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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

What owners actually said

423 reports
40,000 miles · Jul 18, 2005
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

ANTI-LOCK BRAKES - HAVE TO EXTEND STOPPING DISTANCE MORE THAN ANY OTHER CAR EVER OWNED. ANTI-LOCK ACTIVATES VERY EASY, BUT DOES NOT CAUSE DURANGO TO SLOW DOWN QUICKLY. DEALERSHIP SAID MASTER CYLINDER HAS INTERNAL LEAK AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACES - COST IS OVER $500. DURANGO ONLY HAS 60,000 MILES ON IT.

NHTSA ODI #10129234

Mileage unknown · Jul 11, 2005
Service Brakes, HydraulicFire

DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE BRAKES ON THE DRIVERS SIDE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE BRAKE PADS MELTED TO THE ROTOR AND THE CALIPERS ON THE DRIVERS SIDE WERE REPLACED. THE BRAKES AND THE ROTORS WERE REPLACED ABOUT TWO MONT…

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DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE BRAKES ON THE DRIVERS SIDE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE BRAKE PADS MELTED TO THE ROTOR AND THE CALIPERS ON THE DRIVERS SIDE WERE REPLACED. THE BRAKES AND THE ROTORS WERE REPLACED ABOUT TWO MONTHS PRIOR TO THIS AND SIX MONTHS BEFORE THAT THEY WERE REPLACED. THE TOTAL AMOUNTS OF TIMES THE BRAKES HAS BEEN REPLACED 5-6 TIMES AND THAT IS CHANGING THE ROTORS MORE THAN TWICE. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10128374

69,000 miles · Jul 6, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling

DT:THE ENGINE SEIZED WITHOUT INDICATION. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE ELEVATED AND WITHIN A MATTER OF SECONDS THE ENGINE LOCKED UP. THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING AND THE CONSUMER'S WIFE WAS PULLING INTO DRIVEWAY. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS A GROUND STRAP ATTACHED TO A COOLANT TUBE ON THE ENGINE, AND T…

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DT:THE ENGINE SEIZED WITHOUT INDICATION. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE ELEVATED AND WITHIN A MATTER OF SECONDS THE ENGINE LOCKED UP. THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING AND THE CONSUMER'S WIFE WAS PULLING INTO DRIVEWAY. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS A GROUND STRAP ATTACHED TO A COOLANT TUBE ON THE ENGINE, AND THAT RESULTED IN PREMATURE WEAR OF COOLING TUBE, ALLOWING ESCAPE OF COOLANT. THE ENGINE WAS DESTROYED. THE ENGINE WAS UNDER WARRANTY, BUT THE COOLANT TUBE WAS NOT, AND THEY WOULD NOT HONOR THE WARRANTY. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND WOULD NOT HONOR WARRANTY AS WELL.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10127661

45,000 miles · Jul 1, 2005
Service Brakes, Air

1. DRIVER'S SIDE SPINDLE NUT WORKS LOOSE CAUSING ROTOR TO BECOME LOOSE. 2. LOOSE ROTOR CAUSES THE SEALED BEARING TO LOOSE GREASE AND FAIL. CAN CASUE WHEEL LOSS OR LOSS OF CONTROL. 3. ROTOR AND SPINDLE NUT MUST BE REPLACED EACH TIME. THIS HAS OCCURRED ON THIS VEHICLE TWO TIMES.

NHTSA ODI #10127271

36,488 miles · Jun 28, 2005
Seat Belts

JUNE 16, 2005 - MY SON TURNED 17. JUNE 23, 2005 - MY SON RECEIVED A 2002 DODGE DURANGO AS A GIFT. JUNE 26, 2005 - MY SON'S 2002 DODGE DURANGO'S DRIVER'S SEATBELT FAILED AS HE WAS EXITING HIS FATHER'S DRIVEWAY. JUNE 28, 2005 - TOOK DODGE IN FOR FAILED SEATBELT AND WAS TOLD VIA TELEPHONE THAT IT WOULD COST OVER $400.00 TO REPLA…

