← New search

2000 Dodge Durango

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Durango years

Owner complaints for the 2000 Dodge Durango are substantially higher than the model-year median of 231.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

609 reports with mileage · 466 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 507 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 127 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 120 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

118 crash reports26 fire reports57 injury reports

What owners actually said

1,075 reports
Mileage unknown · Mar 2, 2014
Seats

JUST RECENTLY I NOTICED THE FOLLOWING PROBLEM WITH MY DRIVER'S SEAT. AFTER I SELECT THE CORRECT SEAT POSITION BY PRESSING THE BUTTON ON THE BOTTOM LEFT OF THE SEAT TO MOVE FORWARD OR BACKWARDS; THE SEAT SLIDES BACK AND FORTH WHEN I HAVE TO BRAKE OR STOP. THIS PROBLEM IS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS IN THE EVENT I HAVE TO STOP/BRAKE S…

Read full complaint

JUST RECENTLY I NOTICED THE FOLLOWING PROBLEM WITH MY DRIVER'S SEAT. AFTER I SELECT THE CORRECT SEAT POSITION BY PRESSING THE BUTTON ON THE BOTTOM LEFT OF THE SEAT TO MOVE FORWARD OR BACKWARDS; THE SEAT SLIDES BACK AND FORTH WHEN I HAVE TO BRAKE OR STOP. THIS PROBLEM IS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS IN THE EVENT I HAVE TO STOP/BRAKE SUDDENLY. FROM WHAT I HAVE READ ON THE INTERNET, THIS PROBLEM IS COMMON WITH THE DODGE DURANGO AND IS CAUSED BY LOOSE TRACK RAILS ATTACHED UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER'S SEAT. IS THIS A DEFECT IN THE DODGE DURANGO? IF SO, THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10566697

64,000 miles · Jan 30, 2014
Suspension

I PURCHASED A 2000 DODGE DURANGO IN JUNE 2003. I HAVE HAD CONTINUING PROBLEMS WITH FRONT SUSPENSION, BALL JOINTS,RIGHT HUB ASSEMBLY. RIGHT SIDE HUB ASSEMBLY HAS BEEN REPLACED 5 TIMES IN THE LAST 6 YEARS AND I WAS JUST TOLD YESTERDAY THAT IT WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. I WAS ALSO INFORMED BY MY MECHANIC OF 18 YEARS, THE WHO…

Read full complaint

I PURCHASED A 2000 DODGE DURANGO IN JUNE 2003. I HAVE HAD CONTINUING PROBLEMS WITH FRONT SUSPENSION, BALL JOINTS,RIGHT HUB ASSEMBLY. RIGHT SIDE HUB ASSEMBLY HAS BEEN REPLACED 5 TIMES IN THE LAST 6 YEARS AND I WAS JUST TOLD YESTERDAY THAT IT WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. I WAS ALSO INFORMED BY MY MECHANIC OF 18 YEARS, THE WHOLE FRONT SUSPENSION IS BAD AND THE DIFFERENTIAL WILL ALSO HAVE TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE OWNED THIS TRUCK 11 YEARS AND HAVE KEPT IT WELL MAINTAINED,IN ALL THIS TIME, I HAVE HAD ONLY ONE OFFICIAL RECALL FOR UPPER ARM BALL JOINTS IN 2005. I HAVE CALLED CHRYSLER TWICE TO QUESTION WHY I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE HUB ASSEMBLY SO FREQUENTLY(EVERY YEAR FOR THE LAST 5 OF 6 YEARS) AND THEY INSIST THERE IS NOTHING WRONG OR A SPECIFIC RECALL FOR MY VIN. I HAVE HAD ENOUGH WITH REPLACING THE SAME PART OVER AND OVER EVERY YEAR. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS HUB ASSEMBLY & FRONT SUSPENSION. I HAVE NOTICED THE SAME COMPLAINTS ONLINE AS MINE.... FRONT END VIBRATION WHEN REACHING SPEEDS OF 55-60 MPH, BALL JOINT ISSUES, HUB ASSEMBLY ISSUES, AND FRONT SUSPENSION ISSUES. THERE ARE CURRENTLY 2 RECALLS FOR 2000 DODGE DURANGO FRONT SUSPENSION AND HUB ASSEMBLY UNITS, AND CONVENIENTLY FOR CHRYSLER, NEITHER ARE MY VIN NUMBER DURANGO. SURPRISE, SURPRISE!! I WILL CONTINUE TO FILE COMPLAINTS WITH CHRYSLER UNTIL SOME ONE DECIDES TO TAKE ACTION AND GET THESE ISSUES REPAIRED ONCE AND FOR ALL. I AM GETTING A LITTLE TIRED OF CONSTANTLY PUTTING OUT HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS FOR THE SAME ISSUE YEAR AFTER YEAR!! PLEASE HELP GET THIS ISSUE RESOLVED! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10562280

