NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
24 reportsClear category filter160,000 miles · Dec 10, 2020
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HIS MOTHER WHO OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATE THAT WHILE HIS MOTHER WAS DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE DOWNSHIFTED TO FIRST GEAR WITHOUT WARNING TEMPORARILY AND THEN RETURNED TO NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. LEITH CHRYSLER JEEP (5500 CAPITAL BLVD, RAL…
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TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HIS MOTHER WHO OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATE THAT WHILE HIS MOTHER WAS DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE DOWNSHIFTED TO FIRST GEAR WITHOUT WARNING TEMPORARILY AND THEN RETURNED TO NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. LEITH CHRYSLER JEEP (5500 CAPITAL BLVD, RALEIGH, NC 27616, (919) 867-5907) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 160,000.
NHTSA ODI #11382937
Mileage unknown · Aug 29, 2016
Power Train
TRUCK WILL NOT GO INTO PARK.
NHTSA ODI #10899370
172,200 miles · Aug 24, 2016
Power Train
THIS COMPANY CLAIMS TO SELL CHRYSLER FLUID THAT WHICH ALMOST KILLED MY DRIVER AND ME BECAUSE OF MY DISABILITIES AND OTHER ISSUES AND FOR USING DEXRON FLUID IN THEIR PRODUCT. THEY ARE ADVERTISING THIS TO OTHER CHRYSLER OWNERS. I HAVE RESEARCH AND LOCATE A FEW DOCUMENTS WHERE THIS COMPANY MISLEAD ME AND USED DEXRON INSTEAD OF CH…
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THIS COMPANY CLAIMS TO SELL CHRYSLER FLUID THAT WHICH ALMOST KILLED MY DRIVER AND ME BECAUSE OF MY DISABILITIES AND OTHER ISSUES AND FOR USING DEXRON FLUID IN THEIR PRODUCT. THEY ARE ADVERTISING THIS TO OTHER CHRYSLER OWNERS. I HAVE RESEARCH AND LOCATE A FEW DOCUMENTS WHERE THIS COMPANY MISLEAD ME AND USED DEXRON INSTEAD OF CHRYSLER FLUID ATF4 WHICH COMPLETELY DIFFERENT DEXRON. TRANSTAR TRIED TO PASS THE BLAME WHEN MY 2003 DURANGO WAS WORKING PERFECTLY UNTIL USING THEIR FLUID WHICH CAUSE MY TRANSMISSION TO OVERHEAT AND DESTROY IT. I ONLY ASKING THEM FOR FILTER. THEY CLAIM TO BE EXPECTS IN TRANSMISSION AND WHO KNOWS WHO ELSE THAT SELL THIS BAD PRODUCT TO OTHER CHRYSLER/DODGE OWNERS. HTTPS://WWW.TRANSTAR1.COM IN THE LETTER FROM TRANSTAR THEY UPFRONT ADMITTED FAULT OF USING THE WRONG PRODUCT AS THEY CLAIM ITS GOOD FOR CHRYSLER/DODGE, WHEN IT HAS NOT.
