FaultScore

2001 Dodge Durango steering problems

53 of the 964 complaints about the 2001 Dodge Durango are about the steering — 5% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 53,163 miles.

F

53

Complaints

9

Crashes

2

Fires

4

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Steering 15 28.3%
TIE ROD Assembly 9 17.0%
Rack AND Pinion 7 13.2%
Column 4 7.5%
Hose, Piping, AND Connections 3 5.7%
Pump 3 5.7%
Rack 3 5.7%
Hydraulic Power Assist System 2 3.8%
Linkages 2 3.8%
Pinion Shaft 2 3.8%

Steering across every Dodge Durango year

1998 103 14.3%
1999 172 23.9%
2000 90 12.5%
2001 53 7.4%
2002 31 4.3%
2003 20 2.8%
2004 31 4.3%
2005 71 9.9%
2006 23 3.2%
2007 10 1.4%
2011 27 3.8%
2012 41 5.7%
2013 24 3.3%
2014 12 1.7%
2017 11 1.5%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Atchison, KS

STEERING

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.

NHTSA complaint #11437414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 16,000 miles Dayton, OH

STEERING

MY WHOLE TIRE CAME OFF, LITERALLY SEPARATED FROM AXLE.. DOES NOT PICK UP SPEED.. BEEN IN THE SHOP SEVERAL TIMES. AND SHAKES. I HAD MY 2 YEAR OLD GRANDSON WITH ME WHEN THIS HAPPENED COMING OUT OF DRIVE THRU.. AFTER I PAID THE TRUCK OFF IT WAS DOWNHILL FROM THERE.

NHTSA complaint #11084503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 163,376 miles Mcminnville, TN

STEERING

I PURCHACED A 2001 D0DGE DURANGO USED ABOUT A MPNTH AGO AND ALREADY I WAS DRIVING TO TOWN AND THE DRIVER SIDE WHEEL FELT LIKE IT WAS WOBLING AND HAD A ROAR. PULLED OVER DIDNT SEE ANYTHING , SO WENT ON HOME TOOK IT TO GATEWAY AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE BALL JOINT. NOW IM PAYING PAYMENT ON A VEHICLE I CANT DRIVE.

NHTSA complaint #11048325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EL Dorado, AR

STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE DURANGO. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REVERSE THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT TIE RODS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN.

NHTSA complaint #10787900 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

West Haven, CT

STEERING

BOUGHT VEHICLE ABOUT 1 MONTH AGO AND MY HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL WERE WORKING AT TIME OF PURCHASE. TOOK CAR HOME AND WENT OUT THE NEXT DAY AND FOUND OUT THAT HORN DIDN'T WORK AFTER ALMOST GETTING INTO AND ACCIDENT, SO NOW I NO LONGER HAVE A HORN OR CRUISE CONTROL ON MY CAR.

NHTSA complaint #10504622 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 75,000 miles Everett, WA

STEERING

AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON WHEN STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED TO THE LEFT. HORN BECOMES INOP. WHEN STEERING WHEEL IS RETURNED TO THE RIGHT, AIRBAG LIGHT GOES OUT. HORN OPERATES AGAIN. SUSPECT FAULT WITH THE CLOCKSPRING.

NHTSA complaint #10446706 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 88,000 miles Somerset, PA

STEERING

WHENEVER THE CONTACT DRIVES THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL CLICKS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALERSHIP, AND THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTICE ANY DIFFERECNES BEFOREHAND. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE IS 88000. BML. UPDATED 10/06/09. *LJ THE INERMEDIATE STEEERING SHAFT AND TIE RODS WERE REPLACED. THE BRAKES HAD TO BE REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. THE RESISTOR INSIDE THE BLOWER MOTOR HAD TO BE REPLACED IN ORDER FOR THE FAN TO DEFROST THE WINDSHIELD. UPDATED 10/08/09

NHTSA complaint #10280831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 146,160 miles Topeks, KS

STEERING:RACK AND PINION

ELECTRIC FAN,STEERING;RACK AND PINION; CONTROL ARM; LOWER BALL JOINTS, FRONT DRIVE SHAFT, FRONT BEARINGS. REPLACED DRIVE SHAFT,LEFT WHEEL BEARING. I BOUGHT IT IN 2006 W/125,000 MILES. DRIVE SHAFT WENT OUT AT 135,000 AND STEERING AT 146,000. I STILL OWE MONEY ON IT AND IT SITS PARKED BECAUSE I CANT AFFORD THE REST OF THE REPAIRS.

