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1999 Dodge Durango

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Durango years

Owner complaints for the 1999 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

1,148 reports with mileage · 819 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 1,102 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 281 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 181 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

106 crash reports20 fire reports49 injury reports

Suspension complaints

1,102 reports
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83,000 miles · Jun 7, 2005
Suspension

1999 DODGE DURANGO. BALL JOINTS AND TIE ROD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THEY WERE COMPLETELY BROKEN. I SAW THE RECALL NOTICE ON THE 2003 DURANGO AND BELIEVE THAT MY 1999 DURANGO EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE.

NHTSA ODI #10124496

88,750 miles · Jun 1, 2005
Suspension

I BOUGHT MY 1999 DODGE DURANGO BACK IN MAY 2003. I HAD IT FOR ALMOST ONE YEAR AND BROUGHT IT IN FOR SOME MAINTENANCE. THEY TOLD ME 3 OF THE 4 BALL JOINTS WERE BAD AND THE FOURTH ONE WAS STILL WITHIN SPEC, WHATEVER THAT IS. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT ONE BALL JOINT WAS ABOUT TO COME APART IF I HAD WAITED ANY LONGER. I HAD THEM REPLACED…

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I BOUGHT MY 1999 DODGE DURANGO BACK IN MAY 2003. I HAD IT FOR ALMOST ONE YEAR AND BROUGHT IT IN FOR SOME MAINTENANCE. THEY TOLD ME 3 OF THE 4 BALL JOINTS WERE BAD AND THE FOURTH ONE WAS STILL WITHIN SPEC, WHATEVER THAT IS. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT ONE BALL JOINT WAS ABOUT TO COME APART IF I HAD WAITED ANY LONGER. I HAD THEM REPLACED AT A COST OF $716. I THEN CONTINUEWD TO KEEP UP ON THE MAINTENANCE OF THEM BY GREASING THEM REGULARLY AND INSPECTING THEM ONCE A MONTH. LAST MONTH I NOTICED THAT THE FOURTH ON ETHAT WAS NOT REPLACED IS WOREN AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I ALSO SEE THAT A RECALL WAS DONE BUT DOES NOT COVER ALL THE VEHICLES THAT HAVE THIS PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THAT DODGE NEEDS TO STEP UP AND FIX THIS PROBLEM FOR ALL THE DURANGOS NOT JUST A FEW.

NHTSA ODI #10123721

Mileage unknown · May 23, 2005
Suspension

EA03023 BALL JOINTS ON THE 1999 DODGE DURANGO.*MR CONSUMER WANTS TO KNOW WHY THERE ARE NO RECALL ON THE 1999 DODGE DURANGO WHEN THEY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS AS THE NEWER MODELS. *BF

NHTSA ODI #10122641

65,000 miles · May 23, 2005
Power TrainSuspension

DT: CONSUMER STATES: THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS ON THE FRONT END ON BOTH SIDES ARE COMPLETELY GONE. VEHICLE SHAKES AND RATTLES UNCONTROLLABLY. BOUGHT USED A YEAR AND HALF AGO, ALSO, THE U JOINTS WERE REPLACED 2 WEEKS AFTER PURCHASE. HAVE TO HAVE BOTH HANDS ON THE WHEEL TO CONTROL. TALKED TO CHRYSLER , AND THEY RECOGNI…

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DT: CONSUMER STATES: THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS ON THE FRONT END ON BOTH SIDES ARE COMPLETELY GONE. VEHICLE SHAKES AND RATTLES UNCONTROLLABLY. BOUGHT USED A YEAR AND HALF AGO, ALSO, THE U JOINTS WERE REPLACED 2 WEEKS AFTER PURCHASE. HAVE TO HAVE BOTH HANDS ON THE WHEEL TO CONTROL. TALKED TO CHRYSLER , AND THEY RECOGNIZED THERE WAS A PROBLEM, AND WILL PAY FOR UPPER BALL JOINTS, CONSUMER WILL HAV ETO PAY FOR LOWER JOINTS AND LABOR.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10121932

