Engine
3.9L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 1,749 of 1,967 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 1,138 of 1,967 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
An early truck-based SUV whose complaint file leans on the front end, a problem that grew into recalls on the model years that followed.
Suspension
1,657 complaint records4 fire reports11 crash reports
One frequently described issue: Front ball joint wear
Owners report clunking, wandering, and uneven tire wear traced to worn front ball joints, a fault shared with the Dakota pickup on the same platform. Ball joint failure on later model years of this platform became the subject of recall campaigns; check the table below for this year, and have the front end inspected before buying regardless.
"HAD TO REPLACE CONTROL ARMS/BALL JOINTS ON 1999 DODGE DURANGO ON A VEHICLE WITH LESS THAN 85000 MILES. COST ~$2,000.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts named in the editorial file
Ball Joint
Buy it now on eBayNamed by the editorial note above, not by the federal record. Opens a live eBay search for this vehicle; confirm fitment.
Engine & cooling
327 complaint records7 fire reports8 crash reports
"ENGINE SLUDGED. MOTOR DESTROYED-OIL WAS CHANGED REGULARLY-COOLANT LEAKING INTO OIL SYSTEM. LEAK AT INTAKE MANIFOLD AREA...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Brakes
198 complaint records2 fire reports35 crash reports
"WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED PEDAL BECAME HARD, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE WHICH RESULTED IN A COLLISION. NLM/*AK *TT..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA03023 opened Nov 2003 | closed Feb 2005 | Suspension | UPPER BALL JOINT SEPARATION - led to recall 04V596000 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... |
| PE03032 opened Jul 2003 | closed Nov 2003 | Suspension | FRONT SUSP. UPPER BALL JOINT FAILURE 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,... |
| PE02082 opened Nov 2002 | closed Apr 2003 | Seat Belts | SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE 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... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01V153000 | Air Bags | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS. SOUND DEADENER MATERIAL INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL COULD BECOME DETACHED FROM THE COVER AND HOUSING. | Normally free |
| 01V119000 | Seat Belts | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN VAN, WAGON, PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. | Normally free |
| 99V342000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE FUEL TANK STRAP CAN SEPARATE DUE TO FATIGUE DURING OPERATION. IF THIS OCCURS, THE TANK WILL BE UNSUPPORTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FUEL LEAK. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001134 2001-05-24 | Seats And Restraints | 10,930 | Certain vehicles fail to comply with requirements of C.M.V.S.S. No. 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies." The front seat belt retractor may not work properly, it therefore will not adequately protect occupants in the event of a crash. |
| 2000033 2000-02-17 | Fuel System | 1,905 | On certain vehicles, the fuel tank strap may separate due to high stress concentration at the double toggle lock upset area. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9004275 Jul 2020 | Electrical System | KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. | |
| 08-049-20 Apr 2020 | Equipment | Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary. | |
| DOR-X6W2U-06 Mar 2020 | Air Bags | This SKU is a Clock Spring. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the internal spring. If the internal spring is not seated, the electrical circuit for the horn is disconnected and the horn will not function. | |
| 31-006-19 Nov 2019 | Structure | Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage. | |
| 31-003-19 Nov 2019 | Equipment | Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31-005-19 Nov 2019 | Structure | Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts. | |