226,000 miles · Oct 4, 2013
Fuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE FUEL LINE AND FUEL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE …

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE FUEL LINE AND FUEL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 226,000.

NHTSA ODI #10546796

202,000 miles · Sep 25, 2013
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE COULD NOT BE RESTARTED FOR A MINIMUM OF THIRTY MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND A DEFECT IN THE VEHICLE…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE COULD NOT BE RESTARTED FOR A MINIMUM OF THIRTY MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND A DEFECT IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND THE MECHANIC COULD NOT FIND AN ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 202,000.

NHTSA ODI #10545384

148,000 miles · Sep 10, 2013
Service Brakes

WHILE BACKING MY DODGE DURANGO ONTO BOAT RAMP TO TAKE A JETSKI OUT OF THE WATER, I LOST ALL BRAKES AND PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. I USED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP FROM GOING IN THE WATER. AFTER INSPECTING THE BRAKE LINES I NOTICED THEY RUSTED ALL THE WAY THRU AND CAUSED ALL FLUID TO LEAK OUT RESULTING IN COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKES…

Read full complaint

WHILE BACKING MY DODGE DURANGO ONTO BOAT RAMP TO TAKE A JETSKI OUT OF THE WATER, I LOST ALL BRAKES AND PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. I USED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP FROM GOING IN THE WATER. AFTER INSPECTING THE BRAKE LINES I NOTICED THEY RUSTED ALL THE WAY THRU AND CAUSED ALL FLUID TO LEAK OUT RESULTING IN COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKES. A REPAIR STATION ESTIMATED 1500 TO 2000 TO REPLACE BRAKE LINES, AND SAID IT IS COMMON ON DURANGOS AND DAKOTAS DUE TO BAD METAL LINES FROM FACTORY. THEY ALSO SAID BRAKE LINES SHOULD NOT RUST OUT LIKE THIS AND IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT COULD RESULT IN FATALITIES WITH ALL THE AFFECTED MODELS STILL ON THE ROAD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10542917

130,000 miles · Aug 4, 2013
Electrical SystemSteeringVehicle Speed Control

PURCHASED THE VEHICLE LOCALLY. AFTER 2 DAYS OF OWNING IT THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT OFF AT RANDOM MOMENTS. SOMETIMES WHEN I AM DRIVING AT 40MPH AND SOMETIMES AT 20MPH AND UNDER. IN TRAFFIC AND SOMETIMES AFTER BEING PARKED FOR A BIT WILL NOT STARTUP. WHEN WE ARE DRIVING AND THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP ALSO. THE V…

Read full complaint

PURCHASED THE VEHICLE LOCALLY. AFTER 2 DAYS OF OWNING IT THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT OFF AT RANDOM MOMENTS. SOMETIMES WHEN I AM DRIVING AT 40MPH AND SOMETIMES AT 20MPH AND UNDER. IN TRAFFIC AND SOMETIMES AFTER BEING PARKED FOR A BIT WILL NOT STARTUP. WHEN WE ARE DRIVING AND THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP ALSO. THE VEHICLE MAY TAKE HOURS BEFORE IT STARTS AGAIN. THERE HAS BEEN MANY MANY COMPLAINTS AND STILL NO REAL SOLUTION. THE 1999 TO 2001 DURANGOS MUST BE RECALLED BEFORE A FATALITY OCCURS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10533522