30,000 miles · May 18, 2005
SteeringSuspension

1999 DODGE DURANGO, SAME PROBLEM AS THE 2000 UP. THE RECALL WAS DONE ON THOSE BUT DODGE HAS NOT BEEN FORCED TO RECALL THE 1999'S. WE PURCHASED OUR VEHICLE IN AUGUST 1999, IT NEVER DID DRIVE GOOD, WANDERING, WE THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE THE TIRES, AND CONTINUED TO DRIVE UNTIL UNABLE TO GO ANYWHERE IN SAFETY. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO LAR…

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1999 DODGE DURANGO, SAME PROBLEM AS THE 2000 UP. THE RECALL WAS DONE ON THOSE BUT DODGE HAS NOT BEEN FORCED TO RECALL THE 1999'S. WE PURCHASED OUR VEHICLE IN AUGUST 1999, IT NEVER DID DRIVE GOOD, WANDERING, WE THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE THE TIRES, AND CONTINUED TO DRIVE UNTIL UNABLE TO GO ANYWHERE IN SAFETY. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO LARRY MILLER 12/22/2003 THEY RECOMMENDED REPLACING BOTH INNER TIE RODS, IDLER ARMS, ALIGNMENT ETC. COST OF $796.00 THIS WAS APPROX 55,000 MILES. SINCE THEY WOULD NOT WARRANT THE CAR, WE TOOK IT TO A PRIVATE SHOP RUSS' ALIGNMENT IN SALT LAKE. AND PAID $779.00 2/4/2004. WE REPLACED ALL 4 TIRES. WE HAD THIS VEHICLE INTO ALIGNMENT SHOPS CONSTANTLY, TIRE REPAIR, BALANCING ETC THE TIRES WERE SO BADLY WORN IN DIRECTIONS THAT SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN ON A VEHICLE. THESE THINGS SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE 30,000 MILES SOONER. I CONTACTED CHRYSLER AND SUBMITTED THE RECEIPTS THE FILE # 13542683, PHONE # 1-800-992-1997 OPTION #5. I SPOKE WITH "BRANDY" BRANDY INSTRUCTED THE DURANGO WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THEY HAD NO REQUIREMENT TO COMPENSATION. WHEN ASKED TO PUT THAT IN A WRITTEN STATEMENT THEY REFUSED AND SAID IT WAS IN MY FILE AND THEY DID NOT HAVE TO SUBMIT THAT INFORMATION NOR COULD I SPEAK WITH A SUPERVISER. BUT THAT I WOULD RECEIVE MY ORIGINAL BILLS BACK IN 7-10 DAYS. THIS IS A RECENT CLAIM AND HAVE NOT RECEIVED MY ORIGINAL RECEIPTS YET. 5/18/2005

NHTSA ODI #10121294

68,000 miles · May 17, 2005
EquipmentSteeringSuspension

BROUGHT 99 DURANG. IN FOR FRONT END ALIG. WAS TOLD $ 1600 IN REPAIRS NEEDED, GUESS WHAT? YUP, UPPERAND LOWER BALL JOINTS,INNER CONTROL RODS AND SHOCKS, WELL THE SHOCKS SEEM FINE BUT THE REST IS A MESS, CALLED DEALER IRA DODGE,AND THEY SAID ONLY RECALL WAS FOR A 2000 AND UP.I ASKED IF IT WAS NOMAL FOR ALL FOUR BALL JOINTS TO GO…

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BROUGHT 99 DURANG. IN FOR FRONT END ALIG. WAS TOLD $ 1600 IN REPAIRS NEEDED, GUESS WHAT? YUP, UPPERAND LOWER BALL JOINTS,INNER CONTROL RODS AND SHOCKS, WELL THE SHOCKS SEEM FINE BUT THE REST IS A MESS, CALLED DEALER IRA DODGE,AND THEY SAID ONLY RECALL WAS FOR A 2000 AND UP.I ASKED IF IT WAS NOMAL FOR ALL FOUR BALL JOINTS TO GO AT 64K(IT COULD HAVE BEEN EARLIER I NEED NEW TIRES AT THE TIME INNER WHEEL WAS WEARING) HE SAID NO.. OH WELL RIGHT, THIS IS RIDICULOUS.CHECKED PART NUMS AT LOCAL PARTS PLACE(AUTOZONE) FOR ALL SAID ABOVE ,$259.THAT INCLUDED NEW SHOCKS, BETTER ONES TOO.ILL NEVER BUY A DODGE AGAIN.AND ILL NEVER GO TO FIRESTONE TIRES

