NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
127 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Jan 21, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling
WHILE DRIVING,THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FLASHED ON A LOUD TICKING NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE FRONT. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER THEN THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE DRIVER TRIED TO RESTART,BUT WAS UNABLE TO DO SO. THE DRIVER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED…
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WHILE DRIVING,THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FLASHED ON A LOUD TICKING NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE FRONT. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER THEN THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE DRIVER TRIED TO RESTART,BUT WAS UNABLE TO DO SO. THE DRIVER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED REPLACEMENT DUE TO SLUDGE BUILD UP. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10108640
Mileage unknown · Jan 17, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling
2000 DODGE DURANGO, HAS SLUDGE BUILD UP IN ENGINE. I HAVE CHANGED OIL REGULARLY ( 3000-5000) MILES. I HAVE HAD THE OIL PUMP REPLACED AND NOW AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH OIL PRESSURE LIGHT. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH AND HAVE FOUND THAT MANY OWNERS OF THE DURANGO'S HAVE HAD ENGINE PROBLEMS. ONE WEB SITE, WWW.CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM, HAS MANY O…
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2000 DODGE DURANGO, HAS SLUDGE BUILD UP IN ENGINE. I HAVE CHANGED OIL REGULARLY ( 3000-5000) MILES. I HAVE HAD THE OIL PUMP REPLACED AND NOW AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH OIL PRESSURE LIGHT. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH AND HAVE FOUND THAT MANY OWNERS OF THE DURANGO'S HAVE HAD ENGINE PROBLEMS. ONE WEB SITE, WWW.CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM, HAS MANY OF THESE COMPLAINTS LISTED. I WOULD LIKE FOR DODGE TO TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEMS. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10106458
38,000 miles · Dec 9, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling
AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONSUMER NOTICED THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE DID NOT REGISTER. THE VEHICLE HAD NO OIL PRESSURE. THE CONSUMER TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND CHECKED THE OIL AND THERE WAS SLUDGE BUILD UP. THE CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED THE ENGINE WILL BECOME DEFECTIVE EVEN THOUGH THE MAINTENANCE WAS CONTINUOUS ON THE VEHI…
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AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONSUMER NOTICED THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE DID NOT REGISTER. THE VEHICLE HAD NO OIL PRESSURE. THE CONSUMER TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND CHECKED THE OIL AND THERE WAS SLUDGE BUILD UP. THE CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED THE ENGINE WILL BECOME DEFECTIVE EVEN THOUGH THE MAINTENANCE WAS CONTINUOUS ON THE VEHICLE. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10103421
61,250 miles · Oct 20, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling
WHJILE PARKED ANTIFREEZE SPOT STARTED SHOWING UP UNDER THE DODGE DURANGO 2000. REPAIR SHOP FOUND 8 FREEZE PLUGS LEAKING ON A VEHICLE WITH ONLY 61,250 MILES ON IT.
