Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Dodge Durango owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
"Takata airbag" I was in a accident where a person ran a red light, going about 45 MPH and I t-bone that person's vehicle, with me going about 40 MPH. The airbag delayed on deployment in my vehicle. I had my seat-belt on but I still ended up hitting my chest on the steering wheel and hitting my head on the windshield before airbag deployed. I am trying to figure out if my airbag can get defective over years because of the delay of deployment. I don't know if it is a Takata airbag that isn't on the recall list yet or not. I still have the vehicle and the airbag part itself that I can give you the numbers off of. Someone reminded me about the Takata airbags so I figured I ask.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH over a patch of black ice, the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a wall before rolling over. The contact mentioned that the air bags failed to deploy and the seat belt unlatched instead of restraining the driver. A police report was filed. The contact stated that neither the driver nor the passenger sustained any injuries. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 96,000 and the current mileage was 124,000. Updated 11/20/14 the consumer stated both the passenger and driver were in shock and have had ongoing back problems. The passenger needed a metal rod in the back due to the failure of the seat belt. Updated 5/6/2015
Accident, airbags did not deploy, seat belts didn't work proper. Loss of of control from steering problems. Steering problems on wet roads. Transmission problems, doesn't shift proper, no air condition, can not drive with windows down in back, very hard to control. Car is parked because I am afraid to drive it. Been back to dealer with problem after problem.
Brakes failed at 50mph. Slammed into the back of semi truck at 40mph and totaled vechile. The seatbelt restrant and airbag system failed to engage. I slammed into the steering wheel to break 2 ribs and crack my sternum. If the airbags would have went off I wouldnt be having back and neck problems either. I wish Dodge would help us instead of hurting us.
Consumer was traveling in Mexico where he was involved in a front end crash. Upon impact, driver and passenger air bags did not deploy. Vehicle sustained radiator damage, and was repaired in Mexico. Consumer was able to drive the vehicle home, and had not taken the vehicle to a deale or made contact with the manufacturer.
Consumer's vehicle was involved in an collision while going about 55-60 MPH and a van crossed in front, causing consumer's vehicle to rear-end the other vehicle. ABS brakes failed. Consumer pushed the brakes down to the floor, but vehicle still did not stop. Upon impact, air bags failed to deploy.
Rear ABS failure when a dear ran out in front of me. Front brakes locked up, rear of SUV passed the front. Dear was hit with the left front and left side as the vehicle skidded out of control. 1 death if you count the dear
Faulty clock spring. $178 to replace/repair. My vehicle apparently not affected by recall of 216,000 vehicles. Clock spring failure results in failure of airbag to deploy. I guess I'm extremely lucky I was not involved in a life-altering accident. Refer to recall # 01V153000. Per invoice, the engine light had come on and there were rattles upon acceleration, the service dealer found #5 cylinder misfire and removed the #5 spark plug and viewed signs of coolant on the spark plug. (recommended removal of the left cylinder head for further inspection/consumer declined) there was also a scraping noise when the vehicle was turned, the clockspring was found faulty due to internal damage, the clockspring unit was replaced.
Check engine light came on; cracked left cylinder head at 40,000 miles. Dealer repaired under warranty; claims to not know why head cracked. Exactly 40,000 miles later, left cylinder head cracked again. Dealer will not repair; car is 3 months outside of extended warranty. Dealer still can't give reason for cylinder head failure. Other mechanics/dealers believe cylinder heads fail due to faulty casting. There was a scraping noise when the steering wheel was turned. The service dealer found internal damage in the clockspring and replaced the unit. The consumer requested reimbursement.
I was in a head on collision, hit at 55 miles per hour. My airbags did not deploy! I sustained permanent injuries, including a knee surgery from hitting the dash. Recently, and article hit the press about daimler/Chrysler minivans 1996-2000, airbags not deploying causing injuries. What do I have to do, to get someone to listen to me? I have filed 3 complaints, and left messages and have yet to see a complaint filed or a phone call returned. If I had died, then, maybe someone would pay attention to a problem. I would appreciate confirmation of this complaint. Thank you for your time.
Related recalls
Air bags
Vehicle description: pickup trucks. Sound deadener material inside the steering wheel could become detached from the cover and housing. Note: the Ram pickup trucks were built at the warren assembly plant ("s" in the 11th VIN position) from May 16, 2000 through October 23, 2000; st.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the clockspring assembly. Owner notification began June 18, 2001. Also some 1997-200 model year vehicles that, according to warranty records, have had a suspect replacement clockspring installed,…
Airbag complaints in other Durango years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 1998 Dodge Durango?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the air bags of the 1998 Dodge Durango, 3% of the model year's 965 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Dodge Durango airbag problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 01V-153 (air bags, May 8, 2001). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1998 Dodge Durango airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 23 crashes, 0 fires and 20 injuries to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.