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2000 Dodge Durango

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Durango years

Owner complaints for the 2000 Dodge Durango are substantially higher than the model-year median of 231.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

609 reports with mileage · 466 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 507 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 127 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 120 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

118 crash reports26 fire reports57 injury reports

Tires complaints

23 reports
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Mileage unknown · Sep 21, 2023
Tires

The outside edge of the tread is separating from the tire causing it to go flat.

NHTSA ODI #11545875

150,838 miles · Oct 26, 2015
Tires

LEFT CAMPGROUND PULLING PONTOON BOAT, TRAVELED APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES AND RIGHT REAR TIRE SIDEWALL BLEW OUT. CONTACTED TIRE INSTALLER WHO CONTACTED THEIR TIRE DISTRIBUTOR AND WAS TOLD BLOWOUT WAS RESULT OF UNDER INFLATION, EVEN THOUGH NO ONE FROM INSTALLER OR DISTRIBUTOR EXAMINED TIRE. CONTACTED MANUFACTURER VIA EMAIL AND EVEN…

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LEFT CAMPGROUND PULLING PONTOON BOAT, TRAVELED APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES AND RIGHT REAR TIRE SIDEWALL BLEW OUT. CONTACTED TIRE INSTALLER WHO CONTACTED THEIR TIRE DISTRIBUTOR AND WAS TOLD BLOWOUT WAS RESULT OF UNDER INFLATION, EVEN THOUGH NO ONE FROM INSTALLER OR DISTRIBUTOR EXAMINED TIRE. CONTACTED MANUFACTURER VIA EMAIL AND EVEN SENT PHOTOS OF FAILED TIRE AND ONE REMAINING TIRE WITH LARGE "DENT" IN SIDEWALL AND WAS TOLD THEY COULD NOT EVALUATE TIRES FROM PHOTOS. WE REPLACED ALL 4 TIRES WITH NEW ONES OF A DIFFERENT BRAND.

NHTSA ODI #10786092

159,000 miles · Aug 3, 2009
Tires

MENTOR ALL TERRAIN RADIAL SXT SIZE 31X10.5X15 WIRES ARE COMING OUT THE SIDE WALL WITH TREAD STILL THERE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10279279

95,000 miles · Nov 3, 2008
Air BagsTiresCrashInjury

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DURANGO. ON NOVEMBER 1, 2008, WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE SPARE TIRE RELEASED FROM THE TIRE HOLDER. THE VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE WINDSHIELD SHATTERED AND THE DRIVER SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HEAD. GEORGIA POLICE REPORT …

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DURANGO. ON NOVEMBER 1, 2008, WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE SPARE TIRE RELEASED FROM THE TIRE HOLDER. THE VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE WINDSHIELD SHATTERED AND THE DRIVER SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HEAD. GEORGIA POLICE REPORT NUMBER 081101015 WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 95,000.

NHTSA ODI #10247574

Mileage unknown · Aug 1, 2008
Tires

SIDEWALLS OF TWO TIRES POPPED WITHIN TWO WEEKS OF ONE ANOTHER THE DURANGO WAS PARKED BOTH TIMES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10236658

112,385 miles · Dec 12, 2006
Tires

WHILE TRAVELING ON I-75 SOUTH AND JUST BEFORE THE 333.3 MILE MARKER, A LOUD DRONING NOISE WAS HEARD. IT ALMOST SOUNDED LIKE A VERY LOUD MUSCLE CAR NEARBY. THE NOISE CONTINUED FOR A COUPLE OF MINUTES, THEN A SUDDEN LOUDER NOISE (ALMOST LIKE AN EXPLOSION) WAS HEARD AT THE SAME TIME AS A RECURRENT THUMP AND BANGING. THE SUV LURC…

