NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Suspension complaints
144 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Apr 20, 2010
Electrical SystemService Brakes, HydraulicSuspensionCrash
I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE 2002 DODGE DURANGO'S BRAKES DID NOT WORK AND THE ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON. THIS WAS THE SCARIEST THING I HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED. I HAVE HAD IT CHECKED BY AUTO ZONE, DODGE DEALER, LOCAL MECHANIC...AND NO ANSWERS. THE BRAKES LITERALLY WENT TO THE FLOOR. I HAVE 3 CHILDREN AND HAVE NO OTHER CHOICE …
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I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE 2002 DODGE DURANGO'S BRAKES DID NOT WORK AND THE ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON. THIS WAS THE SCARIEST THING I HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED. I HAVE HAD IT CHECKED BY AUTO ZONE, DODGE DEALER, LOCAL MECHANIC...AND NO ANSWERS. THE BRAKES LITERALLY WENT TO THE FLOOR. I HAVE 3 CHILDREN AND HAVE NO OTHER CHOICE BUT TO DRIVE THIS DEATH TRAP. I HAVE ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE BALL JOINTS/ ELECTRICAL ISSUES. I HAD THE ABS FUSE PULLED, BUT NOT SURE IF THIS IS A SOLUTION. HAS THERE BEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS OF BRAKE FAILURE IN THESE VEHICLES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10326708
124,314 miles · Feb 25, 2010
SteeringSuspension
I JUST FOUND OUT TODAY THAT I WILL NEED TO INSTALL A COMPLETELY NEW SET OF FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS, TIE RODS AND BALL JOINTS AFTER FACTORY RECALL. ACCORDING TO REPAIR SHOP THEY INSTALLED THE SAME FAULTY COMPONENTS TO REPLACE THE ONES THAT WERE RECALLED. I WAS TOLD THEY SHOULD HAVE INSTALLED THE CORRECT UNITS WITH GREASE FITTINGS, T…
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I JUST FOUND OUT TODAY THAT I WILL NEED TO INSTALL A COMPLETELY NEW SET OF FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS, TIE RODS AND BALL JOINTS AFTER FACTORY RECALL. ACCORDING TO REPAIR SHOP THEY INSTALLED THE SAME FAULTY COMPONENTS TO REPLACE THE ONES THAT WERE RECALLED. I WAS TOLD THEY SHOULD HAVE INSTALLED THE CORRECT UNITS WITH GREASE FITTINGS, THEY DID NOT. GOING TO COST $980.00 TO REPAIR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10314189
66,279 miles · Jul 3, 2009
Suspension
WHEN I PURCHASED THIS CAR I HAD CONCERNS THAT IT HAD EITHER BEEN IN A ACCIDENT OR A FLOOD. I WROTE TO THE ATTORNEY GENERALS OFFICE, AND ASKED TO CANCEL MY CONTRACT BECAUSE I FELT THAT I HAD BEEN DECEIVED. I FELT THAT THERE WEREN'T ANY OTHER OPTIONS FOR ME, I WAS NOW STUCK WITH A LEMON, AND I HOPED AND PRAYED THAT THE CAR WOULD …
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WHEN I PURCHASED THIS CAR I HAD CONCERNS THAT IT HAD EITHER BEEN IN A ACCIDENT OR A FLOOD. I WROTE TO THE ATTORNEY GENERALS OFFICE, AND ASKED TO CANCEL MY CONTRACT BECAUSE I FELT THAT I HAD BEEN DECEIVED. I FELT THAT THERE WEREN'T ANY OTHER OPTIONS FOR ME, I WAS NOW STUCK WITH A LEMON, AND I HOPED AND PRAYED THAT THE CAR WOULD LAST UNTIL I COULD AFFORD TO PAY FOR IT. WHEN I PURCHASED TIRES , I WAS INFORMED THAT THE BALL JOINTS HAD COMPLETELY SHREDDED THE INSIDES OF MY TIRES ON THE FRONT END, AND HAD TO BE REPLACED IMMEDIATELY . I CONTACTED A DODGE DEALERSHIP AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINTS ON THE FRONT-END WERE RECALLED, AND REPLACED IN 2004, WHICH WAS TWO YEARS BEFORE I PURCHASED THE CAR IN 2006. I FEEL THAT SINCE DODGE HAS HAD THIS CAR ON MORE THAN TWO OCCASION BECAUSE OF THE FRONTEND, (THE DEALERSHIP WHICH REPAIRED THE CAR AFTER ACCIDENT HAS LOST THEIR LICENSE TO SERVICE DODGE VEHICLES) I WAS REGULARLY USING THIS VEHICLE TO DRIVE MY KIDS TO SCHOOL. I AM A SINGLE PARENT, AND CAN'T AFFORD TO HAVE THEIR DEFECT CORRECTED. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE DURANGO LONG DISTANCE.. I HAVE WRITTEN A LETTER OF COMPLAINT WITH THE CHRYSLER OFFICE IN MICHIGAN, BUT HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE. I HAVE ALSO ATTEMPTED TO REACH THE CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE WITH NO RESULTS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10275715
47,500 miles · Nov 10, 2008
Suspension
UPPER BALL JOINT FAILURE. LOUD NOISE AND DECREASED STEERING FUNCTION. RECALL ON 2002 DURANGO 4X4 BUT NOT ON 2002 DURANGO WITHOUT 4X4. PERHAPS SAME PARTS WERE USED IN BOTH TYPE 2002 DURANGO. RECALL SHOULD BE ON BOTH. ESTIMATE REPAIR COST $1500. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10248392