NHTSA ODI #10096092
92,000 miles · Sep 21, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling
MY 2000 DURANGO SLT WAS BEING DRIVEN BY MY SON WHEN THE CHECK GAUGES LIGHT CAME ON. IT WAS TOWED TO A GARAGE SINCE THEY TOLD US NOT TO DRIVE IT. THEY PROCEEDED TO CHANGE THE OIL FIRST, SINCE THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE WAS JUMPING UP AND DOWN. THEY THEN STARTED THE DURANGO AND REVVED THE ENGINE FOR A WHILE. WE THEN HAD IT TOWED T…
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MY 2000 DURANGO SLT WAS BEING DRIVEN BY MY SON WHEN THE CHECK GAUGES LIGHT CAME ON. IT WAS TOWED TO A GARAGE SINCE THEY TOLD US NOT TO DRIVE IT. THEY PROCEEDED TO CHANGE THE OIL FIRST, SINCE THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE WAS JUMPING UP AND DOWN. THEY THEN STARTED THE DURANGO AND REVVED THE ENGINE FOR A WHILE. WE THEN HAD IT TOWED TO OUR HOUSE SINCE MY HUSBAND IS A MECHANIC. HE WAS GOING TO LOOK AT IT AND WHEN HE DID HE DISCOVERED THAT ONE OF THE RODS WERE BENT SO THIS MEANS THE ENGINE NEEDS REPLACED. OIL CHANGES ON MY DURANGO WERE DONE AS SCHEDULED BY MY HUSBAND, IN FACT HE HAD CHECKED THE OIL 2 DAYS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT AND WENT AND BOUGHT A NEW OIL FILTER AND A NEW CASE OF OIL TO CHANGE THE OIL. MY SON CALLED DAHMLER-CHRYSLER AND THEY TOLD HIM THAT THERE HAD NEVER BEEN ANY COMPLAINTS MADE TO THEM ABOUT THE ENGINE AND THAT THERE WAS NO RECALLS DONE ON THE VEHICLE. THESE CHECKS WERE EVEN DONE WITH US GIVING THEM THE VIN OF THE VEHICLE. WE ARE NOW LOOKING AT HAVING TO SPEND $2000 FOR AN ENGINE AND THAT IS ONE WITH 60,000 MILES ON IT AND BEING REBUILT. SEEING THE OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THE WEBSITES THAT I HAVE BEEN TO, DODGE HAS TO BE AT FAULT FOR A DEFECT ON THE ENGINE OR OIL PUMP WHICH WOULD CAUSE THE OIL TO GUM UP JUST SITTING THERE AND NOT BEING PUMPED THROUGH THE ENGINE TO KEEP CRUCIAL PARTS LUBRICATED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. TO BE HONEST IT MAKES ME WORRIED ABOUT GOING OUT AND PAYING THE MONEY FOR ANOTHER ENGINE SEEING THAT MAYBE NEXT MONTH IT WOULD END UP TEARING UP AGAIN. I FEEL THAT DODGE SHOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE PROBLEMS WITH THIS ENGINE IN THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED DUE TO ENGINE FAILURE AND THE FAMILY OF THAT PERSON FINDS THIS INFORMATION AND DAHMLER-CHRYSLER IS INVOLVED IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AND THAT COULD BE EVEN MORE DEVISTATING THE COMPANY THAN A RECALL ON THE ENGINES THAT DON'T WORK CORRECTLY TO BEGIN WITH.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10093001
60,100 miles · Sep 5, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling
MY 2000 DURANGO, WITH 60,100 MILES ON IT, HAD A SCENT OF ANTI-FREEZE, SO I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALER. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE FREEZE PLUGS ON ONE SIDE OF THE ENGINE WERE LEAKING. THE PARTS WERE REMOVED/REPLACED, AND THE OLD PARTS HAD CORRODED THROUGH. I WAS TOLD I HAD BETTER CHANGE THE BALANCE, BECAUSE "THEY COULD GO AT ANY TIME"…
