Investigation PE05056: 2004–2005 Dodge Durango

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Oct 26, 2005

Closed

Mar 9, 2006

Model years

2004–2005

Subject

Steering wheel and shaft bolts

Component: Steering

Summary

On october 26, 2005 odi opened pe05-056 to investigate allegations of loose or missing steering wheel or steering shaft coupling bolts in model year (my) 2004 and 2005 dodge durango sport utility vehicles and my 2005 dodge dakota pickup trucks manufactured by daimlerchrysler corporation (dcc).during pe05-056 odi identified 3 owner complaints to odi or dcc, 21 field reports to dcc and 142 warranty claims related to the alleged defect conditions.the reports and claims included 8 incidents of either steering wheel separation or steering shaft decoupling while driving due to loose or missing bolts.one of the failures resulted in a crash. Pe05-056 has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea06-004) to continue to investigate the scope, frequency and safety consequences of the alleged defect.

An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.

Model years covered

• 2005 Dodge Durango1,567 complaints
• 2004 Dodge Durango1,115 complaints