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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.

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
80,177 miles · Nov 9, 2004
Power TrainFire

I HAVE A 1999 DODGE DURANGO, ON TUESDAY 11-2-04 THE FRONT AXLE FELL A PART. THIS REQUIRED THE VEHICLE TO BE TOWED, I HAD TO RENT A CAR AND THE VEHICLE IS STILL IN THE SHOP AT THIS POINT 11-9-04. THERE ARE ONLY 80, 177 MILES ON THE DURANGO. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10098546

Mileage unknown · Nov 8, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling

AT 41000 MILES MY 1999 DURANGO 5.9L EXPERIENCED SPARK KNOCK AND HEAVY OIL CONSUMPTION. OIL CHANGED AT EVERY 3000 MILES. CALLED CHRYSLER FOR HELP. THEY SAID TOO OLD AND DID NOT OFFER ANY HELP. I REPLACED ALL THE VALVE SEALS. DID NOT FIX. REPLACED THE PLENUM GASKET AS STATED BY THE TECHNICAL BULLETIN. DID NOT FIX. FINALLY, TORE DO…

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AT 41000 MILES MY 1999 DURANGO 5.9L EXPERIENCED SPARK KNOCK AND HEAVY OIL CONSUMPTION. OIL CHANGED AT EVERY 3000 MILES. CALLED CHRYSLER FOR HELP. THEY SAID TOO OLD AND DID NOT OFFER ANY HELP. I REPLACED ALL THE VALVE SEALS. DID NOT FIX. REPLACED THE PLENUM GASKET AS STATED BY THE TECHNICAL BULLETIN. DID NOT FIX. FINALLY, TORE DOWN ENGINE AND FOUND A BROKEN OIL RING ON #8 CYLINDER. REPLACED ALL RINGS AND BEARINGS. FINALLY FIXED ALL AT MY COST. CHRYSLER DID NOT OFFER HELP. ONLY ONE THING TO SAY TO CHRYSLER, YOU HAVE ONE LESS CUSTOMER. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10098444

108,000 miles · Nov 4, 2004
Suspension

UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED BECAUSE OF EXTENSIVE WEAR AT 29,000 MILES. FOLLOWING REPLACEMENT THEY WORE OUT AGAIN, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10099372

56,000 miles · Nov 3, 2004
Power Train

10/29/04 DROVE CAR FROM JAX, FL TO SAV. GA. APPROXIMATELY HALF WAY THERE, CHECK GAUGE AND NO OIL PRESSURE. HAD CAR TOWED TO SERVICE CENTER. SAID THAT THE SCREEN IN THE OIL FILTER OR PUMP WAS CLOGGED AND TONS OF SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE. THEY FLUSHED THE SCREEN AND THE ENGINE OUT AND CHANGED THE OIL. CAR RAN NORMAL FROM THERE AN…

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10/29/04 DROVE CAR FROM JAX, FL TO SAV. GA. APPROXIMATELY HALF WAY THERE, CHECK GAUGE AND NO OIL PRESSURE. HAD CAR TOWED TO SERVICE CENTER. SAID THAT THE SCREEN IN THE OIL FILTER OR PUMP WAS CLOGGED AND TONS OF SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE. THEY FLUSHED THE SCREEN AND THE ENGINE OUT AND CHANGED THE OIL. CAR RAN NORMAL FROM THERE AND DROVE BACK TO JACKSONVILLE FINE. ONCE BACK ON JACKSONVILLE, THE CHECK GAUGE AND NO OIL PRESSURE IS BACK. CAR SITTING IN DRIVEWAY, AFRAID TO DRIVE TO WORK AND NO MONEY TO REPLACE WHAT IS WRONG THIS TIME. SECOND CHRYLSER VEHICLE OWED AND SHOULD OF LEARNED THE FIRST TIME WHEN I HAD A DODGE CARAVAN THAT HAD THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED 3 TIMES AND OTHER NUMEROUS PROBLEMS. APPARANTLY, THIS IS A MANUFACTUER DEFECT IN NUMEROUS PRODUCTS AND THEY NEED TO OWN UP TO THE MIDDLE CLASS PEOPLE WHO CANNOT AFFORD PROBLEMS LIKE THESE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10098203

Mileage unknown · Nov 3, 2004
Electrical SystemEquipmentFuel System, Other

WHILE DRIVING THERE WAS A POPPING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER IN WHICH THEY FOUND THAT THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE COMPLETELY WORN OUT. *AK THE COVER UNDER THE HOOD WAS RIPENED, THE BLACK GUARD UNDER THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS HANGING, THE COOLANT RESEVOIR WAS LEAKING, THE POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK…

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WHILE DRIVING THERE WAS A POPPING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER IN WHICH THEY FOUND THAT THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE COMPLETELY WORN OUT. *AK THE COVER UNDER THE HOOD WAS RIPENED, THE BLACK GUARD UNDER THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS HANGING, THE COOLANT RESEVOIR WAS LEAKING, THE POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKED, THE A/C WAS NOT COOLING DUE TO AN OPEN WIRE FROM THE LOW PUSH SWITCH, AND THE FUEL GAUGE DID NOT READ PROPERLY. *SC

