NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
127 reportsClear category filter124,000 miles · May 14, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, HydraulicFire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DURANGO. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN DRIVING ROUGHLY AND SMOKE APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD. THE BRAKES STIFFENED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT EASED OFF THE BRAKES, BUT THEY FAILED COMPLETELY. MORE SMOKE APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO PULL THE VEH…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DURANGO. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN DRIVING ROUGHLY AND SMOKE APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD. THE BRAKES STIFFENED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT EASED OFF THE BRAKES, BUT THEY FAILED COMPLETELY. MORE SMOKE APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER, BUT LOST CONTROL. SHE HEARD TWO SNAPPING NOISES UNDER THE HOOD. SHE APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, WHICH STOPPED THE VEHICLE. THE PASSENGER OPENED THE HOOD AND NOTICED FLAMES IN THE ENGINE. THEY CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE ENGINE FIRE SPREAD TO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE. A FEW MINUTES LATER, THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. PRIOR TO THE FIRE, REPAIRS HAD BEEN MADE TO THE ENGINE BECAUSE IT WOULD STALL AND OVERHEAT. THE CONTACT BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE THE DAY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN NOVEMBER OF 2008. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 124,000.
NHTSA ODI #10268715
122,000 miles · Apr 7, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling
DRIVING ALONG ON THE WAY TO SEE MY FATHER IN THE HOSPITAL AND THE CHECK GAUGE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE OIL PRESSURE WENT TO 0 AND THEN BACK UP AND THEN BACK TO 0, AND THEN ENGINE SEIZED UP. NOW WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENGINE, CHRYSLER SHOULD PONY UP FOR ALL THESE VEHICLES WHEN THEY KNOW THERE IS A PROBLEM. I WILL DEFINITELY BE KEE…
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DRIVING ALONG ON THE WAY TO SEE MY FATHER IN THE HOSPITAL AND THE CHECK GAUGE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE OIL PRESSURE WENT TO 0 AND THEN BACK UP AND THEN BACK TO 0, AND THEN ENGINE SEIZED UP. NOW WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENGINE, CHRYSLER SHOULD PONY UP FOR ALL THESE VEHICLES WHEN THEY KNOW THERE IS A PROBLEM. I WILL DEFINITELY BE KEEPING RECEIPTS FOR THIS JUST IN CASE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10264414
Mileage unknown · Apr 7, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling
I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF MY 2000 DURANGO SLT 4X4, SINCE THE TIME OF PURCHASE IN 2000. I HAD MY VEHICLE IN THE SHOP FOR THE REAR ROOF A/C FAN MOTOR GOING ON AND OFF EVERY TIME I AM IN THE CAR WHILE THE A/C SWITCH IS OFF. I HAVE ALL RECORDS AND CAN CONTACT THE DEALER FOR PROOF THAT THIS ISSUE WAS REPORTED, INSPECTED AND WORKED O…
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I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF MY 2000 DURANGO SLT 4X4, SINCE THE TIME OF PURCHASE IN 2000. I HAD MY VEHICLE IN THE SHOP FOR THE REAR ROOF A/C FAN MOTOR GOING ON AND OFF EVERY TIME I AM IN THE CAR WHILE THE A/C SWITCH IS OFF. I HAVE ALL RECORDS AND CAN CONTACT THE DEALER FOR PROOF THAT THIS ISSUE WAS REPORTED, INSPECTED AND WORKED ON NUMEROUS TIMES AND NEVER RESOLVED. 