NHTSA complaint #10224920 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 82,000 miles Windsor, CT

STEERING:RACK AND PINION:PINION SHAFT

BRAKE LINE BROKE/AIR BAG CLOCK SPRING/POWER STEERING RACK/REAR SUSPENSION,LEAF SPRINGS/RUST.

NHTSA complaint #10221544 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 82,000 miles Windsor, CT

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

BRAKE LINE BROKE/AIR BAG CLOCK SPRING/POWER STEERING RACK/REAR SUSPENSION,LEAF SPRINGS/RUST.

NHTSA complaint #10221544 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 50,000 miles Pineville, LA

STEERING:COLUMN

WHEN I BOUGHT THE TRUCK I PUT ON A NEW SET OF TIRES AND HAD THE ALIGNMENT DONE AT A FIRE STONE ON 8/16-21/2008. THE FIRE STONE TOLD ME MY BALL JOINTS WERE GOING OUT. AND THEY SAID THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT THEY ARE UNDER RECALL. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THEY LOOKED UP THE VIN. # AND CHARGED ME LITTLE OVER $60.00. IN THE END THEY TOLD ME THAT THE SERVICE WAS DONE ALREADY AND TOLD ME THE MILES THAT IT WAS DONE AT. AT THAT TIME I STILL HAD 20,000 MILES TO GO BEFORE I HIT THAT AMOUNT. THE SHOP MANAGER TOLD ME THAT "SOMEONE MUST HAVE PUT THE WRONG MILES IN BECAUSE WE CHECK IT AND THERE DONE THAT IS WHY WE ARE CHARGING YOU A FEE. SO I WENT TO ANOTHER DEALER AND ASKED THEM. THEY LOOKED UP THE VIN.# AND SAID "THIS SERVICE HAS ALREADY BEEN DONE AND IF THEY TAKE IT IN IT WILL JUST COST ME ANOTHER $60.00." I CONTACTED CHRYSLER AND TOLD THEM MY STORY AND ASKED THEM ABOUT ALL THE WEAR AND TEAR THAT THESE BAD BALL JOINTS ARE CAUSING. THEY SAID THAT THE SERVICE WAS DONE AND THERE IS NOTHING THAT THEY CAN DO. 1YEAR LATER AND 1 SET OF TIRES, ON 5/20/07 I LOOKED MYSELF UNDER THE TRUCK AND LOOKED FOR WHAT THE FIRE STONE MANAGER TOLD ME TO LOOK AT. JUST TO FIND THAT THE SERVICE HAD NEVER BEEN DONE. THE REASON I DID THIS, BECAUSE FIRE STONE WOULD NOT REPLACE THE TIRES DUE TOO POOR UPKEEP. I HAD MOVED TO PINEVILLE LA WHEN ALL THIS TOOK PLACE. I WENT IN TO A DEALER THERE AND TOLD THEM MY STORY AND ASKED IF THEY WOULD LOOK AT THE PICTURES THAT I TOOK. THEY SAID YES AND THEY SAID THE SERVICE HAD NOT BEEN DONE ,SO THE CHECK INTO IT AND THE DEALER (WEST SIDE IN ILLINOIS HAD IT IN THE COMPUTER AS DONE ON THERE SITE.) THEY PUT IN THE WRONG VIN# . THE DEALER IN LA DID THE RECALL, BUT I AM OUT $60.00 , 1 SET OF TIRES, COST AND WORK OF THE LOWER BALL JOINTS (DUE TO UPPER BALL JOINTS GOING OUT) AND ALL THAT TIME RUNNING AROUND. WHAT SHOULD I DO ? A LAWYER COST TOO MUCH! AND NOW I HAVE THE RECALL ON THE STEERING COLUMN GEAR SHIFT BLOCKER.

