2000 Dodge Durango
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Suspension is the leading concern among 1,097 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 25 Durango model years with reports.
Of the 2000 reports, 118 involved a crash and 26 involved a fire. 88 people were injured and 11 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Suspension, front, hubOct 20, 2008
SKF IS RECALLING 2,805 HUB UNITS, PART NO. BR930361, SOLD AS A SERVICE PART FOR 1997-2004 DODGE DAKOTA VEHICLES AND 1999-2003 DODGE DURANGO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2-WHEEL DRIVE & REAR AXLE ABS. DUE TO A SPECIFICATION ERROR, THE ROTOR PILOT FOR THE HUB UNIT MAY BE TOO LONG. THIS RESULTS IN THE WHEEL TO NOT BE SEATED FULLY AGAINST THE HUB FLANGE FACE DURING MOUNTING.
IMPROPER SEATING OF THE WHEEL CAN RESULT IN EXCESSIVE VIBRATION, BRAKE ROTOR NOISE, DIFFICULTY REMOVING THE WHEEL AFTER INSTALLATION AND OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE, AND POSSIBLY WHEEL-END SEPARATION DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. SHOULD WHEEL-END SEPARATION OCCUR, THE DRIVER COULD LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
SKF WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE HUB UNITS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 5, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SKF VSM NORTH AMERICA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-644-8999.
Campaign 08E064000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine coolingMar 15, 2006
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT K&N FUEL PERFORMANCE KITS, P/NOS. 57-1509, 57-1511, 57-1511-1, 57-1517, 57-1517-1, 57-1527, AND 57-1530. ALSO, A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THESE KITS WERE SOLD UNDER THE MOPAR PERFORMANCE PARTS BRAND NAME (P/NOS. P5007069 AND P5007070). ALL KITS WERE MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 20, 1999, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 23, 2004. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE MANUFACTURED AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN DODGE PICKUP TRUCKS AND SUVS. A SMALL PIECE OF MATERIAL FROM THE TUBE WALL COULD BE SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE THROTTLE BODY, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BECOME JAMMED IN THE OPEN POSITION.
A JAMMED OPEN THROTTLE COULD CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH OR INCREASED STOPING DISTANCES WHEN BRAKING.
K&N WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2006.
Campaign 06E024000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, front, control arm, upper ball jointDec 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.
EXCESSIVE WEAR IN THE UPPER BALL JOINT MAY ALLOW IT TO SEPARATE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
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.
Campaign 04V596000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsMay 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 01V153000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
1,097 reports, newest first.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 20, 2004
WHJILE PARKED ANTIFREEZE SPOT STARTED SHOWING UP UNDER THE DODGE DURANGO 2000. REPAIR SHOP FOUND 8 FREEZE PLUGS LEAKING ON A VEHICLE WITH ONLY 61,250 MILES ON IT.
Power train, Visibility, Equipment, Oct 18, 2004
TRANSMISSION "GRABBING" AND "SLIPPING" IN ALL GEARS. MOST NOTICABLE ON THE HIGHWAY. TRANSMISSION GOES FROM OVERDRIVE TO ONE AND SOMETIMES TWO LOWER GEARS AT HIGHWAY SPEED. VEHILCLE WILL JUMP AND SPUTTER. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER WHO DID NOT GET IT REPAIRED. IT WAS ALSO TAKEN TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC, WHO SAYS IT'S A LEMON. (I HAVE NO FAITH IN THE DEALER WHO SOLD ME THE GARBAGE AFTER THEY CLAIMED TO HAVE NOT FIGURED MY FIANANCING CORRECTLY ABD HIT ME WITH A $975 ADDITIONAL FEE.) ELLENVILLE DODGE. *AK
Vehicle speed control, Oct 15, 2004, crash
