NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,075 reportsMileage unknown · Dec 3, 2001
Electrical SystemFire
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. I LOST STEERING AND BRAKES. WAS ABLE TO RUN VEHICLE INTO CURB AND JUST GOT OUT BEFORE THINGS STARTED BLOWING UP. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETLY DISTROYED. I REPORTED THE INCIDENT TO MY INSURANCE AND A FEW DAYS LATER I WAS CONTACTED BY A INVIS…
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I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. I LOST STEERING AND BRAKES. WAS ABLE TO RUN VEHICLE INTO CURB AND JUST GOT OUT BEFORE THINGS STARTED BLOWING UP. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETLY DISTROYED. I REPORTED THE INCIDENT TO MY INSURANCE AND A FEW DAYS LATER I WAS CONTACTED BY A INVISTAGATOR FROM DAIMLER CHRYSLER WHO STATED THAT THEY WANTED TO REPLACE MY VEHICLE BECAUSE THE FIRE WAS THERE FAULT. THIS STATEMENT LEAD ME TO BELEAVE DAIMLER CHRYSLER KNOWS ABOUT A PROBLEM AND WANT TO KEEP IT VERY QUITE. I WAS TOLD IF I TALK TO ANY ONE THE DEAL WOULD BE OFF. AS OF NOW I STILL DO NOT HAVE MY REPLACEMENT VEHICLE. DAIMLER CHRYSLER IS INSISTING I TAKE A VEHICLE OF LESSER VALUE THAT MY DURANGO. ANY INFORMATION REGUARDING THIS WOULD BE GREATLY APPRICIATED. I FEEL LIKE I AM AT THE MERCY OF A VERY POWERFUL CORPORATION.*AK
NHTSA ODI #755250
Mileage unknown · Nov 27, 2001
Tires
TRAVELING WEST ON I-80, APPROX. 10 MILES FROM SHARON PA. THE LEFT FRONT TIRE BLEW UP AND SHREDDED. THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF AIR PRESSURE LOSS (IE; PULLING) PRIOR TO THE BLOWOUT AND UNWRAVELING OF THE TIRE. I HAD ALL I COULD DO TO MAINTAIN CONTROL AND GET TO THE RIGHT SIDE BERM. THERE WERE FIVE OF US IN THE VEHICLE. MY ISSUE …
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TRAVELING WEST ON I-80, APPROX. 10 MILES FROM SHARON PA. THE LEFT FRONT TIRE BLEW UP AND SHREDDED. THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF AIR PRESSURE LOSS (IE; PULLING) PRIOR TO THE BLOWOUT AND UNWRAVELING OF THE TIRE. I HAD ALL I COULD DO TO MAINTAIN CONTROL AND GET TO THE RIGHT SIDE BERM. THERE WERE FIVE OF US IN THE VEHICLE. MY ISSUE IS WITH THE TIRE MANUFACTURER, NOT CHRYSLER CORP. I WAS ADVISED BY THE DODGE DEALER I DID NOT PURCHASE THE EXTENDED TIRE WARRANTY. AS AN OWNER OF A LARGE INDEPENDENT AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE REPAIR AND COLLISION SHOP, WE EXAMINED THE TIRE CLOSELY. WE NOTED A AN OBJECT APRX. 1/4" DIAMETER TAPERING TO A RELATIVE POINT THAT PUNCTURED THE TREAD OF THE TIRE. IT TURNED OUT TO BE A DRIED SMALL ANIMAL BONE. A HUNTER/FRIEND ADVISED ME IT APPEARS TO BE A SMALL BONE FROM A BIRD. WE HAVE SEEN MANY PUNCTURES, BLOWOUTS AT CITY AND HI-WAY SPEEDS, BUT NEVER A TIRE "UNWRAVELED" LIKE THIS. IT LOOKS VERY MUCH LIKE ALL THE PICTURES INVOLVING THE FIRESTONE/FORD FIASCO. I AM ONLY LOOKING FOR ANSWERS. I NOW HAVE RESERVATIONS IN GENERAL ABOUT THE TIRES. I WAS FORTUNATE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL AND AVOID SWAYING INTO A SEMI NEXT TO ME. ANY ADVIDE WILL BE APPRECIATED. OUR GY VENDOR HAS OFFERED TO GIVE IT TO GY FOR THEIR ANALYSIS. THANK YOU. RICHARD A. SACHA. *AK (TIRESIZE: 31X10.5 15)
