NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
83 reportsClear category filter81,000 miles · Oct 8, 2004
Steering
SEPTEMBER 12, I WENT TO BACK OUT OF A PARKING LOT AND THE TIE ROD END CAME UNHOOKED FROM THE RACK AND PINION STEERING. THE THREADS ON THE BOLTS WERE STRIPPED OUT. WHEN THE REPAIR SHOP WENT TO LOOSEN THE OTHER TIE ROD IT DISINTEGRATED. THEY COMMENTED THAT WE WERE REAL LUCKY IT HAD COME APART. THEY ALSO INDICATED THAT THE VEHI…
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SEPTEMBER 12, I WENT TO BACK OUT OF A PARKING LOT AND THE TIE ROD END CAME UNHOOKED FROM THE RACK AND PINION STEERING. THE THREADS ON THE BOLTS WERE STRIPPED OUT. WHEN THE REPAIR SHOP WENT TO LOOSEN THE OTHER TIE ROD IT DISINTEGRATED. THEY COMMENTED THAT WE WERE REAL LUCKY IT HAD COME APART. THEY ALSO INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH MILE TO WARRANT THE NEEDED REPAIRS. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10093836
23,000 miles · Jul 30, 2004
SteeringSuspension
2000 DODGE DURANGO 2 WHEEL DRIVE. I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE NEW. CURRENTLY HAS 39,000 MILES ON IT. AVE HAD TO REPLACE BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS ON THE VEHICLE ALREADY (APPROXIMATELY 23,000 MILES WERE ON THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME). NOW, I AM TOLD, I HAVE TO REPLACE THE RIGHT UPPER AGAIN. I ALSO HAVE TO REPLACE THE RIGHT INNER TIE-ROD, AN…
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2000 DODGE DURANGO 2 WHEEL DRIVE. I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE NEW. CURRENTLY HAS 39,000 MILES ON IT. AVE HAD TO REPLACE BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS ON THE VEHICLE ALREADY (APPROXIMATELY 23,000 MILES WERE ON THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME). NOW, I AM TOLD, I HAVE TO REPLACE THE RIGHT UPPER AGAIN. I ALSO HAVE TO REPLACE THE RIGHT INNER TIE-ROD, AND THE RACK & PINION BUSHINGS. I HAVE HAD CONSTANT FRONT TIRE WEAR PROBLEMS SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW. I AM ON MY THIRD SET OF TIRES FOR THE FRONT END.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10083019
73,000 miles · Jul 20, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingSteering
VEHICLE HAS 73,000 MILES AND POWER STEERING PUMP SHAFT SLOWLY WORKED LOOSE CAUSING PUNCTURE INTO PLASTIC COOLING TANK/SHROUD. PUNCTURE APPEARS TO BE FROM CONTACT WITH SHAFT AND HAS ABOUT A NICKEL SIZE HOLE IN PLASTIC TANK. CAUSED VEHICLE TO OVER HEAT AND LOSS OF COOLANT. ALARM INDICATION FAILED TO LIGHT ON INSTRUMENT CLUSTER…
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VEHICLE HAS 73,000 MILES AND POWER STEERING PUMP SHAFT SLOWLY WORKED LOOSE CAUSING PUNCTURE INTO PLASTIC COOLING TANK/SHROUD. PUNCTURE APPEARS TO BE FROM CONTACT WITH SHAFT AND HAS ABOUT A NICKEL SIZE HOLE IN PLASTIC TANK. CAUSED VEHICLE TO OVER HEAT AND LOSS OF COOLANT. ALARM INDICATION FAILED TO LIGHT ON INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. TAKING TO DEALER TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THIS PROBLEM. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10082311
Mileage unknown · Jul 18, 2004
Steering
UPON ARRIVING HOME FROM A FAMILY VACATION, TOTAL TRIP OF 200 MILES, AND TOWING AN EIGHTEEN FOOT TRAILER, WE SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER STEERING ABILITY ON OUR 2000 DODGE DURANGO. THAT WAS A VERY SCARY EXPERIENCE. IT IS ALSO A VERY PREMATURE PART FAILURE DUE TO THE FACT THAT OUR DURANGO HAS ONLY 50,000 MILES ON IT. WE ARE CURRENT…
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UPON ARRIVING HOME FROM A FAMILY VACATION, TOTAL TRIP OF 200 MILES, AND TOWING AN EIGHTEEN FOOT TRAILER, WE SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER STEERING ABILITY ON OUR 2000 DODGE DURANGO. THAT WAS A VERY SCARY EXPERIENCE. IT IS ALSO A VERY PREMATURE PART FAILURE DUE TO THE FACT THAT OUR DURANGO HAS ONLY 50,000 MILES ON IT. WE ARE CURRENTLY AWAITING THE FULL REPLACEMENT OF THE POWER STEERING PUMP DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP SHAFT INSIDE THE PUMP SUDDENLY AND UNEXPLAINABLY BROKE. I AM REALLY GLAD THAT THIS DID NOT OCCUR DURING OUR TRAVEL ON THE MAJOR HIGHWAYS WE HAD TO TAKE ON OUR WAY HOME, ESPECIALLY SINCE WE HAD OUR FOUR YEAR OLD GRANDSON IN THE VEHICLE WITH US.