CONSUMER HAD PLACED KEY IN THE IGNITION TO START VEHICLE WHEN IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FORWARD, WITHOUT WARNING, AND HIT A TREE. VEHICLE WAS STILL IN PARK POSITION WHEN ACCELERATION OCCUR. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED BY INSURANCE CO. BOTH AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. DRIVER SUFFERED SEVERE INJURIES AND WAS HOSPITALIZED. *NM
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Oct 12, 2004, crash
THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PARK POSITION, WHEN THE CONSUMER TURNED THE KEY, THE VEHICLE JUST ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE SPUN AROUND, MADE A LEFT HAND CUT GOING INTO A DITCH AND HITTING A TREE. THERE WERE INJURIES. THE CONSUMER HAD A BROKEN RIGHT LEG. THE AIR BAGS DID DEPLOY. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *JB
Suspension, Oct 12, 2004
MY COMPLAINT IS SIMPLY THAT I CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY YOUR AGENCY HASN'T ORDERED A RECALL CONCERNING DEFECTIVE BALL JOINTS ON 2000 DODGE DURANGOS, AND DURANGOS OF OTHER MODEL YEARS SO AFFECTED. THESE DEFECTS ARE HIGHLY DANGEROUS, AND HIGHLY COSTLY TO OWNERS. YOUR INACTION IS SIMPLY FACILITATING DAIMLER CHRYSLER'S CYNICAL POLICY OF IGNORING THE ISSUE AND HOPING THAT IT BLOWS OVER. IN THE ABSENCE OF A RECALL ORDER, I FAIL TO SEE HOW YOUR AGENCY IS PROTECTING AMERICAN TAXPAYERS. *NM
Power train, Oct 8, 2004
WHILE DRIVING, THE TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY FAILED. WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO OVER 25 MPH AND THEN IT JUST WOULD NOT GO AT ALL. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. PLEASE PROVIDE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. *JB
Steering, Oct 8, 2004
SEPTEMBER 12, I WENT TO BACK OUT OF A PARKING LOT AND THE TIE ROD END CAME UNHOOKED FROM THE RACK AND PINION STEERING. THE THREADS ON THE BOLTS WERE STRIPPED OUT. WHEN THE REPAIR SHOP WENT TO LOOSEN THE OTHER TIE ROD IT DISINTEGRATED. THEY COMMENTED THAT WE WERE REAL LUCKY IT HAD COME APART. THEY ALSO INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH MILE TO WARRANT THE NEEDED REPAIRS. *NM
Suspension, Oct 8, 2004
10/8/04 DROVE VEHICLE FOR APPROX 4 MILES TODAY, EVERYTHING NORMAL AS COULD BE. LEAVING A PARKING SPOT WITH LIMITED CLEARANCE, REQUIRING A FULL TURN-TO-LOCK ON THE STEERING WHEEL, UPPER BALL JOINT FAILED, CAUSING SEPARATION OF THE FRONT AXLE (4WD), AND SEPARATION OF THE LOWER BALL JOINT. THERE WAS NO NOISE OR OTHER INDICATION OF IMPENDING FAILURE. *NM
Exterior lighting, Oct 6, 2004
SINCE PURCHASING THE DURANGO, I HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL ISSUES WITH THE CAR. THE LIGHTS TURN OFF WHEN DRIVING. WHEN THIS OCCURS, YOU HAVE 3 CHOICES: GET OFF THE ROAD; TURN ON THE HIGH BEAMS; FLICK THE LIGHTS AND HOPE THAT THEY COME ON.*AK
Fuel system, Other, Oct 4, 2004
OUR 2000 DODGE DURANGO WITH JUST OVER 36,000 MILES BLEW ON A TRIP OUT OF TOWN LEAVING US STRANDED. THE FACTORY WARRANTY HAD JUST EXPIRED. THE EXTENDED WARRANTY PEOPLE CAME DOWN AND ARE TRYING TO BLAME IT ON US, SAYING WE DIDN'T CHANGE THE OIL ENOUGH, (THAT'S RIDICULOUS) WE DID CHANGE THE OIL, BUT EVEN IF WE HADN'T IT SHOULDN'T MAKE THE ENGINE BLOW, IT MIGHT MAKE IT RUN LIKE CRAP, IT WASN'T REALLY DOING THAT EITHER. AFTER RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET, I FOUND MANY OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAD THE SAME PROBLEM, IT TURNS OUT IT IS A PART IN THE OIL PUMP THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED IN 98,99, AND 2000 MODELS BEFORE THEY EXTENDED THE FACTORY WARRANTY IN LATER MODELS. DO THEY REALLY EXPECT PEOPLE WITH THESE PROBLEMS TO BUY A NEW MOTOR FOR 6,000, AND THEY DON'T HAVE TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY OF IT!!!! OUR DURANGO IS STILL AT THE DEALERSHIP, WE DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. CHRYSLER IS TRYING TO IGNORE US, TO TRADE FOR A NEW VEHICLE, WE WILL LOSE AROUND 4 THOUSAND DOLLARS AND OUR PAYMENTS WILL BE MORE EXPENSIVE THEN WE CAN REALLY AFFORD. WE STILL OWE $14,000 ON THAT PIECE OF CRAP. THEY NEED TO EXTEND THE WARRANTY LIKE VOLKSWAGEN AND TOYOTA DID WHEN THEY HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH SOME OF THEIR MODELS, OR DO SOMETHING!!!! THANK YOU. *AK
