NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
281 reportsClear category filter87,000 miles · Sep 20, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling
DT: THE CONSUMER KEPT UP THE MAINTENANCE ON THE VEHICLE. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY A THROUGH ROD ENTERED THE OIL PAN AND IT DESTROYED THE ENGINE. THERE WAS SLUG BUILT UP IN THE BOTTOM OF THE OIL PAN THAT CAUSED THE PUMP TO FAIL. THERE WAS NO FOR WARNING, BUT ONE COULD HEAR METAL AGAINST METAL GRINDING. OIL LIGHT DID NOT…
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DT: THE CONSUMER KEPT UP THE MAINTENANCE ON THE VEHICLE. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY A THROUGH ROD ENTERED THE OIL PAN AND IT DESTROYED THE ENGINE. THERE WAS SLUG BUILT UP IN THE BOTTOM OF THE OIL PAN THAT CAUSED THE PUMP TO FAIL. THERE WAS NO FOR WARNING, BUT ONE COULD HEAR METAL AGAINST METAL GRINDING. OIL LIGHT DID NOT COME ON. SPOKE WITH THE DEALER AND CHRYSLER, AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO BECAUSE WARRANTY EXPIRED. THIS HAPPENED ON JUNE 5, 2005. HAD THE ENGINE REPLACED AND THE CONSUMER PAID THE COST OUT OF POCKET. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10137062
107,249 miles · Aug 15, 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingExterior LightingService Brakes, Hydraulic
DT: ON JULY 31, 2005 THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. SHE TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER AND HAD IT FIXED. THE NEXT DAY THE LIGHT WAS STILL ON. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. CURRENTLY, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, ABS LIGHT AND A BRAKE LIGHT WERE ON. VEHICLE HAD BEEN TO THE DEALER 4 TIMES AND STILL COULDN'T FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PRO…
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DT: ON JULY 31, 2005 THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. SHE TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER AND HAD IT FIXED. THE NEXT DAY THE LIGHT WAS STILL ON. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. CURRENTLY, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, ABS LIGHT AND A BRAKE LIGHT WERE ON. VEHICLE HAD BEEN TO THE DEALER 4 TIMES AND STILL COULDN'T FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED . SHE HAS PAID FOR ALL THE TRIPS TO THE DEALER AND THEY HAVEN'T FIXED IT YET. SHE COULD NOT AFFORD TO CONTINUE PAYING FOR ALL REPAIRS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10132912
103,000 miles · Jul 20, 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingSuspension
DT: THE VEHICLE IS 1999 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONSUMER NEEDED THE TIRES REPLACED AND HE HAD AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC CHECK THE BALL JOINTS AT THE SAME TIME. THE MECHANIC TOLD HIM THAT THE FRONT TOP AND BOTTOM BALL JOINTS WERE GOING BAD, THIS WAS IN 12-2004. THE CONSUMER KNEW THERE WAS A RECALL ON SIMILAR VEHICLES. HE CONTACTED …
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DT: THE VEHICLE IS 1999 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONSUMER NEEDED THE TIRES REPLACED AND HE HAD AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC CHECK THE BALL JOINTS AT THE SAME TIME. THE MECHANIC TOLD HIM THAT THE FRONT TOP AND BOTTOM BALL JOINTS WERE GOING BAD, THIS WAS IN 12-2004. THE CONSUMER KNEW THERE WAS A RECALL ON SIMILAR VEHICLES. HE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY TOLD HIM THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER HAD TO GET THE ENGINE REPLACED BECAUSE OF A SLUDGE PROBLEM. THE ENGINE BLEW UP BECAUSE OF THE OIL PRESSURE HAD FAILED ON THE VEHICLE, ON 7-17-05. ABOUT 3-4 MONTHS PRIOR THE CONSUMER HAD THE OIL AND OIL FILTER CHANGED; AND THE BEARINGS REPLACED. ON 7-19-05 THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED. HE HAD THEM CHECK THE BALL JOINTS AGAIN ON 7-20-05. THEY TOLD HIM THAT THEY WOULD BE AFRAID FOR HIM TO DRIVE IT OFF THE LOT. CONSUMER FEELS THAT THE MANUFACTURE SHOULD REPLACE THIS AT THEIR EXPENSE. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10129469
Mileage unknown · Jul 13, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling
DT: CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 30 MPH. THE SERVICE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. IT HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES TODAY AND HAS HAPPENED FOR THE PAST 3 WEEKS, IT APPEARS TO BE GETTING WORSE. AFTER PUTTING THE VEHICLE INTO PARK, THE VEHICLE WILL SOMETIMES START IMMEDIATELY, BUT SOMETIMES THE C…
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DT: CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 30 MPH. THE SERVICE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. IT HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES TODAY AND HAS HAPPENED FOR THE PAST 3 WEEKS, IT APPEARS TO BE GETTING WORSE. AFTER PUTTING THE VEHICLE INTO PARK, THE VEHICLE WILL SOMETIMES START IMMEDIATELY, BUT SOMETIMES THE CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO WAIT FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES TO RESTART IT. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10128566
53,000 miles · Apr 26, 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingLatches/locks/linkagesService Brakes, Hydraulic
