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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
110,000 miles · Jun 16, 2005
Service Brakes, HydraulicSuspension

DT:CONSUMER NOTICED THAT VEHICLE STARTED RIDING ROUGH. CONSUMER REPLACED SHOCKS, BUT THE FRONT END STILL SEEMED TO RIDE ROUGH ENOUGH TO FEEL ALL BUMPS IN ROAD. CONSUMER HAD BRAKE PADS CHANGED AND THE MECHANIC SHOWED CONSUMER THAT BALL JOINTS WERE BAD. MECHANIC CHECKED BOTH TOP AND BOTTOM BALL JOINT ON DRIVER'S SIDE. BALL JOINTS…

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DT:CONSUMER NOTICED THAT VEHICLE STARTED RIDING ROUGH. CONSUMER REPLACED SHOCKS, BUT THE FRONT END STILL SEEMED TO RIDE ROUGH ENOUGH TO FEEL ALL BUMPS IN ROAD. CONSUMER HAD BRAKE PADS CHANGED AND THE MECHANIC SHOWED CONSUMER THAT BALL JOINTS WERE BAD. MECHANIC CHECKED BOTH TOP AND BOTTOM BALL JOINT ON DRIVER'S SIDE. BALL JOINTS SHOWED LOTS OF WEAR. THEN, MECHANIC CHECKED PASSENGER SIDE TO FIND THAT MORE SLACK WAS IN PASSENGER SIDE THAN DRIVER SIDE. MECHANIC TOLD CONSUMER THAT THERE WERE STORIES OF WHEELS COMING OFF OF SAME TYPE OF VEHICLE. CONSUMER SAYS THAT VEHICLE IS NOT USED FOR OFF ROAD USE. VEHICLE IS USED FOR HIGHWAY AND CITY DRIVING. CONSUMER IS SCARED TO DRIVE VEHICLE. CONSUMER IS AWARE OF RECALL ON NEWER MODELS. FEELS THAT SAME PROBLEM EXISTS WITH THIS VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAS NOT YET REPLACED BALL JOINTS. VEHICLE IS SERVICED REGULARLY ABOUT EVERY 4500 MILES AT A QUICK LUBE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10125553

Mileage unknown · Jun 16, 2005
SuspensionTires

DT: IN 2003 I HAD BALL JOINTS, UPPER AND LOWER REPLACED, ALSO TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE ARMS WERE REPLACED PRIOR TO THAT. DEALER IS NOW RECOMMENDING THE BALL JOINTS AND TIRES BE REPLACED AGAIN AT COST $1200 FOR BALL JOINTS PLUS THE COST OF TIRES. THE DEALER HAD NO IDEA WHY THIS WOULD HAPPEN. I CONSUMER CALLED MANUFACTURER, A…

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DT: IN 2003 I HAD BALL JOINTS, UPPER AND LOWER REPLACED, ALSO TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE ARMS WERE REPLACED PRIOR TO THAT. DEALER IS NOW RECOMMENDING THE BALL JOINTS AND TIRES BE REPLACED AGAIN AT COST $1200 FOR BALL JOINTS PLUS THE COST OF TIRES. THE DEALER HAD NO IDEA WHY THIS WOULD HAPPEN. I CONSUMER CALLED MANUFACTURER, AND THEY COULD NOT HELP. THE ONLY RECALL WAS FOR THE YEARS OF 2000-2003, CONSUMER'S VEHICLE RECALL WAS 1999. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10125546

Mileage unknown · Jun 15, 2005
Suspension

I NOTICED WHILE DRIVING MY 1999 DODGE DURRANGO, AT SPEEDS IN EXCESS OF 45 MPH, THAT THE FRONT END SHOOK EXCESSIVELY. I TOOK MY 99 DURRANGO TO THE LOCAL DODGE DEALER, AND ASKED ABOUT A RECALL THAT I WAS TOLD ABOUT. THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME IT WAS FOR 2000'S NOT 99'S. THEN HE PROCEDED TO TELL ME THAT THE 2000…

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I NOTICED WHILE DRIVING MY 1999 DODGE DURRANGO, AT SPEEDS IN EXCESS OF 45 MPH, THAT THE FRONT END SHOOK EXCESSIVELY. I TOOK MY 99 DURRANGO TO THE LOCAL DODGE DEALER, AND ASKED ABOUT A RECALL THAT I WAS TOLD ABOUT. THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME IT WAS FOR 2000'S NOT 99'S. THEN HE PROCEDED TO TELL ME THAT THE 2000 AND THE 99 UPPER CONTROL ARM AND BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY WERE EXACTLY THE SAME PART. BUT, HE COULD NOT EXPLAIN TO ME WHY ONE WAS COVERED UNDER THE RECALL AND THE OTHER WAS NOT. HE THEN QUOTED ME A PRICE AND WANTED ME TO LEAVE MY VEHICLE SO IT COULD BE REPAIRED. WHEN I INSISTED ON AN EXPLAINATION FOR THIS, HE SWIFTLY GAVE ME A 1-800 NUMBER TO CALL, WHERE OFCOURSE I GOT THE RUN AROUND AND STILL NO ANSWER.