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WHILE TRAVELING ON I-75 SOUTH AND JUST BEFORE THE 333.3 MILE MARKER, A LOUD DRONING NOISE WAS HEARD. IT ALMOST SOUNDED LIKE A VERY LOUD MUSCLE CAR NEARBY. THE NOISE CONTINUED FOR A COUPLE OF MINUTES, THEN A SUDDEN LOUDER NOISE (ALMOST LIKE AN EXPLOSION) WAS HEARD AT THE SAME TIME AS A RECURRENT THUMP AND BANGING. THE SUV LURCHED AND AFTER MANAGING TO GET TO THE EMERGENCY LANE THROUGH MODERATE TRAFFIC, WE DISCOVERED THE LEFT REAR STEEL BELTED RADIAL HAD SEPARATED COMPLETELY FROM ITSELF INTO SHREDS AND COMPLETELY FROM THE RIM. IN DOING SO, THE RADIAL HAD EXPLODED OUTWARD AGAINST THE MUD FLAP, TEARING IT OFF AND AGAINST THE LEFT SIDE OF THE CAR TO INCLUDE THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER DOOR PANELS. THIS CONTACT WITH THE DOOR PANELS LEFT RUBBER EMBEDDED IN THE PAINT AND ALSO REMOVED PAINT ON SOME AREAS. A TOW TRUCK WAS CALLED THROUGH OUR INSURANCE COMPANY AND THE TIRE WAS CHANGED. THE FAILED TIRE REMAINS IN OUR POSSESSION, SHOULD ANYONE WISH TO INSPECT IT. THE TIRE IS MANUFACTURED BY BF GOODRICH AND IS A LIBERATOR RADIAL MEDALIST P23575R15 108-S M+S. IT HAD LESS THAN 5000 MILES ON IT. IT WAS SOLD TO US AND INSTALLED ON OUR SUV IN APRIL 2006 AT THE WALMART SUPER STORE TIRE CENTER ON 19TH AVE RD IN OCALA, FL. WE TRADED MICHELINS IN FOR THESE TIRES. THANK GOD IT WAS THE REAR TIRE THAT FAILED AND NOT A FRONT TIRE THAT WOULD HAVE ALMOST CERTAINLY CAUSED A FATAL ACCIDENT AT 70+ MPH. WE ARE VERY THANKFUL WE WERE NOT PHYSICALLY INJURED; HOWEVER, WE HAVE THREE MORE OF THESE TIRES STILL REMAINING ON OUR SUV. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10175894

Mileage unknown · Sep 12, 2006
TiresCrashInjury

TREAD SEPARATION OF COOPER TIRES DOMINATOR SPORT AT TIRE WHICH CAUSED VEHICLE TO GO OUT OF CONTROL AND VEER OFF FREEWAY. VEHICLE WENT DOWN 225 FOOT EMBANKMENT. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10168077

Mileage unknown · Sep 2, 2005
Tires

IN MARCH OF 05 I PURJUST 4 NEW 275/45/20 GOODYEAR TIRES FROM PRO TINT CUSTOM WHEELS. BY AUG.6,05 I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY I HAD MY RIGHT FR. TIRE HAD A BLOW!! I HAD THE TRUCK TOW TO PRO TINT TOCK. AND TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANY REASON FOR IT?AND THEY DIDN'T PURJUST A NEW TIRE. RIGHT AT 2 WEEK FROM THAT DAY MY WIFE & SON WERE TAVLING ON…

