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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.

About this comparison →

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

What owners actually said

1,967 reports
Mileage unknown · Aug 20, 2007
SteeringSuspension

1999 DODGE DURANGO WITH STEERING PROBLEMS CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE CAR ON MANY OCCASIONS HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING BOX**CC THE CONSUMER STATED ON THE DATE HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE HE INFORMED THE DEALER OF THE LOOSE STEERING DEFECT AND WAS QUOTED A PRICE OF $2,167 TO ACCOMPLISH THE REPAIRS AND WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE…

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1999 DODGE DURANGO WITH STEERING PROBLEMS CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE CAR ON MANY OCCASIONS HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING BOX**CC THE CONSUMER STATED ON THE DATE HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE HE INFORMED THE DEALER OF THE LOOSE STEERING DEFECT AND WAS QUOTED A PRICE OF $2,167 TO ACCOMPLISH THE REPAIRS AND WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE ALL NEW COMPONENTS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE STEERING BOXES WERE REPLACED A TOTAL OF 3 TIMES BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE CONSUMER FURTHER STATED THE VEHICLE PULLS TO THE LEFT AND DRIFTS BOTH WAYS BUT WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THE ALIGNMENT WAS FINE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE FOREMAN SUSPECTED THE PROBLEM TO BE A FLAT SPOT ON THE FRONT TIRE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THE LEFT AND RIGHT UPPER ARMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE SUM OF $1,000. THE CONSUMER STATED HE DOES NOT BELIEVE THE VEHICLE IS SAFE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10201347

88,000 miles · Aug 17, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling

I AM A 99 DURANGO 5.9 OWNER, EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THE STALLING/NO BUS SIGNAL. SO FAR WE HAVE REPLACED THE CRANK SENSOR, THE ENGINE AUTO-SHUTDOWN RELAY AND THE FRONT OXYGEN SENSOR WITH OUT ANY SUCCESS. SPOKEN TO TWO DEALERS, THEY PLAY STUPID, BRING IT IN NEXT WEEK AND WE MAY HAVE TIME TO LOOK AT IT. (NICE CUSTOMER …

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I AM A 99 DURANGO 5.9 OWNER, EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THE STALLING/NO BUS SIGNAL. SO FAR WE HAVE REPLACED THE CRANK SENSOR, THE ENGINE AUTO-SHUTDOWN RELAY AND THE FRONT OXYGEN SENSOR WITH OUT ANY SUCCESS. SPOKEN TO TWO DEALERS, THEY PLAY STUPID, BRING IT IN NEXT WEEK AND WE MAY HAVE TIME TO LOOK AT IT. (NICE CUSTOMER SERVICE). AFTER ABOUT 20 MILES OR THE TEMP GAUGE REACHES 210 DEGREES IT DIES. IF I SIT FOR 10 MINUTES WITH THE HOOD OPEN IT WILL START RIGHT BACK UP. SO SAD WHEN THE MANUFACTURES PLAY SO STUPID, WE DON'T KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. MAYBE THEY SHOULD READ THIS WEB PAGE. I WAS THINKING ABOUT TRADING IT IN ON A NEW DODGE, LET THEM DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM BUT AFTER READING THESE COMMENTS I AM THINKING TWICE ABOUT THAT. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10199962

120,000 miles · Aug 15, 2007
Electrical System

VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY SHUTS OFF. STARTED BACK IN MAY 2007. TOOK TO MECHANIC WITH NO RESULTS. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP SPENT $900 ON ATTEMPTS TO FIX. NO RESULTS. CAR HAS SHUT OFF ALL SUMMER LONG. APPROXIMATELY 20 TIMES. ALWAYS IN THE HEAT OF THE DAY, A/C ON OR IDLING FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME LIKE A DRIVE THRU OR CITY TRAFFIC. TEMPORARY…

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VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY SHUTS OFF. STARTED BACK IN MAY 2007. TOOK TO MECHANIC WITH NO RESULTS. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP SPENT $900 ON ATTEMPTS TO FIX. NO RESULTS. CAR HAS SHUT OFF ALL SUMMER LONG. APPROXIMATELY 20 TIMES. ALWAYS IN THE HEAT OF THE DAY, A/C ON OR IDLING FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME LIKE A DRIVE THRU OR CITY TRAFFIC. TEMPORARY FIX IS TO PURCHASE EXTRA RELAYS AND EXCHANGE COOL RELAYS WITH HOT ONES. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10199659

