NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
965 reports44,000 miles · Jul 22, 2003
Suspension
1998 DODGE DURANGO AT APPROXIMATELY 44,000 MILES WAS DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO HAVE WORN OUT UPPER BALL JOINTS THAT THEY INSISTED NEEDED TO BE REPLACED (AT SIGNIFICANT COST) AS A SAFETY ISSUE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE SELLING DODGE DEALER FOR A SECOND OPINION AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY WERE "WITHIN SPECIFICATIONS" AND…
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1998 DODGE DURANGO AT APPROXIMATELY 44,000 MILES WAS DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO HAVE WORN OUT UPPER BALL JOINTS THAT THEY INSISTED NEEDED TO BE REPLACED (AT SIGNIFICANT COST) AS A SAFETY ISSUE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE SELLING DODGE DEALER FOR A SECOND OPINION AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY WERE "WITHIN SPECIFICATIONS" AND NOT IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT. NOW AT 47,000 MILES WITH THE NEWS OF THE POSSIBLE DEFECT AND FAILURE I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE BUT NOT SURE IF I SHOULD SPEND THE SIGNIFICANT DOLLARS TO REPAIR SOMETHING THAT THE DEALER SAYS IS "WITHIN SPECIFICATIONS" AND DOES NOT NEED REPLACEMENT.
NHTSA ODI #10028809
94,000 miles · Jul 22, 2003
Power Train
WE HAD NOTICED THAT THE TRANMISSION WAS ACTING VERY SLUGGISH. DESPITE HAVING THE VEHICLE CHECKED, OUR LOCAL SHOP COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. WHILE ON OUR WAY TO FLORIDA, JUST OUTSIDE OF BIRMINGHAM ALABAMA WITH TWO CHILDREN IN THE CAR, DRIVING 70 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE, WE HAD A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE IN THE VEHICLE. THE TRANSFER C…
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WE HAD NOTICED THAT THE TRANMISSION WAS ACTING VERY SLUGGISH. DESPITE HAVING THE VEHICLE CHECKED, OUR LOCAL SHOP COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. WHILE ON OUR WAY TO FLORIDA, JUST OUTSIDE OF BIRMINGHAM ALABAMA WITH TWO CHILDREN IN THE CAR, DRIVING 70 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE, WE HAD A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE IN THE VEHICLE. THE TRANSFER CASE BLEW UP AND BOTH DRIVESHAFTS BROKE. WE WERE ABLE TO BE ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE WITHOUT CAUSING AN ACCIDENT, OR HAVING ANOTHER VEHICLE HIT US, DESPITE THE BLACK COUD OF TRANSFER CASE FLUID TRAILING BEHIND US. THE VEHICLE REQUIRED EXTENSIVE SERVICE - TO THE TUNE OF $ 2,600.00. WE HAD 95,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND WERE OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE BY CHRYSLER. IN FACT, NOT EVEN AN OFFER TO ASSIST US WITH THE RENTAL CARS WE WERE FORCED TO TAKE.
NHTSA ODI #10028797
Mileage unknown · Jul 15, 2003
Suspension
CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE INTO THE DEALER AND TECHNICIAN STATED HAS TO REPLACE LOWER PASSENGER BALL JOINT, CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN # 020498 ON THIS PROBLEM. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10027295
60,000 miles · Jul 7, 2003
Seat Belts
THE REAR SEAT BELT LOCKING MECHANISM FELL APART IN THE CONSUMER'S HAND.*MR *TS *JB
NHTSA ODI #10026934
41,679 miles · Jul 3, 2003
Air BagsEngine And Engine Cooling
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON; CRACKED LEFT CYLINDER HEAD AT 40,000 MILES. DEALER REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY; CLAIMS TO NOT KNOW WHY HEAD CRACKED. EXACTLY 40,000 MILES LATER, LEFT CYLINDER HEAD CRACKED AGAIN. DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR; CAR IS 3 MONTHS OUTSIDE OF EXTENDED WARRANTY. DEALER STILL CAN'T GIVE REASON FOR CYLINDER HEAD FAILURE…
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CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON; CRACKED LEFT CYLINDER HEAD AT 40,000 MILES. DEALER REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY; CLAIMS TO NOT KNOW WHY HEAD CRACKED. EXACTLY 40,000 MILES LATER, LEFT CYLINDER HEAD CRACKED AGAIN. DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR; CAR IS 3 MONTHS OUTSIDE OF EXTENDED WARRANTY. DEALER STILL CAN'T GIVE REASON FOR CYLINDER HEAD FAILURE. OTHER MECHANICS/DEALERS BELIEVE CYLINDER HEADS FAIL DUE TO FAULTY CASTING. *NLM THERE WAS A SCRAPING NOISE WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED. THE SERVICE DEALER FOUND INTERNAL DAMAGE IN THE CLOCKSPRING AND REPLACED THE UNIT. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT. *SCC
NHTSA ODI #10023341
Mileage unknown · Jul 2, 2003
Seats
THE DRIVER SEAT COLLAPSED WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING. *MR THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT. *SCC *JB
NHTSA ODI #10026457
22,000 miles · Jun 29, 2003
Suspension
