Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
STEERING
0600902/13/200610019541Steering angle sensor (sas) which may cause one or more diagnostic trouble codes - u0429, c1219, c123f, c1241 - repaid response transmittal. *tt03/24/2006
190080511/02/20051900805A10017651Revised power steering system bleeding procedures. *sc11/14/2005

Investigations


NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
STEERING
EA06004CHRYSLER GROUP LLC03/09/200603/08/2007STEERING WHEEL AND STEERING SHAFT BOLTS
 On march 9, 2006 odi upgraded preliminatry evaluation pe05-056 to engineerning analysis ea06-004 to investigate allegations of loose or missing steering shaft coupling bolts and steering column retaining bolts in model year (my) 2004 through 2006 dodge durango sport utility vehicles and my 2005 through 2006 dodge dakota pickup trucks.either condition could result in a loss of steering control.although odi identified some quality issues in the manufacturing processes for the dakota and durango vehicles, the data do not indicate that a safety defect trend is present in either population.the failure rates are low for each condition and trend analyses indicate that problems with the subject bolts were isolated to a few units affected by assembly error that were detected either pre-sale or occurred early in vehicle service.further use of agency resources in this matter does not appear to be warranted.the agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the sugject vehicles and will take furhter action inthe the future if warranted.for more information see the attached closing report.
STEERING - COLUMN
EA06004CHRYSLER GROUP LLC03/09/200603/08/2007STEERING WHEEL AND STEERING SHAFT BOLTS
 On march 9, 2006 odi upgraded preliminatry evaluation pe05-056 to engineerning analysis ea06-004 to investigate allegations of loose or missing steering shaft coupling bolts and steering column retaining bolts in model year (my) 2004 through 2006 dodge durango sport utility vehicles and my 2005 through 2006 dodge dakota pickup trucks.either condition could result in a loss of steering control.although odi identified some quality issues in the manufacturing processes for the dakota and durango vehicles, the data do not indicate that a safety defect trend is present in either population.the failure rates are low for each condition and trend analyses indicate that problems with the subject bolts were isolated to a few units affected by assembly error that were detected either pre-sale or occurred early in vehicle service.further use of agency resources in this matter does not appear to be warranted.the agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the sugject vehicles and will take furhter action inthe the future if warranted.for more information see the attached closing report.

