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2002 Dodge Durango

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2002 Dodge Durango do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 231.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

287 reports with mileage · 136 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 144 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 71 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 48 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

35 crash reports13 fire reports23 injury reports

Suspension complaints

144 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jan 27, 2014
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM BECAME FRACTURED. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE UPPER CONTROL ARM, LOWER CONTROL ARM AND THE BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM BECAME FRACTURED. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE UPPER CONTROL ARM, LOWER CONTROL ARM AND THE BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REMEDIED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN I.D. NUMBER: 08E064000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 2/27/14*CN THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE REQUIRES A SPANISH RESPONSE. UPDATED 3/6/2014 *JS

NHTSA ODI #10561655

100,000 miles · Aug 2, 2012
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DURANGO 4X4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN WITH CAUTION TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC, WHO REPLACED THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE UPPER BALL JOINT WHICH SEPARATED FROM THE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DURANGO 4X4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN WITH CAUTION TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC, WHO REPLACED THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE UPPER BALL JOINT WHICH SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS A RECALL RELATED TO THE SAME DEFECT UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V596000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT); HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA ODI #10468982

102,463 miles · Feb 8, 2012
Suspension

STARTED HEARING NOISES UNDER MY GAS, BRAKE PEDALS. BIG KNOCKING NOISES. FOUND OUT ABOUT A RECALL THAT MY TRUCK NEEDED REGARDING THE BALL JOINTS THAT COULD CAUSE THEM TO BRAKE AND LOSE THE TIRES. WHEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT I HAD PASSED THE MILEAGE OF 100,000, AND WOULD HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET. IT WAS ONLY 2463 MIL…

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STARTED HEARING NOISES UNDER MY GAS, BRAKE PEDALS. BIG KNOCKING NOISES. FOUND OUT ABOUT A RECALL THAT MY TRUCK NEEDED REGARDING THE BALL JOINTS THAT COULD CAUSE THEM TO BRAKE AND LOSE THE TIRES. WHEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT I HAD PASSED THE MILEAGE OF 100,000, AND WOULD HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET. IT WAS ONLY 2463 MILES OVER. I THOUGHT RECALLS DON'T HAVE A TIME LIMIT TO GET FIXED? SO NOW I HAD TO FIND A CAR SHOP TO FIX BOTH BALLJOINTS, ON BOTH SIDES. TO TOP IT OFF THE RIGHT SIDE NEEDED A NEW HUB ACCESSORY REPLACED ALSO THAT I AGAIN HAD TO PAY ON MY OWN. WHY ARE SO MANY THINGS GOING WRONG NOW? AND BY READING ONLINE I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THESE SAME ISSUES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10447214

30,000 miles · Apr 28, 2011
Suspension

FRONT END MAKES A REALLY BAD NOISE BACKING UP AND THEN GOING FORWARD. SOUNDS AS IF THERE IS A POPPING NOISE GOING ON AND RIPPLING EFFECT SUCH AS..EXAMPLE IF YOU PUT A CLOSE PIN ON A BICYCLE TIRE TO GET IT TO MAKE NOISE. I'VE HAD IT LOOKED AT BY A DEALER AND A GARAGE AND BOTH SEEM TO CANT ANY THING WRONG WITH IT .THIS HAS BEEN …

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FRONT END MAKES A REALLY BAD NOISE BACKING UP AND THEN GOING FORWARD. SOUNDS AS IF THERE IS A POPPING NOISE GOING ON AND RIPPLING EFFECT SUCH AS..EXAMPLE IF YOU PUT A CLOSE PIN ON A BICYCLE TIRE TO GET IT TO MAKE NOISE. I'VE HAD IT LOOKED AT BY A DEALER AND A GARAGE AND BOTH SEEM TO CANT ANY THING WRONG WITH IT .THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR THE LAST 3 YEARS NOW....CAN IT BE THE BALL JOINTS? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10398105