I OWN A 1998 DODGE DURANGO WITH 22,000 MILES. ALL FOUR FRONT END BALL JOINTS ARE IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE DODGE DURANGO AND DAKOTA MODELS. WHILE THE WORN BALL JOINTS HAVE NOT CAUSED AN ACCIDENT IN MY CASE YET, THEY WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED PREMATURELY AT A CONSIDERABLE EXPENSE TO ME…
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I OWN A 1998 DODGE DURANGO WITH 22,000 MILES. ALL FOUR FRONT END BALL JOINTS ARE IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE DODGE DURANGO AND DAKOTA MODELS. WHILE THE WORN BALL JOINTS HAVE NOT CAUSED AN ACCIDENT IN MY CASE YET, THEY WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED PREMATURELY AT A CONSIDERABLE EXPENSE TO ME FOR WHAT APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN/MANUFACTURING FLAW. I REITERATE THAT MY WORN BALL JOINTS HAVE NOT YET CAUSED ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT, BUT ONLY BECAUSE I AM OBSERVANT ENOUGH TO NOTICE THE CLICKING SOUND THEY MAKE AND TO HAVE THEM REPLACED BEFORE THEY DO CAUSE A POTENTIALLY SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I HAVE SEEN PICTURES RECENTLY OF OTHER OWNERS OF THIS MAKE/MODEL VEHICLE WHO HAVE HAD SERIOUS ACCIDENTS DUE TO THIS MECHANICAL FAILURE. *NLM
NHTSA ODI #10025147
62,000 miles · Jun 23, 2003
Power Train
TRANSMISSION: I BOUGHT A 1998 DURANGO IN 2001 AND HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT IT. THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS HORRIBLY AND MAY TIMES THE TRUCK WILL NOT ACCELERATE AT ALL ONCE I REACH 30 MPH AND THE RPMS RED LINE ALMOST EVERY TIME. NOW THE TRANSMISSION IS COMPLETELY SHOT AND I'VE BEEN TOLD IT WILL B…
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TRANSMISSION: I BOUGHT A 1998 DURANGO IN 2001 AND HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT IT. THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS HORRIBLY AND MAY TIMES THE TRUCK WILL NOT ACCELERATE AT ALL ONCE I REACH 30 MPH AND THE RPMS RED LINE ALMOST EVERY TIME. NOW THE TRANSMISSION IS COMPLETELY SHOT AND I'VE BEEN TOLD IT WILL BE A MINIMUM OF 2,000.00. NO TRANSMISSIONS COULD BE FOUND AT JUNK YARDS BECAUSE IT TURNS OUT THAT THESE VEHICLES ARE KNOWN TO HAVE BAD TRANSMISSIONS. *NLM
NHTSA ODI #10023579
68,460 miles · Jun 22, 2003
Power Train
THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS OR DOUBLE SHIFTS AS YOU ARE LEAVING ANY STOPPED POSITION. WHILE AT ABOUT 50 MPH AND YOU PUT THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR THE TRANSMISSION WILL WORK GREAT. BUT THEN WHEN YOU COME TO A STOP AND PROCEED AT A NORMAL PACE THE TRANS JUST SLIPS OR DOUBLE SHIFTS AND JERKS YOU AROUND. THIS HAS BEEN TALKED ABOUT ON OT…
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THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS OR DOUBLE SHIFTS AS YOU ARE LEAVING ANY STOPPED POSITION. WHILE AT ABOUT 50 MPH AND YOU PUT THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR THE TRANSMISSION WILL WORK GREAT. BUT THEN WHEN YOU COME TO A STOP AND PROCEED AT A NORMAL PACE THE TRANS JUST SLIPS OR DOUBLE SHIFTS AND JERKS YOU AROUND. THIS HAS BEEN TALKED ABOUT ON OTHER SITES THAT CHRYSLER HAS BOUGHT BACK SOME OF THE DURANGO'S. I CURRENTLY HAVE A 1998 MODEL. 5.2 AUTOMATIC 4X4.
NHTSA ODI #10023558
75,000 miles · Jun 18, 2003
Air BagsEngine And Engine Cooling
FAULTY CLOCK SPRING. $178 TO REPLACE/REPAIR. MY VEHICLE APPARENTLY NOT AFFECTED BY RECALL OF 216,000 VEHICLES. CLOCK SPRING FAILURE RESULTS IN FAILURE OF AIRBAG TO DEPLOY. I GUESS I'M EXTREMELY LUCKY I WAS NOT INVOLVED IN A LIFE-ALTERING ACCIDENT. *NLM REFER TO RECALL # 01V153000. PER INVOICE, THE ENGINE LIGHT HAD COME O…
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FAULTY CLOCK SPRING. $178 TO REPLACE/REPAIR. MY VEHICLE APPARENTLY NOT AFFECTED BY RECALL OF 216,000 VEHICLES. CLOCK SPRING FAILURE RESULTS IN FAILURE OF AIRBAG TO DEPLOY. I GUESS I'M EXTREMELY LUCKY I WAS NOT INVOLVED IN A LIFE-ALTERING ACCIDENT. *NLM REFER TO RECALL # 01V153000. PER INVOICE, THE ENGINE LIGHT HAD COME ON AND THERE WERE RATTLES UPON ACCELERATION, THE SERVICE DEALER FOUND #5 CYLINDER MISFIRE AND REMOVED THE #5 SPARK PLUG AND VIEWED SIGNS OF COOLANT ON THE SPARK PLUG. (RECOMMENDED REMOVAL OF THE LEFT CYLINDER HEAD FOR FURTHER INSPECTION/CONSUMER DECLINED) THERE WAS ALSO A SCRAPING NOISE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED, THE CLOCKSPRING WAS FOUND FAULTY DUE TO INTERNAL DAMAGE, THE CLOCKSPRING UNIT WAS REPLACED. *SCC
NHTSA ODI #10023339
Official recalls
4May 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.
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.
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.
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
3EA03023 · 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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