9 YEARS LATER, AND THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS AND HAS LEFT ME QUITE UNHAPPY ESPECIALLY WHEN THIS VEHICLE WAS MY FIRST PURCHASE ON MY OWN AND I'M REMINDED OF THE ISSUE EVERYTIME I'M DRIVING THE CAR. I HAVE NO OTHER COMPLAINTS EXCEPT FOR THIS A/C ROOF UNIT FAN MOTOR GOING ON AND OFF ON ITS OWN FOR UNKNOWN REASON. SOMETIMES, IT MIGHT STOP IF I PLAY WITH THE TEMPERATURE AND FAN CONTROLLERS ON THE FRONT DASH, BUT HAS NOT BEEN SPECIFIC. I HAVE EVEN SPOKEN TO THE DEALER MANAGER WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE WITHIN DAYS AND WEEKS AND CONTINUED TO MONTHS AFTER NUMEROUS UNRESOLVED REPAIR ATTEMPTS TO CLAIM UNDER THE LEMON LAW AND THE DEALERSHIP GUIDED ME OTHERWISE. EVEN THOUGH ITS BEEN 9 YEARS, I STILL OWN THE VEHICLE AND REALLY DO WISH TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE AS I PLAN TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE AS I DO KEEP IT ROUTINELY MAINTAINED AND SERVICED. AN ADDITIONAL INQUIRY OR COMPLAINT IS THE AWFUL OIL SLUDGE BUILD UP NEAR AND AROUND THE OIL CAP AND RESERVOIR INTAKE WHERE THE OIL IS ADDED. I WAS ALSO INFORMED BY MY MECHANIC THAT THE HEADERS WERE CLEANED FROM SLUDGE BUILD UP. I LOOKED THIS ISSUE UP ONLINE AT THE DODGE FORUMS AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. AT THIS TIME, I HAVE NOT HAD ANY OTHER ISSUES IN REGARD TO THE SLUDGE BUILD UP BUT MY MAIN CONCERN IS THE REAR FAN SINCE I CANNOT FIND ANY RELATED INFORMATION TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE TAKE THE TIME INTO THIS REAR A/C MATTER, AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE SLUDGE PREVENTION OR MAINTENANCE, IT WOULD BE GREATLY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10264338
137,000 miles · Apr 1, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling
DRIVING THE CAR THE ENGINE BEGAN TO KNOCK AND THE CAR STOPPED ON THE ROAD WHILE DRIVING AND COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THIS INVOLVES LOUD ENGINE KNOCKING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10263904
127,000 miles · Sep 8, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling
ECU COMPUTER DIES AFTER HEAT SOAKED. ENGINE JUST DIES AND WE LOSE STEERING AND BRAKES IN A FEW SECONDS DUE TO THE LOSS OF ENGINE OPERATION. NO ADVANCE WARNING, JUST A WARNING ON THE ODOMETER "NO BUS" - ALL INSTRUMENTS ARE DEAD. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10241390
127,000 miles · Aug 2, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling
ENGINE MADE RATTLING NOISE. ENGINE FAILED, ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED DUE TO ENGINE SLUDGE AFTER PROPER OIL CHANGES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10236708
Mileage unknown · Jul 20, 2008
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline
V8-287 4.7L DURANGO STALLS WITHOUT WARNING. DOESN'T MATTER IF I AM ON THE FREEWAY OR IN CITY TRAFFIC. NOTHING SPECIFIC THAT I CAN RELATE TO THE CAUSE. IMMEDIATELY LOSE POWER STEERING. ELECTRICAL SEEMS TO CONTINUE WORKING. CAR WILL START BACK UP FINE AFTER 5 TO 15 MINUTES OF SITTING. HAPPENS IN HOT AND COLD WEATHER, DAY OR …
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V8-287 4.7L DURANGO STALLS WITHOUT WARNING. DOESN'T MATTER IF I AM ON THE FREEWAY OR IN CITY TRAFFIC. NOTHING SPECIFIC THAT I CAN RELATE TO THE CAUSE. IMMEDIATELY LOSE POWER STEERING. ELECTRICAL SEEMS TO CONTINUE WORKING. CAR WILL START BACK UP FINE AFTER 5 TO 15 MINUTES OF SITTING. HAPPENS IN HOT AND COLD WEATHER, DAY OR NIGHT. CAN GO FOR WEEKS WITHOUT STALLING AND THEN STALL SEVERAL TIMES IN A FEW DAYS. YELLOW CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON, WHICH THE MANUAL TELLS ME IS NOT AN IMMEDIATE ISSUE. EXTREMELY UNSAFE AND I FEAR FOR MY FAMILY'S SAFETY. LOOKED AT DODGE DURANGO MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR FORUM ON INTERNET AND FOUND PAGES AND PAGES OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. (HTTP://TOWNHALL-TALK.EDMUNDS.COM AND HTTP://WWW.TOPIX.COM/FORUM/AUTOS/DODGE-DURANGO) THROUGH THESE WEBSITES IT DOESN'T LOOK LIKE ANYONE CAN FIGURE IT OUT, INCLUDING THE DEALERSHIPS, ALTHOUGH THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE WIDESPREAD. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10235046
138,000 miles · Apr 10, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling
WHILE DRIVING, THE OIL PRESSURE DROPPED TO ZERO AND THE TRUCK SHUT-OFF, NEVER TO BE STARTED AGAIN. WHEN I HAD IT TOWED TO A MECHANIC, THEY TOLD ME I HAD A "COMMON" PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES. THAT BEING, ENGINE OIL SLUDGE. I HAD CHANGED THE OIL AS MY MANUAL REQUESTED AND STILL ENDED UP WITH THIS PROBLEM. I AM NOW HAVING TO …