98,000 miles · Mar 18, 2011
SuspensionCrash

REAR LEFT AXEL FELL OFF MY DODGE DURANGO AND CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. I WAS TRYING TO GET CHRYSLER TO GIVE ME A COPY OF THE INSPECTION THAT WAS DONE BY A INSPECTOR HIRED BY AND WAS DENIED. THIS MODEL OF SUV HAS HAD WHEEL PROBLEMS IN THE PAST AND I WANTED TO BE SURE IT WAS NOT A DEFECT. I WAS TOLD THE INFORMATION IS PROPRIETARY AND I …

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REAR LEFT AXEL FELL OFF MY DODGE DURANGO AND CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. I WAS TRYING TO GET CHRYSLER TO GIVE ME A COPY OF THE INSPECTION THAT WAS DONE BY A INSPECTOR HIRED BY AND WAS DENIED. THIS MODEL OF SUV HAS HAD WHEEL PROBLEMS IN THE PAST AND I WANTED TO BE SURE IT WAS NOT A DEFECT. I WAS TOLD THE INFORMATION IS PROPRIETARY AND I WOULD LEGAL DOCUMENTATION TO GET THE INSPECTORS REPORT. THE CASE #"S ARE: [XXX] AND [XXX]. I ALSO SAVED ALL EMAILS REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. I CAN EMAIL THEM TO YOU OR MAIL. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10392187

142,299 miles · Feb 10, 2011
Suspension

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DURANGO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH THE CONTACT HEARD A GRINDING NOISE. THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE DROPPED TO THE GROUND AND THE TIRE CAME OFF OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIANS STATED THAT THE SUSPENSION FRONT CONTROL ARM UPPER BALL JOINT HAD…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DURANGO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH THE CONTACT HEARD A GRINDING NOISE. THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE DROPPED TO THE GROUND AND THE TIRE CAME OFF OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIANS STATED THAT THE SUSPENSION FRONT CONTROL ARM UPPER BALL JOINT HAD SEPARATED. THE TECHNICIANS ALSO STATED THAT THE FRONT CONTROL ARM UPPER BALL JOINT, SWAY BAR, BRAKE PADS, SUSPENSION CROSS BAR, WHEEL, BRAKES AND CALIPERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V596000 (SUSPENSION FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT) BUT THE DEALER INFORMED HER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THEY WOULD COVER A PORTION OF THE REPAIRS BUT THEY COULD NOT COVER THE ENTIRE COST. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,299. UPDATED 02/18/11 *BF PHOTOS INCLUDED UPDATED 12/06/2011 *LN

NHTSA ODI #10381403

95,000 miles · Nov 22, 2010
Power TrainSuspension

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10-15 MPH, HE HEARD A NOISE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL REPAIR SHOP, THE CLUTCH PACK RETAINING CLIP ON THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 95,000. UPDATED 1/21/11 *CN THE CLUTCH PACK RETAINER FAILED …

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10-15 MPH, HE HEARD A NOISE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL REPAIR SHOP, THE CLUTCH PACK RETAINING CLIP ON THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 95,000. UPDATED 1/21/11 *CN THE CLUTCH PACK RETAINER FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED AS WELL AS THE ENTIRE REAR DIFFERENTIAL POST UNIT. UPDATED 03/23/11

NHTSA ODI #10367187

21,000 miles · Oct 26, 2010
Air BagsEngine And Engine CoolingSuspension

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DURANGO. THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND THE CHECK ENGINE REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE AIR BAG FAILURE. THE DEALERS DIAGNOSIS LOCATED THE FAILURE TO THE AIR BAG SENSOR ELECTRICAL WIRES. NO CODES WERE DISPLAYED REGARDING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE VEHICLE…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DURANGO. THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND THE CHECK ENGINE REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE AIR BAG FAILURE. THE DEALERS DIAGNOSIS LOCATED THE FAILURE TO THE AIR BAG SENSOR ELECTRICAL WIRES. NO CODES WERE DISPLAYED REGARDING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TIRE GARAGE, BECAUSE THE FRONT TIRES FELT UNSTABLE WHILE DRIVING. THE TIRE MECHANIC STATED THE FRONT HUB CAP CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO FEEL UNSTABLE WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WASN'T REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WILL BE CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 73,000.