147,000 miles · Aug 13, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE DURANGO. WHILE DRIVING 55-60 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLS IN HOT CONDITIONS. THE WORD "NOBUS" APPEARS ON THE ODOMETER. THROUGH INTERNET RESEARCH, SHE DISCOVERED SEVERAL OTHERS WHO ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DIFFERENT SHOPS AND THEY ST…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE DURANGO. WHILE DRIVING 55-60 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLS IN HOT CONDITIONS. THE WORD "NOBUS" APPEARS ON THE ODOMETER. THROUGH INTERNET RESEARCH, SHE DISCOVERED SEVERAL OTHERS WHO ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DIFFERENT SHOPS AND THEY STATED THAT THE CAUSE OF FAILURE WAS THE PCM. SHE RECENTLY TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND IS AWAITING THE DIAGNOSIS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 148,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000.

NHTSA ODI #10199377

94,500 miles · Aug 8, 2007
Suspension

I AM HERE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE BALL JOINTS ON OUR 1999 DODGE DURANGO! I JUST FOUND OUT ON MONDAY THAT WE HAVE TO REPLACE THEM AGAIN. THIS WILL BE THE SECOND TIME. FIRST TIME WAS IN 2004 W/ 65K MILES ON THE VEHICLE. NOW 3 YEARS AND 30K MILES LATER I HAVE TO DO IT AGAIN!! FIRST TIME COST ME AROUND 400 DOLLARS AND THIS TIME I…

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I AM HERE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE BALL JOINTS ON OUR 1999 DODGE DURANGO! I JUST FOUND OUT ON MONDAY THAT WE HAVE TO REPLACE THEM AGAIN. THIS WILL BE THE SECOND TIME. FIRST TIME WAS IN 2004 W/ 65K MILES ON THE VEHICLE. NOW 3 YEARS AND 30K MILES LATER I HAVE TO DO IT AGAIN!! FIRST TIME COST ME AROUND 400 DOLLARS AND THIS TIME IT WILL BE AROUND 325 B/C MY FRIEND WORKS AT THE LOCAL SHOP! THIS CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS IF THE PERSON DRIVING IT DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT CARS. I HAVE SEE NUMEROUS PICTURES ON THE INTERNET OF WRECKS CAUSED BY THE FAILURE OF THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS!! WE HAVE A 1 YR OLD AND IT SCARES US TO KNOW THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME TO THE 98 AND 99 DURANGO'S. THE WAY YOU CAN TELL THESE ARE GOING BAD IS WHEN YOU HIT A BUMP YOU NOTICE A VIBRATION IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION AREA CONTINUE AFTER YOU HIT THE BUMP. THEY RECALLED THE ONES FROM 2000-UP BUT NOT THESE. THERE SHOULD BE A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT!!!!! ITS RIDICULOUS THAT FOREIGN VEHICLES ARE MADE BETTER THAN AMERICAN!! THERE IS NO REASON FOR THIS. VEHICLES ARE EXPENSIVE ENOUGH LET ALONE CHANGING THE BALL JOINTS EVERY 30K MILES!!!!!! OUR NEXT VEHICLES WILL BE FOREIGN!!! I HOPE MY COMMENT GOES SOMEWHERE OTHER THAN IN AND OUT OF EARS/EYES. I EMAILED DODGE ON MONDAY AND HAVE YET TO HEAR BACK!! PROBABLY WON'T!! THANKS FOR YOUR TIME AND WEBSITE!!!!!!!!! *JB

NHTSA ODI #10198900

Mileage unknown · Jul 29, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling

CAR STALLS. MY CAR STALLS WHILE I AM DRIVING OR AT A STOP LIGHT, JUST IDLING. IT HAS STALLED ON THE FREEWAY, WHICH IS VERY DANGEROUS. BEFORE THE CAR STALLS THE BATTERY VOLTAGE SENSOR AND THE FUEL LEVEL INDICATOR GOES ALL THE WAY DOWN. THEN THE ODOMETER STARTS BLINKING AND SAYING "NO BUS". THE AUTOSHOPS I HAVE BEEN TO DO NOT KNOW…