110,000 miles · Jun 20, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, HydraulicSteering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DURANGO. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD A CLUNKING, WHINING, AND HUMMING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. HE DROVE TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT BOTH THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS AND A TIE ROD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC PERFORM…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DURANGO. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD A CLUNKING, WHINING, AND HUMMING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. HE DROVE TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT BOTH THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS AND A TIE ROD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC PERFORMED A WHEEL ALIGNMENT. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V596000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT: CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT) WAS REFERENCED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE ENTIRE COOLING SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THE DEALER COULD NOT LOCATE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE COOLING SYSTEM HAS NOT WORKED PROPERLY SINCE THE REPAIR. THE SWITCH TO OPERATE THE BLOWER MOTOR FAN ONLY WORKS ON HIGH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. UPDATED 07/15/08.*LJ THE BRAKES WERE REPLACED NUMEROUS TIMES. UPDATED 07/15/08.
NHTSA ODI #10231821
99,930 miles · Feb 20, 2008
SteeringSuspensionVisibility
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DURANGO. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE RATTLED, SHOOK, AND VEERED LEFT AND RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR AND THEY STATED THAT THE TIE ROD ASSEMBLY FAILED. THE REPAIRS COST $2,690.47; HOWEVER, THE WARRANTY DID NOT COVER ALL OF THE REPAIR WORK. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WA…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DURANGO. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE RATTLED, SHOOK, AND VEERED LEFT AND RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR AND THEY STATED THAT THE TIE ROD ASSEMBLY FAILED. THE REPAIRS COST $2,690.47; HOWEVER, THE WARRANTY DID NOT COVER ALL OF THE REPAIR WORK. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 99,961 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,930. UPDATED 03-11-08 *BF THE UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE NOISY, THE SHOCKS WERE LEAKING OIL, THE POWER STEERING LINES WERE LEAKING. THE REAR WIPER MOTOR FAILED, THE FRONT PINION SEAL WAS LEAKING. THE POWER STEERING RACK AND PINION HAD AN INTERNAL FAILURE. UPDATED
NHTSA ODI #10218646
86,300 miles · Nov 28, 2007
Suspension
I PURCHASED A 2002 DODGE DURANGO IN JAUARY OF 2007. I HAVE NOT HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH IT UNTIL I NOTICED THAT THE TRUCK WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO A LOCAL SERVICE CENTER AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THEY ALSO INFORMED ME THAT THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL FOR THE UP…
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I PURCHASED A 2002 DODGE DURANGO IN JAUARY OF 2007. I HAVE NOT HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH IT UNTIL I NOTICED THAT THE TRUCK WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO A LOCAL SERVICE CENTER AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THEY ALSO INFORMED ME THAT THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL FOR THE UPPER BALL JOINTS FOR CHRYSLER. WHEN I CONTACTED THE LOCAL DEALER THEY TOLD ME THAT THE RECALL HAD BEEN PERFORMED ON MY TRUCK IN 2005. WHEN I INFORMED THE SERVICE CENTER THAT THE RECALL HAD BEEN DONE THEY WERE AMAZED TO FIND THAT THEY BALL JOINTS HAD WORN SO QUICKLY AND THE PROBLEM WITH THE BALL JOINTS "STILL" PRESENTS VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR DODGE DURANGO OWNERS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10210154
74,500 miles · Sep 1, 2007
SteeringSuspension
VEHICLE HAS JUST OVER 74,000 MILES AND A VERY SLIGHT SHUDDER AND VIBRATION FROM FRONT WHEELS EVOLVED INTO HARD VIBRATION AT SPEEDS OVER 35 MPH. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR FACILITY WHERE I WAS TOLD THAT BOTH FRONT HUBS AND BEARINGS HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF WEAR, AND THE TIE ROD ENDS ON BOTH SIDES WERE WORN BEYOND REPAIR…