NHTSA ODI #10898231
189,876 miles · Dec 31, 2014
Power Train
MY DODGE DURANGO WILL NOT GO INTO PARK, WILL SHIFT WITHOUT APPLYING THE BRAKE AND WILL NOT START UNLESS VEHICLE IS IN NEUTRAL - I HAVE HAD THE TRANSMISSION REBUILD AND THE PCM CHANGED AND THE PROBLEM IS STILL THERE. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO TWO DIFFERENT MECHANICS AND NO OTHER PROBLEM CAN BE FOUND THAT WOULD CAUSE THIS FROM HAPPENING.…
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MY DODGE DURANGO WILL NOT GO INTO PARK, WILL SHIFT WITHOUT APPLYING THE BRAKE AND WILL NOT START UNLESS VEHICLE IS IN NEUTRAL - I HAVE HAD THE TRANSMISSION REBUILD AND THE PCM CHANGED AND THE PROBLEM IS STILL THERE. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO TWO DIFFERENT MECHANICS AND NO OTHER PROBLEM CAN BE FOUND THAT WOULD CAUSE THIS FROM HAPPENING. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING MY VEHICLE AND I DO NOT HAVE ANY MORE MONEY TO HAVE A DEALER TAKE A LOOK AT IT TO SEE IF THEY KNOW WHAT IS WRONG. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10669332
166,587 miles · Aug 16, 2014
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
AT AN IDLE ENGINE REV,S UP AND DOWN,REVS UP ENOUGH TO MOVE THE VEHICLE WITH THE BRAKES ON,TRANSMISSION SLIPPED A LOT ESP ON THE HIGHWAY,WILL ALSO DROP INTO PASSING HEAR AND SPEED UP SOMETIMES ON ITS OWN. VERY DANEROUS TO DRIVE SOMETIMES.SPEEDS UP BY ITS SELF ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10625756
57,250 miles · Aug 24, 2012
EnginePower Train
NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS TIL WE DROVE ALMOST 5 HRS ON VACATION TO GATLINBURG AND BEFORE WE EVEN GOT INTO TOWN THE CHECK GAUGE LIGHT CAME ON AND REALIZED THE TEMP GAUGE WAS IN THE RED. NEVER LEAKED COOLANT OR SMELLED ANY ANTIFREEZE. THE NEXT DAY AFTER LETTING IT SIT OVERNIGHT IT SEEMED FINE NO CHECK LIGHT WAS ON DROVE IT BACK STILL…
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NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS TIL WE DROVE ALMOST 5 HRS ON VACATION TO GATLINBURG AND BEFORE WE EVEN GOT INTO TOWN THE CHECK GAUGE LIGHT CAME ON AND REALIZED THE TEMP GAUGE WAS IN THE RED. NEVER LEAKED COOLANT OR SMELLED ANY ANTIFREEZE. THE NEXT DAY AFTER LETTING IT SIT OVERNIGHT IT SEEMED FINE NO CHECK LIGHT WAS ON DROVE IT BACK STILL NO ENGINE LIGHT ON AND TEMP WAS FINE,FEW WEEKS LATER ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE! THE VALVE TRAIN STARTED TICKING. HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP (KINGS CJD) AND FOUND A FAILED ROCKER & TAPPET HAD REPLACED 4 DAYS LATER WAS DOING IT ON THE DRIVER SIDE,TOOK IT BACK THAT'S WHEN IT TOOK THEM A FEW DAYS TO FIGURE OUT IT WAS LEAKING COOLANT DOWN INTO THE CYLINDERS. CHRYSLER DIDN'T HAVE CYLINDER HEADS AVAILABLE IT TOOK OVER 2 MONTHS FOR US TO GET THE PART (NOT FROM CHRYSLER) AS FAR AS WE KNOW THEY STILL DON'T HAVE THE PART AVAILABLE. 