NHTSA ODI #10081318
61,000 miles · Jul 15, 2004
SteeringSuspension
WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER HEARD NOISES COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND TR MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS FAILED. *AK THERE WAS NO WARNING. THE UPPER BALL JOINT SEPARATED UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS. THERE WAS DAMAGE IN THE LEFT FRONT SUSPE…
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WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER HEARD NOISES COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND TR MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS FAILED. *AK THERE WAS NO WARNING. THE UPPER BALL JOINT SEPARATED UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS. THERE WAS DAMAGE IN THE LEFT FRONT SUSPENSION, STEERING GEAR, CONTROL ARM, AND THE AXLE SHAFT WERE ALL REPLACED. *SC *JB
NHTSA ODI #10079496
40,000 miles · Jul 6, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingSteering
THE TWO OCCURRENCES INVOLVED PREMATURE DETERIORATION OF VARIOUS DEVICES AND COMPONENTS. AT APPROXIMATELY 37,000 MILES (AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED), THE DEVICE THAT CONTROLS THE CHECK ENGINE OPERATIONS HAD TO BE REPLACED. MOST RECENTLY, AT 40,000 MILES, THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND LINES HAD TO BE REPLACED. IT WAS BROUGHT TO MY ATT…
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THE TWO OCCURRENCES INVOLVED PREMATURE DETERIORATION OF VARIOUS DEVICES AND COMPONENTS. AT APPROXIMATELY 37,000 MILES (AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED), THE DEVICE THAT CONTROLS THE CHECK ENGINE OPERATIONS HAD TO BE REPLACED. MOST RECENTLY, AT 40,000 MILES, THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND LINES HAD TO BE REPLACED. IT WAS BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THAT THE PREMATURE CORROSION OF THE LINES CAUSED THE PUMP DAMAGE. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10080399
Mileage unknown · May 7, 2004
Steering
ON MAY 1, 2004 I WENT TO A MIDAS SHOP IN THE CINCINNATI, OHIO AREA DUE TO A BAD LEFT PULL ON THE FRONT OF MY DURANGO. THE VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY 69,500 MILES. MY INTENTION WAS TO GET AN ALIGNMENT. THE TECHNICIAN NOTIFIED ME THAT MY RIGHT FRONT UPPER BALL JOINT WAS SHOT AND THE RIGHT INSIDE TIE ROD WAS SHOT. IN CALLING FOR…
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ON MAY 1, 2004 I WENT TO A MIDAS SHOP IN THE CINCINNATI, OHIO AREA DUE TO A BAD LEFT PULL ON THE FRONT OF MY DURANGO. THE VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY 69,500 MILES. MY INTENTION WAS TO GET AN ALIGNMENT. THE TECHNICIAN NOTIFIED ME THAT MY RIGHT FRONT UPPER BALL JOINT WAS SHOT AND THE RIGHT INSIDE TIE ROD WAS SHOT. IN CALLING FOR THE REPAIR PARTS, THE TECHNICIAN NOTIFIED ME THAT THE PART WOULD HAVE TO COME FROM DODGE. I CHECKED WITH ANOTHER MECHANIC THAT I USE AND THE PROBLEMS WERE VERIFIED. THIS MECHANIC CONTACTED A LOCAL DODGE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE WHOLE FRONT RACK WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE ESTIMATED COST