NHTSA ODI #10121233

102,000 miles · May 16, 2005
Suspension

CONSUMER STATES: ON THE FRONT END DRIVER'S SIDE, THE LOWER AND UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE BAD AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE BOOT WAS COMPLETELY BLOWN OUT. IT WAS MAKING A SQUEAKING NOISE AND HAD A DIFFERENT DRIVE. *TT

NHTSA ODI #10121067

58,177 miles · May 13, 2005
Suspension

DT; THE BALL JOINTS FAILED AT 58,230 MILES WHEN THE CONSUMER WENT FOR THE STATE INSPECTION. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10120840

Mileage unknown · May 10, 2005
Service Brakes, HydraulicSuspension

1999 DODGE DURANGO EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH CONTROL ARMS AND BALL JOINT FAILURES.*MR THE CONSUMER HAD ALL THE BALL JOINTS REPLACED IN LATE 2003 AFTER HEARING INCIDENTS FROM THE MEDIA. IN LATE 2004, THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A MINOR LOW SPEED ACCIDENT AND THE LEFT CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY INCLUDING THE LEFT BALL JOINT WERE RE…

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1999 DODGE DURANGO EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH CONTROL ARMS AND BALL JOINT FAILURES.*MR THE CONSUMER HAD ALL THE BALL JOINTS REPLACED IN LATE 2003 AFTER HEARING INCIDENTS FROM THE MEDIA. IN LATE 2004, THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A MINOR LOW SPEED ACCIDENT AND THE LEFT CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY INCLUDING THE LEFT BALL JOINT WERE REPLACED. (THE CONSUMER DID NOT STATE IF THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE). AFTER THE REPAIR THE CONSUMES WIFE STARTED TO HEAR A POPPING SOUND, THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER BUT NO PROBLEM WAS FOUND BUT THEY DID CHECK ALL THE BOLTS AND TIGHTENED TO SPECS. IMMEDIATELY AFTER PICKING UP THE VEHICLE THE NOISE WAS STILL THERE. THE CONSUMER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE HIMSELF BY REMOVING THE LEFT FRONT TIRE AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY AND FOUND THE COTTER PIN INSTALLATION POORLY DONE ON THE UPPER BALL JOINT. THE CONSUMER THEN FOUND THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY WHICH HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN REPAIRED TO BE POORLY DONE AS WELL. THE BRAKES SQUEAKED, BUT THE CONSUMER DECLINED THE REPAIRS. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10121513

110,000 miles · May 10, 2005
Suspension

I TOOK MY 1999 DODGE DURANGO INTO HAVE THE TIRES ROTATED. THE AUTO TECH SAID BOTH THE UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE FAILING ON BOTH SIDES AND THE LOWER BALL JOINT ON THE LEFT SIDE ALONG WITH THE TIE-RODS. MY DURANGO HAS 100,000 MILES ON IT. I WAS TOLD BY THE MANAGER OF THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT DURANGOS WERE KNOW FOR BALL JOINT PR…

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I TOOK MY 1999 DODGE DURANGO INTO HAVE THE TIRES ROTATED. THE AUTO TECH SAID BOTH THE UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE FAILING ON BOTH SIDES AND THE LOWER BALL JOINT ON THE LEFT SIDE ALONG WITH THE TIE-RODS. MY DURANGO HAS 100,000 MILES ON IT. I WAS TOLD BY THE MANAGER OF THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT DURANGOS WERE KNOW FOR BALL JOINT PROBLEMS AND THAT THEY HAVE HAD RECALLS. I SEE THE 2000 DURANGOS HAVE HAD RECALLS, WHAT ABOUT THE 99'S. $800.00 WITH OF REPAIRS IS VERY COSTLY.

NHTSA ODI #10120595

Official recalls

3

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.

01V119000 · Seat Belts:front:retractor

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.

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.

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.