28 PLUS PEOPLE ARE ON A WAITING LIST TO RECEIVE CYLINDER HEADS THAT ARE STILL NOT AVAILABLE! REPEATED TRIPS TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR LEAKING VALVE COVERS ON BOTH SIDES,STILL DEALING WITH ISSUE OF POSSIBLE LEAK AROUND CRANK SEAL ON TIMING COVER. CHRYSLER DOES SEEM TO GIVE A DARN ABOUT OUR TIME AND MONEY WASTED FOR THE SUPPOSED REPAIRS THAT ARE NOT FIXED!! HAS ANYONE ELSE READING THIS HAD ANY ISSUES REGARDING CYLINDER HEADS???? I THINK WHEN YOU HAVE 28 PLUS PEOPLE ON THE WAITING LIST FOR THE SAME PART FOR THE SAME MAKE & MODEL VEHICLE SAME ENGINE 4.7 V8 OBVIOUSLY THEIR IS A MANUFACTURE ISSUE NOT AN OWNER ISSUE!!! THAT'S JUST A TASTE OF WHAT IS GOING ON THEIR IS PLENTY MORE AND CHRYSLER JUST KEEPS TELLING US IM SORRY AND THAT'S IT IM SORRY!!! WE HAVE HAD SEVERAL CASE MGRS AND NOONE SEEMS TO BE CARING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10472425
100,000 miles · Jul 19, 2012
Power Train
VEHICLE STALLING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10466543
Mileage unknown · Oct 10, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentFuel System, Gasoline
2003 DODGE DURANGO WAS PURCHASED FROM A LOCAL DEALERSHIP IN WICKLIFFE,OH IN APRIL OF 08. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP NEEDING TO BE SERVICED IN EXCESS OF 7 TIMES, FROM THE BUSHINGS BEING REPLACED TO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REPEATEDLY COMING ON WITH THE DEALERSHIPS INABILITY TO FIX IT . I HAVE BEEN IN A RENTAL CAR MORE T…
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2003 DODGE DURANGO WAS PURCHASED FROM A LOCAL DEALERSHIP IN WICKLIFFE,OH IN APRIL OF 08. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP NEEDING TO BE SERVICED IN EXCESS OF 7 TIMES, FROM THE BUSHINGS BEING REPLACED TO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REPEATEDLY COMING ON WITH THE DEALERSHIPS INABILITY TO FIX IT . I HAVE BEEN IN A RENTAL CAR MORE THAN I HAVE DRIVEN THE VEHICLE THAT I PURCHASED FROM THE DEALERSHIP. THERE WAS AN EVAP CODE AS THEY SO ELOQUENTLY STATED SO THEY ALLEGEDLY FIXED THAT ONLY TO FIND THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STILL CONTINUALLY COMES ON. EVERY TIME THAT THE PROBLEM WAS SUPPOSEDLY RESOLVED, I WAS BACK AT THE DEALERSHIP WITHIN 2 TO 3 DAYS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN. THE MANAGEMENT THERE STATED AND ADMITTED THAT THEY SIMPLY CAN'T FIX THE VEHICLE THEREFORE THEY ARE GOING TO GET ME OUT OF IT SO THEY EVEN HAD ME TO PICK ANOTHER VEHICLE WHICH THEY SAID WOULD FIT PERFECTLY AND SHOULD NOT AFFECT THE PAYMENT THAT I HAVE IN PLACE RIGHT NOW. I HAVE BEEN HEARING ABOUT GETTING THIS REPLACEMENT VEHICLE FOR OVER 3 MONTHS WITH NO RESULT. THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND HITTING A BUMP BECAUSE IT FEELS AS IF THE FRONT END IS GOING IN TWO DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS. MY WIFE WONT DRIVE IT, WE ARE SCARED TO PUT OUR KIDS INTO IT AND I NEED YOUR HELP RIGHT AWAY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10245072
23,800 miles · Dec 17, 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
MY 2003 DODGE DURANGO SXT- HAD THIS SINCE 2003 BOUGHT BRAND NEW AND I TAKE IT TO DEALERSHIP FOR OIL CHANGE, TIRE CHECK ETC . FOLLOW THE MAINTANANCE GUIDE ON WHAT SHOULD BE CHECK OUT , NOW TRUCK AT A ( STOP LIGHT ) IT WANTS TO STALL, I WAS DOING 35 ON ON THE STREET I LIVE ON AND MY TRUCK CUTS OFF NO WARNING, CUTS LIGHT AND ALL WE…