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JUNE 16, 2005 - MY SON TURNED 17. JUNE 23, 2005 - MY SON RECEIVED A 2002 DODGE DURANGO AS A GIFT. JUNE 26, 2005 - MY SON'S 2002 DODGE DURANGO'S DRIVER'S SEATBELT FAILED AS HE WAS EXITING HIS FATHER'S DRIVEWAY. JUNE 28, 2005 - TOOK DODGE IN FOR FAILED SEATBELT AND WAS TOLD VIA TELEPHONE THAT IT WOULD COST OVER $400.00 TO REPLACE. I CALLED MANUFACTURER AND COMPLAINED, SITING WEBSITES AND CBS (2003) DOCUMENTARY ABOUT THE CONTINUING PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE. ONE OF THEM BEING THE FAILED SEATBELT. TO QUOTE "APPROXIMATELY 16 MILION DODGE VEHICLES HAVE A SEAT BELT THAT DOES NOT PASS THE STANDARD FOR ACCIDENTAL SAFETY". THEIR RESPONSE: WELL ITS' NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND ITS NOT A RECALL, BUT I'LL SEE WHAT WE CAN DO. THEY ARE CHARGING ME A "CO-PAY" OF $75.00 FOR A NEW COMPLETE REPLACEMENT. YOUR GOVERNMENT BRANCH, THE DODGE MANUFACTURER AND OWNERS OF THIS TYPE VEHICLE ARE WELL AWARE THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. COULD DODGE GIVE ME BACK MY SON IF MY SON HAD BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND LOST HIS LIFE BECAUSE HIS DODGE DURANGO DRIVER'S SEAT BELT FAILED!! WHEN IS NHTSA GOING TO TAKE A STAND AND TELL THE DODGE MANUFACTURER TO TAKE CARE OF THEIR LEMONS. AS FAR AS THE QUESTIONS BELOW, NHTSA KNOWS BETTER THAN I.

NHTSA ODI #10126852

35,000 miles · Jun 27, 2005
Service Brakes, Air

HAD TO MAKE A SUDDEN STOP AND ABS SYSTEM WAS DANGEROUSLY SLOW TO ENGAGE, RELEASE AND RE-ENGAGE. BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR AND BARELY STOPPED BEFORE HITTING VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. TOOK IT TO 2 DEALERS AND BOTH SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATIONS. MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD!

NHTSA ODI #10126754

43,000 miles · Jun 19, 2005
Suspension

I OWN A 2002 DODGE DURANGO AND HAVE HAD THE BALL JOINTS REPLACED 3 WEEKS AGO. I ALSO HAD THE CAR REALLIGNED. THE CAR IS NOW OUT OF ALLIGN PULLING TO THE RIGHT WHEN I BRAKE AND MAKING AN AWFUL CLUNKING NOISE WHEN I BRAKE. I WAS TOLD IT WAS A SUSPENSION ISSUE AND THAT IS WHY THE VECHILE WILL NOT STAY ALLIGNED. I HAVE ALREADY …

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I OWN A 2002 DODGE DURANGO AND HAVE HAD THE BALL JOINTS REPLACED 3 WEEKS AGO. I ALSO HAD THE CAR REALLIGNED. THE CAR IS NOW OUT OF ALLIGN PULLING TO THE RIGHT WHEN I BRAKE AND MAKING AN AWFUL CLUNKING NOISE WHEN I BRAKE. I WAS TOLD IT WAS A SUSPENSION ISSUE AND THAT IS WHY THE VECHILE WILL NOT STAY ALLIGNED. I HAVE ALREADY GONE THROUGH 3 SETS OF TIRES SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR!

NHTSA ODI #10125735

60,000 miles · Jun 14, 2005
Steering

DT: THE INNER TIE ROD END BROKE,. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 60,000 MILES ON IT. NO NOISE OR VIBRATION HEARD. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10125214

62,000 miles · Jun 10, 2005
Power TrainUnknown Or Other

WHILE TRAVELLING DOWN I94 AT HIGHWAY SPEED MY 2002 DODG DURANGO ENGINE SEIZED FORCING US TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THIS WAS CAUSED DUE TO LACK OF MAINTAINANCE IE. OIL CHANGES WHICH IS NOT THE CASE AS I DID THE MAINTAINED OIL CHANGES. IN DOING RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS VEHICLE IS PRONE …

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WHILE TRAVELLING DOWN I94 AT HIGHWAY SPEED MY 2002 DODG DURANGO ENGINE SEIZED FORCING US TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THIS WAS CAUSED DUE TO LACK OF MAINTAINANCE IE. OIL CHANGES WHICH IS NOT THE CASE AS I DID THE MAINTAINED OIL CHANGES. IN DOING RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS VEHICLE IS PRONE TO OIL SLUDGE. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE AS OF RIGHT NOW TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION.

NHTSA ODI #10124928

44,495 miles · May 31, 2005
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

WHILE DRIVING ON 5/27/05 BOTH FRONT BRAKECALIPERS LOCKED, FORTUNATELY ONLY TRAVELING A FEW MILES..BRAKES SMOLDERING...WARPED ROTAORS AND CRYSTALIZED BOTH FRONT BRAKES' PADS...FOR CORRECTION NEW MASTER CLYINDER,FRON ROTORS,CALIPERS AND BRAKE PADS

NHTSA ODI #10122595

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.