NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
120 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Nov 9, 2004
Power TrainSteeringSuspension
AFTER TWO WEEKS OF PURCHASING OUR (2 YEARS OLD @ THAT TIME)DURANGO, AS WE WERE DRIVING WE HEARD A LOUD SCREACHING NOISE, WE FOUND A PIECE THAT APPEARANTLY BROKE OFF, IT HAD TO DO WITH THE BRAKES WE WERE TOLD. LATER OUR TRANSMISSION WASNT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, IT NEEDED NEW SENSOR. WHEN STEERING IT SCREACHES (HAD PROBLEM RIGHT …
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AFTER TWO WEEKS OF PURCHASING OUR (2 YEARS OLD @ THAT TIME)DURANGO, AS WE WERE DRIVING WE HEARD A LOUD SCREACHING NOISE, WE FOUND A PIECE THAT APPEARANTLY BROKE OFF, IT HAD TO DO WITH THE BRAKES WE WERE TOLD. LATER OUR TRANSMISSION WASNT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, IT NEEDED NEW SENSOR. WHEN STEERING IT SCREACHES (HAD PROBLEM RIGHT AFTER PURCHASING) AND ITS BEEN GETTING WORSE, WE TOOK IT TO DEALER AND THEY FLUSHED POWER STEERING FLUID AND WE ALSO HAD TO HAVE RIGHT BALL JOINT REPLACED AT THE SAME TIME. WHEN STEERING IT STILL SOUNDS BAD. WE HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY A YEAR AFTER PURCHASING ONE AT THE DEALERSHIP AND A MONTH AFTER THAT OUR TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. DEALER WANTED TO CHARGE $3700.00. WE TOOK IT SOMEWHERE ELSE, HOPE TO PICK UP TODAY FROM SHOP WILL BE PAYING $2570.00. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10098506
6,000 miles · Nov 2, 2004
Power TrainSteeringSuspension
SINCE DAY ONE THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN AND OUT OF DEALERSHIP, FROM TRANSMISSON PROBLEMS, STEERING , NOISES. I STOPPED BRINGING IN TRUCK AT 30,000 MILES WHEN MY WARRANTY EXPIRED, AND KNOW I JUST HAVE LIVE WITH IT.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10098139
70,000 miles · Oct 18, 2004
Power TrainVisibility
TRANSMISSION "GRABBING" AND "SLIPPING" IN ALL GEARS. MOST NOTICABLE ON THE HIGHWAY. TRANSMISSION GOES FROM OVERDRIVE TO ONE AND SOMETIMES TWO LOWER GEARS AT HIGHWAY SPEED. VEHILCLE WILL JUMP AND SPUTTER. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER WHO DID NOT GET IT REPAIRED. IT WAS ALSO TAKEN TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC, WHO SAYS IT'S A LEMON. (I HAV…
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TRANSMISSION "GRABBING" AND "SLIPPING" IN ALL GEARS. MOST NOTICABLE ON THE HIGHWAY. TRANSMISSION GOES FROM OVERDRIVE TO ONE AND SOMETIMES TWO LOWER GEARS AT HIGHWAY SPEED. VEHILCLE WILL JUMP AND SPUTTER. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER WHO DID NOT GET IT REPAIRED. IT WAS ALSO TAKEN TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC, WHO SAYS IT'S A LEMON. (I HAVE NO FAITH IN THE DEALER WHO SOLD ME THE GARBAGE AFTER THEY CLAIMED TO HAVE NOT FIGURED MY FIANANCING CORRECTLY ABD HIT ME WITH A $975 ADDITIONAL FEE.) ELLENVILLE DODGE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10095956
Mileage unknown · Oct 8, 2004
Power Train
WHILE DRIVING, THE TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY FAILED. WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO OVER 25 MPH AND THEN IT JUST WOULD NOT GO AT ALL. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. PLEASE PROVIDE VEHICLE IDENTIFI…
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WHILE DRIVING, THE TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY FAILED. WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO OVER 25 MPH AND THEN IT JUST WOULD NOT GO AT ALL. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. PLEASE PROVIDE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10095517
Mileage unknown · Sep 17, 2004
Power Train
WHILE SHIFTING TRANSMISSION DOWNN SHIFTED ON ITS ON. TRANSMISSION HESITATED WHILE APPLYING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, AND THEN ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.*AK THE DRIVER INFORMED THE MECHANIC THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED MORE THAN ONCE AND HAS NOT…