NHTSA complaint #10216954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Amesbury, MA

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:POWER STEERING FLUID

I BOUGHT MY 2001 DODGE DURANGO SPORT IN NOVEMBER 2000. OVER THE COURSE OF THE PAST SIX YEARS I HAVE HAD TO HAVE SO MANY REPAIRS AND REPLACEMENTS OF PARTS, BRAKES, TIRES, ELECTRICAL FUSES & RESISTORS DONE THAT I CAN HONESTLY SAY THAT I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER DODGE VEHICLE AGAIN. THE BIGGEST CONCERNS TO ME HAVE BEEN AROUND BRAKES NEEDING REPLACEMENT THREE TIMES, UPPER BALL JOINTS REPLACED DUE TO RECALL, LOWER BALL JOINTS EXHIBITING EXCESSIVE WEAR AS WELL (BUT NOT BEING ABLE TO GET DAIMLER/CHRYSLER TO FIX THEM BECAUSE IT ISN'T COVERED UNDER MY WARRANTY OR THE RECALL NOTICES) AND ABS & BRAKE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD SHOWING UP INTERMITTENTLY. I HAD TO HAVE THE POWER STEERING LINE REPLACED COMPLETELY DUE TO IT RUSTING THROUGH AND CONTINUOUSLY LEAKING STEERING FLUID. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED MY STEERING FLUID AND TOLD ME IT WOULD BE FINE TO DRIVE UNTIL THE PART CAME IN. THEY SAID THEY WOULD CALL ME AS SOON AS THE PART ARRIVED. TWO WEEKS LATER I HAD TO CHASE THEM DOWN TO GET AN ANSWER AS TO WHETHER OR NOT THE PART HAD ARRIVED AND WAS TOLD I WOULD NEED TO WAIT ANOTHER WEEK TO BRING THE DURANGO IN FOR REPAIRS. JUST RECENTLY MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, I DROVE STRAIGHT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO ASK THEM TO LOOK AT IT AND THEY ASKED ME IF THE CAR WAS BUCKING OR STALLING. I SAID NO AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT THEN. I TRIED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT, BUT COULDN'T EVEN BE SEEN FOR A WEEK AND A HALF. I ASKED FOR A LOANER VEHICLE AND THEY SAID THAT CHRYSLER DOESN'T PROVIDE THOSE, BUT THEY COULD CERTAINLY GET ME A RENTAL...WHY BOTHER BUYING FROM A COMPANY THAT DOESN'T OFFER EVEN MINIMAL THINGS TO THEIR CUSTOMERS?

NHTSA complaint #10174916 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 69,000 miles Bowling Green, OH

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

I NOTICED A SMALL LEAK COMING FROM MY DURANGO. IT APPEARED TO BE POWER STEERING FLUID. DUE TO BAD WEATHER, I WAS UNABLE TO CHECK INTO THE SITUATION FURTHER. THE NEXT DAY THE LEAK WAS MUCH WORSE. THE POWER STEERING RESERVOIR WAS EMPTY. I FILLED IT UP AND DROVE IT ABOUT 5 MILES AND CHECKED IT AGAIN. IT WAS EMPTY. THERE ARE TWO LINES BETWEEN THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND PINION. THE LEAK IS COMING FROM THE PRESSURE SIDE OF THE TWO LINES. FAILURE OF POWER STEERING MAY CAUSE SOMEONE TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. THERE IS A RUBBER ISLOLATOR BETWEEN THE PRESSURE LINE AND RETURN LINE. IT APPEARS TO BE THE SAME PROBLEM THAT WAS ON THE '98 DURANGO'S BRAKE LINE ISSUE. THE PRESSURE LINE RUSTED UNDER THE RUBBER ISOLATOR CAUSING THE LEAK OF STEERING FLUID. THE PRESSURE LINE MUST BE REPLACED. I HAVE THE OLD PRESSURE LINE.

