NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
281 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Aug 29, 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingInterior LightingSteering
WHILE APPROACHING TUCSON ON I-10, ON INSIDE LANE, AT LEGAL SPEED OF 75 MPH, TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER,POWER STEERING AND DASH LIGHTS.NARROWLY MISSED GETTING HIT BY PASSING CARS AND TRUCKS.LUCKY TO GET TO SIDE OF ROAD FOR TOWING WITHOUT ACCIDENT.FAILURE OF POWER CONTROL MODULE(COMPUTER MALFUNCTION)& REQUIRED REPLACEMENT.SAME PRO…
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WHILE APPROACHING TUCSON ON I-10, ON INSIDE LANE, AT LEGAL SPEED OF 75 MPH, TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER,POWER STEERING AND DASH LIGHTS.NARROWLY MISSED GETTING HIT BY PASSING CARS AND TRUCKS.LUCKY TO GET TO SIDE OF ROAD FOR TOWING WITHOUT ACCIDENT.FAILURE OF POWER CONTROL MODULE(COMPUTER MALFUNCTION)& REQUIRED REPLACEMENT.SAME PROBLEM WHEN SUV 6 MONTHS OLD,REQUIRING REPLACEMENT.LOSS OF ALL POWER OCCURS WITHOUT WARNING.TWO FAILURES OF CRITICAL PART IN TWO YEARS TOO MUCH, VERY DANGEROUS.
NHTSA ODI #751355
Mileage unknown · Aug 11, 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainUnknown Or Other
ONE DAY AFTER PURCHASE, REAR AXLE WENT BAD. 3 DAYS AFTER PURCHASE, OIL GAUGE STARTED ACTING UP, WE HAD IT CHECKED WITH 2 DIFFERENT GARAGES, BOTH SAID THIS VEHICLE SHOWS SIGNS OF ABUSE AND NEGLECT IN THE ENGINE, CRANKSHAFT IS SCORED AND ENGINE CONTAMINATED. IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. ONE ESTIMATE IS OF 5,500 AND THE OTHER IS $3…
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ONE DAY AFTER PURCHASE, REAR AXLE WENT BAD. 3 DAYS AFTER PURCHASE, OIL GAUGE STARTED ACTING UP, WE HAD IT CHECKED WITH 2 DIFFERENT GARAGES, BOTH SAID THIS VEHICLE SHOWS SIGNS OF ABUSE AND NEGLECT IN THE ENGINE, CRANKSHAFT IS SCORED AND ENGINE CONTAMINATED. IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. ONE ESTIMATE IS OF 5,500 AND THE OTHER IS $3,500. DEALER SAYS "TOUGH LUCK" HOW IS THIS FAIR? *AK
NHTSA ODI #750248
Mileage unknown · Aug 7, 2001
Engine And Engine Cooling
VEHICLE BURNED EXCESSIVE OIL PRIOR TO ENGINE SEIZE AND WE WERE TOLD THIS WAS NORMAL BECAUSE OF THE VOLUME OF MILES TRAVELED ON THE VEHICLE. THIS WAS AFTER A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE AT KENWOOD DODGE. AS USUAL WE INQUIRED AS TO ANY FACTORY RECALLS. ON OUR WAY TO NEW HAMPSHIRE TO ATTEND THE FUNERAL FOR A RELATIVE, MY HUSBAND CHECKED …
