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1998 Dodge Durango

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Durango years

Owner complaints for the 1998 Dodge Durango are substantially higher than the model-year median of 231.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

441 reports with mileage · 524 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 540 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 103 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 90 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

51 crash reports12 fire reports21 injury reports

Equipment complaints

27 reports
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41,744 miles · Apr 8, 2004
EquipmentSuspension

TODAY I TOOK MY 1998 DODGE DURANGO (VIN-1BHS28Y6WF132671) FOR THE YEARLY VIRGINIA SAFETY INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DOMINION DODGE IN SALEM, VIRGINIA WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW IN 1998.SHORTLY AFTER MY ARRIVAL AND NOTIFIING THE SERVICE MANAGER WHAT I WAS THERE FOR, HE CAME AND TOLD ME THAT MY RIGHT LOWER BALL JO…

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TODAY I TOOK MY 1998 DODGE DURANGO (VIN-1BHS28Y6WF132671) FOR THE YEARLY VIRGINIA SAFETY INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DOMINION DODGE IN SALEM, VIRGINIA WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW IN 1998.SHORTLY AFTER MY ARRIVAL AND NOTIFIING THE SERVICE MANAGER WHAT I WAS THERE FOR, HE CAME AND TOLD ME THAT MY RIGHT LOWER BALL JOINT WAS "BAD" AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT, AND HE WAS WELL AWARE THAT THIS FACILITY HAD REPLACED 3 OF THEM APRIL 2002. INCLUDING THIS ONE THAT NEEDED REPLACING 2 YEARS LATER, 11,203 MILES SINCE REPLACED. WHEN THESE WERE REPLACED IN APRIL 2002 THE SAME INFERIOR PARTS WERE INSTALLED AS WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT NEW!! SO THIS VEHICLE HAS A TOTAL OF 41,780 AS OF TODAY AND I AM STATING TO PUT A SECOND SET OF BALL JOINTS ON MY DODGE DURANGO! WHEN ARE YOU PEOPLE GOING TO DO SOMETHING??*AK

NHTSA ODI #10065786

40,000 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentPower Train

FRONT BRAKES (REPLACED 3X'S IN ONE YEAR) KEEP FAILING ON DODGE DURANGO CAUSING UNEVEN TIRE WEAR AND ALIGNMENT TO SHIFT. I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE FRONT TIRES 4 TIMES AND THE REAR TIRES TWICE SINCE I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE JANUARY 2,2000. ALL TIRES WEAR AT AN ANGLE WITH SEVERAL BALD SPOTS IN DIFFERENT PLACES. I ALSO REPLACED THE WATER…

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FRONT BRAKES (REPLACED 3X'S IN ONE YEAR) KEEP FAILING ON DODGE DURANGO CAUSING UNEVEN TIRE WEAR AND ALIGNMENT TO SHIFT. I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE FRONT TIRES 4 TIMES AND THE REAR TIRES TWICE SINCE I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE JANUARY 2,2000. ALL TIRES WEAR AT AN ANGLE WITH SEVERAL BALD SPOTS IN DIFFERENT PLACES. I ALSO REPLACED THE WATER PUMP AND RADIATOR FEBRUARY 2003. NOW THE AIR CONDITIONER IS NOT WORKING. THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT A COUPLE OF MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, BUT I STILL HAD TO PAY 300.00 OUT OF POCKET FOR WHATEVER REASON.

NHTSA ODI #10070543

98,600 miles · Oct 10, 2003
EquipmentInjury

WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE IN CONGESTED TRAFFIC, THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT RELEASED ALL OF THE R-134 A INTO THE ENCLOSED CAB. I WAS EXPOSED TO THE SUBSTANCE FOR QUITE AWHILE BEFORE I REALIZED WHAT HAD HAPPENED. I FINALLY PULLED OFF OF THE ROAD, AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. I HAD SEVERE HEADACHES AND NAUSEA FOR A COUPLE DAYS. IF I HAD A…

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WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE IN CONGESTED TRAFFIC, THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT RELEASED ALL OF THE R-134 A INTO THE ENCLOSED CAB. I WAS EXPOSED TO THE SUBSTANCE FOR QUITE AWHILE BEFORE I REALIZED WHAT HAD HAPPENED. I FINALLY PULLED OFF OF THE ROAD, AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. I HAD SEVERE HEADACHES AND NAUSEA FOR A COUPLE DAYS. IF I HAD AN INFANT IN THE VEHICLE, THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A DEATH DUE TO THIS MALFUNCTION. *LA

