The 2001 Dodge Durango has 7 safety recalls and 665 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is suspension (346 complaints).
Recalls7safety recalls
Complaints665filed by owners
Crashes · fires60 · 20reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths55 · 0reported in complaints
2001 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.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift
NHTSA recall 07V555000 · Dec 4, 2007 · 576,418 vehicles
Problem: 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.
Risk: EITHER OF THESE CONDITIONS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY CAUSING A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: 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.
Electrical system
NHTSA recall 06V339000 · Sep 7, 2006 · 35,103 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: 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.
Risk: THIS MAY ALLOW DEVELOPMENT OF A HIGH RESISTIVE SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE CONNECTOR, WHICH COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A FIRE.
Fix: 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.
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.
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Upper ball joint
NHTSA recall 04V596000 · Dec 21, 2004 · 592,707 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: 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.
Risk: EXCESSIVE WEAR IN THE UPPER BALL JOINT MAY ALLOW IT TO SEPARATE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
Fix: 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.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift
NHTSA recall 01V077000 · Mar 7, 2001 · 85,400 vehicles
Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-WHEEL DRIVE. THE ELECTRIC SHIFT TRANSFER CASE MAY NOT FULLY ENGAGE INTO GEAR WHEN THE OPERATOR MOVES THE TRANSFER CASE SELECTOR SWITCH.
Risk: THIS COULD CAUSE THE TRANSFER CASE TO END UP IN THE NEUTRAL POSITION UNEXPECTEDLY AND ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY IF THE PARKING BRAKE IS NOT APPLIED.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE TRANSFER CASE CONTROL MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 9, 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.
Child seat
NHTSA recall 00V366000 · Nov 9, 2000 · 1,211,756 vehicles
Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." SOME OF THE OWNER'S MANUALS FOR THESE VEHICLES ARE MISSING INSTRUCTIONS THAT PROVIDE A STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE, INCLUDING DIAGRAMS, FOR PROPERLY ATTACHING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM'S TETHER STRAP TO THE TETHER ANCHORAGE.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ATTACHED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD.
Fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ADDENDUM TO THE OWNER'S MANUALS.
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
2001 Dodge Durango 4-DR.
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
★★★★★
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
14mpg combined
City / highway
12 / 17 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
4.7 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-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 / 16 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
4.7 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $5,150/year to fuel
Durango 4WD
13mpg combined
City / highway
11 / 16 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
5.9 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $5,150/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
346
17
2
13
47,451 mi
Power train Automatic transmission; Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift
114
11
0
7
73,000 mi
Electrical system Wiring; Wiring › Interior/under dash
95
2
14
5
87,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling Engine; Engine › Gasoline
56
1
0
2
63,500 mi
Steering Linkages › Tie rod assembly; Rack and pinion
53
9
2
9
53,163 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic Foundation components › Disc › Rotor; Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
49
4
1
0
51,271 mi
Air bags Frontal; Frontal › Sensor/control module
44
28
0
29
66,000 mi
Seats Front assembly › Recliner; Mid/rear assembly
29
1
1
9
88,000 mi
Visibility Power window devices and controls; Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Fan/motor
26
0
2
0
65,000 mi
Equipment Appliance › Air conditioner; Electrical
21
0
2
0
42,000 mi
Vehicle speed control Cruise control; Accelerator pedal
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Jan 15, 2026Power train The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Durango. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 07V555000 (POWER TRAIN); but the failure occurred. The contact stated that the vehicle unexpectedly shifted out of park(P). After several attempts, the gear shift lever was shifted to park(P) and remained in park(P). The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the part was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Aug 1, 2023 · 217,000 milesEngine The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that upon start of the vehicle; an abnormal clanking sound was coming from the vehicle. An independent mechanic was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was most likely related to a defective rod bearing. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 217,000.
Sep 28, 2021Service brakes The entire underneath and some panels of the vehicle are completely rusted to the point that the vehicle cannot be safely driven. The vehicle has never been in an ocean front town. Has been in Frankfurt, Germany and Atchison, Kansas.