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VEHICLE HAS JUST OVER 74,000 MILES AND A VERY SLIGHT SHUDDER AND VIBRATION FROM FRONT WHEELS EVOLVED INTO HARD VIBRATION AT SPEEDS OVER 35 MPH. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR FACILITY WHERE I WAS TOLD THAT BOTH FRONT HUBS AND BEARINGS HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF WEAR, AND THE TIE ROD ENDS ON BOTH SIDES WERE WORN BEYOND REPAIR AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE COST OF REPAIR TO MY VEHICLE IS APPROXIMATELY $1024.00. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10201660
69,000 miles · Aug 30, 2007
SteeringSuspensionCrashInjury
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DURANGO. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT AND CRASHED INTO THE GUARD RAIL. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED LEG AND ARM INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE UPPER BALL JOINTS AND TIE RODS FAILED AND CAUSED THE CRASH. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE UNABLE TO EXPLAIN WHY THIS O…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DURANGO. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT AND CRASHED INTO THE GUARD RAIL. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED LEG AND ARM INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE UPPER BALL JOINTS AND TIE RODS FAILED AND CAUSED THE CRASH. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE UNABLE TO EXPLAIN WHY THIS OCCURRED AND STATED THAT NO RECALLS WERE AVAILABLE. IN 2005, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER RECALL NUMBER 04V596000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT), IN WHICH THE TIE RODS AND BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD 46,000 MILES AT THAT TIME. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 69,000.
NHTSA ODI #10201201
114,000 miles · Aug 9, 2007
Suspension
I HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE WHEN BRAKING OR TURNING. WHEN I TOOK IT FOR SERVICE, I WAS TOLD THE RIGHT FRONT STEERING CONTROL ARM WAS BROKEN AND CATASTROPHIC CONSEQUENCES WERE IMMINENT IF I DROVE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY THE DODGE DEALER. I WAS LATER ADVISED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN 04V596000 WAS ASSOCIATED WI…
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I HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE WHEN BRAKING OR TURNING. WHEN I TOOK IT FOR SERVICE, I WAS TOLD THE RIGHT FRONT STEERING CONTROL ARM WAS BROKEN AND CATASTROPHIC CONSEQUENCES WERE IMMINENT IF I DROVE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY THE DODGE DEALER. I WAS LATER ADVISED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN 04V596000 WAS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS FAILURE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10199025
Official recalls
4Dec 4, 2007
ON CERTAIN VAN AND PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE IGNITION/PARK SHIFT INTERLOCK SYSTEM MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE. THIS CAN ALLOW THE SHIFTER TO BE MOVED OUT OF THE "PARK" POSITION WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED (OR IN THE "LOCK" POSITION). THIS CAN ALSO ALLOW THE IGNITION KEY TO BE REMOVED WHEN THE SHIFTER HAS NOT BEEN PLACED IN THE "PARK" POSITION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: EITHER OF THESE CONDITIONS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY CAUSING A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE GEARSHIFT BLOCKER AND BRACKET ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Sep 7, 2006
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FRONT BENCH SEATS ONLY, IF FLUID IS SPILLED FROM THE FLOOR MOUNTED CUP HOLDER, AN UNUSED CONSOLE POWER OUTLET CONNECTOR LOCATED UNDER THE SEAT MAY BECOME CONTAMINATED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS MAY ALLOW DEVELOPMENT OF A HIGH RESISTIVE SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE CONNECTOR, WHICH COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CONSOLE WIRING CONNECTOR FOR CORROSION, CLEAN AS REQUIRED, AND INSTALL A CAP TO PREVENT ADDITIONAL FLUID FROM CONTAMINATING THE CONNECTOR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 30, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLER CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
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.