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WHILE DRIVING, THE OIL PRESSURE DROPPED TO ZERO AND THE TRUCK SHUT-OFF, NEVER TO BE STARTED AGAIN. WHEN I HAD IT TOWED TO A MECHANIC, THEY TOLD ME I HAD A "COMMON" PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES. THAT BEING, ENGINE OIL SLUDGE. I HAD CHANGED THE OIL AS MY MANUAL REQUESTED AND STILL ENDED UP WITH THIS PROBLEM. I AM NOW HAVING TO PURCHASE A NEW ENGINE IF I WISH TO DRIVE IT AGAIN. I OWE ALMOST LESS THAN IT WOULD COST TO BUY THE ENGINE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10224049
40,000 miles · Aug 21, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RADIATOR COMES EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC THAT IS RUBBING AGAINST THE PULLEY. THE FAILURE IS CAUSING THE RADIATOR TO EXPAND. SHE NOTIFIED THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER, BUT THEY HAVE NOT RESPONDED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE PURCHASE DATE, SPEED,…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RADIATOR COMES EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC THAT IS RUBBING AGAINST THE PULLEY. THE FAILURE IS CAUSING THE RADIATOR TO EXPAND. SHE NOTIFIED THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER, BUT THEY HAVE NOT RESPONDED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE PURCHASE DATE, SPEED, AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
NHTSA ODI #10200398
Mileage unknown · May 17, 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingVehicle Speed Control
I OWN A 2000 DODGE DURANGO THAT SHUTS DOWN WHILE DRIVING. IT WAS A DANGEROUS SITUATION BECAUSE I DID NOT KNOW WHEN THE SITUATION WILL OCCUR. SOMETIMES IT HAPPENED WHEN I WAS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. SO FAR, THE AIR INTAKE SENSOR AND THE THROTTLE CONTROL SENSORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED. THIS DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10191086
Official recalls
2Dec 21, 2004
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4X4), IF MOISTURE LEAKS INTO THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINT, EVACUATION OF THE LUBRICANT AND CORROSION OF THE JOINT MAY CAUSE THE JOINT TO WEAR OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. THIS COULD CAUSE A CLUNKING NOISE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION, WHICH MAY NOT ALWAYS BE HEARD BY THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: EXCESSIVE WEAR IN THE UPPER BALL JOINT MAY ALLOW IT TO SEPARATE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINTS. THIS SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BEGAN ON DECEMBER 21, 2004. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
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.
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
4EA03023 · 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.
PE99074 · Steering Wheel/shaft Spline Attachment
Opened Dec 13, 1999 · Closed Feb 24, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
THIS PE WAS OPENED BASED ON ODI'S RECEIPT OF ONE COMPLAINT OF STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ALLEGEDLY (THAT IS, ACCORDING TO THE REPAIRING FACILITY'S SERVICE MANAGER) THE HUB NUT WAS NEVER INSTALLED ON THE SHAFT SPLINE.ALTHOUGH THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, HE/SHE WAS ABLE TO STOP WITHOUT IMPACTING ANYTHING.BASED ON OUR INVESTIGATION AND THE MANUFACTURER'S RESPONSE, ODI IS CLOSING THIS INVESTIGATION BECAUSE THE SINGLE KNOWN COMPLAINT APPEARS TO BE AN ISOLATED INCIDENT.FURTHER, CHRYSLER HAS NO OTHER WARRANTY CLAIMS AND HAS NOT ISSUED ANY SERVICE BULLETINS.IN SUMMARY, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME 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.ODI WILL CONTTINUE TO MONITOR THIS MATTER CLOSELY, AND THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION ON THESE MODELS IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
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