NHTSA ODI #10362414

89,443 miles · Aug 3, 2010
SteeringSuspension

I WAS MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN AND THEN AN IMMEDIATE LEFT AT ABOUT 10MPH I HEARD A POP ON DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL AND THEN LOST CONTROL OF MY CAR. I WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL OF MY CAR BUT IT WOULD NOT TURN TO THE LEFT I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR TO SIDE OF THE ROAD EVEN THOUGH STEERING WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. I CHECKED THE …

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I WAS MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN AND THEN AN IMMEDIATE LEFT AT ABOUT 10MPH I HEARD A POP ON DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL AND THEN LOST CONTROL OF MY CAR. I WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL OF MY CAR BUT IT WOULD NOT TURN TO THE LEFT I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR TO SIDE OF THE ROAD EVEN THOUGH STEERING WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. I CHECKED THE TIRE IT WAS FULLY INFLATED BUT THE TOP OF TIRE WAS TILTED OUT AT THE TOP I COULD NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE ANY MORE DUE STEERING DIFFICULTIES. I CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MECHANIC. I WAS TOLD BY TOW TRUCK OPERATOR AND THE MECHANIC THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINT ON ARM HAD SEPARATED FROM THE ARM CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR. A FRIEND STATED THAT DURANGO HAD BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS ISSUE. I CONTACTED MY MECHANIC AND HE IN TURN CONTACTED DODGE. HE WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR MY CAR. I CHECKED YOUR WEBSITE AND SAW THAT OTHER DURANGO HAD IN FACT BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE. I CONTACTED DODGE AND WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO BECAUSE MY DURANGO WAS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL. I HAD MY MECHANIC FIX THE UPPER BALL JOINT. I HAD THEM CHECKED THE UPPER BALL JOINT ON THE OTHER SIDE AND IT WAS ALSO COMING OUT. I HAD TO PAY TO HAVE BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS REPLACED ON THE FRONT END OF MY CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10346982

103,400 miles · Jul 22, 2010
Power TrainSuspension

THE FRONT SUSPENSION IS HAVING MULTIPLE PROBLEMS, MY 02 DURANGO HAS BEEN THROUGH 2 PREVIOUS CV JOINTS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND 1 PREVIOUS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, AND NOW BOTH HAVE FAILED ONCE AGAIN. DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT HUB ASSEMBLY/BEARING HAS GONE BAD FOR 2ND TIME, ALSO THE UPPER & LOWER BALL JOINTS HAVE GONE BAD FOR THE 2ND TI…

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THE FRONT SUSPENSION IS HAVING MULTIPLE PROBLEMS, MY 02 DURANGO HAS BEEN THROUGH 2 PREVIOUS CV JOINTS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND 1 PREVIOUS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, AND NOW BOTH HAVE FAILED ONCE AGAIN. DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT HUB ASSEMBLY/BEARING HAS GONE BAD FOR 2ND TIME, ALSO THE UPPER & LOWER BALL JOINTS HAVE GONE BAD FOR THE 2ND TIME EACH. I NEED 2 NEW LOWER BACK BUMPERS FOR THE UPPER CONTROL ARM (BOTH FRONT). MY VEHICLE NOW HAS 103K MILES. AT APPROXIMATELY 60K MILES THE FRONT PROPELLER SHAFT WENT BAD AND ONCE REPLACED, IT SOMEHOW PUT A HOLE IN THE Y - PIPE FOR THE EXHAUST, AND THAT MUST BE REPLACED AS WELL, I WAS TOLD THE NEW/AFTERMARKET SHAFT WERE SLIGHTLY LARGER TO ACCOMMODATE THE POWER, THUS WHICH TOOK THE SPACE. ALL OF THIS WILL BE QUITE EXPENSIVE. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10344789

Official recalls

4

07V555000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:column Shift

Dec 4, 2007

ON CERTAIN VAN AND PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE IGNITION/PARK SHIFT INTERLOCK SYSTEM MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE. THIS CAN ALLOW THE SHIFTER TO BE MOVED OUT OF THE "PARK" POSITION WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED (OR IN THE "LOCK" POSITION). THIS CAN ALSO ALLOW THE IGNITION KEY TO BE REMOVED WHEN THE SHIFTER HAS NOT BEEN PLACED IN THE "PARK" POSITION.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: EITHER OF THESE CONDITIONS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY CAUSING A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE GEARSHIFT BLOCKER AND BRACKET ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