| 3100619 Nov 2019 | Equipment | Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage. | |
| 3100319 Nov 2019 | Structure | Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts. | |
| 3100519 Nov 2019 | Structure | Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts. | |
| 68332810 Sep 2016 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Service - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only. Installation: 1. Clean the oil pan T-joints.~ 2. | |
| R2118796A Feb 2016 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling. | |
| 23-014-15 Apr 2015 | Equipment | Child Seat Tether Anchor Installation This bulletin describes procedures to install Child Seat Tether Anchors based on Customer Request. Retrofits are subject to part availability. | |
| 9002849 Sep 2014 | Structure | Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement please order kit 68253161AA. | |
| 9002901 Jan 2014 | Power Train | Part Description: Seal - Shift Shaft on RFE transmissions Issue Description: This seal (04799346) is replaceable with Seal Kit (68235551AA), which includes a seal and retainer. The Seal Kit is applicable to all (5)45RFE transmissions. | |
| 2401305 Aug 2005 | Equipment | AIR CONDITIONING (A/C) COOLING COIL ODOR. *TT | |
| 03004 Aug 2003 | Service Brakes | INOPERATIVE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) SOFTWARE REPROGRAMMING. ADVANCE SERVICE INFORMATION #03-004. *TT | |
| 2100202 Jul 2002 | Power Train | SUBJECT REGARDING REVISION IN DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES AND LABOR OPERATION TIMES FOR RE TRANSMISSIONS. *TT | |
| 1802002 Jun 2002 | Unknown Or Other | FLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *SLC | |
| 1801802 Jun 2002 | Fuel System | SUBJECT REGARDING FLASH: NOX EMISSION FAILURE WHEN PERFORMING AN ASM TYPE I/M EMISSION TEST. *SLC | |
| 1801702 Jun 2002 | Unknown Or Other | SUBJECT REGARDING FLASH: MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATION FOR INJECTOR CIRCUIT FAULT. *SLC | |
| 2301502 Apr 2002 | Visibility | SUBJECT REGARDING OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR GLASS REPLACEMENT. *SLC | |
| 0800702 Mar 2002 | Electrical System | SUBJECT REGARDING REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *SLC | |
| 1800402 Jan 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING 1999 MY ENGINE SPARK KNOCK. *TT | |
| 1803001 Dec 2001 | Power Train | SUBJECT REGARDING 46RE SHIFT QUALITY AND DURABILITY IMPROVEMENTS. *TT | |
| 2401301 Sep 2001 | Equipment | SOME VEHICLES MAY BLOW WARM AIR OUT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL OUTLETS WHILE THE A/C IS ON AT IDLE. *TT | |
| 2302701 Sep 2001 | Visibility | SUBJECT REGARDING OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR GLASS REPLACEMENT. *TT | |
| 0801001 May 2001 | Electrical System | SUBJECT REGARDING AIRBAG / CLOCK SPRING SERVICE FOR VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2002 MODEL YEAR JEEP LIBERTY. *TT | |
| 1801201 May 2001 | Equipment | SUBJECT REGARDING GENERIC SCAN TOOL (GST), PUBLICATION NO. 81-170-00008 PROVIDED WITH THIS TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TO PROVIDE REFERENCE INFORMATION WHEN USING GENERIC SCAN TOOL ON OBDII VEHICLES. *TT | |
| 2500401 May 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSTIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES CAUSED BY AN EVAPORATIVE SYSTEM LEAK. *TT | |
| 2600501 May 2001 | Unknown Or Other | THIS TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CONTAINS BOTH UPDATED SELF-ADHESIVE SERVICE AND / OR DIAGNOSTIC MANUAL PAGES AND UPDATE PAGES. *TT | |
| 2100601 Mar 2001 | Power Train | AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE ATF+4. *TT *MJ | |
| 0800600REV Dec 2000 | Electrical System | SUBJECT REGARDING WIRE SPLICE REPAIRS. *SB | |
| 2303400A Dec 2000 | Visibility | SUBJECT REGARDING OUTSIDE MIRROR GLASS REPLACEMENT. *TT | |
| 180600C Dec 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLE ENGINES MAY EXHIBIT A LIGHT TO MODERATE SPARK KNOCK CONDITION DURING ACCELERATION (UNDER LOAD). *TT | |