NHTSA ODI #10041585

Mileage unknown · Sep 21, 2003
EquipmentSuspensionVisibility

I HAVE REPLACED TWO WINDOW MOTORS AND HAVE ANOTHER ONE TO REPLACE AS IT IS OUT NOW I WAS WONDERING IF THERE WERE ANY COMPLAINTS OR CAMPAIGNS ON WINDOW MOTORS ALSO I WANT TO COMPLAIN ABOUT FRONT SUSPENSION EITHER THE BALL JOINTS UPPER OR LOWER ARE WEAK OR OUT BUT I HAVE WEAR PROBLEMS ON MY NEW TIRES AND IT SHOULD NOT BE THAT WAY…

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I HAVE REPLACED TWO WINDOW MOTORS AND HAVE ANOTHER ONE TO REPLACE AS IT IS OUT NOW I WAS WONDERING IF THERE WERE ANY COMPLAINTS OR CAMPAIGNS ON WINDOW MOTORS ALSO I WANT TO COMPLAIN ABOUT FRONT SUSPENSION EITHER THE BALL JOINTS UPPER OR LOWER ARE WEAK OR OUT BUT I HAVE WEAR PROBLEMS ON MY NEW TIRES AND IT SHOULD NOT BE THAT WAY ONLY BEING A 1998 ARE THERE ANY CAMPAIGNS ON THIS .*JB

NHTSA ODI #10039251

61,000 miles · Jul 31, 2003
EquipmentPower Train

I HAD A COMPLETE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT JUST OVER 60,000 MILES. I CONTACTED DODGE AND THEY ACTED AS IF IT WASN'T THEIR PROBLEM. COST ME $2000 DOLLARS FOR A COMPLETE REBUILD. THEN AFTER ONE MONTH OF HAVING TRANSMISSION REDONE THE AIR CONDITIONING WENT AND COST ME ANOTHER $800 DOLLARS. I COMPLAINED AGAIN AND AGAIN WAS T…

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I HAD A COMPLETE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT JUST OVER 60,000 MILES. I CONTACTED DODGE AND THEY ACTED AS IF IT WASN'T THEIR PROBLEM. COST ME $2000 DOLLARS FOR A COMPLETE REBUILD. THEN AFTER ONE MONTH OF HAVING TRANSMISSION REDONE THE AIR CONDITIONING WENT AND COST ME ANOTHER $800 DOLLARS. I COMPLAINED AGAIN AND AGAIN WAS TREATED AS IF IT WERE MY FAULT. I HAVE A FRIEND THAT WORKS FOR A LOCAL DODGE DEALERSHIP AND HE TOLD ME THAT DODGE DOES KNOW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND ARE DENYING IT EXISTS BECAUSE OF THE LARGE NUMBER OF RECALLS THAT WOULD RESULT. HE SAID THEY DID A STUDY AND FOUND OUT THAT THE TRANSMISSIONS THAT WERE INSTALLED FROM '97 UNTIL 2000 WERE TO SMALL TO HANDLE THE PAYLOAD OF THE DURANGO. THEY HAVE SINCE FIXED THAT PROBLEM BUT WILL NOT ADMIT TO EARLIER DAMAGES TO THE EARLIER MODELS. BY THE WAY, DODGE ONLY CHARGES THE DEALERS $400 DOLLARS FOR THE REBUILD KITS. *PH

NHTSA ODI #10030490

Mileage unknown · Jul 24, 2003
EquipmentSuspension

UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS FAILED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10029096

Mileage unknown · Sep 15, 2001
Equipment

I HAVE COMPLAINED WITH THIS PREVIOUSLY BUT NOW HAVE A MORE IN DEPTH COMPLAINT. I TOOK MY TRUCK TO THE SHOP TO FINALLY HAVE THE AIR DUCTS CHECKED. AFTER REMOVING THE COMPLETE DASHBOARD, THE MECHANIC FOUND A DOOR WHICH WAS BROKEN THAT WAS CAUSING THE AIR TO FLOW OUT THE FEET DUCTS INSTEAD OF THE DASH VENTS. THE DOOR BROKE BECAUSE …