06V339000 · Electrical System

Sep 7, 2006

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FRONT BENCH SEATS ONLY, IF FLUID IS SPILLED FROM THE FLOOR MOUNTED CUP HOLDER, AN UNUSED CONSOLE POWER OUTLET CONNECTOR LOCATED UNDER THE SEAT MAY BECOME CONTAMINATED.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS MAY ALLOW DEVELOPMENT OF A HIGH RESISTIVE SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE CONNECTOR, WHICH COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CONSOLE WIRING CONNECTOR FOR CORROSION, CLEAN AS REQUIRED, AND INSTALL A CAP TO PREVENT ADDITIONAL FLUID FROM CONTAMINATING THE CONNECTOR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 30, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLER CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

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.

04V216000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer

May 5, 2004

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE MOTOR MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO WATER INTRUSION THAT COULD CAUSE INTERNAL CORROSION AND RESULT IN PARTIAL OR COMPLETE LOSS OF FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPING CAPABILITY.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2004. OWNERS 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

5

EA06011 · Vehicle UNDER-SEAT Fire

Opened Jun 19, 2006 · Closed Sep 22, 2006

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Electrical System:wiring

DAIMLERCHRYLSER CORPORATION (DCC) WILL RECALL 35,103 MY 2001-2003 DODGE DURANGO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FRONT BENCH SEATS (RECALL # 06V339, SEE DEFECT REPORT FOR DETAILS).THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH EITHER FRONT BUCKET SEATS OR A 40-20-40 SPLIT FRONT BENCH SEAT.VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FRONT BENCH SEAT CONTAIN AN UNCAPPED, UNUSED CONNECTOR LOCATED UNDER THE FRONT EDGE OF THE SEAT.THE CONNECTOR PROVIDES POWER TO THE CENTER CONSOLE POWER OUTLET FOR VEHICLES WITH BUCKET SEATS, BUT IT IS UNUSED IN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH BENCH SEATS.THE CONNECTOR IS LOCATED REARWARD OF THE CUP HOLDER ON THE TUNNEL FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE BENCH SEAT.THIS CONNECTOR CONTAINS A FUSED B+ CIRCUIT WIRE (THAT IS CONTINUOUSLY POWERED WITH THE KEY OFF) AND A GROUND WIRE. DCC DETERMINED THAT IF LIQUID IS SPILLED FROM THE CUP HOLDER ONTO THE TUNNEL, THE UNCAPPED CONNECTOR MAY BECOME CONTAMINATED.THIS CONTAMINATION MAY ALLOW DEVELOPMENT OF A HIGH RESISTANCE SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE CONNECTOR, CAUSING LOCALIZED HEATING, WHICH COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A FIRE.DCC WILL INSPECT THE UNCAPPED CONNECTOR FOR CORROSION, CLEAN AS REQUIRED, AND INSTALL A CAP TO PREVENT LIQUID CONTAMINATION.ALL OF THE REPORTED UNDER-SEAT FIRES WERE ON SUBJECT VEHICLES WITH A 40-20-40 BENCH SEAT.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System