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CAR STALLS. MY CAR STALLS WHILE I AM DRIVING OR AT A STOP LIGHT, JUST IDLING. IT HAS STALLED ON THE FREEWAY, WHICH IS VERY DANGEROUS. BEFORE THE CAR STALLS THE BATTERY VOLTAGE SENSOR AND THE FUEL LEVEL INDICATOR GOES ALL THE WAY DOWN. THEN THE ODOMETER STARTS BLINKING AND SAYING "NO BUS". THE AUTOSHOPS I HAVE BEEN TO DO NOT KNOW WHAT "NO BUS" MEANS. I HAVE TO TURN THE IGNITION OFF AND ON SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THE BATTERY VOLTAGE AND FUEL INDICATOR GO BACK UP. IT TAKES ANYWHERE FROM A COUPLE SECONDS TO 20+ MINUTES FOR THE CAR TO FINALLY START. SOMETIMES IT WON'T START. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON, WHEN THE CAR STALLS. BUT ONCE THE CAR STARTS, THE LIGHT GOES AWAY. I HAVE TOOK THE CAR TO SEVERAL MECHANICS. THEY RAN DIAGNOSTIC TESTING ON IT. THE OBD FOUND NO PROBLEMS. MY INJECTORS AND EVERYTHING ARE WORKING FINE. PLS HELP. THESE IS ONE OF SEVERAL PROBLEMS W/ THESE CAR. COOLANT LEAKS, BALL JOINTS ALWAYS GOING OUT. I FIXED THESE PROBLEMS SEVERAL TIMES. I AM TIRED OF THIS CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10197749

67,000 miles · Jul 26, 2007
Suspension

1999 DODGE DURANGO BALL JOINT PROBLEM AT 67,000 MILES, MY DURANGO NEEDS BALLS JOINTS. IT LOOKS LIKE THEY HAD A RECALL ON 2000 AND UP BUT IT LOOKS LIKE THE PROBLEM EXISTED IN 1999 ALSO. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THIS MODEL YEAR RECALLED ALSO. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10197603

70,000 miles · Jul 25, 2007
Steering

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE DURANGO. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN AT 10-20 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

NHTSA ODI #10197476

200,000 miles · Jul 9, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE DURANGO. WHILE IDLING AT A RED LIGHT, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. A WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND READ, " NO BUS". THE FAILURE RECURRED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH. THE VEHICLE WOULD RESTART AFTER 30 MINUTES. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE CAUSE OF FAILURE AS THE FUEL FILTER.…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE DURANGO. WHILE IDLING AT A RED LIGHT, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. A WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND READ, " NO BUS". THE FAILURE RECURRED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH. THE VEHICLE WOULD RESTART AFTER 30 MINUTES. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE CAUSE OF FAILURE AS THE FUEL FILTER. THE FILTER WAS REPLACED AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT, HOWEVER, THE FAILURE STILL OCCURRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 200,000.

NHTSA ODI #10195646

104,900 miles · Jul 8, 2007
Electrical System

VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT WITHOUT WARNING. IT HAS HAPPENED AT INTERSECTIONS AND GOING 75 MPH ON THE FREEWAY. MECHANIC SUGGESTS A REPLACED POWER CONTROL MODULE, WHICH GETS VERY HOT. HOWEVER, WHEN READING ONLINE FORUMS , SUCH AS DODGEFORUM.COM AND AUTOMTIVEHELPER.COM THIS HAS NOT REMEDIED. THE PROBLEM FOR LONG FOR O…

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VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT WITHOUT WARNING. IT HAS HAPPENED AT INTERSECTIONS AND GOING 75 MPH ON THE FREEWAY. MECHANIC SUGGESTS A REPLACED POWER CONTROL MODULE, WHICH GETS VERY HOT. HOWEVER, WHEN READING ONLINE FORUMS , SUCH AS DODGEFORUM.COM AND AUTOMTIVEHELPER.COM THIS HAS NOT REMEDIED. THE PROBLEM FOR LONG FOR OTHERS WHO HAVE HAD THIS APPRAISED. IT STARTED OCCURRING AGAIN A FEW MONTHS LATER. WE HAD SEVERAL CLOSE CALLS ON THE FREEWAY AND ONCE STALLING ON RAILROAD TRACKS SINCE THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES DO NOT FUNCTION WHEN THE CAR STALLED. *AK.

NHTSA ODI #10195575

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.