May 5, 2004
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE MOTOR MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO WATER INTRUSION THAT COULD CAUSE INTERNAL CORROSION AND RESULT IN PARTIAL OR COMPLETE LOSS OF FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPING CAPABILITY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2004. OWNERS 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
5EA06011 · Vehicle UNDER-SEAT Fire
Opened Jun 19, 2006 · Closed Sep 22, 2006
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Electrical System:wiring
DAIMLERCHRYLSER CORPORATION (DCC) WILL RECALL 35,103 MY 2001-2003 DODGE DURANGO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FRONT BENCH SEATS (RECALL # 06V339, SEE DEFECT REPORT FOR DETAILS).THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH EITHER FRONT BUCKET SEATS OR A 40-20-40 SPLIT FRONT BENCH SEAT.VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FRONT BENCH SEAT CONTAIN AN UNCAPPED, UNUSED CONNECTOR LOCATED UNDER THE FRONT EDGE OF THE SEAT.THE CONNECTOR PROVIDES POWER TO THE CENTER CONSOLE POWER OUTLET FOR VEHICLES WITH BUCKET SEATS, BUT IT IS UNUSED IN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH BENCH SEATS.THE CONNECTOR IS LOCATED REARWARD OF THE CUP HOLDER ON THE TUNNEL FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE BENCH SEAT.THIS CONNECTOR CONTAINS A FUSED B+ CIRCUIT WIRE (THAT IS CONTINUOUSLY POWERED WITH THE KEY OFF) AND A GROUND WIRE. DCC DETERMINED THAT IF LIQUID IS SPILLED FROM THE CUP HOLDER ONTO THE TUNNEL, THE UNCAPPED CONNECTOR MAY BECOME CONTAMINATED.THIS CONTAMINATION MAY ALLOW DEVELOPMENT OF A HIGH RESISTANCE SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE CONNECTOR, CAUSING LOCALIZED HEATING, WHICH COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A FIRE.DCC WILL INSPECT THE UNCAPPED CONNECTOR FOR CORROSION, CLEAN AS REQUIRED, AND INSTALL A CAP TO PREVENT LIQUID CONTAMINATION.ALL OF THE REPORTED UNDER-SEAT FIRES WERE ON SUBJECT VEHICLES WITH A 40-20-40 BENCH SEAT.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System
DAIMLERCHRYLSER CORPORATION (DCC) WILL RECALL 35,103 MY 2001-2003 DODGE DURANGO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FRONT BENCH SEATS (RECALL # 06V339, SEE DEFECT REPORT FOR DETAILS).THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH EITHER FRONT BUCKET SEATS OR A 40-20-40 SPLIT FRONT BENCH SEAT.VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FRONT BENCH SEAT CONTAIN AN UNCAPPED, UNUSED CONNECTOR LOCATED UNDER THE FRONT EDGE OF THE SEAT.THE CONNECTOR PROVIDES POWER TO THE CENTER CONSOLE POWER OUTLET FOR VEHICLES WITH BUCKET SEATS, BUT IT IS UNUSED IN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH BENCH SEATS.THE CONNECTOR IS LOCATED REARWARD OF THE CUP HOLDER ON THE TUNNEL FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE BENCH SEAT.THIS CONNECTOR CONTAINS A FUSED B+ CIRCUIT WIRE (THAT IS CONTINUOUSLY POWERED WITH THE KEY OFF) AND A GROUND WIRE. DCC DETERMINED THAT IF LIQUID IS SPILLED FROM THE CUP HOLDER ONTO THE TUNNEL, THE UNCAPPED CONNECTOR MAY BECOME CONTAMINATED.THIS CONTAMINATION MAY ALLOW DEVELOPMENT OF A HIGH RESISTANCE SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE CONNECTOR, CAUSING LOCALIZED HEATING, WHICH COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A FIRE.DCC WILL INSPECT THE UNCAPPED CONNECTOR FOR CORROSION, CLEAN AS REQUIRED, AND INSTALL A CAP TO PREVENT LIQUID CONTAMINATION.ALL OF THE REPORTED UNDER-SEAT FIRES WERE ON SUBJECT VEHICLES WITH A 40-20-40 BENCH SEAT.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
