The 1999 Dodge Durango has 5 safety recalls and 1,967 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is suspension (1,657 complaints).
Recalls5safety recalls
Complaints1,967filed by owners
Crashes · fires106 · 20reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths169 · 100reported in complaints
1999 Dodge Durango in an NHTSA crash test
Safety recalls
Suspension › Front › Hub
NHTSA recall 08E064000 · Oct 20, 2008 · 2,805 vehicles
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Engine and engine cooling
NHTSA recall 06E024000 · Mar 15, 2006 · 44,386 vehicles
Problem: 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.
Risk: A JAMMED OPEN THROTTLE COULD CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH OR INCREASED STOPING DISTANCES WHEN BRAKING.
Fix: K&N WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2006.
Air bags
NHTSA recall 01V153000 · May 8, 2001 · 216,100 vehicles
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Seat belts › Front › Retractor
NHTSA recall 01V119000 · Apr 11, 2001 · 161,682 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (OVSC)
Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN VAN, WAGON, PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MAY NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
Risk: IF THE RETRACTOR DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY, IT WILL NOT ADEQUATELY PROTECT OCCUPANTS IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 20, 2001. 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.
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Mounting
NHTSA recall 99V342000 · Dec 2, 1999 · 150,729 vehicles
Problem: 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.
Risk: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DOUBLE TOGGLE LOCK FUEL TANK STRAPS WITH SINGLE TOGGLE LOCK DESIGN. NOTE: AFFECTED VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH MAY 21, 1998, ALSO REQUIRE THE REAR BRAKE TUBE INSPECTION/REPAIR. AS A RESULT, THE FUEL TANK STRAP AND BRAKE TUBE REPAIR WILL BE PERFORMED ON THESE VHEICLES IN A SINGLE SERVICE PROCEDURE UNDER RECALL 99V-341/DAIMLERCHRYSLER #841. AFFECTED VEHICLES BUILT FROM MAY 22, 1998 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 25, 1999, ONLY REQUIRE THE FUEL TANK STRAP REPAIR, WHICH WILL BE PERFORMED UNDER RECALL 99V-342/DAIMLERCHRYSLER #842.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
1999 Dodge Durango 4-DR. 4X4
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
Durango 2WD
15mpg combined
City / highway
13 / 18 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.9 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel
Durango 2WD
14mpg combined
City / highway
12 / 17 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
5.2 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,800/year to fuel
Durango 4WD
14mpg combined
City / highway
13 / 17 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.9 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,800/year to fuel
Durango 2WD
13mpg combined
City / highway
11 / 16 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
5.9 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $5,150/year to fuel
Durango 4WD
13mpg combined
City / highway
12 / 15 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
5.2 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $5,150/year to fuel
Durango 4WD
12mpg combined
City / highway
11 / 15 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
5.9 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $5,600/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Suspension Front › Control arm › Upper ball joint; Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
1,657
11
4
6
63,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling Engine; Engine › Gasoline
296
7
5
5
78,312 mi
Power train Automatic transmission; Automatic transmission › Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
195
18
7
3
77,100 mi
Electrical system 12v/24v/48v battery; Ignition
185
1
4
1
117,139 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
179
32
2
114
60,500 mi
Steering Linkages › Tie rod assembly; Hydraulic power assist system
172
7
2
2
70,048 mi
Visibility Power window devices and controls; Rearview mirrors/devices › Exterior
58
0
0
0
52,000 mi
Air bags Frontal; Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
52
42
1
40
74,000 mi
Vehicle speed control Cruise control; Cables
38
7
2
5
118,000 mi
Seats Front assembly › Power adjust; Front assembly › Recliner
32
3
0
9
57,000 mi
Seat belts Front › Buckle assembly; Front › Retractor
31
11
0
11
85,750 mi
Engine
31
1
2
3
146,000 mi
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Apr 28, 2022Service brakes Steel Brake lines burst. The Steel lines are all rusted and corroded. Even the factory replacement pieces corroded again. This happened 2 times and even when I replaced them with original factory pieces ,it happened again .this can't be a coincidence.
