Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (seat frames, recliners, heated seats and seat tracks).
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).
I was crossing thru a unpaved road which was a little bumpy rocking my truck from left to right an my driver seat slid forward an back in which I heard a snap an my seat dropped in the back after sliding forward an back a couple times. Now my seat is at an odd position and when I come to a stop or drive off from a stop my seat slides back or forward. Very uncomfortable.
Date complaint filed: 04/26/2014 component(s): seats date of incident: 04/02/2010 NHTSA id number: 10565005 vehicle identification no. (VIN): summary: the drivers side power seat moves backwards about 2 inches when I accelerate and comes forward the same amount when I brake. I purchased the vehicle used and the previous owner said it has always been that way. After researching online I have found hundreds of cases of the same thing. A recall is in order here as not only does this malfunction affect the safety of driver and passengers, it will only get worse as the movement will eventually cause the entire thing to fail.
While accelerating, heard a "snap" under the drivers seat. This power seat now has a rocking motion when accelerating or slowing down. Checked the internet and found countless number of blogs and comments on this exact problem, with some saying their seat is actually sliding back and forth on the seat rails. This is a known problem and I cannot believe that this is not a safety issue, warranting some recall or remedy by Chrysler. If this seat can slide free in a hard acceleration or emergency stop, this could create accident or severe injury. This has not been addressed by the manufacturer !
Driving along when seat track "broke" seat now travels back and forward while driving, braking or accellerating...causing my body to be pushed forward or backward. Could cause an accident within itself. Something needs to be done about this situation. My Durango only has around 87,000 original miles an extremely well taken care of truck but with this problem, I fill like I am driving a broke down peice of sh.. And I love my truck. Seems like I have been lucky for mine to have lasted as long.
I just purchased a 1998 Dodge Durango with 116,000 miles. When I drove it off the dealer's lot I noticed the drivers power seat travels at least an inch back and forth when accelerating or decelerating. The dealer says this is normal for this model. The travel interferes with braking. Online research indicates this is a common problem. Dodge indicate the problem is a failure caused by cracks in the seat track. Shouldn't the seat track be expected to last as last as the vehicle?
The drivers side power seat moves backwards about 2 inches when I accelerate and comes forward the same amount when I brake. I purchased the vehicle used and the previous owner said it has always been that way. After researching online I have found hundreds of cases of the same thing. A recall is in order here as not only does this malfunction affect the safety of driver and passengers, it will only get worse as the movement will eventually cause the entire thing to fail.
I would like to report 2 safty defects with my 1998 Dodge Durango. First is the poor quality wheel studs. During various tire rotations at a qualified service center, six studs have broken (twice at the dealer). I'm really worried that at some point a wheel May come off while I'm driving. Second, the drivers power adjust seat rocks back and forth during braking & acceleration. This is annoying and I'm afraid that eventually, it's going to break all the way loose.
I own a 1998 Dodge Durango 5.9l that has the driver side seat bracket broken and the seat slides 1 inch or more when braking. After doing some research I find out that this is a common problem. There are several websites discussing this. This could be a major problem if an accident occurs resulting in possible fatalities. Links: http://www.dodgetalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=279098 http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/Dodge/Durango/r33777/comments/
The drivers seat a slides back and forth and feels as if it is going to come off of the tracks. I see on the internet that this is a common problem, however, I talked with Dodge customer care and they say they have never heard of it. This is a major safety issue if the seat bracket fails.
The driver seat broke while I was in the car. I leaned back to adjust my coat and seat belt and the seat broke off its mounting to the floor of the vehicle. It rocked violently backward. I momentarily lost control of the vehicle. Had I been in traffic this could have LED to an accident.
Seat complaints in other Durango years
Frequently asked questions
How common are seat problems on the 1998 Dodge Durango?
NHTSA has 43 complaints about the seats of the 1998 Dodge Durango, 4% of the model year's 965 complaints. The component named most often is front assembly › power adjust (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Dodge Durango seat problems?
No. NHTSA lists no seats recall for the 1998 Dodge Durango, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1998 Dodge Durango seat problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 126,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to seats 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.