NHTSA complaint #10167296 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 96,000 miles Oakland, CA Crash

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS OF 5/27 THE RIGHT FRONT LOWER WHEEL BEARING OF MY 2001 DODGE DURANGO SUDDENLY SEPARATED WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING THE WHEEL TO COME LOOSE FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CAUSED THE DURANGO TO VEER TO THE RIGHT AND CRASH INTO TWO PARKED CARS. THE WHEEL, AXLE, BEARING, RACK AND PINION AND ASSOCIATED PARTS ARE BEING REPLACED. OLD PART WILL BE SAVED.

NHTSA complaint #10158712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Syracuse, NY Crash 5 injured

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

DT: THE CONTACT HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING AND FRONT END WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP THREE TIMES SINCE MAY 2005. WHILE DRIVING ON A TWO LANE ROAD THE VEHICLE STARTED MAKING A NOISE, THEN IT VEERED TO THE LEFT. THIS RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS DID DEPLOY.

NHTSA complaint #10141792 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Clio, MI Fire

STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK

I HAVE BEEN WITH THIS VEHICLE IN THE SHOP EVERY TIME YOU TURN AROUND. CURRENTLY WE WERE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND SMOKE CAME FROM THE VENTS. IT WAS A FIRE WHICH THEY ARE STILL TRYING TO FIND WHERE THE SHORT IS. ALSO THE CONVERTOR FOR THE AIR CONDITIONER IS BAD AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. BECAUSE OF THE SHORT THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED TWO TIMES BECAUSE OF THE BURNING IT UP, THE SPRING BROKE WHEN I HIT A BUMP AND MY DAUGHTERS NECK WAS WRENCHED. EVERY OTHER DAY THE VEHICLE WON'T START, THE LOCKS WON'T WORK AFTER HAVING THEM REDONE BY CLIO CHRYSLER, THE WINDOWS WON'T GO UP AND DOWN, THE CAR HAS A BAD STEERING RACK WHICH WE REPORTED TO YOU QUITE SOME TIME AGO (2 DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS EVALUATED AND REPORTED THIS), THE BALL JOINTS WERE BAD, THE CAR CREAKS CURRENTLY UNDERNEATH AS THOUGH IT IS GOING TO FALL IN TO PIECES. THE ALTERNATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED, THE SENSORS ALL WERE GOING BAD AT DIFFERENT TIMES, SO EVERY OTHER DAY THE CAR WON'T RUN. THE ONE COST US A MINT IN GASOLINE BECAUSE THE CAR WOULD JUST DRINK THE GAS AND SHOOT OUT BLACK SMOKE. THIS IS A 2000 VEHICLE FROM PROBLEMS DATING FROM DAY ONE OF PURCHASE. THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #10140417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 39,518 miles Morrison, CO

STEERING:RACK AND PINION

DT: RACK AND PINION HAD TO BE REPLACED. CALLER BELIEVED THEY SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. DEALER REPLACED LEAKING RACK AND PINION AND THE LINE POWER OF THE STEERING. MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET.

NHTSA complaint #10125496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 39,518 miles Morrison, CO

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

DT: RACK AND PINION HAD TO BE REPLACED. CALLER BELIEVED THEY SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. DEALER REPLACED LEAKING RACK AND PINION AND THE LINE POWER OF THE STEERING. MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET.

NHTSA complaint #10125496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chandler, AZ

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

I HAVE A 2001 DODGE DURANGO THAT HAS PREMATUE WEARING OF TIE RODS AND BUSHINGS. I TRIED CONTACTING MY DEALERSHIP AND THEY WILL NOT COVER THIS BECAUSE OF 60,000MILES. I STARTED NOTICEING PROBLEMS AT 7,000 MILES WHEN MY TIRES STARTED TO WEAR PREMATURE. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY JUST REALINED THE VEHICLE. I AM ON MY THIRD SET OF TIRES ALREADY. BRAKES PLUS WON'T REALIGN THE CAR BECAUSE EVERYTHING IS SO WORN OUT. PLEASE ADVISE ME, I HAVE TO FIX THIS AND NOBODY WILL COVER THE COSTS. WHAT DO I DO.???

