NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,075 reports15,000 miles · Feb 2, 2010
Power Train
SINCE PURCHASE OF 2000 (NEW) DODGE DURANGO 5.9L 4 WHEEL DRIVE, THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN SERVICED SEVERAL TIMES AT GREAT AMOUNTS OF COST. I RARELY USE 4 WHEEL DRIVE AND TAKE CARE OF EACH REQUIRED SERVICE. ON THE INTERNET I NOTICE SEVERAL SIMILAR/SAME COMPLAINTS. THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE LIGHT STUCK ON AND THE TRANSMISSION IS STUCK I…
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SINCE PURCHASE OF 2000 (NEW) DODGE DURANGO 5.9L 4 WHEEL DRIVE, THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN SERVICED SEVERAL TIMES AT GREAT AMOUNTS OF COST. I RARELY USE 4 WHEEL DRIVE AND TAKE CARE OF EACH REQUIRED SERVICE. ON THE INTERNET I NOTICE SEVERAL SIMILAR/SAME COMPLAINTS. THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE LIGHT STUCK ON AND THE TRANSMISSION IS STUCK IN 4 WHEEL WITH NO INDICATION OF GOING INTO 2 WHEEL/NEUTRAL OR OTHER WISE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10303822
72,000 miles · Jan 31, 2010
Exterior Lighting
MY TURN SIGNALS ON MY 2000 DODGE DURANGO RECENTLY STOPPED WORKING. THEY EITHER FLASH ONCE OR DON'T FLASH AT ALL. I HAVE CHANGED THE BULBS AND THE FUSES AND NEITHER ACTION HELPED WITH THE PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10303456
115,000 miles · Dec 26, 2009
Suspension
VEHICLES HAS BEEN MAKING FRONT NOISE OF AXEL IS ABOUT TO COME OFF - SOMETIME IN THE SUMMER I HAD THE BEARING REPLACED AS THEY HAD CRACKED THEN THE NOISE IN FRONT OF VEHICLE SUSPENSION STARTED AGAIN. I THINK THAT THIS MAY BE A RECALL PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10296994
178,000 miles · Dec 18, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling
I'VE HELD CONFIDENCE IN MY 2000 DODGE DURANGO SINCE I PURCHASED IT IN 2003. IN THE SUMMER OF 2009, I WAS DRIVING DOWN A LOCAL ROAD WHEN SUDDENLY THE GAUGES ON THE DASH BOARD WERE NOT REGISTERING, THE ODOMETER READ BUS AND THE ENGINE COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. SINCE THIS OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING, I DID NOT HAV…
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I'VE HELD CONFIDENCE IN MY 2000 DODGE DURANGO SINCE I PURCHASED IT IN 2003. IN THE SUMMER OF 2009, I WAS DRIVING DOWN A LOCAL ROAD WHEN SUDDENLY THE GAUGES ON THE DASH BOARD WERE NOT REGISTERING, THE ODOMETER READ BUS AND THE ENGINE COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. SINCE THIS OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING, I DID NOT HAVE TIME TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I TURNED ON THE CAUTION BLINKERS. THERE WERE MANY CARS BLOWING THEIR HORNS, WAITING BEHIND ME ON THIS ONE LANE ROAD. AFTER A COUPLE OF MINUTES THE ENGINE STARTED AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE. I THOUGHT THIS WAS A ONE TIME ONLY OCCURRENCE. I HAD NO PRIOR PROBLEMS WITH THE TRUCK. A FEW DAYS LATER, I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE DURING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC AND THE TRUCK SUDDENLY SHUT OFF AGAIN. OMG, I WAS NERVOUS, SCARED AND REALLY BELIEVED THAT I WAS GOING TO DIE BECAUSE SOMEONE WOULD RAM THEIR VEHICLE INTO MINE. WHAT