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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
74,000 miles · Jul 12, 2005
Air BagsService Brakes, Hydraulic

DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE AIRBAG LIGHT KEPT COMING ON AND OFF. THE ABS LIGHT ALSO KEPT COMING ON AND OFF. THEN THIS OCCURRED THE RPM GAUGES WOULD STOP WORKING ALONG WITH THE OTHER GAUGES ON THE DASHBOARD. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE TRUCK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT THE TRUCK IS NOT COVERED UNDER ANY RECALL. THE OW…

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DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE AIRBAG LIGHT KEPT COMING ON AND OFF. THE ABS LIGHT ALSO KEPT COMING ON AND OFF. THEN THIS OCCURRED THE RPM GAUGES WOULD STOP WORKING ALONG WITH THE OTHER GAUGES ON THE DASHBOARD. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE TRUCK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT THE TRUCK IS NOT COVERED UNDER ANY RECALL. THE OWNER HAS TALKED TO MANUFACTURER. THEY TOLD THE CONSUMER TO HOLD ON TO HIS REPAIR RECEIPTS. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THERE WAS NOT A RECALL ON HIS VEHICLE. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10128501

83,000 miles · Jul 7, 2005
Suspension

MY 99 DODGE DURANGO 4X4 HAS HAD VIBRATIONS AND NOISE IN THE FRONT FROM WHEN I PURCHASED. THE DODGE DEALER EARLIER TOLD ME THERE WERE NO RECALLS OR HIDDEN WARRANTIES ON THIS PRODUCT, VIN# [XXX]. MY GOODYEAR DEALER, INSPECTED MY DODGE AND SHOWED ME THAT MY UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE BAD (( MOVING OVER 1/2 IN)) HE SAID TAKE …

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MY 99 DODGE DURANGO 4X4 HAS HAD VIBRATIONS AND NOISE IN THE FRONT FROM WHEN I PURCHASED. THE DODGE DEALER EARLIER TOLD ME THERE WERE NO RECALLS OR HIDDEN WARRANTIES ON THIS PRODUCT, VIN# [XXX]. MY GOODYEAR DEALER, INSPECTED MY DODGE AND SHOWED ME THAT MY UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE BAD (( MOVING OVER 1/2 IN)) HE SAID TAKE IT TO YOUR DEALER, BECAUSE THIS IS NOT RIGHT. DODGE DEALER ALSO SAID THAT BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT, UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE BAD AND ALSO THAT THE HUBS AND WHEEL BEARINGS. WERE BAD, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED FOR MY SAFETY. I CALLED DIAMLER CHRYSLER CORP. AND ASKED IF THEY WOULD COVER THIS MFG PROBLEM. I WAS GIVEN CLAM #13756706. THE CUSTOMER SERVICE PERSON SAID THEY WOULD NOT COVER THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE MY VIN # NOT COVERED BY THE UPPER & LOWER BALL JOINT RECALL. I COULD NOT BELIEVE THIS WOULD NOT BE COVERED, BECAUSE WHEN I LOOKED UP MY 99 DURANGO ON YOUR SITE ON COMPLAINTS, I SAW OVER 500 SIMILAR CASES FOR 99 DURANGO, WITH BALL JOINT AND STEERING PROBLEMS. DODGE SAID 99 NOT PART OF RECALL. I THINK THE U.S GOV. NEEDS TO TELL DODGE TO INCLUDE IN RECALL ALL THE DODGE DURANGO WITH THIS PROBLEM, PLEASE LOOK OUT FOR THE SAFETY OF THE AMER. PEOPLE AND NOT ALOW CHRYSLER CORP GET AWAY WITH THIS SAFETY PROBLEM. I FEEL THE AMER PEOPLE SHOULD NOT NEED TO GET THE COURTS INVOLVED WHEN WE HAVE AN AGENCY THAT SHOULD PROTECT THE AMER. PEOPLE FROM DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS. I HOPE THIS BALL JOINT PROBLEM ETC. DOES NOT BECAME ANOTHER "FORD - FIRESTONE" SITUATION. DODGE SAID THEY NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU BEFORE THEY CAN DO A RECALL ON 1999 DODGE DURANGO'S, (( WITH OVER 500 COMPLAINTS OF SIMILAR PROBLEMS, HOW MANY MORE DO YOU NEED!!)) I LIVE IN THE WASHINGTON, D.C. AREA AND WHEN I DRIVE I-495 BELTWAY I HOPE YOU ARE NOT THEIR WHEN MY FRONT WHEELS FALL OFF BECAUSE OF BAD BALL JOINTS. PLEASE DO YOUR DUTY AND RECALL ALL DODGE DURANGO 1998 AND UP FOR UPPER & LOWER BALL JOINTS, STEERING ETC. PLEASE DO YOUR JOB AND PROTECT ME AND MY FAMILY.*JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION A

NHTSA ODI #10127747

51,000 miles · Jul 6, 2005
Suspension

TOOK IN FOR ROUTINE MAINTANCE.FOUND OUT THAT UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE READY TO BRAEK AT 51,000 MILES. THIS IS ON MY 1999 DODGE DURANGO THAT HASD BEEN WELL TAKEN CARE OF. CAUGHT THE PROBLEM BEFORE FAILURE OCCURED WHICH WOULD HAVE CAUSED STEERING FAILURE. BALL JOINTS AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS NEEDED REPLACED. YES THE OLD PARTS ARE AVA…

