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2003 Dodge Durango

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2003 Dodge Durango do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 231.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

240 reports with mileage · 99 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 91 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 57 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 40 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

29 crash reports18 fire reports16 injury reports

Engine And Engine Cooling complaints

40 reports
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102,000 miles · Apr 24, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling

WHILE DRIVING MY 2003 DODGE DURANGO IN WHICH I AM FINANCING THE VEHICLE SINCE 2007 APRIL, WITHOUT WARNING MY OIL LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR STARTED TO SHAKE AND THE ENGINE WAS BANGING REALLY BAD. THE ENGINE DIED ON ME., I WAS STUCK ON A BRIDGE WITH 6 CHILDREN 100 MILES FROM HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS WELL MAINTAINED AND HOW COULD THIS…

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WHILE DRIVING MY 2003 DODGE DURANGO IN WHICH I AM FINANCING THE VEHICLE SINCE 2007 APRIL, WITHOUT WARNING MY OIL LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR STARTED TO SHAKE AND THE ENGINE WAS BANGING REALLY BAD. THE ENGINE DIED ON ME., I WAS STUCK ON A BRIDGE WITH 6 CHILDREN 100 MILES FROM HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS WELL MAINTAINED AND HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN. NOW I AM STUCK PAYING FOR A TRUCK THAT I CAN NOT USE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10327298

102,000 miles · Apr 23, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling

I HAVE CONTACTED THE DODGE DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT THE ONLY FOR MY VEHICLE IS THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR. I HAVE THE SAME ISSUES AS THE ONLY RECALLS AND DEFECTS AS WELL. THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION THAT WILL CAUSE A CRASH AND THE IDLING OF THE ENGINE WHILE IN PARK AND THE LIST GOES ON AND ON. FEAR FOR THE SAFETY OF ME AND MY …

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I HAVE CONTACTED THE DODGE DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT THE ONLY FOR MY VEHICLE IS THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR. I HAVE THE SAME ISSUES AS THE ONLY RECALLS AND DEFECTS AS WELL. THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION THAT WILL CAUSE A CRASH AND THE IDLING OF THE ENGINE WHILE IN PARK AND THE LIST GOES ON AND ON. FEAR FOR THE SAFETY OF ME AND MY KIDS WHAT AM I SUPPOSE TO DO. I AM LEASING THIS VEHICLE I FEEL LIKE I'M PAYING FOR A LEMON. I CAN'T ENJOY LIFE WITH MY KIDS THEY ARE THE MAIN REASON I GOT A TRUCK IN THE FIRST PLACE. HELP PLEASE I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10327170

100,000 miles · Apr 22, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentFuel System, Gasoline

I HAVE TO STOP FAR AWAY FROM A VEHICLE FEAR OF RUNNING IN THE BACK OF THEIR VEHICLE. IT DOESN'T SEEM TO WANT TO STOP SOMETIME, THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR AWHILE NOW ALOT RECENTLY. IT CUTS OFF ON ME IF I GET IN THE HIGHWAY SO EMBARRASSING AND WHEN THAT HAPPENS I ONLY CAN TAKE OFF SLOW. WHICH CAUSES ME TO EXIT THE HIGHWAY AND NOT…

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I HAVE TO STOP FAR AWAY FROM A VEHICLE FEAR OF RUNNING IN THE BACK OF THEIR VEHICLE. IT DOESN'T SEEM TO WANT TO STOP SOMETIME, THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR AWHILE NOW ALOT RECENTLY. IT CUTS OFF ON ME IF I GET IN THE HIGHWAY SO EMBARRASSING AND WHEN THAT HAPPENS I ONLY CAN TAKE OFF SLOW. WHICH CAUSES ME TO EXIT THE HIGHWAY AND NOT GET BACK ON. I HAD BOUGHT A CAR VACUUM AND IT STATED SMOKING ON ME, I WAS USING THE SOCKET IN THE ARM REST. I HAVE ALOT OF PROBLEMS WHEN I USE THE A/C OR HEAT IT CUTS OFF ON ME AND IT STALLS TO TAKE OFF,IT'S SCARY FOR ME AND MY KIDS. IT RAMS BY IT'S SELF AND IT ACTS AS IF IT'S GONE CUT OFF AND MOST OF THE TIME IT DO. IT MAKE THIS PUTTING SOUNDS WHEN IT'S GOING TO CUT OFF OR EVEN WHEN IT STOPS ON ME. THE DEALER REPLACE THE CADILLAC CONVERTER AND MY OXYGEN SENSORS. I ALSO GOT A TUNE UP AND TWO OF THE FUEL INJECTORS REPLACE NEW PARTS, THAT I PAID FOR MYSELF. IT FEELS LIKE MY FRONT SUSPENSION IS MESSED UP I HAD MY BRAKES CHECKED AND THEY ARE NOT BAD, BUT YOU CAN FEEL IT WHEN YOU PRESS ON THE BRAKES SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10326938