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I HAVE COMPLAINED WITH THIS PREVIOUSLY BUT NOW HAVE A MORE IN DEPTH COMPLAINT. I TOOK MY TRUCK TO THE SHOP TO FINALLY HAVE THE AIR DUCTS CHECKED. AFTER REMOVING THE COMPLETE DASHBOARD, THE MECHANIC FOUND A DOOR WHICH WAS BROKEN THAT WAS CAUSING THE AIR TO FLOW OUT THE FEET DUCTS INSTEAD OF THE DASH VENTS. THE DOOR BROKE BECAUSE SOME STICKY-BACK FOAM GOT UNSTUCK AND STUCK TO SOMETHING ELSE PUTTING THE DOOR UNDER STRAIN AND FINALLY BREAKING IT. THE FOAM, I BELIEVE, WAS TO KEEP DOWN THE NOISE OF THE DOOR OPENING AND CLOSING. ANYWAY, WHEN THAT PART IN QUESTION WAS ORDERED, PART #21, A DOOR WAS SENT BUT IT WASN'T THE CORRECT DOOR. AFTER INTENSE INVESTIGATION BY THE LOCAL DODGE DEALER, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT PRODUCE THE CORRECT DOOR BECAUSE THE NUMBERS IN THEIR SYSTEM DIDN'T MATCH THE NUMBERS ON THE DOOR. I HAVE ALL THE NUMBERS WRITTEN DOWN, UNFORTUNATELY THEY ARE NOT WITH ME. I CAN PRODUCE THEM IF NEEDED. WHEN INQUIRING WITH OTHER DEALERS ABOUT THE DOOR, WE FOUND THEY ALSO HAD RUN INTO THE PROBLEM AND HAD NO SOLUTION FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS AS WELL. WE FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A NATION-WIDE PROBLEM AND THOSE DEALERS WHO ACTUALLY HAVE THE PART ON THEIR PREMISES WILL NOT GIVE THEM UP FOR FEAR OF NEEDING THEM FOR THEIR OWN CUSTOMERS. I AM APPALLED THAT A MANUFACTER CAN NOT OR WILL NOT PRODUCE A MUCH NEEDED PART TO A CONSUMER AND WILL BRUSH THEM OFF. I SPENT RIGHT AT $500 FOR A SOMEONE TO TELL ME THAT THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING TO HELP ME. I LIVE IN A VERY HOT PART OF THE COUNTRY AND HAVE SPENT MANY DAYS SWELTERING IN MY VEHICLE. THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE OUTRAGE AND I DEMAND EITHER A FIX OR A REIMBURSEMENT FOR MY HARD-EARNED MONEY OR REALLY BOTH. I NEED COOL AIR AND I NEED TO FIX MY BROKEN POCKET BOOK. WHEN I EVER GET RID OF THIS VEHICLE, I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER DAIMLER PRODUCT. IT IS SAD TO THINK THEY CAN'T EVEN SERVICE OR SUPPLY PARTS FOR THEIR OWN CREATIONS. PLEASE DON'T IGNORE THIS COMPLAINT. I HAVEN'T GOTTEN ANYWHERE WITH DODGE AND I FEEL IGNORED. THANKS.

NHTSA ODI #752229

Mileage unknown · Jun 29, 2001
Equipment

NEEDED TO REPLACE EVAPORATOR CORE ON A 98 DODGE DURANGO. HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH A 1994 PLYMOUTH, VOYAGER A LITTLE MORE THAN A YEAR AGO. HAVE BEEN TOLD BY A FRIEND THAT WORKS AS A SERVICE ADVISOR FOR A DEALER THAT CHRYSLER HAS PROBLEMS WITH EVAPORATOR CORES. SEEMS TO ME, HE MAY BE RIGHT, SINCE I'VE REPLACED 2 IN 2 DIFFERENT…