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TOOK IN FOR ROUTINE MAINTANCE.FOUND OUT THAT UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE READY TO BRAEK AT 51,000 MILES. THIS IS ON MY 1999 DODGE DURANGO THAT HASD BEEN WELL TAKEN CARE OF. CAUGHT THE PROBLEM BEFORE FAILURE OCCURED WHICH WOULD HAVE CAUSED STEERING FAILURE. BALL JOINTS AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS NEEDED REPLACED. YES THE OLD PARTS ARE AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10127704

82,000 miles · Jul 6, 2005
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash

DT: CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT 25 MPH, WHEN SHE WAS GETTING READY TO GO UNDER AN OVERPASS, SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES FOR A RED LIGHT AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOORBOARD. CONSUMER WAS APPLYING THE BRAKES SUDDENLY AND HARD FOR A QUICK STOP. HOWEVER, THE ABS BRAKES DID NOT ACTIVATE. THERE WERE NO SKID MARKS ON THE ROAD. CONS…

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DT: CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT 25 MPH, WHEN SHE WAS GETTING READY TO GO UNDER AN OVERPASS, SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES FOR A RED LIGHT AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOORBOARD. CONSUMER WAS APPLYING THE BRAKES SUDDENLY AND HARD FOR A QUICK STOP. HOWEVER, THE ABS BRAKES DID NOT ACTIVATE. THERE WERE NO SKID MARKS ON THE ROAD. CONSUMER HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE SIDE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. CONSUMER STATED THAT WHEN SHE FIRST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE THERE WAS NOISE UNDER THE HOOD AND THE DEALER TOLD HER THE ABS BRAKES WERE TRYING TO TEST THEMSELVES. AFTER THE ACCIDENT CONSUMER COULD HEAR A GRINDING NOISE UNDER HOOD WHEN VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THE NOISE WAS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND ONLY LASTED FOR A COUPLE SECONDS.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10127667

76,500 miles · Jun 27, 2005
Suspension

MY WIFE AND I PURCHASED A USED 1999 DODGE DURANGO SLT 5.9L IN OCTOBER OF 2003. THE DURANGO HAD APPROXIMATELY 55,000 MILES. FOR THE PAST FEW MONTHS WE HAVE NOTICED AN ODD TICKING OR CLICKING SOUND WHILE TURNING CORNERS. ON 6/25/2005 (WITH APPROXIMATELY 77,000 MILES) WE REPLACED THE FRONT TIRES AS THEY WERE VERY UNEVENLY WORN. …

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MY WIFE AND I PURCHASED A USED 1999 DODGE DURANGO SLT 5.9L IN OCTOBER OF 2003. THE DURANGO HAD APPROXIMATELY 55,000 MILES. FOR THE PAST FEW MONTHS WE HAVE NOTICED AN ODD TICKING OR CLICKING SOUND WHILE TURNING CORNERS. ON 6/25/2005 (WITH APPROXIMATELY 77,000 MILES) WE REPLACED THE FRONT TIRES AS THEY WERE VERY UNEVENLY WORN. WHILE CHECKING THE WHEELS WE NOTICED THAT BOTH THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS HAD FAILED ON EACH SIDE OF THE CAR. THEY DID NOT SNAP BUT THERE WAS FAR TOO MUCH PLAY IN THE BALL JOINTS. THE UPPER JOINTS HAVE SINCE BEEN REPLACED, WE KEPT THE OLD PARTS AS PROOF IF NEEDED. WE WILL KEEP THE OLD LOWER BALL JOINTS WHEN WE ARE ABLE TO REPLACE THEM. NO ACCIDENTS RESULTED OF THIS FAILURE, ALTHOUGH THIS BEING OUR MAIN VEHICLE AND DRIVEN ALMOST EVERYDAY IT WAS A SHOCK TO FIND SUCH A FAILURE ON PARTS THAT ARE GAURANTEED FOR FAR LONGER THAN 80,000 MILES.

NHTSA ODI #10126702

75,000 miles · Jun 27, 2005
Suspension

DT: CONTACT STATES: PREMATURE WEAR OF UPPER BALL JOINTS AND FRONT SUSPENSION. DEALER T SAID CAR WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. ALSO, CALLED DAIMLER CHRYSLER AND THEY TOLD HIM THE SAME THING.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10126650

Mileage unknown · Jun 24, 2005
Suspension

THE BALL JOINTS FAILED IN THE CONSUMER'S 1999 DODGE DURANGO. *NM CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL. *TT

NHTSA ODI #10126890

Mileage unknown · Jun 24, 2005
Suspension

DT: CONTACT HAD TO HAVE ALL FOUR BALL JOINTS REPLACED ON 1999, DODGE, DURANGO. THIS VEHICLE DID NOT FALL UNDER THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE MECHANIC THAT REPLACED THE BALL JOINTS STATED THE REPLACEMENT WAS DUE TO POOR DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10126475

Mileage unknown · Jun 21, 2005
Suspension

DT: CONTACT STATES WHILE DRIVING THERE WAS A TICKING NOISE. SERVICE DEALER STATED THE LEFT FRONT BALL JOINT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10126015

84,000 miles · Jun 20, 2005
Suspension

CONSUMER STATED: WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE BADLY, AND THERE WAS A CLANKING NOISE EVERY ONCE IN AWHILE. DEALERSHIP REPLACED ALL 4 BALL JOINTS ON THE FRONT END SUSPENSION. *AK *SB

NHTSA ODI #10122117

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.