Oct 5, 2020 · 113,000 milesElectrical system PHANTOM MISFIRE CAN DROP ENGINE RPM AND STALL. EVERY POSSIBLE SENSOR REPLACED. FUEL PUMP, INJECTORS REPLACED. ENTIRE IGNITION SYSTEM REPLACED. THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND WHILE THE PHANTOM MISFIRE HAPPENS A PROFESSIONAL CODE READER SHOWS NO MISFIRE AND NO HISTORY OF EVENTS. CAN HAPPEN AT ANYTIME, ANY SPEED. AT SLOWER SPEED THE ENGINE WILL CUT OFF WHILE DRIVING CAUSING A DANGEROUS PROBLEM WITH LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKE HYDRAULICS. CONDITION HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR OVER FIVE YEARS AND I'M INTO THIS DEMON FOR THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS.
Dec 15, 2019 · 249,000 milesPower train TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART WITH THE GEAR SHIFTER EITHER IN PARK OR NEUTRAL HOWEVER, ONCE THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS SHIFTED INTO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE 249,000.
Dec 3, 2019 · 22,300 miles · crash · fireElectrical system HELLO MY NAME IS [XXX] I BROUGHT THIS SUV 12/3/2019 .THE GUY I BOUGHT THIS SUV FROM HE TOLD ME THERE'S AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITH THE BATTERY TO THE TRANSMISSION I FOUND THERE WAS SEVERAL THINGS WRONG WITH IT THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOOSE. NEED A TUNE-UP OH WHEN I GOT HOME THE CAR STARTS SMOKING INSIDE THEN THE OUTSIDE THAT'S HOW IT CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDERNEATH TO THE FIREWALL I THINK NOT SURE PLEASE HELP INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Nov 15, 2019 · 108,000 milesElectrical system THE VEHICLE LOSES ALL POWER AND WONT START AND ON THE ODOMETER IT SAY NO BUS BUT U WAIT A FEW MINUTES SOMETIMES UP TO FIFTEEN MINUTES IT WILL RESTART BUT NO CODES COME UP WITH THE ODB2
Sep 15, 2019 · 212,000 milesElectronic stability control (esc) WHEN OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE GOES BEYOND 80 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT, WHILE IN MOTION, THE COMPUTER HAS SHUT OFF THE ENGINE MULTIPLE TIMES AND A CODE SAYING NO BUS IS DISPLAYED IN THE DASH FOR A FEW SECONDS. IT HAS HAPPENED TO ME GOING 70 MPH. IT HAS HAPPENED GOING 45 MPH AND AS LOW AS 20 MPH. ALL I HAVE TO DO IS PULL OVER AND LET THE COMPUTER COOL OFF AND IT TURNS ON AGAIN. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AS POWER STEERING SHUTS OFF AND BRAKES BECOME VERY HARD. I HAVE A GREAT CAR IN THE WINTER. IN THE SUMMER IT'S A DEATH TRAP THAT CAN SHUT OFF ENGINE, POWER STEERING AND BRAKES IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY. CHECK YOUTUBE AND GOOGLE FOR "DODGE DURANGO NO BUS" AND YOU WILL FIND THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE WITH THE…
Jul 20, 2019 · 185,000 milesElectrical system MAKONG TURNS, THE OIL PRESSURE PLUMMETS. WHEEL SPEED SENSORS ARE CAUSING THE DASH LIGHT TO STAY ON. BEEN THROUGH 2 NEW PCM COMPUTERS. SPARK PLUGS FOUL OUT TOO EASY. BATTERY TEMP SENSOR NEEDS TO BE BEEFED UP. FACTORY ANTI THEFT SYSTEM STOPPED WORKING. THERE IS A SHORT SOMEWHERE. THIS DURANGO HAS DIED WHILE IN MOTION TOO. SCARY.
May 13, 2019Electrical system TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE DURANGO. VEHICLE LOST POWER. NEARLY STRANDED AND CONCERNED ABOUT BEING INJURED OR KILLED DUE TO VEHICLE LOSING ELECTRICAL POWER NO ELECTRICAL POWER IN VEHICLE; ENGINE CONTROL MODULE OVERHEATED WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, WITHOUT WARNING THE VEHICLE LOST ELECTRICAL POWER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES BECAME INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND DRIVEN FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE MILE BEFORE THE VEHICLE LOST ELECTRICAL POWER ONCE AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE DIAGNOSTIC CODE READER STATED NO BUSS. THE CONTACT WAS…
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
NHTSA defect investigations
EA03023 · opened Nov 19, 2003 · closed Feb 11, 2005 · led to recall 04V596000UPPER BALL JOINT SEPARATION 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…
PE03032 · opened Jul 16, 2003 · closed Nov 19, 2003FRONT 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, 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…
PE02082 · opened Nov 6, 2002 · closed Apr 23, 2003SAFETY 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 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.