1999 DODGE DURANGO, BOUGHT NEW, HAS 53,000 MILES, I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY ON 4/22/05,"CHECK GAUGES" LIT UP ON DASHBOARD, OIL PRESSURE GAUGE WENT TO ZERO, CAR STILL DRIVABLE, PULLED OVER AFTER 3-4 MILES INTO TURNPIKE SERVICE AREA, CHECKED OIL STICK AND IT READ FULL, CONTINUED ADDITIONAL DRIVE TO DESTINATION OF APPROX. 5 MILES …
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1999 DODGE DURANGO, BOUGHT NEW, HAS 53,000 MILES, I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY ON 4/22/05,"CHECK GAUGES" LIT UP ON DASHBOARD, OIL PRESSURE GAUGE WENT TO ZERO, CAR STILL DRIVABLE, PULLED OVER AFTER 3-4 MILES INTO TURNPIKE SERVICE AREA, CHECKED OIL STICK AND IT READ FULL, CONTINUED ADDITIONAL DRIVE TO DESTINATION OF APPROX. 5 MILES AND DROPPED OFF AT NEARBY DODGE DEALERSHIP, THEIR DIAGNOSIS IS SLUDGE IN ENGINE AND OIL PUMP HAS TO BE REPLACED AND THE ENTIRE ENGINE WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED, THEY SUSPECT LOUSY MAINTENENACE BY CAR OWNER REGARDING OIL CHANGES, I HAVE DOCUMENTATION THAT CAR WAS WELL MAINTAINED, ON A INTERNET SEARCH, I FOUND THAT HUNDREDS OF DURANGO OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE "EXACT" PROBLEMS WITH THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, I HAVE EXPERIENCED OTHER PROBLEMS WITH MY VEHICLE: REPLACED WINDOW MOTER, REPLACED LEAK IN COOLING SYSTEM THERMOSTAT, REPLACED SWITCH ASSEMBLY FOR A/C HEATING UNIT, REPLACED BRAKES AND ROTORS ON FRONT.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10118483
120,000 miles · Apr 19, 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainSteering
STARTED WITH REBUILT TRANSMISSION, THEN SLUDGED IN MOTOR. HAD TO REPLACE MOTOR WITH ONLY 120,000 MILES MOTOR AND TRANSMISSION 5,000. ALSO HAD TO REPLACE BALL JOINTS, TIE RODS AND BEARINGS COST $1,000*AK
NHTSA ODI #10118101
99,500 miles · Apr 16, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling
NO OIL PRESSURE, ENGINE SLUDGE, CLEANED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10117964
57,800 miles · Apr 13, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling
COOLANT LEAK DUE TO GASKET FAILURE ON INTAKE MANIFOLD. THIS IS THE 3RD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED, TWICE IN JUST OVER ONE YEAR.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10116863
79,000 miles · Apr 11, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling
GOING ON A TRIP OIL PRESSURE GAUGE WENT TO 0 THEN BACK UP TO NORMAL THEN BACK DOWN TO 0, CHECK GAUGE LIGHT CAME ON. PULLED OFF INTERSTATE, LISTENED TO MOTOR SOUNDED NORMAL, CHECKED OIL WHICH WAS FINE, DECIDED IT MUST HAVE BEEN THE OIL SENDING UNIT GONE BAD GAUGE HAD WENT BACK TO NORMAL, SO STARTED BACK ON THE ROAD. THEN GAUGE …
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GOING ON A TRIP OIL PRESSURE GAUGE WENT TO 0 THEN BACK UP TO NORMAL THEN BACK DOWN TO 0, CHECK GAUGE LIGHT CAME ON. PULLED OFF INTERSTATE, LISTENED TO MOTOR SOUNDED NORMAL, CHECKED OIL WHICH WAS FINE, DECIDED IT MUST HAVE BEEN THE OIL SENDING UNIT GONE BAD GAUGE HAD WENT BACK TO NORMAL, SO STARTED BACK ON THE ROAD. THEN GAUGE STARTED DROPPING AGAIN, STOPPED AND PUT 1/2 QUART OF OIL IN, ENGINE STILL SOUNDED FINE, STARTED BACK ON THE ROAD. WENT ABOUT 30 MILES, MOTOR STARTED KNOCKING. PULLED OFF THE INTERSTATE, ENGINE KNOCKING REALLY BAD. TURNED MOTOR OFF THEN BACK ON, ENGINE SOUNDED SO BAD CUT IT OFF AND CALLED A WRECKER $50.00. TOWED IT TO A DODGE DEALERSHIP WHO SAID THE MOTOR WAS BLOWN WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $5000.00 TO FIX. HAD TO RENT A CAR $35.00 A DAY. MOTOR NEVER LET ON THERE WAS ANYTHING WRONG, NEVER USED OIL, NEVER SMOKED.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10116758
Mileage unknown · Feb 7, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling
THE DRIVER NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE STARTED JERKING UNCONTROLLABLY AND HESITATING WITHOUT WARNING. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND PULLED OVER. THEN, THE VEHICLE STALLED. DRIVER TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE FOR TEN MINUTES, AND THEN RESTARTED. FEW MILES DOWN THE ROAD THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN. DRIVER TRIED TO…
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THE DRIVER NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE STARTED JERKING UNCONTROLLABLY AND HESITATING WITHOUT WARNING. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND PULLED OVER. THEN, THE VEHICLE STALLED. DRIVER TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE FOR TEN MINUTES, AND THEN RESTARTED. FEW MILES DOWN THE ROAD THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN. DRIVER TRIED TO RESTART VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DO SO. DRIVER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. DUE TO SLUDGE BUILD UP. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10111037
Official recalls
3May 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.
Apr 11, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN VAN, WAGON, PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MAY NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE RETRACTOR DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY, IT WILL NOT ADEQUATELY PROTECT OCCUPANTS IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 20, 2001. 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 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.
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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