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IN MARCH OF 05 I PURJUST 4 NEW 275/45/20 GOODYEAR TIRES FROM PRO TINT CUSTOM WHEELS. BY AUG.6,05 I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY I HAD MY RIGHT FR. TIRE HAD A BLOW!! I HAD THE TRUCK TOW TO PRO TINT TOCK. AND TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANY REASON FOR IT?AND THEY DIDN'T PURJUST A NEW TIRE. RIGHT AT 2 WEEK FROM THAT DAY MY WIFE & SON WERE TAVLING ON THE HIGHWAY AND HAD A BLOW OUT! THANK GOD THEY DID NOT FLIP OVER THIS TIME IT WAS ON LEFT RW.THIS TIME I HAD IT TOW TO GEMINI AREA SALES REPRESENTATIVE OF GOODYEAR TIRES . BUT BE FORE I HAD THE TRUCK TOW TO HIS SHOP I HAD TALK TO HIM OVER THE TELEPHONE AND TOLD HIM ABOUT THE PROBLEM I WAS HAVING WITH THE TIRES. [HE SAID THAT HE WAS GOING TO TAKE A LOOK AT THEM AUG.28,05 FIRST OF ALL HE WAS NOT PRESENT SO ASK A ONE OF THE OTHER HELPER BY THE NAME OF JACK ? DID MR. DAN TAYLOR IN FORM HIS WORKER ABOUT MY PROBLEM! HE SAY KIND OF SO THEY STARTED ON THAT AT11;43 AND THEY DID NOT FINSH UNTIL 3;45 AND WHEN IT TOOK THE PERSON TO TELL ME ALL HE COULD FIND WAS A TINY PIECE OF RUSTED PIN THAT COULD HAVE EASLY GOTTEN IN THERE WOW BEING TOW IT IS THE SIZE OF A TIP OF A PIN THAT YOU COULD NOT HARDLY SEE I TOLD HIM YOUR KIDING ME RIGHT I SAID IT TOOK YOU 3 AND ONE HALF OF A HOUR !! AND THAT IS ALL YOU COULD FIND AND HE GOES ON ABOUT ALL THAT MIGHT BE ONE OF THE REASON THEN HE SAYS MY AIR MIGHT HAVE BEING LOW ,AS HE WENT BACK TO FINCH WORKING ON MY TIRE THE OTHER WORKER COME TO ME AND SAID I HAD BAD VOW TEM AND I SAID IF THAT WAS THE CASE WITH THE TRUCKS WEIGTH AND ANY MOVEMENT THE TIRE WOULD HAVE HAD A LOW TIRE THAT WOULD BE VERY EASY TO SEE THAT ONE THING ONE ALWAY DO FOR THE SAFTY OF MY FAMILY. SO I JUST ASK, WHEN IS MR. TAYOR DUE BACK AND THE MAN SAID HE WILL BE BACK THE FOLLOWING DAY SO I MADE A CALL TO MR. TAYLOR AND I DID TELL HIM ABOUT THE PROBELM I HAD WITH THE OTHER PERSON AND COULD HE HELP ME!! AND HE SAID I NEED TO CALL CIN,OHIO GOOD BYE . NOT SO NICE!!!!!!!!!

NHTSA ODI #10135182

Mileage unknown · May 4, 2004
TiresCrashInjury

I BOUGHT A DODGE DURANGO LESS THAN A YEAR AGO (JUNE 2003) I HAVE SINCE THEN REPLACED A TOTAL OF 3 TIRES. TWO OF WHICH WHERE THE SAME TIRE, REAR PASSENGER SIDE. THE FIRST TIRE WAS REPLACED IN OCT"03", THEN THE SAME TIRE REPLACED AGAIN IN NOV "03". THE THIRD TIRE THAT I REPLACED WAS IN FEB "04" THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE, BUT THE RIP …

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I BOUGHT A DODGE DURANGO LESS THAN A YEAR AGO (JUNE 2003) I HAVE SINCE THEN REPLACED A TOTAL OF 3 TIRES. TWO OF WHICH WHERE THE SAME TIRE, REAR PASSENGER SIDE. THE FIRST TIRE WAS REPLACED IN OCT"03", THEN THE SAME TIRE REPLACED AGAIN IN NOV "03". THE THIRD TIRE THAT I REPLACED WAS IN FEB "04" THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE, BUT THE RIP FOUND IN THE TIRE WAS NOT DICOVERED TILL I HAD MY TIRE ROTATION. THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN TH REAR TIRE AS WELL. NOW THE ONE THAT I HAVE ALREADY REPLACED TWICE HAS BLOWNOUT YET AGAIN, BUT THIS TIME CAUSING A ACCIDENT MAY 1,2004. THIS WILL BE THE THIRD TIME REPLACING THE SAME TIRE ALONG WITH MY WHOLE FRONT END GETTING REPAIRED. TOTAL OF NOW 4 TIRES HAVE BEEN PUT ON THIS VEHICLE 3 OF WHICH WHERE THE SAME TIRE. ALL HAD RIPS IN THE TIRE WALL. COULD THIS BE A DEFECT IN THE PRODUCT? IS THERE ANYTHING THAT CAN BE DONE? I CAN NOT AFFORD ALL THESE TIRE REPLACEMENTS AND INSURACE GOING UP. I WOULD LIKE TO BE COMPENSATED FOR ALL MY REPAIRS, REPLACEMENTS, CAR RENTAL, AND ETC.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10068279

58,000 miles · Feb 25, 2004
TiresCrash

WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE FELL OFF. AS A RESULT, VEHICLE LOST CONTROL AND LANDED IN A DITCH. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10059807

Official recalls

2

04V596000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Ball Joint

Dec 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.

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.

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

4

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.

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.