79,000 miles · Feb 20, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling

HAVE A 2003 DODGE DURANGO 79,000 MILES WHILE DRIVING OIL PRESSURE DROPPED TO ZERO. CHECK GAUGE LIGHT CAME ON AFTERWARDS. TOOK VEHICLE TO TWO DIFFERENT REPAIR SHOPS BOTH STATED WE NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. THEY SAID WE NEEDED A NEW ENGINE DUE TO OIL SLUDGE BUILD UP RESULTING IN ENGINE FAILURE. LOOKED ONLINE ONLY TO FIND HUNDREDS AND …

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HAVE A 2003 DODGE DURANGO 79,000 MILES WHILE DRIVING OIL PRESSURE DROPPED TO ZERO. CHECK GAUGE LIGHT CAME ON AFTERWARDS. TOOK VEHICLE TO TWO DIFFERENT REPAIR SHOPS BOTH STATED WE NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. THEY SAID WE NEEDED A NEW ENGINE DUE TO OIL SLUDGE BUILD UP RESULTING IN ENGINE FAILURE. LOOKED ONLINE ONLY TO FIND HUNDREDS AND HUNDREDS OF THE SAME COMPLAINT ON DODGE DURANGOS WITH LOW MILEAGE. THIS OBVIOUSLY IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINES THAT PEOPLE NEED TO MADE AWARE OF AND DODGE SHOULD BE THE ONES TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10259482

100,000 miles · Oct 22, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingCrashInjury

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. WHILE IDLING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED BY ITSELF. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE REAR TIRES TURNED OVER AND PUSHED THE VEHICLE OUT INTO THE INTERSECTION. THE VEHICLE THEN BEGAN TO FISHTAIL. THE CONTACT TURNED THE WHEEL TO THE LEFT AND …

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. WHILE IDLING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED BY ITSELF. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE REAR TIRES TURNED OVER AND PUSHED THE VEHICLE OUT INTO THE INTERSECTION. THE VEHICLE THEN BEGAN TO FISHTAIL. THE CONTACT TURNED THE WHEEL TO THE LEFT AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ROLL OVER. HE SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06E024000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), WHICH HE BELIEVED TO BE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED, JUST HIS INSURANCE COMPANY. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 100,000.

NHTSA ODI #10246375

Mileage unknown · Oct 10, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentFuel System, Gasoline

2003 DODGE DURANGO WAS PURCHASED FROM A LOCAL DEALERSHIP IN WICKLIFFE,OH IN APRIL OF 08. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP NEEDING TO BE SERVICED IN EXCESS OF 7 TIMES, FROM THE BUSHINGS BEING REPLACED TO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REPEATEDLY COMING ON WITH THE DEALERSHIPS INABILITY TO FIX IT . I HAVE BEEN IN A RENTAL CAR MORE T…

