← New search

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.

About this comparison →

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
85,000 miles · Jul 2, 2014
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE DURANGO. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.

NHTSA ODI #10607724

265,000 miles · May 29, 2014
Service Brakes

THE BRAKE CALIPER BOLTS PULL OUT OF THE SPINDLE. WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THERE WAS A GRINDING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT WHEEL, UPON FURTHER INSPECTION I FOUND THAT THE PINS HOLDING THE CALIPER ON THE SPINDLE HAS PULLED THE THREADS OUT. AFTER REPLACING IT WITH AN OVERSIZE CALIPER PIN THE THREADS PULLED AGAIN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10595002

220,000 miles · May 11, 2014
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

ENGINE SHUTDOWN, OUT OF THE BLUE. NOBUS APPEARED ON ODOMETER. ALL GAUGES WERE ON 0, BUT ALL OTHER ELECTRONICS WORKED. STARTER WOULD CRANK, BUT IGNITION WOULD NOT IGNITE. I'M NOT SURE IF FUEL PUMP WENT ON OR NOT. VEHICLE WOULD NOT START BACK UP FOR APX 20 MINUTES. A COUPLE DAYS LATER, IT HAPPENED AGAIN, THEN TWICE IN ONE DAY. T…

Read full complaint

ENGINE SHUTDOWN, OUT OF THE BLUE. NOBUS APPEARED ON ODOMETER. ALL GAUGES WERE ON 0, BUT ALL OTHER ELECTRONICS WORKED. STARTER WOULD CRANK, BUT IGNITION WOULD NOT IGNITE. I'M NOT SURE IF FUEL PUMP WENT ON OR NOT. VEHICLE WOULD NOT START BACK UP FOR APX 20 MINUTES. A COUPLE DAYS LATER, IT HAPPENED AGAIN, THEN TWICE IN ONE DAY. THE QUICKEST, BUT TEMPORARY, SOLUTION IS TO COOL DOWN PCM. AN ICE PACK WORKS GREAT! BUT THIS IS NOT ALWAYS CONVENIENT. NEEDLESS TO SAY, PROBLEM IS WORSE ON HOT DAYS. ONCE THIS HAPPENS, YOU NEED TO REPLACE PCM BECAUSE SOLDER JOINTS ARE BROKEN WITHIN. WHEN UNIT COOLS, METAL CONTRACTS, AND CONTACT IS MADE AGAIN, AND TRUCK WILL START. BUT KEEP IN MIND-THE SOLDER JOINTS ARE STILL BROKEN. WHEN UNIT HEATS BACK UP, METAL WILL EXPAND, AND CONNECTION WILL BE LOST AGAIN, CAUSING ENGINE SHUTDOWN AND NO BUS TO ELECTRICAL IGNITION SYSTEM. THE VERY FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED, I HAD GONE OVER A BUMP, WHICH IS PROBABLY WHAT INITIALLY "BROKE" THE SOLDER JOINT. A NEW PCM CAN RUN $400. ONE FROM A JUNK YARD COULD WORK, BUT THERE'S ALWAYS THE RISK THAT, IT TOO, HAS THE SAME PROBLEM-MAYBE THAT'S WHY THE TRUCK IS IN THE JUNKYARD TO BEGIN WITH! AND IF IT WAS IN FRONT END COLLISION, GOOD CHANCE IT WON'T BE ANY GOOD EITHER! I'VE OWNED MY DURANGO FOR 13 YEARS, AND IT HAS NEVER REALLY LEFT ME STRANDED. BUT NOW THAT IT HAS THIS PROBLEM, COMBINED WITH BAD DESIGN OF FRONT HUB ASSY, VEHICLE IS VERY UNSAFE AND IT'S TIME TO RETIRE IT - EVEN THOUGH MOTOR STILL RUNS STRONG. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10587641

129,800 miles · Apr 15, 2014
Electrical SystemEngineService Brakes

ELECTRICAL PROBLEM JUST SHUTS THE WHOLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DOWN "WHILE I'M DRIVING", AT ANY SPEED...DOESN'T MATTER THE TEMPERATURE, IT HAPPENS ON ANY DAY, AND AT RANDOM. MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE, BRAKES AND STEERING BECOME UNUSABLE. JUST MISSED REAR ENDING A VEHICLE THE OTHER DAY WHICH GOT ME TO HAVE TO WRITE THIS. I HAVE TO REMOVE ELE…