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VEHICLE BURNED EXCESSIVE OIL PRIOR TO ENGINE SEIZE AND WE WERE TOLD THIS WAS NORMAL BECAUSE OF THE VOLUME OF MILES TRAVELED ON THE VEHICLE. THIS WAS AFTER A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE AT KENWOOD DODGE. AS USUAL WE INQUIRED AS TO ANY FACTORY RECALLS. ON OUR WAY TO NEW HAMPSHIRE TO ATTEND THE FUNERAL FOR A RELATIVE, MY HUSBAND CHECKED THE OIL AS USUAL AND IT APPEARED TO BE FINE. NO OIL WAS ADDED AT THIS TIME. AFTER ENTERING NEW HAMPSHIRE IN THE TOWN OF PEMBROOKE, THE CHECK GAUGES LITE ILLUMINATED AND THEN THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE DROPPED TO 0. WE IMMEDIATELY PULLED INTO A LOCAL AUTOZONE CAR CARE STORE AND MY HUSBAND THEN CHECKED THE OIL. THE DIPSTICK SHOWED APPROXIMATELY 1.5 QUARTS LOW AND SO AFTER SETTING FOR A SHORT WHILE OF ABOUT 35 MINUTES AND REPLENISHING THE OIL, WE PROCEEDED ON THE REST OF THE JOURNEY. AFTER TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 20 OR SO MILES ON THE WINDING BACK ROADS MY HUSBAND NOTICED AN ERRATIC, LOUD KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE. HE THEN PULLED THE DURANGO TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHEREBY THE KNOCKING WAS SO LOUD YOUR COULD NOT HEAR EACHOTHER TALK. HE THEN NOTICED THE OIL PRESSURE DROPPED AGAIN TO 0 AND IMMEDIATELY SHUT DOWN THE ENGINE. IT BANGED LOUDLY AT THIS POINT AS SMOKE SPEWED FROM THE RIGHT FRONT SIDE OF THE TRUCK. WE HAD THE DURANGO TOWED TO BONNEVILLE AND SONS DODGE IN MANCHESTER NH AND THE CONCURRED THE ENGINE HAD SEIZED. THEY HAD STATED THAT THE OIL AS WELL AS THE RADIATOR FLUID HAD LEAKED OUT AND THIS WAS UNTRUE AS WE HAD SEVERAL PEOPLE INSPECT THE TRUCK PRIOR TO THEIR DIAGNOSIS AND SAW NO EXTERNAL VIEWS OF ANY FLUID LEAKAGE. THE RADIATOR WAS FULL AND THE DIPSTICK WAS SEIZED IN THE ENGINE BLOCK. THE DEALER AS WELL AS DODGE SAID THIS WAS DUE TO LACK OF OIL CHANGES. THE OIL WAS CHANGED EVERY 5-7 THOUSAND MILES REGULARLY AND WAS ONLY THREE THOUSAND MILES PAST DUE FROM IT'S LAST CHANGE. I CAN'T IN MY WILDEST DREAMS IMMAGINE THIS IS THE RESULT OF OIL THAT WAS IN THE BLOCK AT THE TIME. WE DID FIND OUT HOWEVER THAT THIS IS COMMON.*AK
NHTSA ODI #750030
Mileage unknown · Jul 11, 2001
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingSteering
VEHICLE ACCELERATES/ MOTOR MAKES A KNOCKING SOUND. DEALER REPLACED SPARKS, IT CAUSED VEHICLE TO LOOSE HORSE POWER AND FUEL ECONOMY. A NEW INTAKE GASKET WAS PUT IN, AND THE COMPUTER WAS SCANNED TO ADD A NEW CODE FOR MORE FUEL. PROBLEM WAS NOT SOLVED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #892559
Mileage unknown · Jul 11, 2001
Engine And Engine Cooling
WE WERE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHE N THE ENGINE OIL PRESSURE DROPPED TO ZERO AND THE ENGINE STARTING KNOCKING AND SEIZED. WE HAVE KEPT THE OIL CHANGED ALONG THE RECOMMENDED LINES OF THE MANUFACTURING. *AK
NHTSA ODI #748268
Mileage unknown · Jul 2, 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline
ENGINE SLUDGED. MOTOR DESTROYED-OIL WAS CHANGED REGULARLY-COOLANT LEAKING INTO OIL SYSTEM. LEAK AT INTAKE MANIFOLD AREA.