Electrical System:wiring
DAIMLERCHRYLSER CORPORATION (DCC) WILL RECALL 35,103 MY 2001-2003 DODGE DURANGO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FRONT BENCH SEATS (RECALL # 06V339, SEE DEFECT REPORT FOR DETAILS).THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH EITHER FRONT BUCKET SEATS OR A 40-20-40 SPLIT FRONT BENCH SEAT.VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FRONT BENCH SEAT CONTAIN AN UNCAPPED, UNUSED CONNECTOR LOCATED UNDER THE FRONT EDGE OF THE SEAT.THE CONNECTOR PROVIDES POWER TO THE CENTER CONSOLE POWER OUTLET FOR VEHICLES WITH BUCKET SEATS, BUT IT IS UNUSED IN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH BENCH SEATS.THE CONNECTOR IS LOCATED REARWARD OF THE CUP HOLDER ON THE TUNNEL FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE BENCH SEAT.THIS CONNECTOR CONTAINS A FUSED B+ CIRCUIT WIRE (THAT IS CONTINUOUSLY POWERED WITH THE KEY OFF) AND A GROUND WIRE. DCC DETERMINED THAT IF LIQUID IS SPILLED FROM THE CUP HOLDER ONTO THE TUNNEL, THE UNCAPPED CONNECTOR MAY BECOME CONTAMINATED.THIS CONTAMINATION MAY ALLOW DEVELOPMENT OF A HIGH RESISTANCE SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE CONNECTOR, CAUSING LOCALIZED HEATING, WHICH COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A FIRE.DCC WILL INSPECT THE UNCAPPED CONNECTOR FOR CORROSION, CLEAN AS REQUIRED, AND INSTALL A CAP TO PREVENT LIQUID CONTAMINATION.ALL OF THE REPORTED UNDER-SEAT FIRES WERE ON SUBJECT VEHICLES WITH A 40-20-40 BENCH SEAT.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
PE06008 · Fire Under The Driver's Seat
Opened Feb 2, 2006 · Closed Jun 19, 2006
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash; Seats
ODI IS AWARE OF 10 REPORTS ALLEGING THAT A FIRE ORIGINATES UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER'S SEAT.SIX OF THEFIRES OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH TURNED OFF (KEY NOT IN THE IGNITION).THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL SEATS. THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS, (EA06-011), TO ALLOW FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF THE ISSUE.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash
ODI IS AWARE OF 10 REPORTS ALLEGING THAT A FIRE ORIGINATES UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER'S SEAT.SIX OF THEFIRES OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH TURNED OFF (KEY NOT IN THE IGNITION).THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL SEATS. THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS, (EA06-011), TO ALLOW FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF THE ISSUE.
Seats
ODI IS AWARE OF 10 REPORTS ALLEGING THAT A FIRE ORIGINATES UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER'S SEAT.SIX OF THEFIRES OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH TURNED OFF (KEY NOT IN THE IGNITION).THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL SEATS. THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS, (EA06-011), TO ALLOW FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF THE ISSUE.
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.
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