NHTSA ODI #754978
Mileage unknown · Nov 26, 2001
Exterior LightingFire
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED FIRE, IT APPEARED TO HAVE STARTED IN THE HEADLIGHT, CLAIM 13-7435-963. *SLC
NHTSA ODI #6900580
Mileage unknown · Nov 14, 2001
Power Train
WHILE SHIFT LEVER INDICATOR WAS IN PARK AND ENGINE WAS IDLING VEHICLE JUMPED INTO REVERSE AND TRAVELED APPROXIMATELY 50 FEET. VEHICLE CRASHED INTO TREES, CAUSING PROPERTY AND VEHICLE DAMAGE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES DURING THIS INCIDENT. DEALERSHIP EXAMINED VEHICLE, AND REPLACED DRIVESHAFT IN AN ATTEMPT TO CORRECT THE PROBL…
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WHILE SHIFT LEVER INDICATOR WAS IN PARK AND ENGINE WAS IDLING VEHICLE JUMPED INTO REVERSE AND TRAVELED APPROXIMATELY 50 FEET. VEHICLE CRASHED INTO TREES, CAUSING PROPERTY AND VEHICLE DAMAGE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES DURING THIS INCIDENT. DEALERSHIP EXAMINED VEHICLE, AND REPLACED DRIVESHAFT IN AN ATTEMPT TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. ON 06-NOV-2001, WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK AND IDLING, IT JUMPED OUT OF PARK INTO REVERSE AND TRAVELED APPROXIMATELY 20 FEET. IN AN ATTEMPT TO STOP VEHICLE, A TIRE ROLLED OVER OWNERS ANKLE. DEALERSHIP WAS CURRENTLY EXAMINING VEHICLE FOR SECOND INCIDENT. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / DOCUMENTATION. *AK
NHTSA ODI #899077
Mileage unknown · Nov 14, 2001
Power Train
WHEN GEAR SHIFT IS MOVED FROM PARK TO REVERSE THE INDICATOR SHOWS IT TO BE IN REVERSE BUT IT IS NOT. AT TIMES WHEN SHIFTED FROM PARK TO REVERSE THERE IS NO INDICATIONS AT ALL. DEALER REPLACED TRANSMISSION MODULE AFTER LONG TALKS WITH MANUFACTURER, BUT DID NOT FIX PROBLEM AND IS GETTING WORSE. TRANSMISSION CAN BE SHIFTED OUT O…
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WHEN GEAR SHIFT IS MOVED FROM PARK TO REVERSE THE INDICATOR SHOWS IT TO BE IN REVERSE BUT IT IS NOT. AT TIMES WHEN SHIFTED FROM PARK TO REVERSE THERE IS NO INDICATIONS AT ALL. DEALER REPLACED TRANSMISSION MODULE AFTER LONG TALKS WITH MANUFACTURER, BUT DID NOT FIX PROBLEM AND IS GETTING WORSE. TRANSMISSION CAN BE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, APALLING!! *AK
NHTSA ODI #754546
Mileage unknown · Nov 7, 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingUnknown Or Other
THERE WAS NO WARNING, OIL PRESSURE LIGHT JUST CAME ON AND WE LOST PRESSURE. THEN THERE WAS A KNOCKING NOISE UNDER THE HOOD. WE HAD IT TOWED TO HERB GORDON DODGE, WHICH SAID THE ENGINE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. I HAD TO DRIVE IT HOMEAND THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I CALLED FITZGERALD TO SEE IF I WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THEY SAID …