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NEEDED TO REPLACE EVAPORATOR CORE ON A 98 DODGE DURANGO. HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH A 1994 PLYMOUTH, VOYAGER A LITTLE MORE THAN A YEAR AGO. HAVE BEEN TOLD BY A FRIEND THAT WORKS AS A SERVICE ADVISOR FOR A DEALER THAT CHRYSLER HAS PROBLEMS WITH EVAPORATOR CORES. SEEMS TO ME, HE MAY BE RIGHT, SINCE I'VE REPLACED 2 IN 2 DIFFERENT CHRYSLER VEHICLES AT $700 EACH IN JUST A LITTLE OVER A YEAR. I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH ANY OTHER MAKE VEHICLE THAT I'VE EVER OWNED, PLUS IT SEEMS THAT THIS NEW OF A VEHICLE SHOULD NOT NEED AN EVAPORATOR CORE ALREADY. AIR CONDITIONER JUST STARTED BLOWING WARM AIR. HUSBAND BOUGHT A CHARGING KIT AND CHARGED THE AIR CONDITIONER. IT WORKED FOR A VERY SHORT TIME, THEN WAS BLOWING WARM AIR AGAIN. WE COULD HEAR A HISSING OR LEAKING NOISE UNDER THE DASH BOARD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. CONFIRMED BY GARAGE THAT IT WAS AN EVAPORATOR CORE THAT NEEDS REPLACED. WE WERE ALSO TOLD AT THE AUTO PARTS STORE WHERE WE BOUGHT THE CHARGING KIT THAT THERE HAD BEEN FIVE PEOPLE IN THAT DAY WHO HAD ALSO BOUGHT CHARGING KITS FOR DODGE DURANGOS.*AK

NHTSA ODI #747569

Mileage unknown · Feb 20, 2001
Electrical SystemEquipmentPower Train

NO TIRE JACK WAS IN THE VEHICLE AT TIME OF PURHASE. *SLC

NHTSA ODI #785297

Mileage unknown · Sep 1, 2000
EquipmentTires

I STOPPED AT A SERVICE STATION TO HAVE THE AIR CHECKED. WHEN HE PUT AIR IN THE TIRE, IT WAS LEAKING MORE. THE TIRE REPAIR STATION TOOK THE TIRE OFF THE RIM AND NOTICED THAT THE TIRE WAS SPLITTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT. HE SAID HE HAS NEVER SEEN THAT HAPPEN BEFORE....SPLITTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT. THE TIRE IS NO GOOD ANYMORE AN…

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I STOPPED AT A SERVICE STATION TO HAVE THE AIR CHECKED. WHEN HE PUT AIR IN THE TIRE, IT WAS LEAKING MORE. THE TIRE REPAIR STATION TOOK THE TIRE OFF THE RIM AND NOTICED THAT THE TIRE WAS SPLITTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT. HE SAID HE HAS NEVER SEEN THAT HAPPEN BEFORE....SPLITTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT. THE TIRE IS NO GOOD ANYMORE AND I STILL HAVE A LOT OF TREAD LEFT ON IT. HE TOOK MY SPARE OFF, FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT IT HAS BEEN HOT AND MELTED THE RUBBER FROM THE EXHAUST. I HAVE SMELLED RUBBER BEFORE BUT THOUGHT THAT WAS FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER THAT I HAVE BEEN HAVING SO MUCH TROUBLE WITH SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE. IT HAS CAUSED AN ELECTRICAL SHORTAGE BEFORE. THE AIR CONDITIONER IS LEAKING FREON AND EVERY FEW MONTHS, I HAVE TO GO HAVE IT FILLED. CAN'T FIND THE LEAK AND HAVE TAKEN IT TO 4-6 DIFFERENT DEALERS FOR THE PROBLEM. WHEN RUNNING THE AIR CONDITIONER, MOISTURE RUNS DOWN THE SIDES OF THE DASH VENTS WITH ALL THE WINDOWS CLOSED. THE LAST DEALER I TOOK IT TOOK, TOLD ME THAT THEY CAN'T FIND THE LEAK AND BELIEVES IT IS SOMEWHERE IN THE DASH. THEY HAVE BEEN TOO BUSY AND SHORTHANDED TO GET TO IT RIGHT NOW. I HAVE ALSO COMPLAINED TO SEVERAL DEALERS ABOUT THE FLOOR BETWEEN THE DRIVERS SEAT AND PASSENGER SEAT. I LAY MY PURSE ON THERE AND WHEN I GO TO TOWN AND PICK MY PURSE UP, THE BOTTOM OF MY PURSE IS REALLY HOT. WHEN I DRIVE FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME, MY FOOT THAT RUNS THE GAS PEDAL GETS REALLY HOT AND SWOLLEN FROM THE HEAT COMING FROM THE SAME AREA. THE DEALERS HAVE ALL TOLD ME THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG. WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT THE VEHICLE I NOTICED A NOISE IN WHERE I THOUGHT IT WAS THE BRAKES AND TOOK IT TO THE SHOP. I FOUND OUT THAT THE SUSPENSION WAS FALLING APART AND BOLTS WERE MISSING. LUCKILY, THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT OVER THAT. MANUFACTURERS NEED TO BE MORE CAUTIOUS.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 31X10.50R )