NHTSA complaint #10114096 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 65,000 miles Reston, VA

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP

I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY OFFRAMP AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH. THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED FOR APPROX 3 SECONDS. IT THEN UNLOCKED ALLOWING ME TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE STEERING CONTINUED TO LOCK AND UNLOCK PERIODICALLY. THE CAUSE WAS THE POWER STEERING PUMP. HOWEVER, THIS INCIDENT WAS DIFFERENT FROM THE NORMAL SITUATION WHERE POWER STEERING FAILS BECAUSE THE STEERING WAS ALSO SUBSTANTIALLY AFFECTED AT SPEED AND NOT JUST WHEN THE VEHICLE IS AT A VIRTUAL STANDSTILL. MY MILEAGE IS APPROX 65000.

NHTSA complaint #10104154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

North Ridgeville, OH

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

I RECENTLY HAD NEW TIRES PUT ON MY DURANGO AND WAS GOING TO HAVE A ALIGNMENT DONE. AT THAT TIME I WAS INFORMED THAT MY RIGHT UPPER BALL JOINT AND RIGHT TIE ROD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO EXCESSIVE WEAR. THIS SEEMS TO BE HAPPENING TO MOST OF THE DODGE LIGHT TRUCKS AND SUV'S AND IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECT IN THE PRODUCT. I DID NOT HAVE THE REPAIR DONE AT THE TIME. IT IS TO COSTLY TO BUY BOTH TIRES AND HAVE TO DO THE REPAIRS AT THE SAME TIME ESPECIALLY AROUND CHRISTMAS. I FEEL THAT THIS IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF DODGE TO CORRECT THE OBVIOUSLY DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT.

NHTSA complaint #10102945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 55,000 miles Cheektowaga, NY

STEERING:RACK AND PINION

AT 55,000 MILES I HAD TO REPLACE MY RACK AND PINION AND BALL JOINTS. I REPLACED MY BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS LAST YEAR AND HAVE JUST BEEN TOLD THAT I NEED TO REPLACE THEM AGAIN. MY VEHICLE IS USED FOR LOCAL HIGHWAY DRIVING.

NHTSA complaint #10095977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pennsauken, NJ Crash 2 injured

STEERING

DRIVING 2001 DODGE DURANGO WITH 36,000 MILES ON I-295 N IN NEW JERSEY GOING 45-55MPH - STEERING SUDDENLY FAILED - CAR WILDELY WENT TO LEFT SLAMMING INTO GUARD RAIL.

NHTSA complaint #10092952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 80,000 miles Myerstown, PA

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

WHILE DRIVING 12 MPH FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OUTER TIE ROD SNAPPED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #10089739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 60,123 miles Eden Prairie, MN Crash

STEERING:LINKAGES:ARM:IDLER AND ATTACHMENT

I WAS ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN TO ENTER A PARKING RAMP AT WORK WHEN UNEXPECTEDLY I WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL MY VEHICLE, AS A RESULT I COLLIDED WITH A CONCRETE WALL.*AK I HAD SOME DIGITAL PICTURES TAKEN AS THE POLICE WOULD NOT COME TO FILE A REPORT ON PRIVATE PROPERY. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED MAJOR DAMAGE AND I'M CONVINCED THIS IS RELATED TO A POOR DESIGN/WEAK PARTS USED IN THE STEERING LINKAGE/SUSPENSION SYSTEM.

NHTSA complaint #10088502 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 60,123 miles Eden Prairie, MN Crash

STEERING:LINKAGES

I WAS ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN TO ENTER A PARKING RAMP AT WORK WHEN UNEXPECTEDLY I WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL MY VEHICLE, AS A RESULT I COLLIDED WITH A CONCRETE WALL.*AK I HAD SOME DIGITAL PICTURES TAKEN AS THE POLICE WOULD NOT COME TO FILE A REPORT ON PRIVATE PROPERY. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED MAJOR DAMAGE AND I'M CONVINCED THIS IS RELATED TO A POOR DESIGN/WEAK PARTS USED IN THE STEERING LINKAGE/SUSPENSION SYSTEM.

