NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,075 reportsMileage unknown · Jun 26, 2006
Electrical System
WE HAVE A 2000 DODGE DURANGO THAT NEEDS A NEW POWER BOX/HARNESS. MY MECHANIC TRIED TO GET A REPLACEMENT PART BUT WAS TOLD BY THE PARTS MANUFACTURER THAT DUE TO KNOWN PROBLEMS WITH THE DURANGO POWER BOX/HARNESS THAT THE PART WAS REDESIGNED BY DAIMLER CHRYSLER. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THE PROBLEM WITH THE POWER BOX HARNESS SHOR…
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WE HAVE A 2000 DODGE DURANGO THAT NEEDS A NEW POWER BOX/HARNESS. MY MECHANIC TRIED TO GET A REPLACEMENT PART BUT WAS TOLD BY THE PARTS MANUFACTURER THAT DUE TO KNOWN PROBLEMS WITH THE DURANGO POWER BOX/HARNESS THAT THE PART WAS REDESIGNED BY DAIMLER CHRYSLER. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THE PROBLEM WITH THE POWER BOX HARNESS SHORTED THE WIRING AND THAT I WAS LUCKY THAT IT DID NOT IGNITE WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THE COST TO COVER THE REPAIRS IS OVER $4,000. I BELIEVE THAT THIS PROBLEM SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED BY DAIMLER CHRYSLER AND THAT I SHOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST OF REPAIRS FOR SOMETHING THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED GRAVE DANGER TO ME AND MY FAMILY. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10160759
Mileage unknown · Jun 9, 2006
Engine And Engine Cooling
LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE DUE TO SLUDGE CAUSED THE ENGINE TO SEIZE. VEHICLE WAS WELL MAINTAINED, WHICH LUCKILY I HAVE ALL THE DOCUMENTATION. TRUSTED MECHANIC STATED THAT THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME HE HAS HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM AND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS TYPE OF ENGINE, AS THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW WHICH DOES NOT ALLOW O…
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LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE DUE TO SLUDGE CAUSED THE ENGINE TO SEIZE. VEHICLE WAS WELL MAINTAINED, WHICH LUCKILY I HAVE ALL THE DOCUMENTATION. TRUSTED MECHANIC STATED THAT THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME HE HAS HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM AND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS TYPE OF ENGINE, AS THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW WHICH DOES NOT ALLOW OIL TO FLOW PROPERLY TO ALL PARTS OF ENGINE. HE STATED THAT IT WOULD BE BETTER TO PUT IN A NEW ENGINE AS THE REPAIR TO THE EXISTING ENGINE WOULD BE EXTENSIVE. I CALLED DODGE AND THEY WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE PROBLEM. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10159391
34,000 miles · Jun 1, 2006
SteeringSuspension
LOWER BALL JOINT FAILURE/WHEEL BEARING FAILURE FOR 2000 DODGE DURANGO. THEY WERE REPLACED IN OCT 2002 ALSO. THE UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED IN DEC 04. ON JUNE 1 THE LOWERS HAVE TO BE REPLACED AGAIN AND DODGE WILL NOT DO ANYTHING. THERE IS ONLY 83K ON THIS CAR. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10158755
98,000 miles · May 28, 2006
Engine And Engine Cooling
MY 2000 DURANGO HAS STARTED STALLING WHILE DRIVING. STEERING LOCKS UP AND IS HARD TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. HAS DONE THIS AT MULTIPLE SPEEDS AND CONDITIONS OF DRIVING. MOSTLY HAPPENED IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. NO PRIOR WARNING TO IT STALLING OR LOSING ALL POWER. ONCE THE VEHICLE IS SHUT OFF IT IS HARD TO RE-START A…