Suspension, Sep 30, 2004
WHILE DRIVING DRIVER"SEHICLE WANDERED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. STEERING WHEEL WOULD PULL FROM LEFT TO RIGHT ON ITS OWN. CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT BOTH FRONTAL UPPER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO CORROSION. *AK
Air bags, Sep 29, 2004, crash
WHILE DRIVING ACROSS AN INTERSECTION CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS HIT HEAD ON. THE VEHICLE THAT HIT CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY.*AK
Suspension, Sep 28, 2004
WHILE DRIVING LEFT FRONT TIRE FELL OFF AFTER CROSSING A RAIL ROAD TRACK. THE BALL JOINTS WERE DEFECTIVE. DEALER STATED THIS WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY.*AK *TC
Suspension, Sep 27, 2004
I HAVE A 2000 DODGE DURANGO AND I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH MY BALLJOINTS. I'VE HAD MY CAR IN FOR NUMEROUS PROBLEMS BUT NONE AS SCARY AS THE NEAR LOOSING CONTROL OF MY CAR EVERYTIME I GO OVER A POTHOLE OR UNEVEN PAVEMENT. FINALLY IN MARCH 2004 I HAD ALL FOUR OF THE BALLJOINTS REPLACED BECAUSE THEY WERE FOUND TO HAVE "EXCESSIVE RADIAL FREE PLAY, OVER .250 INCH". AFTER HAVING THEM REPLACED IN MARCH THERE IS STILL A PROBLEM. I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK FOR THE SAME PROBLEM BUT WAS TOLD THAT EVERYTHING WAS TIGHT BUT THAT I NEEDED NEW SHOCKS. I'VE REPLACED THE SHOCKS AND THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS. I ASKED THE DEALER IF I COULD HAVE THE OLD PARTS BUT THEY SAID SINCE IT WAS A WARRANTY ISSUE THAT I WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO HAVE THEM BECASUSE THEY WOULD HAVE TO SEND THEM BACK TO MOPAR. I ALSO ASKED IF THE BALLJOINTS THAT WERE REPLACED WERE THE SAME AS THE OLD ONES, THE SAME TYPE, SAME MANUFACTURE AND THE DEALER TOLD ME THERE WAS NO WAY FOR HIM TO KNOW. BECAUSE IF THEY WERE THE OLD TYPE THEN I WOULD LIKE THE NEW TYPE PUT ONE. I FEEL LUCKY THAT I PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY BECAUSE I HAVEN'T HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE BALLJOINTS, BUT I DID HAVE TO PAY 500 DOLLARS FOR REPLACING THE SHOCKS. I JUST HOPE I REALLY NEEDED THEM.
Suspension, Sep 24, 2004
WHILE DRIVING A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE NOISE ESCALATED LOUDER AND LOUDER. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO CORROSION. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 21, 2004
MY 2000 DURANGO SLT WAS BEING DRIVEN BY MY SON WHEN THE CHECK GAUGES LIGHT CAME ON. IT WAS TOWED TO A GARAGE SINCE THEY TOLD US NOT TO DRIVE IT. THEY PROCEEDED TO CHANGE THE OIL FIRST, SINCE THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE WAS JUMPING UP AND DOWN. THEY THEN STARTED THE DURANGO AND REVVED THE ENGINE FOR A WHILE. WE THEN HAD IT TOWED TO OUR HOUSE SINCE MY HUSBAND IS A MECHANIC. HE WAS GOING TO LOOK AT IT AND WHEN HE DID HE DISCOVERED THAT ONE OF THE RODS WERE BENT SO THIS MEANS THE ENGINE NEEDS REPLACED. OIL CHANGES ON MY DURANGO WERE DONE AS SCHEDULED BY MY HUSBAND, IN FACT HE HAD CHECKED THE OIL 2 DAYS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT AND WENT AND BOUGHT A NEW OIL FILTER AND A NEW CASE OF OIL TO CHANGE THE OIL. MY SON CALLED DAHMLER-CHRYSLER AND THEY TOLD HIM THAT THERE HAD NEVER BEEN ANY COMPLAINTS MADE TO THEM ABOUT THE ENGINE AND THAT THERE WAS NO RECALLS DONE ON THE VEHICLE. THESE CHECKS WERE EVEN DONE WITH US GIVING THEM THE VIN OF THE VEHICLE. WE ARE NOW LOOKING AT HAVING TO SPEND $2000 FOR AN ENGINE AND THAT IS ONE WITH 60,000 MILES ON IT AND BEING REBUILT. SEEING THE OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THE WEBSITES THAT I HAVE BEEN TO, DODGE HAS TO BE AT FAULT FOR A