80,000 miles · Jul 5, 2013
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE REAR DOOR LOCKS FAILED AND WOULD NOT DISENGAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE DOOR CONTROL PANEL AND DOOR MOTOR LOCKS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAI…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE REAR DOOR LOCKS FAILED AND WOULD NOT DISENGAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE DOOR CONTROL PANEL AND DOOR MOTOR LOCKS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10523272

Mileage unknown · May 26, 2013
Electrical SystemSteering

MY 2000 DODGE DURANGO ALL OF A SUDDEN JUST STALLS ON ME WHILE DRIVING. MY CHILDREN HAVE BEEN IN THE CAR WHEN HAPPENING SCARES ME BC OF TRAFFIC HITTING ME. I'VE CHANGED ALL SENSORS FUEL PUMP SPARK PLUGS AND SPARK PLUG WIRING RADIATOR FAN CLEANED CADILLAC CONVERTER CHECKED ALL RELAYS ALL GOOD WIRING IS ALL GOOD BUT STILL HAVING IS…

Read full complaint

MY 2000 DODGE DURANGO ALL OF A SUDDEN JUST STALLS ON ME WHILE DRIVING. MY CHILDREN HAVE BEEN IN THE CAR WHEN HAPPENING SCARES ME BC OF TRAFFIC HITTING ME. I'VE CHANGED ALL SENSORS FUEL PUMP SPARK PLUGS AND SPARK PLUG WIRING RADIATOR FAN CLEANED CADILLAC CONVERTER CHECKED ALL RELAYS ALL GOOD WIRING IS ALL GOOD BUT STILL HAVING ISSUES A NO BUS CODE POPS UP WHEN DIES AND HAVE HAD THE TRUCK ITS DIED SEVERAL TIMES AT INTERSECTION HIGHWAYS WORK EVERYWHERE ITS VERY DANGEROUS AND I'VE CHECKED AND LOTS OF PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUES. THESE VEHICLES NEED TO BE RECALLED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY INJURED ESPECIALLY LIKE A CHILD I'VE GIVEN UP ON DRIVING MY TRUCK BECAUSE I'M NOT PUTTING MY CHILDREN IN ANYMORE DANGER. AND I'VE SEEN PEOPLE ON HERE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME ISSUES AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10513596

160,000 miles · Apr 19, 2013
Power Train

THE VEHICLE STARTED MAKING A LOUD HUMMING NOISE IN THE REAR END COMING FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL AT AROUND 30 MPH, AND GETS LOUD WHILE INCREASING SPEED. DEALERSHIP WANTS $1200 JUST TO INSTALL A NEW ONE, PRICE DOES NOT REFLECT THE $2500 REAR DIFFERENTIAL. WIDESPREAD PROBLEM, AND NO ACTION I BEING TAKEN. OBVIOUSLY A FLAW …

Read full complaint

THE VEHICLE STARTED MAKING A LOUD HUMMING NOISE IN THE REAR END COMING FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL AT AROUND 30 MPH, AND GETS LOUD WHILE INCREASING SPEED. DEALERSHIP WANTS $1200 JUST TO INSTALL A NEW ONE, PRICE DOES NOT REFLECT THE $2500 REAR DIFFERENTIAL. WIDESPREAD PROBLEM, AND NO ACTION I BEING TAKEN. OBVIOUSLY A FLAW ON THERE END, THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN BEAT AND IN PRISTINE CONDITION. CALLED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, ONLY FOR THEM TO TELL ME THE WARRANTY EXPIRED 10 YEARS AGO, OBVIOUSLY BUT EVERYONE'S WARRANTY EXPIRED AND ARE HELPLESS BECAUSE OF A PROBLEM AROSE BY THEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10508876

126,331 miles · Apr 9, 2013
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE COMPUTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO REPAIRED BY THE DEALER AND…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE COMPUTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO REPAIRED BY THE DEALER AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,331.

NHTSA ODI #10505672

Official recalls

2

04V596000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Ball Joint

Dec 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.

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.

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

4

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.

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.