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MY 2000 DURANGO HAS STARTED STALLING WHILE DRIVING. STEERING LOCKS UP AND IS HARD TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. HAS DONE THIS AT MULTIPLE SPEEDS AND CONDITIONS OF DRIVING. MOSTLY HAPPENED IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. NO PRIOR WARNING TO IT STALLING OR LOSING ALL POWER. ONCE THE VEHICLE IS SHUT OFF IT IS HARD TO RE-START AGAIN, AT THIS TIME THE BATTERY, OIL PRESSURE, GAS AND TEMP GAUGES WONT OPERATE. I HAVE HAD TO WAIT UP WARDS OF AN HOUR BEFORE THE GAUGES WILL MOVE AND THE CAR WILL RESTART. THE GAUGE OR DASH LIGHTS NEVER INDICATE A PROBLEM, NOT UNTIL THE CAR DIES WILL THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT SOMETIMES COME ON. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR IN AND AFTER 2 TRIES TO FIX IT AND $500 THEY SAID IT WAS THE COMPUTER. NOW AFTER 3 WEEKS OF WAITING AND MORE MONEY SPENT, THEY SAY THE COMPUTER WAS REBUILT? AND IT STILL WOULD DIE AND WOULDN'T RESTART. THEN THEY PUT IN A NEW COMPUTER, I DROVE HOME, THEN NEVER MADE IT OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT MIGHT BE MY CARS PROBLEM, BEING A SINGLE MOM WITH 3 KIDS I NOW FEAR FOR THEIR SAFETY AND THE COSTS I AM SPENDING ON THIS CAR. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10158467
84,054 miles · May 11, 2006
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages
AN AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK OF OUR 2000 DODGE DURANGO DOES NOT UNLOCK ONE DOOR WHEN THE FRONT CONTROL IS ACTIVATED. THE LOCK HAS TO BE MANUALLY LIFTED. IF THE FRONT CONTROL IS NOT USED TO UNLOCK THE WHOLE CAR, THE ONE DEFECTIVE LOCK CANNOT BE UNLOCKED MANUALLY. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. THIS IS THE SECOND ACTIVATOR THAT HAS GONE BAD O…
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AN AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK OF OUR 2000 DODGE DURANGO DOES NOT UNLOCK ONE DOOR WHEN THE FRONT CONTROL IS ACTIVATED. THE LOCK HAS TO BE MANUALLY LIFTED. IF THE FRONT CONTROL IS NOT USED TO UNLOCK THE WHOLE CAR, THE ONE DEFECTIVE LOCK CANNOT BE UNLOCKED MANUALLY. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. THIS IS THE SECOND ACTIVATOR THAT HAS GONE BAD ON THIS CAR. THE FIRST WAS THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AND THE CURRENT DEFECTIVE LOCK IS THE RIGHT REAR PASSENGER DOOR. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10157393
48,000 miles · May 8, 2006
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
DURING NORMAL HIGHWAY DRIVING FRONT LEFT BRAKE ENGAGED AND LOCKED. VEHICLE WAS PULLING EXTREMELY HARD TO THE LEFT AND CONTROLLABILITY WAS AN ISSUE. UPON STOPPING LEFT WHEEL ASSEMBLY WAS SMOKING. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10157035
56,000 miles · May 2, 2006
Engine And Engine Cooling
I OWN A 2000 DODGE DURANGO. I CHANGE MY OIL EVERY 3,000 MILES. TODAY MY MECHANIC AND I FOUND A HEAVY AMOUNT OF SLUDGE UNDER OIL CAP AND ALL AROUND FILLER NECK. THIS INDICATES THAT THERE IS A HUGE BUILD UP OF SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE. THIS WILL ULTIMATELY LEAD TO ENGINE FAILURE VERY SOON. INTERNET SEARCHES REVEAL THIS IS A VERY COMM…