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WHILE SHIFTING TRANSMISSION DOWNN SHIFTED ON ITS ON. TRANSMISSION HESITATED WHILE APPLYING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, AND THEN ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.*AK THE DRIVER INFORMED THE MECHANIC THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED MORE THAN ONCE AND HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
NHTSA ODI #10092690
65,650 miles · Jul 29, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainService Brakes, Air
AUTOMOBILE IS POORLY MANUFACTURED. I AM GETTING OVER RAN WITH REPAIRS BILLS OF PART S THAT SHOULD NEVER FAIL. IN 40 YEARS OF DRIVING AND BUYING AUTO I HAVE NEVER SEEN SUCH A POORLY BUILT CAR.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10082954
51,000 miles · Jul 15, 2004
Power TrainCrash
WHILE THE ENGINE WAS IDLING THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO ENGAGE INTO DRIVE WITHOUT APPLYING THE BRAKE. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE ROLLED FORWARD COLLIDING WITH A PARKED VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT "THE BRAKE DISENGAGEMENT FEATURE IS NOT ON THE VEHICLE". *LA THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THIS SAFETY FEATURE WAS NOT INSTALLED ON DOD…
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WHILE THE ENGINE WAS IDLING THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO ENGAGE INTO DRIVE WITHOUT APPLYING THE BRAKE. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE ROLLED FORWARD COLLIDING WITH A PARKED VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT "THE BRAKE DISENGAGEMENT FEATURE IS NOT ON THE VEHICLE". *LA THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THIS SAFETY FEATURE WAS NOT INSTALLED ON DODGE VEHICLE'S UNTIL 2001. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10076244
86,000 miles · Apr 5, 2004
Power Train
THE OVER DRIVE WILL ENGAGE AND DISENGAGE BY ITSELF,THEN THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE OVERDRIVE SOLENOID. THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST. THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO THE PRESSURE BOOST VALVE COVER PLATE HOLES NOT BEING BIG ENOUGH. THERE'S A TSB 211100 ON THIS ISSUE, IN WHICH IT INDICATED THAT TH…
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THE OVER DRIVE WILL ENGAGE AND DISENGAGE BY ITSELF,THEN THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE OVERDRIVE SOLENOID. THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST. THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO THE PRESSURE BOOST VALVE COVER PLATE HOLES NOT BEING BIG ENOUGH. THERE'S A TSB 211100 ON THIS ISSUE, IN WHICH IT INDICATED THAT THE DEALERSHIP WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING PLATE WITH A PLATE THAT HAS BIGGER HOLES TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10065557
31,000 miles · Mar 16, 2004
Power Train
I HAVE A 2000 DODGE DURANGO R/T. I ONLY HAVE 31,000 MILES ON MY DURANGO AND THE TRANSMISSION IS POURING FLUID OUT. APPARENTLY THERE IS A STANDARD DEFECT IN ALL DURANGOS REGARDING SEALS FOR THE TRANSMISSION. ALL THE RINGS HAVE TO BE REPLACED WHICH REQUIRES PULLING OUT THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION. I RARELY DRIVE MY VEHICLE, MAYBE A FEW…