DEFECT ON THE ENGINE OR OIL PUMP WHICH WOULD CAUSE THE OIL TO GUM UP JUST SITTING THERE AND NOT BEING PUMPED THROUGH THE ENGINE TO KEEP CRUCIAL PARTS LUBRICATED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. TO BE HONEST IT MAKES ME WORRIED ABOUT GOING OUT AND PAYING THE MONEY FOR ANOTHER ENGINE SEEING THAT MAYBE NEXT MONTH IT WOULD END UP TEARING UP AGAIN. I FEEL THAT DODGE SHOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE PROBLEMS WITH THIS ENGINE IN THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED DUE TO ENGINE FAILURE AND THE FAMILY OF THAT PERSON FINDS THIS INFORMATION AND DAHMLER-CHRYSLER IS INVOLVED IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AND THAT COULD BE EVEN MORE DEVISTATING THE COMPANY THAN A RECALL ON THE ENGINES THAT DON'T WORK CORRECTLY TO BEGIN WITH.*AK
Suspension, Sep 21, 2004
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED.*AK THE VEHICLE SHAKES WHEN DRIVING SPEEDS OF 40 MPH AND HIGHER. *TC *JB
Power train, Sep 17, 2004
WHILE SHIFTING TRANSMISSION DOWNN SHIFTED ON ITS ON. TRANSMISSION HESITATED WHILE APPLYING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, AND THEN ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.*AK THE DRIVER INFORMED THE MECHANIC THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED MORE THAN ONCE AND HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
Suspension, Sep 16, 2004
THE BALL JOINTS ON MY 2000 DURANGO ARE SHOWING PREMATURE WEAR. THE MECHANIC SAYS THE VEHICLE WILL SOON BE UNSAFE TO DRIVE WITHOUT FIXING THIS. DODGE KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND THE FACT THAT IT PUTS ME AND MY FAMILY IN DANGER BY DRIVING IT, BUT THEY HAVE NOT WARNED ME OF THIS PROBLEM, NOR DOES THEIR MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE INDICATE THAT THESE PARTS NEED INSPECTION AT ANY GIVEN INTERVAL. *JB
Seats, Sep 14, 2004
I AM WRITING THIS EMAIL TO EXPRESS MY DEEP CONCERN FOR THE SAFETY OF CHILDREN RIDING IN THE REAR 3RD BENCH SEAT OF DODGE DURANGO'S. MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE A 2000 DODGE DURANGO. WE RECENTLY HAVE BEEN PUTTING MY 4 YEAR OLD SON'S BOOSTER SEAT IN THE BENCH SEAT SINCE THE BIRTH OF OUR 3RD CHILD. WE FIGURED WE COULD STILL USE THE DURANGO INSTEAD OF BUYING A MINI VAN. IT BECAME EVIDENT TO US ON A RECENT CAR TRIP THAT THE REAR BENCH SEAT DOES NOT LOCK INTO POSITION. MY HUSBAND AND I CAN EASILY PUSH ON THE SEATBACK FROM THE REAR AND IT WILL FOLD TO THE FLOOR. WE IMMEDIATELY ENVISIONED THE SAFETY HAZARDS THIS COULD IMPOSE ON ANYONE RIDING IN THE REAR BENCH SEAT, ESPECIALLY FOR CHILDREN. A REAR END COLLISION COULD SEND ANYONE FLYING FORWARD, EVEN IF THEY HAD THEIR SEATBELTS IN PLACE. I TURNED TO MY OWNERS MANUAL FOR ANSWERS AND IT GIVES A WARNING TO "MAKE SURE THE CUSHION IS PROPERLY ENGAGED UNDER THE SEATBACK TO PROPERLY LOCK THE SEATBACK IN THE RIDING POSITION". IN OUR EXPERIENCE THIS POSITIONING DID NOT LOCK THE SEAT. I CONTACTED TWO DEALERSHIPS EXPRESSING MY CONCERN AND GOT NO REAL ANSWERS. CHAMPION DODGE IN BARRINGTON SAID IT WAS UNSAFE FOR CHILDREN TO BE PLACED IN THE BENCH SEAT. VIKING DODGE OF CRYSTAL LAKE SIMPLY SAID THAT IF IT WAS IN THE OWNERS MANUAL IT MUST BE TRUE. I THEN CONTACTED THE CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER FOR DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION AND THEY SAID IT WAS UNSAFE FOR CHILDREN TO RIDE IN THE BENCH SEAT AND THAT THERE IS NO LOCKING MECHANISM. GIVEN THIS INFORMATION I FEEL THAT ANYONE WHO RIDES IN THAT BENCH SEAT IS AT RISK FOR SERIOUS INJURY. IT IS A SMALLER SEAT AND I COULD SEE A LOT OF PEOPLE WANTING TO PLACE CHILDREN BACK THERE. A LOT OF PARENTS COULD BE USING THAT SEAT FOR EXTRA CHILDREN THEY ARE TRANSPORTING IN CAR POOLS. I FEEL THIS SAFETY CONCERN NEEDS TO PUBLICIZED TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY. I FEEL DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION NEEDS TO PERFORM A RECALL ON ALL DURANGO'S AFFECTED AND INSTALL A LOCKING MECHANISM TO THE BENCH SEAT.