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I OWN A 2000 DODGE DURANGO. I CHANGE MY OIL EVERY 3,000 MILES. TODAY MY MECHANIC AND I FOUND A HEAVY AMOUNT OF SLUDGE UNDER OIL CAP AND ALL AROUND FILLER NECK. THIS INDICATES THAT THERE IS A HUGE BUILD UP OF SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE. THIS WILL ULTIMATELY LEAD TO ENGINE FAILURE VERY SOON. INTERNET SEARCHES REVEAL THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND CHRYSLER HAS DONE NOTHING ABOUT IT. MY DURANGO HAS 56,000 MILES ON IT AND I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10156655
108,000 miles · Mar 20, 2006
Seats
I CURRENTLY DRIVE A 2000 DODGE DURANGO SLT. THE FRONT SEAT BRACKET IS FRAGILE AND CAN EASILY BREAK MAKING IT ROCK BACK AND FORTH. THIS HAS ALREADY HAPPENED TO MY DRIVERS CHAIR AND THE PART TO FIX IT IS NOT AVAILABLE. THE RESULT IS HAVING TO BUY A NEW SEAT WHICH IS NOT POSSIBLE AT THIS POINT. PENDING AN ACCIDENT I COULD SEE THIS…
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I CURRENTLY DRIVE A 2000 DODGE DURANGO SLT. THE FRONT SEAT BRACKET IS FRAGILE AND CAN EASILY BREAK MAKING IT ROCK BACK AND FORTH. THIS HAS ALREADY HAPPENED TO MY DRIVERS CHAIR AND THE PART TO FIX IT IS NOT AVAILABLE. THE RESULT IS HAVING TO BUY A NEW SEAT WHICH IS NOT POSSIBLE AT THIS POINT. PENDING AN ACCIDENT I COULD SEE THIS CAUSING PROBLEMS SUCH AS WHIPLASH SINCE THE SEAT IS NOT SECURELY MOUNTED. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH ONLINE AND WONDER WHY THIS IS NOT A RECALLED ITEM BECAUSE THERE SEEMS TO BE MANY COMPLAINTS ON THE SAME ISSUE. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10153276
100,000 miles · Mar 20, 2006
Fuel System, Gasoline
ONE SEVERAL OCCASIONS (MORE THAN 3) THE VEHICLE HAS SHUT OFF COMPLETELY IN THE ROADWAY WITH NO WARNING. THE FUEL SEEMS TO BE IN A VAPOR LOCK OR THE FUEL PUMP IS NOT PUMPING CORRECTLY. THERE IS CURRENTLY A RECALL ON THE 2005 DURANGO FOR THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. I FEEL THIS MAY BE THE SAME ISSUE RELATED TO MY VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC …
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ONE SEVERAL OCCASIONS (MORE THAN 3) THE VEHICLE HAS SHUT OFF COMPLETELY IN THE ROADWAY WITH NO WARNING. THE FUEL SEEMS TO BE IN A VAPOR LOCK OR THE FUEL PUMP IS NOT PUMPING CORRECTLY. THERE IS CURRENTLY A RECALL ON THE 2005 DURANGO FOR THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. I FEEL THIS MAY BE THE SAME ISSUE RELATED TO MY VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC WHO EVALUATED THE VEHICLE STATED THIS WAS THE PROBLEM AND THESE VEHICLES WERE KNOWN TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM THROUGHOUT SEVERAL YEARS. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10153207
Mileage unknown · Mar 14, 2006
Seat Belts
FRONT AND PASSENGER SEAT BELTS SEVERELY FRAYED ON 2000 DODGE DURANGO. BOTH BELTS ARE FRAYED IN THE SAME PLACE(S) ON BELTS. BELIEVED TO BE CAUSED BY DEFECTIVE DESIGN OF RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY SEAT BELT GUIDE(S) ATTACHED TO INTERIOR FRONT DOOR POST. THIS CREATES A SERIOUS HAZARD TO OCCUPANTS DUE TO LOSS OF SEAT BELT INTEGRITY. PROBLE…
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FRONT AND PASSENGER SEAT BELTS SEVERELY FRAYED ON 2000 DODGE DURANGO. BOTH BELTS ARE FRAYED IN THE SAME PLACE(S) ON BELTS. BELIEVED TO BE CAUSED BY DEFECTIVE DESIGN OF RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY SEAT BELT GUIDE(S) ATTACHED TO INTERIOR FRONT DOOR POST. THIS CREATES A SERIOUS HAZARD TO OCCUPANTS DUE TO LOSS OF SEAT BELT INTEGRITY. PROBLEM REPORTED TO DAIMLER CHRYSLER, WAS TOLD THIS WAS A MECHANICAL PROBLEM NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10152693
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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