DAIMLERCHRYLSER CORPORATION (DCC) WILL RECALL 35,103 MY 2001-2003 DODGE DURANGO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FRONT BENCH SEATS (RECALL # 06V339, SEE DEFECT REPORT FOR DETAILS).THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH EITHER FRONT BUCKET SEATS OR A 40-20-40 SPLIT FRONT BENCH SEAT.VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FRONT BENCH SEAT CONTAIN AN UNCAPPED, UNUSED CONNECTOR LOCATED UNDER THE FRONT EDGE OF THE SEAT.THE CONNECTOR PROVIDES POWER TO THE CENTER CONSOLE POWER OUTLET FOR VEHICLES WITH BUCKET SEATS, BUT IT IS UNUSED IN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH BENCH SEATS.THE CONNECTOR IS LOCATED REARWARD OF THE CUP HOLDER ON THE TUNNEL FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE BENCH SEAT.THIS CONNECTOR CONTAINS A FUSED B+ CIRCUIT WIRE (THAT IS CONTINUOUSLY POWERED WITH THE KEY OFF) AND A GROUND WIRE. DCC DETERMINED THAT IF LIQUID IS SPILLED FROM THE CUP HOLDER ONTO THE TUNNEL, THE UNCAPPED CONNECTOR MAY BECOME CONTAMINATED.THIS CONTAMINATION MAY ALLOW DEVELOPMENT OF A HIGH RESISTANCE SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE CONNECTOR, CAUSING LOCALIZED HEATING, WHICH COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A FIRE.DCC WILL INSPECT THE UNCAPPED CONNECTOR FOR CORROSION, CLEAN AS REQUIRED, AND INSTALL A CAP TO PREVENT LIQUID CONTAMINATION.ALL OF THE REPORTED UNDER-SEAT FIRES WERE ON SUBJECT VEHICLES WITH A 40-20-40 BENCH SEAT.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

Electrical System:wiring

DAIMLERCHRYLSER CORPORATION (DCC) WILL RECALL 35,103 MY 2001-2003 DODGE DURANGO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FRONT BENCH SEATS (RECALL # 06V339, SEE DEFECT REPORT FOR DETAILS).THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH EITHER FRONT BUCKET SEATS OR A 40-20-40 SPLIT FRONT BENCH SEAT.VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FRONT BENCH SEAT CONTAIN AN UNCAPPED, UNUSED CONNECTOR LOCATED UNDER THE FRONT EDGE OF THE SEAT.THE CONNECTOR PROVIDES POWER TO THE CENTER CONSOLE POWER OUTLET FOR VEHICLES WITH BUCKET SEATS, BUT IT IS UNUSED IN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH BENCH SEATS.THE CONNECTOR IS LOCATED REARWARD OF THE CUP HOLDER ON THE TUNNEL FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE BENCH SEAT.THIS CONNECTOR CONTAINS A FUSED B+ CIRCUIT WIRE (THAT IS CONTINUOUSLY POWERED WITH THE KEY OFF) AND A GROUND WIRE. DCC DETERMINED THAT IF LIQUID IS SPILLED FROM THE CUP HOLDER ONTO THE TUNNEL, THE UNCAPPED CONNECTOR MAY BECOME CONTAMINATED.THIS CONTAMINATION MAY ALLOW DEVELOPMENT OF A HIGH RESISTANCE SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE CONNECTOR, CAUSING LOCALIZED HEATING, WHICH COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A FIRE.DCC WILL INSPECT THE UNCAPPED CONNECTOR FOR CORROSION, CLEAN AS REQUIRED, AND INSTALL A CAP TO PREVENT LIQUID CONTAMINATION.ALL OF THE REPORTED UNDER-SEAT FIRES WERE ON SUBJECT VEHICLES WITH A 40-20-40 BENCH SEAT.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

PE06008 · Fire Under The Driver's Seat

Opened Feb 2, 2006 · Closed Jun 19, 2006

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash; Seats

ODI IS AWARE OF 10 REPORTS ALLEGING THAT A FIRE ORIGINATES UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER'S SEAT.SIX OF THEFIRES OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH TURNED OFF (KEY NOT IN THE IGNITION).THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL SEATS. THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS, (EA06-011), TO ALLOW FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF THE ISSUE.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash

ODI IS AWARE OF 10 REPORTS ALLEGING THAT A FIRE ORIGINATES UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER'S SEAT.SIX OF THEFIRES OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH TURNED OFF (KEY NOT IN THE IGNITION).THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL SEATS. THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS, (EA06-011), TO ALLOW FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF THE ISSUE.

Seats

ODI IS AWARE OF 10 REPORTS ALLEGING THAT A FIRE ORIGINATES UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER'S SEAT.SIX OF THEFIRES OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH TURNED OFF (KEY NOT IN THE IGNITION).THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL SEATS. THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS, (EA06-011), TO ALLOW FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF THE ISSUE.

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.