NHTSA ODI #10094818

Mileage unknown · Nov 3, 2004
Suspension

THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A ROUTINE INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT BOTH UPPER AND BALL JOINTS WERE LOOSE AND WORN OUT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB THE CONSUMER STATED THAT A FAMILY DOWN THE STREET WITH THE SAME VEHICLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. *TC

NHTSA ODI #10083510

Mileage unknown · Nov 2, 2004
SteeringSuspension

NO CRASH. I AM WRITING TO LET YOU KNOW THAT ONLY BECAUSE OF AN HONEST DODGE MECHANIC THAT I HAPPENED TO MEET I WAS WARNED TO HAVE MY BALL JOINTS AND TIE RODS EXAMINED ON MY 1999 DODGE DURANGO. I HAD NO NOTICE THAT THERE WAS ANYTHING WRONG WITH THEM. MY DURANGO HAD APPROXIMATELY 52K MILES ON IT. NEARLY ALL HIGHWAY MILES, NO O…

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NO CRASH. I AM WRITING TO LET YOU KNOW THAT ONLY BECAUSE OF AN HONEST DODGE MECHANIC THAT I HAPPENED TO MEET I WAS WARNED TO HAVE MY BALL JOINTS AND TIE RODS EXAMINED ON MY 1999 DODGE DURANGO. I HAD NO NOTICE THAT THERE WAS ANYTHING WRONG WITH THEM. MY DURANGO HAD APPROXIMATELY 52K MILES ON IT. NEARLY ALL HIGHWAY MILES, NO OFFROADING. I HAD TO REPLACE THESE AT A COST OF NEARLY $2,000. I INVESTIGATED AT THE TIME AND FOUND OUT THAT I WAS LUCKY THAT MY TIRE HAD NOT FALLEN OFF. I AM SUBMITTING THIS TO YOU BECAUSE I WAS TOLD THAT THERE IS AN EXISTING INVESTIGATION ONGOING ON THIS SUBJECT AND I WANTED YOU TO BE AWARE OF ANOTHER CASE. THANK YOU!*AK

NHTSA ODI #10098163

87,224 miles · Oct 27, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling

WHILE DRIVING CHECK ENGINE AND ABS LIGHTS CAME ON. ALL THE GAUGES DID NOT WORK. VEHICLE SHUT DOWN. AFTER PULLING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD VEHICLE WOULD NOT START FOR APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES. AFTER RESTARTING THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED. IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE ENGINE WAS DEFECTIVE.OIL SLUDGE CAUSED…

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WHILE DRIVING CHECK ENGINE AND ABS LIGHTS CAME ON. ALL THE GAUGES DID NOT WORK. VEHICLE SHUT DOWN. AFTER PULLING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD VEHICLE WOULD NOT START FOR APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES. AFTER RESTARTING THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED. IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE ENGINE WAS DEFECTIVE.OIL SLUDGE CAUSED PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10092623

Mileage unknown · Oct 26, 2004
Suspension

PE 03 032/FRONT SUSPENSION, UPPER BALL JOINT FAILURE. WHILE GETTING A TUNE-UP MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT ALL FOUR BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10097757

34,000 miles · Oct 22, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingUnknown Or Other

1999 DODGE DURANGO ENGINE CEASES ALONG WITH BALL JOINT PROBLEMS. I HAD TO HAVE MY ENGINE REPLACED IN THE 5 YRS THAT I HAVE OWNED IT TWICE! THAT IS NOT NORMAL ON A VEHICLE THAT IS SUPPOSE TO BE TOUGH AND GET MORE THAN 36,000 MILES TO THE ENGINE! I HAVE CALLED DAMLIER CHRYSLER ABOUT THE SITUATION AND THEY CANNOT COMPENSATE ME …

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1999 DODGE DURANGO ENGINE CEASES ALONG WITH BALL JOINT PROBLEMS. I HAD TO HAVE MY ENGINE REPLACED IN THE 5 YRS THAT I HAVE OWNED IT TWICE! THAT IS NOT NORMAL ON A VEHICLE THAT IS SUPPOSE TO BE TOUGH AND GET MORE THAN 36,000 MILES TO THE ENGINE! I HAVE CALLED DAMLIER CHRYSLER ABOUT THE SITUATION AND THEY CANNOT COMPENSATE ME IN ANY WAY AND HE WASN'T ALLOWED TO SAY IF THAT WAS NORMAL FOR A BRAND NEW TRUCK TO HAVE THE ENGINE REPLACED TWICE WITHIN FIVE YEARS! AND BY THE WAY I HAVE RECIEPTS FOR MY WORK DONE AND THE PROPER MAINTENCE OF THE VEHICLE WITHIN THAT TIME SPAN!V I PAID $30,000.00 FOR THE BRAND NEW TRUCK PLUS ONE ENGINE COSTING ME $4100.00 AND THE SECOND ENGINE COSTING $4300.00 BESIDES THE BALL JOINTS. THE FIRST TIME THEREE WAS A CRACK IN THE ENGINE BLOCK THIS TIME THE ENGINE CEASED AND STARTED RATTILING LIKE A BUNCH OF TIN CANS BECAUSE SUPPOSE BROKE LOOSE INSIDE THE ENGINE AND MY DRIVE CAM ALSO HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A CRACK IN IT!*AK

NHTSA ODI #10096201

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.