Read full complaint

ELECTRICAL PROBLEM JUST SHUTS THE WHOLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DOWN "WHILE I'M DRIVING", AT ANY SPEED...DOESN'T MATTER THE TEMPERATURE, IT HAPPENS ON ANY DAY, AND AT RANDOM. MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE, BRAKES AND STEERING BECOME UNUSABLE. JUST MISSED REAR ENDING A VEHICLE THE OTHER DAY WHICH GOT ME TO HAVE TO WRITE THIS. I HAVE TO REMOVE ELECTRICAL TERMINAL FROM POST FOR 30 SECONDS, PUT BACK ON TERMINAL POST, THEN HOPEFULLY IT STARTS. I CANT EVEN DRIVE MY FAMILY ANYMORE DUE TO SAFETY HAZARD.IT HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST THIRTY TIMES NOW. LOCAL DODGE DEALER SAYS THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHATS THE MATTER, YET HUNDREDS OF OWNERS ONLINE POSTINGS PROVE WHAT I AM SAYING. PLEASE RESOLVE THIS BEFORE SOMEONE, PERHAPS MYSELF, DIES..... *TT

NHTSA ODI #10582860

130,000 miles · Mar 27, 2014
Power TrainSteering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, SHE ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A TURN AND THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY WANDERED OUT OF THE LANE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CONTINUE DRIVING. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING IN RAINY WEATHER.…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, SHE ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A TURN AND THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY WANDERED OUT OF THE LANE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CONTINUE DRIVING. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING IN RAINY WEATHER. A CERTIFIED MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, THE DIAGNOSIS WAS NOT PROVIDED TO THE CONTACT. IN ADDITION, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF GEAR PROPERLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. UPDATED 01/09/15*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE PCM WAS REPLACED AND THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS. DRIVING IN THE RAIN PROVED TO HAZARDOUS ESPECIALLY WHEN BRAKING OR TURNING. UPDATED 6/2/2015 *JS

NHTSA ODI #10575196

184,700 miles · Mar 22, 2014
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

I HAVE A 1999 DODGE DURANGO AND I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY DRIVING 60 MPH, OUT OF NOWHERE THE VEHICLE JUST SHUTS DOWN AND A SEMI TRUCK WAS AN INCH FROM STRIKING MY VEHICLE FROM BEHIND. THE SEMI LEFT SKID MARKS THAT WHERE 25 FEET LONG. I HAVE REPLACED THE PCM, CRANKSHAFT SENSOR, CAMSHAFT SENSOR AND THE IGNITION COIL AND STILL NO FIX. T…

Read full complaint

I HAVE A 1999 DODGE DURANGO AND I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY DRIVING 60 MPH, OUT OF NOWHERE THE VEHICLE JUST SHUTS DOWN AND A SEMI TRUCK WAS AN INCH FROM STRIKING MY VEHICLE FROM BEHIND. THE SEMI LEFT SKID MARKS THAT WHERE 25 FEET LONG. I HAVE REPLACED THE PCM, CRANKSHAFT SENSOR, CAMSHAFT SENSOR AND THE IGNITION COIL AND STILL NO FIX. THIS IS MY ONLY CAR AND I HAVE TO GET TO WORK EVERYDAY, I HAVE NO OTHER MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION AND I CANT AFFORD ANOTHER CAR. I FEEL THAT MY LIFE IS IN JEOPARDY EVERY TIME I DRIVE THIS CAR. I HAVE BEEN IN SEVERAL NEAR MISSES SUCH AS THIS ONE. DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO DIE BEFORE A SOLUTION IS FOUND? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10574196

110,000 miles · Nov 20, 2013
Electrical System

YOU GO DOWN THE ROAD DOESN'T MATER HOW FAST OR SLOW YOU GO JUST SHOTS DOWN PUT 2 PCM IN DOES THE SAME THAN SHUT DOWN AND SAY NO BUS HAD TO PAY A SHOP TO SAY THE PCM WAS NO GOOD TO SEND IT BACK TO GET A NO ONE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10553065