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I HAVE A 2000 DODGE DURANGO R/T. I ONLY HAVE 31,000 MILES ON MY DURANGO AND THE TRANSMISSION IS POURING FLUID OUT. APPARENTLY THERE IS A STANDARD DEFECT IN ALL DURANGOS REGARDING SEALS FOR THE TRANSMISSION. ALL THE RINGS HAVE TO BE REPLACED WHICH REQUIRES PULLING OUT THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION. I RARELY DRIVE MY VEHICLE, MAYBE A FEW TIMES A WEEK. TO THE STORE ETC. SEEMS TO ME THAT SINCE DODGE IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION THEN THEY SHOULD BE DOING SOMETHING TO HELP FIX THEM. THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING AFTER 31,000 MILES. BEING AN R/T I PAID ALMOST $28,000 FOR IT WHEN IT WAS ALMOST 2 YEARS USED WITH 18,000 MILES ON IT. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE! I READ COMPLAINTS AT CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND SAW THAT I AM NOT ALONE. MY 6 PERSON FAMILY LIVES ON ONE SMALL INCOME. WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FOR SAFETY AND RELIABILITY. I TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF IT AND DRIVE IT VERY LITTLE. WE CAN NOT AFFORD THIS EXPENSE. I DO NOT HAVE ANY IDEA HOW WE CAN COME UP WITH THE MONEY TO FIX THIS. AND THE FACT THAT DODGE KNOWS ABOUT THIS COMMON PROBLEM MAKES IT EVEN WORSE! *JB
NHTSA ODI #10062328
55,000 miles · Mar 4, 2004
Power TrainSuspension
AT APPROXIMATELY 55K (5/03) MILES I HAD TO SPEND $1662 FOR WORK ON MY DODGE DURANGO'S DIFFERENTIAL. IT HAS BEEN MY EXPERIENCE THAT THESE TYPES OF PROBLEMS DON'T COME UP UNTIL WAY OVER 100K+ MILES. THEN 11/03 IT WAS MANDATORY THAT I REPLACE ALL 4 BALL JOINTS. THIS ALSO DOESN'T SEEM RIGHT SINCE THE CAR ONLY HAD APPROXIMATELY 65K M…
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AT APPROXIMATELY 55K (5/03) MILES I HAD TO SPEND $1662 FOR WORK ON MY DODGE DURANGO'S DIFFERENTIAL. IT HAS BEEN MY EXPERIENCE THAT THESE TYPES OF PROBLEMS DON'T COME UP UNTIL WAY OVER 100K+ MILES. THEN 11/03 IT WAS MANDATORY THAT I REPLACE ALL 4 BALL JOINTS. THIS ALSO DOESN'T SEEM RIGHT SINCE THE CAR ONLY HAD APPROXIMATELY 65K MILES ON IT AT THAT TIME. YOU WOULD THINK WHEN YOU TAKE YOUR AUTO TO THE DEALER FOR ALL ITS SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE AND HAVING SPENT $35K ON IT NEW, ONE WOULDN'T BE HAVING THESE SORTS OF EXPENSIVE PROBLEMS.
NHTSA ODI #10060436
Official recalls
2Dec 21, 2004
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4X4), IF MOISTURE LEAKS INTO THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINT, EVACUATION OF THE LUBRICANT AND CORROSION OF THE JOINT MAY CAUSE THE JOINT TO WEAR OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. THIS COULD CAUSE A CLUNKING NOISE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION, WHICH MAY NOT ALWAYS BE HEARD BY THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: EXCESSIVE WEAR IN THE UPPER BALL JOINT MAY ALLOW IT TO SEPARATE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINTS. THIS SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BEGAN ON DECEMBER 21, 2004. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
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.
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
4EA03023 · 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.
PE99074 · Steering Wheel/shaft Spline Attachment
Opened Dec 13, 1999 · Closed Feb 24, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
THIS PE WAS OPENED BASED ON ODI'S RECEIPT OF ONE COMPLAINT OF STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ALLEGEDLY (THAT IS, ACCORDING TO THE REPAIRING FACILITY'S SERVICE MANAGER) THE HUB NUT WAS NEVER INSTALLED ON THE SHAFT SPLINE.ALTHOUGH THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, HE/SHE WAS ABLE TO STOP WITHOUT IMPACTING ANYTHING.BASED ON OUR INVESTIGATION AND THE MANUFACTURER'S RESPONSE, ODI IS CLOSING THIS INVESTIGATION BECAUSE THE SINGLE KNOWN COMPLAINT APPEARS TO BE AN ISOLATED INCIDENT.FURTHER, CHRYSLER HAS NO OTHER WARRANTY CLAIMS AND HAS NOT ISSUED ANY SERVICE BULLETINS.IN SUMMARY, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME 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.ODI WILL CONTTINUE TO MONITOR THIS MATTER CLOSELY, AND THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION ON THESE MODELS IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
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