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THERE WAS NO WARNING, OIL PRESSURE LIGHT JUST CAME ON AND WE LOST PRESSURE. THEN THERE WAS A KNOCKING NOISE UNDER THE HOOD. WE HAD IT TOWED TO HERB GORDON DODGE, WHICH SAID THE ENGINE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. I HAD TO DRIVE IT HOMEAND THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I CALLED FITZGERALD TO SEE IF I WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THEY SAID BRING IT IN, SO I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER. THEY SAID THE WARRRANTY WOULDN'T COVER IT BECAUSE I COULD NOT PRODUCE 15 MAINTENANCE RECEIPTS. I HAD A FULL SERVICE ENGINE FLUSH AT 32,727 MILES. THEY DID NOT CARE, BUT SAID THEY COULD GIVE ME A NEW ENGINE AT $6000 OR A PATCHUP AT $4200. THE SERVICE MANAGER ALSO OFFERED TO PUT ME IN CONTACT WITH A COMPANY THAT WILL FINANCE ENGINES.*AK
NHTSA ODI #754192
Mileage unknown · Nov 1, 2001
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrashInjury
MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING OUR CAR AND WAS APPROACHING A RED LIGHT,AT 20 MILES PER HOUR. AS THE LIGHT CHANGED TO RED HE PRESSED DOWN ON THE BRAKES AND IT DID NOT SLOW DOWN ANY, HE PROCEEDED TO GO THROUGH THE LIGHT APPLYING MORE PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES WHICH FAILED HIM. HE LEFT TIRE MARKS ON THE ROAD FOR ABOUT 37 FT AND ENDED UP HITTI…
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MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING OUR CAR AND WAS APPROACHING A RED LIGHT,AT 20 MILES PER HOUR. AS THE LIGHT CHANGED TO RED HE PRESSED DOWN ON THE BRAKES AND IT DID NOT SLOW DOWN ANY, HE PROCEEDED TO GO THROUGH THE LIGHT APPLYING MORE PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES WHICH FAILED HIM. HE LEFT TIRE MARKS ON THE ROAD FOR ABOUT 37 FT AND ENDED UP HITTING A VEHICLE AND IN THE END THERE WERE 4 VEHICLES TOTAL. I HAVE RESEARCHED ON LINE AND HAVE FOUND OUT THAT THERE HAVE BEEN PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR BRAKES ON DODGE DURANGO'S THAT WERE MADE IN 1999. OUR DURANGO IS A 2000 BUT WAS MANUFACTURED IN DECEMBER 1999. WE FEEL THAT IN LIGHT OF THIS INFO, WE SHOULD HAVE RECIEVED SOME FORM OF RECALL LETTER FROM THE DEALERS WHICH WE HAVE NOT AS YET. WE ARE NOT SURE OF THE TOTAL COST OF THE ACCIDENT AS YET, SO THE FIGURES ARE JUST QUOTES SO FAR. *AK
NHTSA ODI #754007
Mileage unknown · Oct 30, 2001
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash
WHILE DRIVING AT 20MPH ABS BRAKES LOCKED UP, CAUSING CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE. VEHICLE HAD FRONTAL DAMAGE. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER STATED THAT ABS BRAKES WERE NOT SUPPOSE TO LOCK UP, AND WOULD GET BACK IN TOUCH WITH CONSUMER.*AK CONSUMER WAS INFOMRED THAT ANTI-LOCK BRAKES ARE IN THE REAR NOT THE FRONT.*SLC
NHTSA ODI #898513
Mileage unknown · Oct 15, 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER SMELLED GAS AND PULLED OVER, CONSUMER LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE, CLAIM 75-A422-019. *SLC
NHTSA ODI #6900578
Mileage unknown · Oct 11, 2001
Tires
CWHILE MOTHER WAS DRIVING ABOUT 15 MPH RIGHT FRONT TIRE COLLAPSED WITH WHEEL DISCONNECTING FROM VEHICLE . HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALER, AND THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE WHAT HAD CAUSED DISATTACHMENT. ACCORDING TO CONSUMER, THEY JUST FIXED, MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.*AK EA03-023
NHTSA ODI #897628
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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