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MY 2000 DURANGO, WITH 60,100 MILES ON IT, HAD A SCENT OF ANTI-FREEZE, SO I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALER. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE FREEZE PLUGS ON ONE SIDE OF THE ENGINE WERE LEAKING. THE PARTS WERE REMOVED/REPLACED, AND THE OLD PARTS HAD CORRODED THROUGH. I WAS TOLD I HAD BETTER CHANGE THE BALANCE, BECAUSE "THEY COULD GO AT ANY TIME". WHEN I ASKED HOW IT WAS POSSIBLE THAT THESE ITEMS COULD FAIL IN SUCH A (RELATIVELY) SHORT PERIOD OF TIME, THE ANSWER WAS "SOMETIMES THAT HAPPENS". I HAVE WORKED ON VEHICLES, AND REBUILT ENGINES, FOR OVER 20 YEARS AND THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I HAVE SEEN AN ENGINE WITH SO FEW MILES HAVE THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE 2 OF THE 3 REMOVED PARTS (I WAS TOLD THE THIRD "CRUMBLED WHEN REMOVED"), AND PLAN ON PURSUING DODGE FOR A BETTER EXPLANATION. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10090458
73,000 miles · Sep 3, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED EXCESSIVE MOTOR SLUDGE AT THE BASE OF THE ENGINE. CONSUMER MAINTAINED THAT THE ENGINE WAS PROPERLY MAINTAINED, SUCH AS, PROPER OIL CHANGES, TUNE UPS, ETC. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER WHERE THE SLUDGE WAS DISCOVERED. HOWEVER, THE WARRANTY COMPANY SENT A REPRESENTATIVE TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND FOUN…
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VEHICLE EXPERIENCED EXCESSIVE MOTOR SLUDGE AT THE BASE OF THE ENGINE. CONSUMER MAINTAINED THAT THE ENGINE WAS PROPERLY MAINTAINED, SUCH AS, PROPER OIL CHANGES, TUNE UPS, ETC. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER WHERE THE SLUDGE WAS DISCOVERED. HOWEVER, THE WARRANTY COMPANY SENT A REPRESENTATIVE TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THE SAME DEFECTS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10090403
44,000 miles · Aug 13, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling
I WAS DRVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY WIFE, 2 CHILDREN, A FRIEND OF THE FAMILY, AND MY FAMILY DOG, WHEN THE OIL GAUGE NEEDLE DROPPED TO ZERO, AND THE WARNING SOUND BEGAN TO GO OFF. ACCORDING TO THE GAGES, I WAS LOOSING OIL PRESSURE. AFTER A SECOND, THE GAUGES WOULD RETURN TO NORMAL. IT WAS INTERMITENT. AFTER 2 MINUTES OF THIS, I D…
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I WAS DRVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY WIFE, 2 CHILDREN, A FRIEND OF THE FAMILY, AND MY FAMILY DOG, WHEN THE OIL GAUGE NEEDLE DROPPED TO ZERO, AND THE WARNING SOUND BEGAN TO GO OFF. ACCORDING TO THE GAGES, I WAS LOOSING OIL PRESSURE. AFTER A SECOND, THE GAUGES WOULD RETURN TO NORMAL. IT WAS INTERMITENT. AFTER 2 MINUTES OF THIS, I DECIDED TO PULL OF THE ROAD AND CHECK THE OIL LEVEL, IT WAS FULL... I TURNED THE CAR BACK ON, THE WARNING SIGNAL WAS GONE, AND THE NEEDLE INDICATED THAT I HAD OIL PRESSURE. I WENT ANOTHER 4 MILES DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN I ENTERED A SINGLE LANE CONSTRUCTION ZONE. THIS TIME THE NEEDLE WENT TO ZERO, INDICATING NO OIL PRESSURE. I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO TURN ON MY HAZARD LIGHTS, AND DRIVE 2 MORE MILES @35MPH TO THE NEXT EXIT. ONCE ON THE RAMP, THE CAR MADE A TICKING NOISE, AND EVENTUALLY STALLED. DUE TO THE LOSE OF POWER STEARING, IT WAS DIFFICULT TO STEAR. IT WAS EVEN MORE DIFFICULT TO STOP THE CAR (LOSE OF BRAKING) MY DODGE DURANGO HAD TO BE TOWED AWAY. NOW I AM TOLD THAT IT WILL COST ME IN EXCESS OF $4,000 TO FIX IT. I WAS TOLD BY SEVERAL MECHANICS THAT DODGE HAD TO DESIGN THIS ENGINE WITH EXTREMELY TIGH TOLERANCES IN ORDER TO MEET THE HP REQUIREMENTS. IN DOING SO, IT SOUONDS LIKE THEY NEGLECTED TO PERFORM THE PROPER ANALYSIS REQUIRED TO DETERMING THE AFFECT ON PROPER OIL CIRCUALTION. I CHANGED MY OIL EVERY 3-4,000 