147,000 miles · Oct 18, 2013
Seats

I PULLED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY GOING IN REVERSE AND WHEN I BRAKE TO PUT IT INTO DRIVE AND START DOWN THE STREET MY DRIVER SEAT ROCKED BACK ALMOST HITTING THE HEADREST ON THE BACK SEAT. IF I HAD BEEN IN TOWN AND TOOK OFF WHEN A LIGHT TURNED GREEN I COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT AND SERIOUSLY INJURED SOMEONE. MY VEHICLE IS A 1999 DOD…

Read full complaint

I PULLED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY GOING IN REVERSE AND WHEN I BRAKE TO PUT IT INTO DRIVE AND START DOWN THE STREET MY DRIVER SEAT ROCKED BACK ALMOST HITTING THE HEADREST ON THE BACK SEAT. IF I HAD BEEN IN TOWN AND TOOK OFF WHEN A LIGHT TURNED GREEN I COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT AND SERIOUSLY INJURED SOMEONE. MY VEHICLE IS A 1999 DODGE DURANGO SLT GOLD EDITION 4WD 5.2L . THE END OF THE ADJUSTER BAR UNDER THE SEAT SNAPPED RIGHT OFF. BEFORE THAT THE SEAT SHIFTED FORWARD ALMOST AN INCH EACH TIME I STOPPED MY VEHICLE. NOT SURE IF THAT WAS RELATED. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ON 20 PLUS WEBSITES AND THERE ARE HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WITH BOTH OF THESE ISSUES. I WOULD HATE TO SEE SOMEONE GET HURT BY THIS OBVIOUS LACK OF ATTENTION IN DESIGN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10548496

163,000 miles · Oct 10, 2013
Electrical System

HAMPTON, VA. THIS MORNING I WAS DRIVING MY KIDS TO SCHOOL, AND THE TRUCK JUST TURNED OFF. I LOST THE POWER STEERING & BRAKES. I WAS IN A SCHOOL ZONE, I WAS GOING UNDER 25 MPH WHEN THIS HAPPENED. AFTER ME AND THE KIDS PUSHED THE CAR OUT OF THE STREET, I LET THE TRUCK COOL OFF FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES THEN IT STARTED UP AND I WAS …

Read full complaint

HAMPTON, VA. THIS MORNING I WAS DRIVING MY KIDS TO SCHOOL, AND THE TRUCK JUST TURNED OFF. I LOST THE POWER STEERING & BRAKES. I WAS IN A SCHOOL ZONE, I WAS GOING UNDER 25 MPH WHEN THIS HAPPENED. AFTER ME AND THE KIDS PUSHED THE CAR OUT OF THE STREET, I LET THE TRUCK COOL OFF FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES THEN IT STARTED UP AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME. BY MY UNDERSTANDING FROM BLOGS AND THE DODGE CUSTOMER SERVICE IS A KNOWN ISSUE, BUT NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE ABOUT THIS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10547480

Mileage unknown · Sep 9, 2013
Electrical System

ON 9/8/2013, THE CAR QUIT WITHOUT WARNING. THE CAR HAD BEEN RUNNING AT HIGHWAY SPEED WITHOUT ISSUE AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING LIGHTS. THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING MANY MILES FROM ANY ASSISTANCE. THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO CRANK OVER. THERE WAS PLENTY OF GASOLINE. THERE WAS NO SPARK FROM THE IGNITION SYSTEM, COIL, PLUGS, ETC. THER…

Read full complaint

ON 9/8/2013, THE CAR QUIT WITHOUT WARNING. THE CAR HAD BEEN RUNNING AT HIGHWAY SPEED WITHOUT ISSUE AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING LIGHTS. THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING MANY MILES FROM ANY ASSISTANCE. THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO CRANK OVER. THERE WAS PLENTY OF GASOLINE. THERE WAS NO SPARK FROM THE IGNITION SYSTEM, COIL, PLUGS, ETC. THERE HAVE MANY PREVIOUS EVENTS. THERE HAVE BEEN MANY ENGINE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM REPAIRS. INCLUDING THE PCM AT ~$1600 55 WEEKS AGO. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10542778

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.