NHTSA ODI #747681
Mileage unknown · Jun 19, 2001
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingExterior Lighting
STEERING WHEEL MADE EXCESSIVE WHINING, DEALER REPLACED GEAR, PUMP, AND FLUID, DEALER REPLACED STEERING GEAR TWICE MORE. *SLC
NHTSA ODI #561696
Mileage unknown · Jun 6, 2001
Engine And Engine Cooling
FLYWHEEL HAS BROKE ON 3 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS SINCE FEB. 2001. DEALER HAS REPLACED FLYWHEEL IN EVERY REPAIR, BUT HAS NOT GIVEN EXPLANATION FOR DEFECT.*AK
NHTSA ODI #889915
Mileage unknown · May 25, 2001
Engine And Engine Cooling
17 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER DRIVING VEHICLE ON A MAJOR FREEWAY AT 1:00 AM. ALL LIGHTS COME ON, OIL GAUAGE DROPS TO ZERO AND AFTER LOUD BANG ENGINE FAILS. TOWED TO DEALER AND DEALER CLAIMS LACK OF MAINTENANCE CAUSED OIL PUMP FAILURE AND DEATH OF ENGINE. REFUSE TO HONOR EXTENDED WARRANTY UNLESS WE PROVE OIL CHANGES EVERY 3000 MILES EV…
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17 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER DRIVING VEHICLE ON A MAJOR FREEWAY AT 1:00 AM. ALL LIGHTS COME ON, OIL GAUAGE DROPS TO ZERO AND AFTER LOUD BANG ENGINE FAILS. TOWED TO DEALER AND DEALER CLAIMS LACK OF MAINTENANCE CAUSED OIL PUMP FAILURE AND DEATH OF ENGINE. REFUSE TO HONOR EXTENDED WARRANTY UNLESS WE PROVE OIL CHANGES EVERY 3000 MILES EVEN THOUGH MANUAL SUGGESTS EVERY 7500 MILES. LOCAL GARAGE DID NOT KEEP RECEIPTS AND WE DID NOT KEEP RECEIPTS NEVER ANTICIPATING THIS PROBLEM. NOW KNOW FROM INQUIRIES OVER THE INTERNET THAT THIS IS A NATIONWIDE PEOBLEM WITH 318 ENGINES. ALTHOUGH WE KNOW CHRYSLER HAS NEGOTIATED WITH OTHERS WHO HAD NO RECEIPTS, WE DID HAVE SOME, THEY ARE REFUSING TO NEGOTIATE WITH US IN TEXAS. PLEASE HELP. THERE ARE ENOUGH COMPLAINTS TO WARRANT AN INVESTIGATION ON THESE ENGINE FAILURES. CONSUMERS ARE BEING RIPPED OFF DAILY. ESPECIALLY AFTER CHRYSLER WAS CAUGHT RED-HANDED IN LEMON LAW FAILURES IN NORTH CAROLINA. PLEASE , PLEASE HELP.
NHTSA ODI #745913
Mileage unknown · May 16, 2001
Engine And Engine Cooling
THE ENGINE FAILURE IS CAUSED BY A FAULT IN THE ENGINE. IT WILL TURN OIL INTO SLUDGE IN THE PAN UNTIL THE ENGINE SEIZES, NO MATTER HOW OFTEN YOU CHANGE THE OIL AND FILTER. THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM THAT CHRYSLER CLAIMS TO BE AN OPERATOR FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ISSUE. I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH NUMEROUS OTHERS THROUGH THE INTER…
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THE ENGINE FAILURE IS CAUSED BY A FAULT IN THE ENGINE. IT WILL TURN OIL INTO SLUDGE IN THE PAN UNTIL THE ENGINE SEIZES, NO MATTER HOW OFTEN YOU CHANGE THE OIL AND FILTER. THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM THAT CHRYSLER CLAIMS TO BE AN OPERATOR FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ISSUE. I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH NUMEROUS OTHERS THROUGH THE INTERNET HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS ALSO NOT LIMITED TO THE DURANGO, IT IS WIDESPREAD THROUGHOUT THE V8 MODELS THAT CHRYSLER SELLS.
NHTSA ODI #745431
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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