Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Dodge Durango owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
ABS & brake lights illuminated and speedometer works sporadically - I just purchased my vehicle but was told by previous owner that the ABS & brake lights have been on for some time and a continuous problem. Both the ABS & brake lights are illuminated and the speedometer works sporadically. After searching the internet for repair options, I have found that several thousand people have the same issue. I am told it is one of two issues: wheel and/or transmission sensors and/or ABS control module. I feel this should be a recall by daimler Chrysler as there are way too many complaints & issues with the same thing.
ABS parking brake light on. No code comes through scanner. Transmission drags and shifts improperly throughout. During slippery snow conditions not able to brake with ABS is very dangerous for my family and others on the road. There are many reviews regarding this issue with the Dodge Durango and this should be a very important matter due to all the Dodge durangoso on the road. I have been to a couple mechanics that don't exactly know what the actual problem is and that is not OK. Safety first!
Over the last three years of operating the vehicle (2005-2007): 1. Fire in the front wheel assembly after 1.5 hours of 4-wheel drive - 1100$ replace 2. Speed sensor failure ($500 work) 3. Engine failure on the highway @80 MPH - $7000 replace and other costs, lucky survived 4. Joint balls replace (about 400$) 5. Ac failure ($960 repair) 6. Now parked - transmission/engine joint oil leak, estimated $1200 repair.
My wife was driving with my daughter when she accelerated allowing either the throttle to stick or transmission surge. She was sent out of control wildly into a road sign and some trees. No injuries, only a failure to control ticket and about 2500.00 damage.
Because of it's proximity to the steering wheel, the cruise control engaged inadvertently while maneuvering in icy conditions causing the vehicle to spin wildly out of control resulting in a collision.
While maneuvering in icy conditions the cruise control because of its design on the steering wheel, inadvertently engaged resulting in a crash. It seems that wearing gloves contributes to the problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the odometer displayed a no bus reading. The contact also stated that she pulled to the side of the road and restarted the vehicle, but the vehicle would not accelerate fast enough to merge in with traffic. The vehicle was then stopped and towed home. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or mechanic for diagnosis. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 182,000. The VIN was not available.
1) events leading up to the failure? None. Engine failure occurs without warning. 2) the engine failure occurs totally randomly, with no perceivable indication prior. It has happened at stop signs, in parking lots, and on roadways. Were this to happen on a highway or a bridge or a steep hill, the outcome could very easily be fatal! 3) failure does not get recorded by onboard computer; hence, mechanic is unable to troubleshoot the error and fix it. To date, I have read that the car's PCM (power control module) is at fault.
1) events leading up to the failure? None. Engine failure occurs without warning. 2) the engine failure occurs totally randomly, with no perceivable indication prior. It has happened at stop signs, in parking lots, and on roadways. Were this to happen on a highway or a bridge or a steep hill, the outcome could very easily be fatal! 3) failure does not get recorded by onboard computer; hence, mechanic is unable to troubleshoot the error and fix it. To date, I have read that the car's PCM (power control module) is at fault.
1) events leading up to the failure? None. Engine failure occurs without warning. 2) the engine failure occurs totally randomly, with no perceivable indication prior. It has happened at stop signs, in parking lots, and on roadways. Were this to happen on a highway or a bridge or a steep hill, the outcome could very easily be fatal! 3) failure does not get recorded by onboard computer; hence, mechanic is unable to troubleshoot the error and fix it. To date, I have read that the car's PCM (power control module) is at fault.
Acceleration complaints in other Durango years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 1999 Dodge Durango?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 1999 Dodge Durango, 2% of the model year's 1,967 complaints. The component named most often is cruise control (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Dodge Durango acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for the 1999 Dodge Durango, though it has 3 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 1999 Dodge Durango acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 118,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 7 crashes, 2 fires and 5 injuries to speed control & acceleration 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.