NHTSA ODI #729866

Official recalls

4

01V153000 · Air Bags

May 8, 2001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS. SOUND DEADENER MATERIAL INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL COULD BECOME DETACHED FROM THE COVER AND HOUSING. NOTE: THE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS WERE BUILT AT THE WARREN ASSEMBLY PLANT ("S" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 16, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; ST. LOUIS NORTH ASSEMBLY PLANT ("J" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 19, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; LAGO ALBERTO ASSEMBLY PLANT ("M" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 23, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; AND SALTILLO ASSEMBLY PLANT ("G" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 23, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000. IMPORTANT: VEHICLES THAT HAVE ALREADY HAD THE PROPER CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE BEEN EXCLUDED FROM THIS RECALL. IN ADDITION, 1997-2000 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES THAT HAVE HAD A SUSPECT REPLACEMENT CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THIS RECALL.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE MATERIAL COULD INTERFERE WITH THE CLOCKSPRING RIBBON AND CAUSE AN OPEN CIRCUIT. THE DRIVER AIR BAG SYSTEM WILL BECOME DISABLED, AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 18, 2001. ALSO SOME 1997-200 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES THAT, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE HAD A SUSPECT REPLACEMENT CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

99V341000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Dec 2, 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE REAR BRAKE TUBE CAN CONTACT AN UNDERBODY CROSSMEMBER EVENTUALLY WEARING A HOLE IN THE TUBE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE TUBE WERE PERFORATED, THERE WOULD BE A REDUCTION IN BRAKING FROM THE REAR WHEELS, INCREASING STOPPING DISTANCES.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RUBBER ISOLATOR ON ALL VEHICLES THAT DO NOT INDICATE TUBE CONTACT. VEHICLES THAT SHOW CONTACT AND HAVE LESS THAN 45,000 MILES AND NO SIGNS OF RED RUST WILL HAVE THE RUBBER ISOLATOR INSTALLED WITH SILICONE TO PROTECT THE TUBE WHERE THE COATING HAS WORN OFF. VEHICLES THAT EXHIBIT CONTACT, AND HAVE MORE THAN 45,000 MILES OR SHOW SIGNS OF RED RUST, WILL HAVE THE BRAKE TUBE REPLACED WITH THE PRODUCTION TUBE AND ISOLATOR.

99V342000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:mounting

Dec 2, 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE FUEL TANK STRAP CAN SEPARATE DUE TO FATIGUE DURING OPERATION. IF THIS OCCURS, THE TANK WILL BE UNSUPPORTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FUEL LEAK.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DOUBLE TOGGLE LOCK FUEL TANK STRAPS WITH SINGLE TOGGLE LOCK DESIGN. NOTE: AFFECTED VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH MAY 21, 1998, ALSO REQUIRE THE REAR BRAKE TUBE INSPECTION/REPAIR. AS A RESULT, THE FUEL TANK STRAP AND BRAKE TUBE REPAIR WILL BE PERFORMED ON THESE VHEICLES IN A SINGLE SERVICE PROCEDURE UNDER RECALL 99V-341/DAIMLERCHRYSLER #841. AFFECTED VEHICLES BUILT FROM MAY 22, 1998 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 25, 1999, ONLY REQUIRE THE FUEL TANK STRAP REPAIR, WHICH WILL BE PERFORMED UNDER RECALL 99V-342/DAIMLERCHRYSLER #842.

98V019000 · Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator

Jan 30, 1998

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. THE FASTENER WHICH SECURES THE GENERATOR CABLE TO THE POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER (PDC) HAS AN INSUFFICIENT CLAMP LOAD, RESULTING IN A LOOSE CONNECTION AND ELECTRICAL ARCING AT THE CONNECTION.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL RETIGHTEN THE GENERATOR CABLE AND BATTERY CABLE FASTENERS TO THE PROPER TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.

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

3

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.