MI. HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN? AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET, I FOUND OUT THAT THIS WAS A COMMON OCCURANCE AMONGST DURANGO OWNERS. I READ ONE COMPLAINT AFTER ANOTHER. I SOME CASES, CHRYSLER WOULD NOT COVER THE FAILURE EVEN IF THE OWNER HAD AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. MY DEALERSHIP WON'T RECOGNIZE THAT THEIR IS A HISTORICAL PROBLEM. THEY LOST MY BUSINESS. EVEN THOUGH MY CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY, ONE WOULD EXPECT IT TO LAST 90,000 MI. WITHOUT A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THIS MAGNITUDE. THIS POBLEM SHOULD BE RECOGNIZED BY CHRYSLER....THESE MOTORS SHOULD BE RECALLED....SOUNDS LIKE A CLASS ACTION SUITE IS IN ORDER. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10086795
44,000 miles · Aug 13, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling
2000 DODGE DURANG: I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY WIFE, 2 CHILDREN, A FRIEND OF ONE OF MY CHILREN, AND MY FAMILY DOG, WHEN THE OIL GAUGE NEEDLE STARTED TO BOUNCE BACK AND FORTH. IT INDICATED THAT I WAS LOOSING PRESURE AND THEN RETURN TO NORMAL. AFTER 2 MINUTES OF THIS, I PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND CHECKED THE OIL LEVEL. IT WA…
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2000 DODGE DURANG: I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY WIFE, 2 CHILDREN, A FRIEND OF ONE OF MY CHILREN, AND MY FAMILY DOG, WHEN THE OIL GAUGE NEEDLE STARTED TO BOUNCE BACK AND FORTH. IT INDICATED THAT I WAS LOOSING PRESURE AND THEN RETURN TO NORMAL. AFTER 2 MINUTES OF THIS, I PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND CHECKED THE OIL LEVEL. IT WAS FULL....... I TURNED THE CAR BACK ON, AND THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY. I WENT FURTHER DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND ENTERED A SINGLE LANE CONSTRUCTION ZONE WHEN IT STARTED TO DO THE SAME THING. THIS TIME IT FINALLY WENT TO ZERO. HAVING NO WHERE TO GO FOR 2 MORE MILES, I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO DRIVE TO THE NEXT EXIT. I PUT ON MY HAZRD LIGHTS, AND DROVE 35MPH WHILE COASTING AS OFTEN AS I COULD. ONCE I GOT OFF THE EXIT, THE CAR STARTING TO MAKE A TICKING SOUND (LIFTERS) AND EVENTUALLY STOPED RUNNING. MY DODGE DURANGO HAD ONLY 44,000 MI. ON IT. THE OIL WAS CHANGED EVERY 3-4,000 MI. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED AWAY. NOW I AM TOLD I NEED A COMPLETELY REBUILT ENGINE. IT WILL COST ME $4,000+ TO REPAIR IT. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET, I FOUND THIS PROBLEM TO BE TO COMMON. I CANNOT GET MY DEALERSHIP TO ACKNOWLEDGE SUCH AN OCCURANCE. EVEN THOUGH MY CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY, I FEEL THAT IT SHOULD LAST MORE THAN 90,000 MI WITH THE PROPER AMOUNT OF SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. SOUNDS LIKE A MAJOR RECALL IS IN ORDER. WHO KNOWS, MAYBE EVEN A CLASE ACTION LAW SUITE WILL COME OUT OF IT IF ENOUGH PEOPLE COMPLAIN.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10086789
65,650 miles · Jul 29, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainService Brakes, Air
AUTOMOBILE IS POORLY MANUFACTURED. I AM GETTING OVER RAN WITH REPAIRS BILLS OF PART S THAT SHOULD NEVER FAIL. IN 40 YEARS OF DRIVING AND BUYING AUTO I HAVE NEVER SEEN SUCH A POORLY BUILT CAR.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10082954
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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