DRIVER WOULD SUSPECT THAT MY TRUCK SUDDENLY DIED WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT? I THOUGHT ABOUT HOW I WAS GOING TO GET THIS VEHICLE SAFELY TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT ENDANGERING MY LIFE AND THE LIFE OF OTHER DRIVERS. LUCKILY I DID IT. MY HUSBAND TINKERED WITH THE COMPUTER AND NOTICED THAT WHEN HE REPOSITION THE COMPUTER THE ENGINE WOULD START AGAIN. BUT I REFUSE TO DRIVE IT UNTIL WE PURCHASE ANOTHER COMPUTER. THE CAR REPAIRMAN SAID, EVEN IF WE PURCHASED ANOTHER COMPUTER HE COULD NOT GUARANTEE THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHUT COMPLETELY DOWN. THE COMPUTER IS OVERHEATING DUE TO THE LOCATION THAT THE MANUFACTURERS HAVE CHOSEN. I WILL GET SOMEONE TO DESIGN SOME SORT OF HEAT SHIELD OR SOMETHING TO PREVENT THE COMPUTER FROM OVERHEATING. TO REPLACE MY CURRENT COMPUTER WILL COST $1100. I THINK THE CAR COMPANY SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS FLAW AND RECALL THE VEHICLE. I DO NOT WANT SOMEONE TO GET KILLED DUE TO THEIR GROSS NEGLIGENCE. I AM NOT THE ONLY DODGE DURANGO OWNER WHO IS HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE AND GET SOMETHING DONE. PREVENTING JUST ONE DEATH IS ENOUGH. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10296371
179,159 miles · Nov 28, 2009
Seats
DRIVER SIDE SEAT WHEN STOPPING WILL SLIDE FORWARD AND JOLT. CAUSING DRIVER TO HIT BRAKES HARD AND THEN RELEASE. HAVE NOT REPLACED ANY PARTS YET BUT WHEN I DO REPLACE I WILL SAVE OLD PART. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10293743
38,000 miles · Nov 15, 2009
Seats
I OWN A 2000 DURANGO SLT WITH THE "ROCKING SEAT" PROBLEM. DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT SLIDES IN THE RAIL APPROXIMATELY 1 INCH WHEN ACCELERATING OR STOPPING, UNLESS THE SEAT IS POSITIONED AT THE EXTREME FORWARD OR REARWARD POSITIONS. THE PROBLEM STARTED AT APPROXIMATELY 38,000 MILES AND GETTING WORST AS TIME GOES ON. ON INSPECTION, I FOU…
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I OWN A 2000 DURANGO SLT WITH THE "ROCKING SEAT" PROBLEM. DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT SLIDES IN THE RAIL APPROXIMATELY 1 INCH WHEN ACCELERATING OR STOPPING, UNLESS THE SEAT IS POSITIONED AT THE EXTREME FORWARD OR REARWARD POSITIONS. THE PROBLEM STARTED AT APPROXIMATELY 38,000 MILES AND GETTING WORST AS TIME GOES ON. ON INSPECTION, I FOUND THE ALUMINUM SLIDERS ATTACHED TO THE GEAR DRIVES FOR BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES TO BE WORN OUT, CAUSING THE FRONT TO REAR SLIPPAGE. RESEARCH SHOWS THIS TO BE A VERY COMMON ISSUE, AS THERE ARE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS FILE WITH YOUR ORGANIZATION. I BELIEVE THAT THIS COULD BE A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. HOPEFULLY NO ONE HAS BEEN INJURED BY THIS DEFECT THAT DODGE KNOWS WELL ABOUT. I BELIEVE A RECALL OR REPAIR KIT IS IN ORDER HERE. LUCKILY I DO NOT DRIVE THIS VEHICLE VERY MUCH. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10292222
65,000 miles · Oct 13, 2009
Air BagsCrashInjury
I HAVE A 2000 DODGE DURANGO WITH 65,000 WELL KEPT MILES. ON OCT 7, I WAS INVOLVED IN A PILEUP ON INTERSTATE 24 IN MURFREESBORO, TN. THERE WERE 6 CARS, AND I WAS NUMBER 3. THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS TAKEN BY AMBULANCE TO VANDERBILT HOSPITAL, WHERE I WAS DIAGNOSES WITH A BROKEN STERNUM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10287267