Feb 12, 2020Electrical system IN THE PAST YEAR MY ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM HAS GONE HAYWIRE. FIRST MY PASSENGERS ALL LOST THEIR ABILITY TO USE WINDOW CONTROLS, ONLY THE DRIVER HAS CONTROL, BUT EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE IT WILL WORK, PRETTY RANDOM. THEN MY LEFT HEADLIGHT WENT OUT. NOT THE BULB, THE ENTIRE HEADLAMP STOPPED WORKING, AND IF I SWITCH TO MY HIGH BEAMS THE RIGHT ONE WON'T WORK. AND NOW MY READ PASSENGER BREAK LIGHT WON'T COME ON. ALSO AFTER I TURN OFF MY CAR COMPLETELY, ONCE IN A WHILE ABOUT 30 SECONDS LATER THE RADIO WILL COME BACK ON BY ITSELF! WE CANNOT FIGURE OUT HOW TO FIX ANY OF IT. WE'VE TRIED EVERYTHING! ALL OF THIS HAPPENS WHILE CAR IS IN MOTION, PARKED AND STATIONARY
Feb 6, 2021 · 151,000 milesService brakes THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE LOCKS UP. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED FOR DAKOTAS AND DURANGOS FOR MULTIPLE YEARS. WHY HAVE YOU NOT ISSUED A RECALL AND MADE THEM FIX THIS? GOOGLE IT AND YOU SEETHAT THIS IS ANN ONGOING PROBLEM FOR THE LAST 23 YEAR MODELS. HOW MANY ACCIDENTS AND DEATHS HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THIS PROBLEM, WHILE YOU SIT ON YOUR HANDS? DO YOU TAKE MONEY FROM THE AUTO MAKERS TO LOOK THE OTHER WAY? THE REAREND (HOUSING, DIFFERENTIAL, BACKING PLATES, SHOES, DRUMS, BRKE HARDWARE AND PROPORTIONING VALVE HAVE ALL BEEN REPLCED AND THE SHOES STILL LOCKUP. YOU HAVE TO BACKUP AND HIT THE BRAKES HARD, SOMETIMES SEVERAL TIMES, BEFORE IT "POPS" AND RELEASES. THE "POP IS A SURE SIGN THAT THE DESIGN IS…
Jan 8, 2020 · 230,000 miles · crash · 1 injurySeat belts TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 30 MPH AND FAILING TO STOP FOR A STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE T-BONED ANOTHER VEHICLE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN MPH. THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT CAUSING THE CONTACT TO HIT THE WINDSHIELD. THE AIR BAGS ALSO FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION AND BRUISES ON HER CHEST AND HER ABDOMEN. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM IN AN AMBULANCE. A POLICE REPORT NUMBER: Z-Z0 WAS FILED. THE OTHER VEHICLE INVOLVED DID HAVE AIR BAGS DEPLOY BUT THERE WAS NO FURTHER INFORMATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND WAS TOWED TO A IMPOUND LOT. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE…
Jul 14, 2019 · 120,000 milesStructure › Body AS I AM DRIVING MY BLINKERS AND RADIO STOPPED WORKING RANDOMLY . CAUSING SAFETY ISSUES WHILE ON THE ROAD . THIS HAPPENS WHILE IN MOTION AND ON THE ROAD
Mar 1, 2019 · 192,000 milesService brakes WHILE I LOVE MY 2001 DODGE DURANGO RT, THERE ARE A COUPLE OF SERIOUS PROBLEMS / SAFETY ISSUES THE VEHICLE HAS. NUMBER ONE IS THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT IS VERY LOOSE AND ROCKS BACK AND FORTH DURING ACCELERATION AND BRAKING WHICH COULD CAUSE SEVERE INJURIES IF THE VEHICLE WAS IN A WRECK, WHIPLASH ETC. IN DOING MY RESEARCH THE AVERAGE FIX THAT THE DEALERS WILL DO COSTS BETWEEN 600-800.00 WHICH IS TO REPLACE THE MOTOR ASSEMBLY. THERE ARE LINKS ON VARIOUS FORUM FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO FIX YOURSELF FOR ABOUT 40.00 OROVOODMG A BETTER FIX THAT THE DEALERS WILL NOT PROVIDE, BUT IT IS COMPLICATED AND VERY LABOR INTENSIVE. MY NUMBER ONE CONCERN IS TO BE SAFE AND HAVE SAFE PASSENGERS! TO BE ABLE TO BRING…
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
EA06011 · opened Jun 19, 2006 · closed Sep 22, 2006VEHICLE UNDER-SEAT FIRE 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…
PE06008 · opened Feb 2, 2006 · closed Jun 19, 2006 · led to recall 06V339000FIRE UNDER THE DRIVER'S SEAT 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 · 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.