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2003 DODGE DURANGO WAS PURCHASED FROM A LOCAL DEALERSHIP IN WICKLIFFE,OH IN APRIL OF 08. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP NEEDING TO BE SERVICED IN EXCESS OF 7 TIMES, FROM THE BUSHINGS BEING REPLACED TO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REPEATEDLY COMING ON WITH THE DEALERSHIPS INABILITY TO FIX IT . I HAVE BEEN IN A RENTAL CAR MORE THAN I HAVE DRIVEN THE VEHICLE THAT I PURCHASED FROM THE DEALERSHIP. THERE WAS AN EVAP CODE AS THEY SO ELOQUENTLY STATED SO THEY ALLEGEDLY FIXED THAT ONLY TO FIND THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STILL CONTINUALLY COMES ON. EVERY TIME THAT THE PROBLEM WAS SUPPOSEDLY RESOLVED, I WAS BACK AT THE DEALERSHIP WITHIN 2 TO 3 DAYS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN. THE MANAGEMENT THERE STATED AND ADMITTED THAT THEY SIMPLY CAN'T FIX THE VEHICLE THEREFORE THEY ARE GOING TO GET ME OUT OF IT SO THEY EVEN HAD ME TO PICK ANOTHER VEHICLE WHICH THEY SAID WOULD FIT PERFECTLY AND SHOULD NOT AFFECT THE PAYMENT THAT I HAVE IN PLACE RIGHT NOW. I HAVE BEEN HEARING ABOUT GETTING THIS REPLACEMENT VEHICLE FOR OVER 3 MONTHS WITH NO RESULT. THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND HITTING A BUMP BECAUSE IT FEELS AS IF THE FRONT END IS GOING IN TWO DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS. MY WIFE WONT DRIVE IT, WE ARE SCARED TO PUT OUR KIDS INTO IT AND I NEED YOUR HELP RIGHT AWAY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10245072

23,800 miles · Dec 17, 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train

MY 2003 DODGE DURANGO SXT- HAD THIS SINCE 2003 BOUGHT BRAND NEW AND I TAKE IT TO DEALERSHIP FOR OIL CHANGE, TIRE CHECK ETC . FOLLOW THE MAINTANANCE GUIDE ON WHAT SHOULD BE CHECK OUT , NOW TRUCK AT A ( STOP LIGHT ) IT WANTS TO STALL, I WAS DOING 35 ON ON THE STREET I LIVE ON AND MY TRUCK CUTS OFF NO WARNING, CUTS LIGHT AND ALL WE…

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MY 2003 DODGE DURANGO SXT- HAD THIS SINCE 2003 BOUGHT BRAND NEW AND I TAKE IT TO DEALERSHIP FOR OIL CHANGE, TIRE CHECK ETC . FOLLOW THE MAINTANANCE GUIDE ON WHAT SHOULD BE CHECK OUT , NOW TRUCK AT A ( STOP LIGHT ) IT WANTS TO STALL, I WAS DOING 35 ON ON THE STREET I LIVE ON AND MY TRUCK CUTS OFF NO WARNING, CUTS LIGHT AND ALL WENT OUT ON ME, AN POLICE CAR WAS INFRONT OF ME ACROSS THE ROAD FACING AT ME AND AS SOON AS THE LIGHT WENT GREEN HE PULLS ME OVER AND TELL FOR MY SAFETY YOU NEED TO CHECK YOUR POWER SUPPLY I SAID THANK YOU. THE NEXT MORNING I BRING MY TRUCK DODGE DEALER SHIP ONE OF THE GUYS SEEMS LIKE HE WAS TRYING TO RUSH MY OFF STATING THAT THEY WERE TOO BUSY , SO I BRING IT BACK THE NEXT DAY THEY CHECK IT OUT AND COULD NOT FIND NOTHING WRONG I EVEN PAID ( $85.00 ) I THINK THERE SOMETHING WRONG WITH MY ELECTRIC SYSTEM . NOW WHEN I AM ON THE ROAD IT TRIES TO STALL , AND THE RPM GO UP 3.5 AND BACK DOWN TO 0.5 WENT TO AUTO ZONE THE GUY THERE GUY GAVE ME SOME AFTER READING WHEN MY TRUCK LIGHT CAME BACK ON THE CODES WERE GENERAL EVAP SYSTEM FAILURE , AND P0441-EVAP PURGE SYSTEM PERFORMANCE ,P0068-MANIFOLD PRESSURE/THROTTLE POSITION CORRELATION ,P0123-THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR #1 HIGH , SYSTEM ,P2074-MANIFOLD PRESSURE/THROTTLE POSITION CORRELATION - HIGH FLOW/VACUUM LEAK, P0700-TRANSMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM ,P0440-GENERAL EVAP SYSTEM FAILURE , NOW EVERY TIME I DRIVE IT HAS A LOT OF HESITATION THEN POWER IN ALL DROP THEN MY BATTERY LIGHT COME ON ON THE DASH AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BY THE TIME I GET CHECK OUT NO FREE TO CHECK MY PROBLEM I WAS GOING TO REPORT TO DODGE COMPANY I NEVER HAD A PROBLEM NOW WHATEVER IT IS CAUSING ME TO LOSE POWER I WAS ON HIGH WAS 264 WITH A LOTS OR CAR AND MY TRUCK CUTS OFF I COULD NOT DO ANYTHING NO WARNING LIGHT THEN A POLICE CAR CAME BEHIND ME AND HELP ME OFF THE ROAD. SAID TO THE OFFICER THAT I GOT IT CHECK OUT AND NOW I AM STUCK OUT HERE WITH NOTHING WORKING I NEED SOME TO CHECK THIS OUT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10212134