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MY 2003 DODGE DURANGO SXT- HAD THIS SINCE 2003 BOUGHT BRAND NEW AND I TAKE IT TO DEALERSHIP FOR OIL CHANGE, TIRE CHECK ETC . FOLLOW THE MAINTANANCE GUIDE ON WHAT SHOULD BE CHECK OUT , NOW TRUCK AT A ( STOP LIGHT ) IT WANTS TO STALL, I WAS DOING 35 ON ON THE STREET I LIVE ON AND MY TRUCK CUTS OFF NO WARNING, CUTS LIGHT AND ALL WENT OUT ON ME, AN POLICE CAR WAS INFRONT OF ME ACROSS THE ROAD FACING AT ME AND AS SOON AS THE LIGHT WENT GREEN HE PULLS ME OVER AND TELL FOR MY SAFETY YOU NEED TO CHECK YOUR POWER SUPPLY I SAID THANK YOU. THE NEXT MORNING I BRING MY TRUCK DODGE DEALER SHIP ONE OF THE GUYS SEEMS LIKE HE WAS TRYING TO RUSH MY OFF STATING THAT THEY WERE TOO BUSY , SO I BRING IT BACK THE NEXT DAY THEY CHECK IT OUT AND COULD NOT FIND NOTHING WRONG I EVEN PAID ( $85.00 ) I THINK THERE SOMETHING WRONG WITH MY ELECTRIC SYSTEM . NOW WHEN I AM ON THE ROAD IT TRIES TO STALL , AND THE RPM GO UP 3.5 AND BACK DOWN TO 0.5 WENT TO AUTO ZONE THE GUY THERE GUY GAVE ME SOME AFTER READING WHEN MY TRUCK LIGHT CAME BACK ON THE CODES WERE GENERAL EVAP SYSTEM FAILURE , AND P0441-EVAP PURGE SYSTEM PERFORMANCE ,P0068-MANIFOLD PRESSURE/THROTTLE POSITION CORRELATION ,P0123-THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR #1 HIGH , SYSTEM ,P2074-MANIFOLD PRESSURE/THROTTLE POSITION CORRELATION - HIGH FLOW/VACUUM LEAK, P0700-TRANSMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM ,P0440-GENERAL EVAP SYSTEM FAILURE , NOW EVERY TIME I DRIVE IT HAS A LOT OF HESITATION THEN POWER IN ALL DROP THEN MY BATTERY LIGHT COME ON ON THE DASH AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BY THE TIME I GET CHECK OUT NO FREE TO CHECK MY PROBLEM I WAS GOING TO REPORT TO DODGE COMPANY I NEVER HAD A PROBLEM NOW WHATEVER IT IS CAUSING ME TO LOSE POWER I WAS ON HIGH WAS 264 WITH A LOTS OR CAR AND MY TRUCK CUTS OFF I COULD NOT DO ANYTHING NO WARNING LIGHT THEN A POLICE CAR CAME BEHIND ME AND HELP ME OFF THE ROAD. SAID TO THE OFFICER THAT I GOT IT CHECK OUT AND NOW I AM STUCK OUT HERE WITH NOTHING WORKING I NEED SOME TO CHECK THIS OUT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10212134
Mileage unknown · May 22, 2007
Power Train
2003 DURANGO CUSTOMER STATES THAT SINCE THE PURCHASE OF THE CAR, IT SHIFTED INTO 4 WHEEL DRIVE LOW WHILE DRIVING**CC THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE IS UNDER WARRANTY AND HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER 4 SEPARATE TIMES FOR REPAIR AND THE LAST TIME THEY WERE CHARGED A DIAGNOSTIC FEE AND THE PROBLEM IS STILL UNRESOLVED.*TR
NHTSA ODI #10192132
Official recalls
4Sep 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.
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.
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.
Dec 2, 2002
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, THE CENTRAL TIMER MODULE (CTM) HAS AN IMPROPERLY SIZED CIRCUIT BOARD TRACE THAT COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE RIGHT HEADLAMP LOW BEAM TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE LIGHTS FAIL, A VISIBILITY PROBLEM COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CTM. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 23, 2002. 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
5EA06011 · 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.
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