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
STEERING
06/16/2011410001
 Our dodge consistently stalls and dies when sitting at a stop light and/or slowing the vehicle to make turns. when this happens the engine dies resulting in the loss of brakes, steering,etc. multiple times this has almost caused a wreck with other vehicles or has caused us to jump the curb almost hitting trees, etc. we've also had this happen pulling trailers and boats. this is extremely dangerous. i'd like to see dodge acknowledge this problem before someone gets hurt. *tr
06/16/201141000
 Our dodge durango consistently stalls and dies when sitting at a stop light and/or slowing the vehicle to make turns. when this happens the engine dies resulting in the loss of breaks, steering,etc. multiple times this has almost caused a wreck with other vehicles or has caused us to jump the curb almost hitting trees, etc. we've also had this happen pulling trailers and boats. this is extremely dangerous. i'd like to see dodge acknowledge this problem before someone gets hurt.
05/17/2010390001
 As i have found online, what has happened to my durango has happened to many other owners that also caused near misses and some accidents. while driving vehicle in the rain, i hit a puddle no deeper than 3-4 inches and on multiple occasions have lost all power steering and control of vehicle and many times came very close to impacting other vehicles. this happens on straight and turning situations. as with the other reports, there are no leaks found or detected. on two occasions my repair shop has contacted by phone daimler chrysler and no information was given except that they also have had many reports but could offer no explanation or repair instruction. *tr
05/17/201039000
 As i have found online, what has happened to my durango has happened to many other owners that also caused near misses and some accidents. while driving vehicle in the rain, i hit a puddle no deeper than 3-4 inches and on multiple occasions have lost all power steering and control of vehicle and many times came very close to impacting other vehicles. this happens on straight and turning situations. as with the other reports, there are no leaks found or detected. on two occasions my repair shop has contacted by phone daimler chrysler and no information was given except that they also have had many reports but could offer no explanation or repair instruction.
06/16/2012730001
 We were driving our 2006 dodge durango for about 5 minutes when all of a sudden the dash board lights started flashing. my husband was able to veer off the road on a side street and coast down into a parking lot. by this point the car was completely unresponsive. smoke started to come out of the vehicle vents on the dashboard. we thought maybe a part broke at first. my husband opened the hood and there was no visible fires and not a lot of smoke. smoke started coming more and more quickly out of the vents. we got our 3 children out of the car. by this point smoke was billowing out. my husband ran into a building and called for help. the business gave us a fire extinguisher and called the fire department. as my husband ran back to the durango flames he saw the dashboard start to collapse. next thing we knew flames were flying up the front window. he used the fire extinguisher on it. the fireman arrived and helped make sure the fire was completely out. *tr
06/16/201273000
 We were driving our 2006 dodge durango for about 5 minutes when all of a sudden the dash board lights started flashing. my husband was able to veer off the road on a side street and coast down into a parking lot. by this point the car was completely unresponsive. smoke started to come out of the vehicle vents on the dashboard. we thought maybe a part broke at first. my husband opened the hood and there was no visible fires and not a lot of smoke. smoke started coming more and more quickly out of the vents. we got our 3 children out of the car. by this point smoke was billowing out. my husband ran into a building and called for help. the business gave us a fire extinguisher and called the fire department. as my husband ran back to the durango flames he saw the dashboard start to collapse. next thing we knew flames were flying up the front window. he used the fire extinguisher on it. the fireman arrived and helped make sure the fire was completely out.
12/21/201053000
 While driving my 2006 durango slt, driving through a puddle causes the power steering to quit and the lights also dim like the truck is losing power. the serpentine belt on the truck is also squealing which i believed to be the issue. i changed the belt on the truck but power steering still fails. this happens every time you drive through a puddle of water. this has happened while i was in a turn and just about lost control of the truck.
04/01/200934000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2006 dodge durango. the contact was driving approximately 25 mph proceeding to exit the highway. suddenly, there was complete loss of the powering steering without warning. she had to steer in a straight direction because was unable to turn the steering wheel, after a period of twenty seconds the vehicle resumed to normal operation. the failure mileage was 34,000. the current mileage was 40,300.
06/05/2007228801
 Car steered right (right wheel in to keep car straight) and pulled left when braking (had to turn the wheel when braking to keep straight). rack and pinion box wasn't holding torque. replaced it, intermediate steering shaft and steering box. 22,880 miles. *tr
10/07/2008660001
 I own a 2006 durango with 66,000 miles. it requires repair to an inner tie rod. chrysler does not carry the part and forces you to change the entire rack and pinion steering system at a cost of 1000$. the failure of this part can cause a severe accident . how many drivers cannot afford 1000$ and are driving as i am with this part that can cause an accident any minute!! *tr
11/10/2007110001
 I've had problems with this vehicle since i bought it. somedays the truck won't crank, check engine light goes on and off took it so salisbury dodge kept my vehicle for 4 days gave it back to me said they couldn't find anything wrong with it said they turned the light off for me 2 weeks later same problem like truck not getting gas, truck just cut off on me and my family while driving down the highway. took it to dealership where bought kept vehicle for almost 2 weeks catalytic converter was bad every since they gave me vehicle back which has been about 2 months still having problems radio turns by itself hit bump the truck turned off almost got rear ended trying to pull to shoulder, check engine light goes on and off, every time i call the dealership to get appt they say they can't give me one i just need to drop the truck off and they will get to it when they can,so what do i suppose to do until they can see what's going on i can't afford to pay for a rental they don't want to assist me with that. i'm really scared for my family safety i'm still having problems with the steering sometimes when i make a turn it doesn't turn correctly it's scary i really need some assistant. *tr
06/17/20074
 My complaint concerns the 2006 dodge durango slt. i was driving during rainy/stormy weather on sunday, 06/17/2007 when i hit a puddle, i lost power steering and i was forced to stop. i was terrified, and i was unable to steer at all. i was able to make it to my destination and stopped briefly at a gas station to gather my wits. at that time the battery light came on as well, then it went off. when i was calm enough to go home the same thing happened and i was forced to stop in my subdivision to avoid hitting parked cars. these two incidents were preceded by two similar incidents which were experienced by my fiance'. he took the durango to findley chrysler in tomball, tx the first time this happened and on monday, 06/18/2007, he took the durango to tomball dodge, and both certified dealerships told us that nothing was wrong with the suv. they just notified us to bring it back to them again if the power steering failure again. we opted to get rid of the vehicle rather than being unable to get the problem repaired or our questions answered and risk an accident, property damage and possibly our deaths. *ak
STEERING - COLUMN
04/18/20061002504/15/2006
 Intermittent and spontaneous activation of the windshield wipers and washers during operation of the steering wheel under normal driving conditions. steering wheel sound system controls work erratically or in reverse of normal function. ignition remains engaged until switch is recycled. seems to be low temperature related( happens more often in the cooler am). vehicle has been to the dealer multiple times for repair attempts. clock spring,multifunction switch,individual audio controls, and the front control module have been replaced under warranty by the dealer with out correcting the problem. dealer states that chrysler will not authorize additional diagnosis. i am concerned that this is an electrical short in the steering column that may result in air bag deployment, or a vehicle fire, and injuries to my family. chrysler reps will not address the problem when i have repeatedly attempted to contact them via their hotline at 1-800-992-1997. *nm
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - PUMP
05/18/20071500109/22/2006
 2006 dodge durango, 6,000 miles on vehicle. vehicle has had rust covering the power steering pump for about 4 months. dealer (mcbrayer chrysler, aberdeen n.c.) notified of problem at 3,000 miles. service manager made a note of problem and stated that he would change pump but he didnt have part in stock. contacted same dealer at 6,000 miles for recall on electrical and inquired about also changing power steering pump when doing recall repair. dealer stated that the rusted power steering pump would not be covered by warranty. *tr
STEERING - RACK AND PINION
03/20/20071800101/28/2007
 Bought 06 durango in 02/07. i noticed during the following month how the vehicle pull to the left on the highway. after coming out of a right turn i noticed how the vehicle jerked to the left. while in park, i turned the wheel in either direction then let go. the wheel snapped back making an unusual sound which caused concern. returned it to the dealer and was told the rack & pinion steering was defective. as of today 04-04-07, the vehicle is still in repair at the dealer. it's been two days. this is my third brand new dodge vehicle. i've had to take them all back for some type of recall or problem that quality control and the dealer missed. i'm upset and want to have this vehicle replaced or my money, trade in and other cost returned. *jb