Mileage unknown · Oct 25, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling

I HAVE A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF MY LOCAL DODGE / JEEP DEALER DUE TO A AN ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON. THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO FIND OUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10206932

27,711 miles · Oct 1, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. WHILE IDLING, THE ENGINE WOULD STALL AND THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK AND SURGE FORWARD AT LOW SPEEDS. OCCASIONALLY, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT OFF AND THEN RESTART MINUTES LATER WHILE IDLING. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE DURING THE FAILURES. HE TOOK THE VEH…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. WHILE IDLING, THE ENGINE WOULD STALL AND THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK AND SURGE FORWARD AT LOW SPEEDS. OCCASIONALLY, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT OFF AND THEN RESTART MINUTES LATER WHILE IDLING. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE DURING THE FAILURES. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND THEY REPLACED THE NVLD PUMP VACUUM CANISTER, THE CAM SENSORY, AND THE SPLIT HOSE SOLENOID CANISTER. THE CHECK ENGINE REMAINS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,711 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 42,000.

NHTSA ODI #10204576

85,000 miles · Aug 28, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling

MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING MY DODGE DURANGO WHEN POWER WAS LOST. SHE WAS BARELY ABLE TO GET IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. SHE CALLED ME VERY UPSET AS SHE HAD JUST STARTED DRIVING ONLY ABOUT ONE YEAR BEFORE THIS HAPPENED. I HAD HER SIT WITH THE TRUCK AND TRY TO START IT AGAIN. SHE WAS ABLE TO GET IT STARTED AND MOVED ABOUT 20 FEET…

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MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING MY DODGE DURANGO WHEN POWER WAS LOST. SHE WAS BARELY ABLE TO GET IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. SHE CALLED ME VERY UPSET AS SHE HAD JUST STARTED DRIVING ONLY ABOUT ONE YEAR BEFORE THIS HAPPENED. I HAD HER SIT WITH THE TRUCK AND TRY TO START IT AGAIN. SHE WAS ABLE TO GET IT STARTED AND MOVED ABOUT 20 FEET TO A MORE SECURE AREA ALONG THE ROAD. SHE WAS ON A VERY BUSY ROAD, A1A IN INDIALANTIC, FLORIDA. NEEDLESS TO SAY SHE WAS VERY UPSET AND AFRAID. MY YOUNGEST DAUGHTER WAS WITH HER AT THE TIME AND SHE WAS VERY UPSET AS WELL. BOTH COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED WHEN THE TRUCK LOST POWER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10201000

Official recalls

4

06V339000 · Electrical System

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.

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.

04V216000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer

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.

02V322000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch

Dec 2, 2002

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, THE CENTRAL TIMER MODULE (CTM) HAS AN IMPROPERLY SIZED CIRCUIT BOARD TRACE THAT COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE RIGHT HEADLAMP LOW BEAM TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE LIGHTS FAIL, A VISIBILITY PROBLEM COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CTM. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 23, 2002. 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

5

EA06011 · 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.