Suspension, Sep 13, 2004
BASIC AUTO CHECKUP DESOVERED ISSUE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS LIFTED IN THE AIR THE FRONT END FELL APART. BOTH BALL JOINTS FOR THE 2000 DURANGO I OWN HAD TO BE REPLACED WHICH END UP COSTING CLOSE TO $500. I HAD HEARD 1 YEAR AGO ABOUT POSSIBLE PROBLEM BUT DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING OF IT UNTIL NOW WHICH LEAD ME TO RESEARCH IT. IT WOULD SEEM THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE, AND IT COULD HAVE POSSIBLITY BEEN WORSE BY IT FALLING OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING, WHICH COULD HAVE RESULTING IS SERIOUS INJURY.*AK
Suspension, Air bags, Sep 8, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, CONSUMER CAN HEAR A CLICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT WHEELS. A MECHANIC EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE BALL JOINTS WERE WORN ON BOTH SIDES. THE CONSUMER ALSO FOUND OUT THAT THE CLOCK SPRING IS DEFECTIVE IN THE VEHICLE. *LA *TS
Suspension, Sep 7, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND JERKED UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE CAUSE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED AT THIS TIME. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. THIS INFORMATION WAS PROVIDED BY JACQUELINE JUFTON. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 5, 2004
MY 2000 DURANGO, WITH 60,100 MILES ON IT, HAD A SCENT OF ANTI-FREEZE, SO I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALER. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE FREEZE PLUGS ON ONE SIDE OF THE ENGINE WERE LEAKING. THE PARTS WERE REMOVED/REPLACED, AND THE OLD PARTS HAD CORRODED THROUGH. I WAS TOLD I HAD BETTER CHANGE THE BALANCE, BECAUSE "THEY COULD GO AT ANY TIME". WHEN I ASKED HOW IT WAS POSSIBLE THAT THESE ITEMS COULD FAIL IN SUCH A (RELATIVELY) SHORT PERIOD OF TIME, THE ANSWER WAS "SOMETIMES THAT HAPPENS". I HAVE WORKED ON VEHICLES, AND REBUILT ENGINES, FOR OVER 20 YEARS AND THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I HAVE SEEN AN ENGINE WITH SO FEW MILES HAVE THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE 2 OF THE 3 REMOVED PARTS (I WAS TOLD THE THIRD "CRUMBLED WHEN REMOVED"), AND PLAN ON PURSUING DODGE FOR A BETTER EXPLANATION. *JB
Suspension, Sep 4, 2004
BEGINNING AT APPROXIMATELY 25,000 MILES A NOISE FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION BEGAN. OVER TIME THE NOISE CONTINUED TO GET WORSE. THE SOURCE OF THE NOISE WAS THE UPPER BALL JOINTS WHICH FAILED WITH ONLY APPOXIMATELY 49,000 MILES ON A 2000 DODGE DURANGO. THE DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE WITH DURANGOS. BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS FAILED. THIS IS A PREMATURE FAILURE WHICH COULD LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT AND POSSIBLE LOSS OF LIFE. CHRYSLER SHOULD RECALL AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE COMPONENTS BEFORE SOMEONE IS INJURED.*AK