71,000 miles · Sep 20, 2009
Steering
STEERING WAS SWAYING TO LEFT & RIGHT. VARY BAD VIBRATION ON FRONT END. OCCURRED ALL THE TIME. STEERING COLUMN COULD HAVE BROKE IN HALF. HAD STEERING COLUMN REPLACED BECAUSE IT WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH & SOMETHING DONE FOR THE POWER STEERING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10284666
150,000 miles · Sep 4, 2009
Power Train
WHILE DRIVING IN 4 WHEEL DRIVE I REVERSED HEARD A CLUNK. THOUGHT I HIT SOMETHING SAW NOTHING THAT I COULD HAVE HIT. PUT IT INTO DRIVE AND DROVE FOR A FEW MINUTES HAD TO BACK UP AGAIN AND FOUND I HAD NO REVERSE. I WAS ABLE TO GET WHERE I NEEDED BUT FOUND THAT THE FORWARD GEARS WERE NOW NOT COOPERATING. CALLED TRANSMISSION SHOPS A…
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WHILE DRIVING IN 4 WHEEL DRIVE I REVERSED HEARD A CLUNK. THOUGHT I HIT SOMETHING SAW NOTHING THAT I COULD HAVE HIT. PUT IT INTO DRIVE AND DROVE FOR A FEW MINUTES HAD TO BACK UP AGAIN AND FOUND I HAD NO REVERSE. I WAS ABLE TO GET WHERE I NEEDED BUT FOUND THAT THE FORWARD GEARS WERE NOW NOT COOPERATING. CALLED TRANSMISSION SHOPS AND EVERY ONE OF THEM STATED THAT IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR DODGE TRANSMISSIONS ESPECIALLY THOSE IN THE DURANGO. IT IS A 2000 DODGE DURANGO WITH ABOUT 150000. I BELIEVE IF A TOYOTA OR AN OLDER DODGE CALL LAST MORE THAN 250000 THEN THESE NEWER WAS SHOULD LAST LONGER WITH OUR SUPPOSED BETTER TECHNOLOGY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10282851
116,000 miles · Aug 4, 2009
Latches/locks/linkages
2000 DODGE DURANGO DOOR LOCKS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR LOCK WILL NOT RESPOND TO THE COMMANDS. I HAVE READ ABOUT NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE DOOR LOCKS AND IT CONCERNS ME IF WE WERE IN AN ACCIDENT IF THE DOORS WILL STAY SHUT, OR WORSE UNABLE FOR ANYONE TO ACCESS THAT DOOR. IT SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM IN AL…
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2000 DODGE DURANGO DOOR LOCKS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR LOCK WILL NOT RESPOND TO THE COMMANDS. I HAVE READ ABOUT NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE DOOR LOCKS AND IT CONCERNS ME IF WE WERE IN AN ACCIDENT IF THE DOORS WILL STAY SHUT, OR WORSE UNABLE FOR ANYONE TO ACCESS THAT DOOR. IT SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM IN ALL YEARS OF CARS. I UNDERSTAND IT IS A PLASTIC WHEEL POORLY DESIGNED. I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH 2 DOOR LOCKS AND THE REAR HATCH. CURRENTLY, WE ARE FACED WITH AN ELECTRICAL DRAIN ON THE BATTERY. IT IS A NEW BATTERY AND STILL WILL NOT START. I HAVE MY SUSPICIONS THAT THESE DOOR LOCKS MAY HAVE A BEARING. PLEASE LOOK INTO THE MATTER AS IT IS A DEFINITE FLAW AND A SAFETY HAZARD. THE REAR HATCH HAS NOT WORKED IN ABOUT 3 YEARS AND THE PASSENGER REAR ABOUT 2 YEARS AND THE DRIVERS DOOR MAKES NOISES ABOUT 3 YEARS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10279335
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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