Underbody Shield problems of the 1999 Dodge Durango

Two problems related to underbody shield have been reported for the 1999 Dodge Durango. The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Underbody Shield problem

Failure Date: 02/25/2005

I purchased my 1999 Durango in early 2000. Since that time, I have had to replace numerous parts of the front end suspension including wheel bearings on several occasions, right side hub assembly, both spindles, and the rotors twice. Last week, I notice the wheel was literally flopping sideways when I turned. My dealer then replaced the upper and lower ball joints on both sides. After the replacement of the ball joints, I drove the vehicle and noticed an extreme shaking when applying the brakes, and a dramatic pull to the right. My dealer examined the front end again, and after eliminating all other possibilities for the problem then notice that the front bracket which holds the lower control arm on the right side was fractured. Upon examining the bracket they discovered that there was no spot weld on the bracket and the two side welds were only on the frame, but not the bracket itself. The bracket and frame were fractured almost all the way around the frame. According to their service men, and body repair staff, the bracket appears to have never been properly welded at the manufacture. Subsequently, I have a vehicle, with that I cannot drive. This seems to be a manufacture defect, which resulted in me having to do numerous repairs over the 5 year period I have owned the vehicle, and put my family in serious danger of a catastrophic front end failure.

2 Underbody Shield problem

Failure Date: 03/29/2004

Consumer states that the front of 1999 Dodge Durango ball joints wore out. Basically, the front end was falling apart. Upper and lower ball joints fell apart and destroyed the whole front end of the vehicle. The whole front end of the vehicle was replaced. This was the same problem as the 2000 models that were recalled. The owner had the vehicle in the dealership for repairs on the front twice. Dealership said that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. The front end was the only problem the owner had with the SUV. Owner has contacted Chrysler and filed a complaint. Chrysler informed the owner that their vehicle was not included in the recall. The owners had not had any more contact with Chrysler. Speed was not a factor in this failure. After the vehicle was inspected by Chrysler mechanics, they said that there was nothing wrong, and asked the consumer to leave. The owner asked for a receipt for the oil change and checking the front end. They would not give the consumer a receipt after the owner asked them about the recall. This happened on March 29, 2004. As the owner pulled out of the dealership the vehicle was making a rattling noise by the right front tire. Consumers then went to a repair shop and they pulled on the wheel and could see the whole front assembly moving. Everything was out of place and moving. The mechanic had to fix the whole front end, and the owner received a bill for $1,800. 00.


Other Structure related problems of the 1999 Dodge Durango



Safety Ratings of Durango Cars
Fuel Economy of Durango Vehicles
Durango Service Bulletins
Durango Safety Recalls
Durango Defect Investigations