NHTSA complaint #10088502 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 77,000 miles Trevor, WI Fire

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP

ON APRIL 26, 2004 I ARRIVED AT A BUSINESS MEETING AND PARKED MY 2001 R/T DURANGO, AND SET MY ALARM WITH THE KEYLESS ENTRY. FROM MY CLIENT'S OFFICE I NOTICED WHITISH/GRAY SMOKE AND OBSERVED THAT THE SMOKE WAS BILLOWING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF MY TRUCK! I RUSHED OUTSIDE.UPON ARRIVING IN THE PARKING LOT I WAS STOPPED BY THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT FROM APPROACHING MY DURANGO AS THEY WERE AFRAID IT MIGHT EXPLODE.THE FLAMES WERE ALREADY FOUR FEET ABOVE THE HOOD.THE FIRE TOOK MY ENGINE, BUMPERS, LIGHTS, HOOD, FENDER, LEFT FRONT TIRE & SEVERALLY DAMAGED THE CAR DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF MINE & SLIGHTLY DAMAGED THE CAR TO THE LEFT CORNER. STATE FARM'S INVESTIGATION DETERMINED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE IGNITION OF POWER STEERING FLUID ONTO HOT SURFACES OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM WITH THE FIRE EXTENDING UPWARD AND OUTWARD, CAUSING THE DAMAGE PRESENT" WHICH WAS THE TOTAL LOSS OF MY VEHICLE. I FILED A SPECIAL INVESTIGATION REPORT WITH CHRYSLER AND THEY SENT ME BACK A LETTER STATING THAT MY CLAIM WAS DENIED. IN OTHER WORDS NOTHING WAS DONE BY CHRYSLER TO CORRECT THE FAILURE ALTHOUGH STATE FARM IS IN SUBROGATION AS THEY FOUND SEVERAL TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS # 19-005-03 AND 19-009-00 THAT THEY FEEL PERTAINED TO THIS EVENT.THE THIRD PARTY FIRE INVESTIGATOR INFORMED ME THAT THIS HAPPENED BEFORE, AND THAT THE PERSON THAT CHRYSLER SENT TO INSPECT VEHICLE WAS NOT A LICENSED FIRE INSPECTOR, AND THAT MR. PITT (CHRYSLER'S REP.) WAS NOT QUALIFIED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE.I WROTE A LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT OF CHRYSLER AND THE DIRECTOR OF CUSTOMER SERVICE. A MONTH LATER RECEIVED A CALL FROM THEM STATING AGAIN THAT MY CLAIM WAS DENIED, AND THAT THEY WOULD NOT TELL ME WHAT THEY DETERMINED CAUSED THE FIRE ON RECOMMENDATION FROM THEIR LEGAL STAFF.I REPLIED IT SOUNDED LIKE THEY WERE TRYING TO HIDE SOMETHING, AND HE TOLD ME THAT HE WOULD REFER MY CLAIM BACK TO THE SPECIAL INVESTIGATION UNIT, AND I AM STILL WAITING FOR A RETURNED CALL. THE LAST CONTACT WAS 7/15/2004.

NHTSA complaint #10088285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Waynesboro, PA

STEERING

I HEARD ABOUT UPPER CONTROL ARM FAILURE. I HAD MINE CHECKED MY MECHANIC STATED RIGHT SIDE UPPER SHOWED SIGNS OF WEAR & SHOULD BE REPLACED. WAITING TO SEE IF RECALL IS FORTHCOMING. NOTICED POWER STEERING WAS HARD TO TURN ALSO A RATTLE IN THE STEERING WHEEL IF SHOOK SIDE TO SIDE FASTLY (CAUSE WORN STEERING COLUMN AND BOX). LIGHT SELECTOR SWITCH BURNED OUT. HAD TO REPLACE THE SWITCH MODULE.