WAS $500 IN MATERIALS. I EXPECT EXPENSIVE LABOR CHARGES TO BE NECESSARY DUE TO THE REQUIRED TIME TO REPLACE THIS SYSTEM. THIS IS A FINANCIAL BURDEN AND HAS CAUSED ME TO WAIT TO GET THE NECESSARY REPAIR. BASED ON THE INFORMATION IN ODI #10061274 AND EA03023, I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE EFFECT ON MY VEHICLE AND FUTURE SAFETY CONCERNS. THE MECHANIC IS CURRENTLY SEARCHING FOR THE PART. ALSO, SINCE IT IS WORTHLESS TO GET AN ALIGNMENT WITH THESE PARTS BAD, I AM WEARING OUT EXPENSIVE TIRES WAITING FOR THIS REPAIR.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10068457
1,100 miles · Apr 1, 2004
Service Brakes, HydraulicSteering
I HAVE TWO: 1: BRAKE ROTORS ARE ONCE AGAIN OUT OF ROUND/WARPED SUV HAS 37,000MILES ON IT, USED MOSTLY ON WEEKENDS. PADS HAVE OVER 90 PERCENT LEFT. FIRST ROTORS WERE CHANGED AT 20,000 MILES (ABOUT 1-2 YEARS AGO) PADS THEN WERE STILL 80 PERCENT LEFT. MY OTHER CAR , DRIVEN JUST AS MUCH, DOES NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM. 2- POWER S…
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I HAVE TWO: 1: BRAKE ROTORS ARE ONCE AGAIN OUT OF ROUND/WARPED SUV HAS 37,000MILES ON IT, USED MOSTLY ON WEEKENDS. PADS HAVE OVER 90 PERCENT LEFT. FIRST ROTORS WERE CHANGED AT 20,000 MILES (ABOUT 1-2 YEARS AGO) PADS THEN WERE STILL 80 PERCENT LEFT. MY OTHER CAR , DRIVEN JUST AS MUCH, DOES NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM. 2- POWER STEERING IS NON-EXISTANT WHEN TEMP IS UNDER 32 DEGREES. AFTER YOU LET THE CAR WARM UP ABOUT 1 MIN., IT STARTS TO WORK.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10064326
Mileage unknown · Apr 1, 2004
SteeringSuspension
WHEN MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT TURNS, THERE WOULD BE A LOUD POPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. *AK *SC *JB
NHTSA ODI #10061466
Mileage unknown · Mar 9, 2004
SteeringSuspension
WHILE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 60-65 MPH WHEEL SHOOK VIOLENTLY. CONSUMER WAS CLOSE TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD, AND WHEN HE CAME UPON AN EXIT HE TOOK IT AND PULLED TO THE SIDE. WHEN HE GOT OUT AND LOOKED AT WHEEL IT HAD TURNED TOE-IN. CONSUMER IMMEDIATELY CALLED DEALER, AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT …
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WHILE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 60-65 MPH WHEEL SHOOK VIOLENTLY. CONSUMER WAS CLOSE TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD, AND WHEN HE CAME UPON AN EXIT HE TOOK IT AND PULLED TO THE SIDE. WHEN HE GOT OUT AND LOOKED AT WHEEL IT HAD TURNED TOE-IN. CONSUMER IMMEDIATELY CALLED DEALER, AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT COST OF $2100.00. THERE WAS NO MENTION OF A RECALL OR INVESTIGATION. DEALER REPLACED THE WHEEL BEARINGS, TIE RODS, STEERING COLUMN, AND THE STEERING RACK. ALL THOSE PARTS HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF BALL JOINT FAILURE, AND THE WHEEL COMING ALMOST OFF VEHICLE.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10061733
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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