| 2300800B Nov 2000 | Seats | SUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT | |
| 0200600 Oct 2000 | Suspension | SUBJECT REGARDING UPPER CONTROL ARM BUSHING SERVICE. *TT | |
| 2304000 Oct 2000 | Structure | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A REAR DOOR LOCK(S) THAT DO NOT OPERATE PROPERLY. *TT | |
| 082700 Sep 2000 | Air Bags | SUBJECT REGARDING NON-DEPLOYED AIRBAG HANDLING PROCEDURES. *TT | |
| 233400 Sep 2000 | Visibility | SUBJECT REGARDING OUTSIDE MIRROR GLASS REPLACEMENT. *TT | |
| 030800 Sep 2000 | Power Train | ;SUBJECT REGARDING RTV USE ON CORPORATE AXLE. *TT | |
| 180600B Sep 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLE ENGINES MAY EXHIBIT A LIGHT-TO-MODERATE SPARK KNOCK CONDITION DURING ACCELERATION (UNDER LOAD). *TT | |
| 082400 Sep 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ON SOME VEHICLES THE ENGINE CRANKS BUT DOES NOT START OR STARTS AND STALLS. *TT | |
| 020500 May 2000 | Suspension | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT ABOUT A SQUEAKING / CLICKING NOISE FROM REAR LEAF SPRINGS. *TT | |
| 081000 Mar 2000 | Electrical System | EXPERIENCING A DEAD BATTERY AND / OR IGNITION OPERATED ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES FUNCTION WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH OFF. *TT | |
| 080800 Mar 2000 | Unknown Or Other | CONCERNS WITH AN INOPERATIVE OR INTERMITTENT REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) TRANSMITTER. *TT | |
| 030200 Mar 2000 | Suspension | SUBJECT PERTAINS TO 9.25 AXLE GEAR MARKING COMPOUND CAUSING A MILKY-LIFE APPEARANCE TO THE AXLE FLUID. *TT | |
| 080700 Mar 2000 | Electrical System | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN ERRONEOUS MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP DUE TO DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0443 (PURGE CKT) AND / OR A POSSIBLE KEY-OFF BATTERY DRAW. *TT | |
| 230800 Mar 2000 | Seats | SUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT | |
| 080600 Feb 2000 | Electrical System | THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES A REVISED WIRE SPLICE PROCEDURE AND RELATED PARTS. *TT | |
| 090500 Feb 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | EXPERIENCING SPARK KNOCK AND ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION DUE TO INTAKE MANIFOLD PAN GASKET OIL LEAK. *TT | |
| 180100 Feb 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING MISDIAGNOSED LEAK DETECTION PUMP SYSTEMS WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P1494, P0442 P0455, OR P0456. *TT | |
| 242099A Dec 1999 | Visibility | A CONDITION MAY OCCUR WHILE IN BI-LEVEL MODE, AIR FLOW FROM PANEL VENTS IS LESS THAN THAT OF THE FLOOR VENTS. *TT | |
| 020699A Dec 1999 | Suspension | THIS BULLETIN MENTIONS THAT THE FRONT WHEEL BEARING GREASE IS EVIDENT ON THE BEARING SEAL AREA. *TT | |
| 182599 Nov 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION ON ERRONEOUS ENGINE MISS WHILE PERFORMING DIAGNOSTICS WITH THE DIAGNOSTIC SCAN TOOL (DRB III). *TT | |
| 235299 Nov 1999 | Visibility | SUBJECT REGARDING A SQUEAK HEARD COMING FROM THE WINDOW AREA AS THE WINDOW IS ROLLED DOWN. *TT | |
| 083799 Nov 1999 | Air Bags | DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION IS NOW OFFERINB AIRBAG ON / OFF SWITCHES FOR SELECTED VEHICLES. *TT | |
| 070399 Nov 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A HIGH ENGINE TEMPERATURE CONDITION. *TT | |
| 021599 Nov 1999 | Suspension | EXPERIENCING A SQUEAK NOISE COMING FROM REAR LEAF SPRING. *TT | |
| 242099 Oct 1999 | Visibility | SUBJECT REGARDING VEHICLES THAT EXPERIENCE WHILE IN BI-LEVEL MODE, AIR FLOW FROM PANEL VENTS IS LESS THAT THAT OF THE FLOOR VENTS. *MJS | |
| 233599REVA Oct 1999 | Structure | SUBJECT ON THE CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *MJS |
Showing 60 of 99 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Find the roughest road nearby.Clunks over bumps, a droning hum that changes when the car leans, or a corner that sits low are this vehicle's suspension complaints. Wheel bearings and control arm bushings lead the parts list.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Dodge Durango →