NHTSA complaint #10071130 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Penfield, NY

STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK

IN MARCH OF 2001 I BOUGHT A 2001 DODGE DURANGO 4X4 THE FIRST YEAR WAS GREAT , THEN DESPITE THE FACT THAT I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN EVEY 3000 MI. FOR WHATEVER WAS MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE , AND THE DEALERS 27 POINT INSPECTION, THE FRONT BRAKES WERE SUDDENLY COMPLETELY SHOT AND COST IN EXCESS OF $450 TO REPAIR LAST JUNE I BELIEVE , RIGHT AFTER GETTING SERVICED AND A FRONT END ALIGNMENT ,I DROVE TO WORK , ATTEMPTED TO SHUT OFF VEHICLE, AND IT REFUSED THE ENGINE SPED UP , THE LIGHTS FLASHED , THE GAUGES WENT WILD, AND IT FINALLY DIED. DAY AFTER DAY THEY CEPT TELLING ME THEY DIDNT KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS ,AFTER A WEEK OF BEING WORKED ON THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THE STARTER HAD "GONE" AND IT WOULD BE 24 TO 48 HOURS BEFORE THEY COULD GET ONE ABOUT THE SAME TIME THE FRONT END STARTED TO MAKE A STRANGE GRINDING NOISE WHILE BACKING UP WHILE TURNING....THEY STILL HAVENT FIGURED OUT THIS ONE.....BUT IM WONDERING IF IT IS A BALLJOINT ISSUE ALSO AFTER SEVERAL OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDUELED SERVICES I COMPLAINED THAT THERE WAS FLUID LEFT ON MY DRIVEWAY. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS RUN OFF FROM THE FRAME OF SOME OF THE OLD OIL,....NOW AFTER IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY,THEY FINALLY FOUND THE LEAK....THE POWER STEERING RACK IS LEAKING OH AND I ALMOST FORGOT, WHEN I FIRST GOT THIS VEHICLE, THE LEFT REAR BRAKE LIGHT DIDNT ALWAYS WORK...AFTER 4 OR 5 ATTEMPTS TO GET IT REPAIRED , I HAD A MECHANIC FRIEND OF MINE LOOK IT OVER ...IN LESS THAN 5 MINUTES HE TOLD ME THE CONTACTS IN THE HOUSING WERE DEFECTIVE ....I GOT THE DEALERSHIP TO CHECK INTO IT AND THEY REPLACED IT AND IT HAS BEEN FINE EVER SINCE THIS VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS HAD ITS MANUFACTURERS RECOMMENDED SERVICES AT THE INTERVAL REQUIRED , IT WAS VERY EXPENSIVE TO BUY , AND TO MAINTAIN, IT ONLY HAS 40,000 MI. ON IT , AND LOOKS GREAT, BUT APPEARNTLY IT IS A MONEY PITT AND DEATH TRAP ALL ROLLED INTO ONE!!

NHTSA complaint #10066403 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Shelton, WA

STEERING

CONSUMER EXPERIENCED THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATING, SHAKING WHEN BRAKING AT HIGH SPEEDS, STEERING NOISES AND SHIFTER POPPING IN PLACE. *PH ALSO, CONSUMER EXPERIENCED NOISE IN THE REAR END AND TRANSMISSION NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY. DEALER SAID THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED FOR NO REASON AT ALL AND WAS RESET. CONSUMER WENT TO A DIFFERENT DEALER AND PUT A NEW COMPUTER BECAUSE IT'S A SMALL SENSOR IN THE EMISSION CONTROL. ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND CONSUMER BROUGHT VEHICLE TO A DEALER AND SAID THAT IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. CONSUMER WENT TO A DIFFERENT DEALER BECAUSE SHE WASN'T COMFORTABLE WITH THE OPINION FROM THE PREVIOUS DEALER. CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT IT WAS THE TORQUE CONVERTER AND IT WILL TAKE A WEEK AND A HALF TO REPAIR VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, CONSUMER IS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH AIR CONDITIONER.

NHTSA complaint #10066865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2001 Dodge Durango problems

← Full 2001 Dodge Durango report