE VEHICLE STALLED CONTINUOUSLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000 AND THE CURRENT WAS 128,227. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10307896

117,000 miles · Jan 31, 2010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

1999 DODGE DURANGO REAR WHEEL LOCK ON FREEWAY 5 SOUTH OF SAN DIEGO CLOSE TO PALM AVE NO ACCIDENT BUT REALLY CLOSE TO BE ONE THE ABS LIGHT ON MY TRUCK CAME ON COUPLE TIMES CHANGE COUPLE THING LIKE SENSORS AND PROBLEM REMAINS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10303472

142,000 miles · Dec 19, 2009
Suspension

HAD UNEVEN WEAR AFTER I HAD PUT NEW TIRES ON WITH A FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT. BOTH FRONT WHEELS ARE WEARING ON THE INSIDE SO I HAD IT EVALUATED BY A DEALERSHIP WHICH I WAS INFORMED THAT I WOULD NEED NEW BALL JOINTS AND TIE RODS AT A PRICE OF $2,200.00. AFTER HAVING THIS FIXED I STILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS, SO I TOOK IT BACK AND …

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HAD UNEVEN WEAR AFTER I HAD PUT NEW TIRES ON WITH A FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT. BOTH FRONT WHEELS ARE WEARING ON THE INSIDE SO I HAD IT EVALUATED BY A DEALERSHIP WHICH I WAS INFORMED THAT I WOULD NEED NEW BALL JOINTS AND TIE RODS AT A PRICE OF $2,200.00. AFTER HAVING THIS FIXED I STILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS, SO I TOOK IT BACK AND THEY SAID THAT I WOULD NEED NEW A ARMS FOR ANOTHER $1,800.00. THE VEHICLE IS NOT EVEN WORTH FIXING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10296450

90,000 miles · Dec 16, 2009
Service Brakes, HydraulicInjury

EARLY GENERATION DODGE DURANGO (98-01) HAS ABS PROBLEMS, CAUSING ABS TO SHUT DOWN, LEAVING THE BRAKE PEDAL VERY LOW. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER RECALLED ON THIS. FIX TO PROBLEM SEEMS TO ONLY BE A COMPLETE BRAKE SYSTEM REBUILD, WITH AFTERMARKET PARTS TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND NOT H…

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EARLY GENERATION DODGE DURANGO (98-01) HAS ABS PROBLEMS, CAUSING ABS TO SHUT DOWN, LEAVING THE BRAKE PEDAL VERY LOW. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER RECALLED ON THIS. FIX TO PROBLEM SEEMS TO ONLY BE A COMPLETE BRAKE SYSTEM REBUILD, WITH AFTERMARKET PARTS TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND NOT HAVE IT RETURN AGAIN. I HAVE HEARD THAT SOME PEOPLE HAVE LOST THEIR LIVES DUE TO THIS PROBLEM AND I THINK IT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED EVEN THOUGH THESE VEHICLES ARE OLD, THEY ARE NOT SAFE AND NEED TO BE RECALLED FOR THE OWNERS AND EVERYONE SAFETY AROUND THEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10296170

99,000 miles · Dec 3, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling

DURANGO JUST DIES IN MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC AND IT WILL NOT START. ODOMETER SAYS NO BUS AND DODGE CANT TELL ME WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT!!!!!!! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10294343

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.