NHTSA ODI #10125423

67,980 miles · Jun 14, 2005
Power Train

TRANSMISSION NOT SHIFTING RIGHT, ENGINE REVING TO HIGH. TRANSMISSION HAD TO B TRANSMISSION WENT OUT 2ND GEAR BAD NOT SHIFTING RIGHT. TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REBUILT, THIS CAR HAD ONLY 67000 MILES ON IT. TRANSMISSION WAS SERVICED AT 35000 MILES NEVER HAD TROUBLE BEFORE.I THINK TRANSMISSION …

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TRANSMISSION NOT SHIFTING RIGHT, ENGINE REVING TO HIGH. TRANSMISSION HAD TO B TRANSMISSION WENT OUT 2ND GEAR BAD NOT SHIFTING RIGHT. TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REBUILT, THIS CAR HAD ONLY 67000 MILES ON IT. TRANSMISSION WAS SERVICED AT 35000 MILES NEVER HAD TROUBLE BEFORE.I THINK TRANSMISSION SHOULD HOLDUP LONGER THAN THIS. ALSO CAR HAR IDLE PROBLEM WHEN ENGINE IS WARM AFTER RESTART, WHEN COMING TO A STOP AT REDLIGHT CAR IDLES RUFF ACTS LIKE IT WANTS TO DIE. WHEN DRIVING MORE SMOOTHS OUT, RUNS FINE THEN? THIS CAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN SERVICED ON TIME! LAST YEAR WAS IN TO DEALER TWICE FOR HARD START & IDLE PROBLEMS! SPENT OVER $500.00 FOR AIR IDLE SPEED PART & R THROTTLE POSLOCH! SEEMS TO ME COMPUTOR PARTS SHOULD HOLDUP LONGER! T

NHTSA ODI #10125219

90,000 miles · Jun 10, 2005
Suspension

SUSPENSION FRON CONTROL ARM UPPER BALL JOINT AND CONTROL ARM - FAILURE

NHTSA ODI #10124901

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

107,900 miles · May 19, 2005
Power TrainSeat BeltsWheelsCrash

AT CHRISTMASTIME OUR TRANSMISSION BEGAN ACTING UP. WE BELIEVED THE HARSH WINTER WEATHER WAS CAUSING THE PROBLEM BC ONCE THE ENGINE HEATED UP, THE VEHICLE DROVE JUST FINE. AT ANY RATE, WE TOOK IN TO BE SERVICED IN MARCH AND HAD THE 4X4 REAR DIFFERENTIALS FLUSHED AND SERVICED AND THE FLUID CHANGED. WHILE IT WAS IN FOR THAT REPA…

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AT CHRISTMASTIME OUR TRANSMISSION BEGAN ACTING UP. WE BELIEVED THE HARSH WINTER WEATHER WAS CAUSING THE PROBLEM BC ONCE THE ENGINE HEATED UP, THE VEHICLE DROVE JUST FINE. AT ANY RATE, WE TOOK IN TO BE SERVICED IN MARCH AND HAD THE 4X4 REAR DIFFERENTIALS FLUSHED AND SERVICED AND THE FLUID CHANGED. WHILE IT WAS IN FOR THAT REPAIR (AT A DEALERSHIP) THEY CALLED AND SAID THE 2 FRONT BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. WE KNEW ABOUT THE RECALL, SO ASKED THEM ABOUT IT, BUT IT JUST FIGURES OUR VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. SO, $1600 LATER, WE WENT AND PICKED IT UP AND SEEMED TO DRIVE JUST FINE. WELL, THEN 3 WKS. LATER I WAS DRIVING TO THE GROCERY STORE. I WAS STOPPED A RED LIGHT, AND WHEN IT TURNED GREEN I WENT TO GO AND IT JUST BARELY ACCELERATED. LUCKILY, THE RED LIGHT WAS RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE GARAGE WE NORMALLY USE. I WAS ABLE TO TURN THE VEHICLE AROUND AND GET IT TO WHERE I WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF THE GARAGE. I WENT IN AND TOLD THE MECHANIC WHAT HAPPENED. THE TRUCK WAS IN THE SHOP FOR 2 WKS. IT NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION AFTER HAVING JUST BEEN SERVICED! IT COST $3300! OVER THE PAST 2 MONTHS WE HAVE SPENT $4600 IN REPAIRS ON A VEHICLE THAT WE ARE STILL PAYING FOR! I AM IRRATE! WE EVEN BOUGHT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WHEN WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE 5 YRS. AGO, BUT NOW WITH 108,000 MILES IT'S NOT COVERED ANY LONGER (WARRANTY ONLY WENT TO 100,000). 2 YRS. AGO I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WITH DURANGO WHERE THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL POPPED OFF AFTER ANOTHER VEHICLE HIT IT. WE DON'T BELIEVE HE COULD HAVE HIT IT WITH ENOUGH FORCE FOR THAT TO HAPPEN IF IT HAD NOT BEEN DEFECTIVE TO BEGIN WITH. HIS WIFE EVEN SPOKE TO ME ABOUT THIS LAST CHRISTMAS AFTER THE RECALL CAME OUT. I AM FED UP WITH THIS TRUCK AND I WANT DODGE TO KNOW IT.

NHTSA ODI #10121628

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.