Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
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).
My steering is bad I have little control over vehicle at high speeds I think it's in the wheel itself or maybe airbags?. Replaced brake parts front and back and still problems with trying to stop but skid .hub replaced and its better. Head lights do not work properly
In January of 05 had to have both upper and lower ball joints replaced, control arm, front brakes and new tires as a result of bad f/e suspension. Now today the speed sensor (and I am hoping that's it) has gone out on the transmission. I have had two window motor failures, a sudden drop in oil pressure causing the truck to stall and there is something wrong with the electrical system. There have been many complaints in regards to these failures and the Dodge Durango and although they have recalled other Dodge trucks for these issues - they have yet to have recalled the 1999. I have contacted Dodge since January of this year regarding this issue and they responded telling me that they hadn't had enough complaints to issue a recall. I find this hard to believe seeing all the complaints made to NHTSA and to consumer affairs in regards to this year and model. …
I own a 1999 Dodge Durango with approximately 64,000 miles. Immediately upon purchasing the vehichle I have experienced a large poping and dragging sound when turning or performing a u-turn. Recently I attempted to make a u-turn and my car nearly lost control and felt as if it would tip over. I took the vehicle in to cerritos Dodge and I was advised that the vehichles upper and lower, right and left ball joints were completely shot. All were replaced. I continue to experience the popping and dragging sounds. Upon purchasing the vehichle, I have had to change the (all four) tires 3 times, obtain 3 wheel alignments, change the battery (went completely dead at approximately 25,000 miles) repair the brake light switch (brake lights wouldn't turn off), and repair door/hatch locks (unable to lock and make loud buzzing and clicking sound).
At 70mph, on I-75 in michigan '99 Durango transfer case blew apart causing vehicle to jump with smoke pouring out the back of the vehicle. Was barely able to get vehicle under control and off to side of road. Mechanic stated front driveshaft cracked thus maybe causing transfer case cv joint to go blowing apart transfer case. Another vehicle experienced a flat tire at high speed due to running over pieces of transfer case. Have spent over $4000 dollars in repairs to Durango in 3 years including (front driveshaft, transfer case, water pump, PCM, upper & lower ball joints, upper control arms, sway bar bushings, front rotors, brakes, etc. Only 78,000 on the vehcile when transfer case blew up. Can I file a claim for lemon law regarding ball joints. Uppers need replaced again.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Dodge Durango. While driving 50 MPH, the ABS and brake lights illuminated. The dealer stated that the control module failed and they replaced it on two occasions. Approximately six months later, the check engine light illuminated and the dealer stated that the transmission output sensor failed. They made the replacement. Approximately one year later, the reverse light and rear power windows were inoperative. The dealer installed a neutral safety switch. The failure mileage was 30,840 and current mileage was 72,000. The consumer stated when spoke with mechanic at superstition they informed her that the problem was the emission coil which controls the spark plugs. Updated 10/24/07 updated 12/12/07
When the brakes were applied, the front end pulled excessively to the right or left. Also, when making turns, consumer heard a loud "grinding" coming from the front end. Dealer diagnosed that the entire front end needed to be replaced due to ball joint failure. The whining noise was heard when going around curves. The marker lights had become inoperative when pulling out of "int" switch and the head lamp switch was replaced, and upon acceleration, there was a pinging noise in the passing gear. The tie rods were also replaced.
Dt: on July 31, 2005 the check engine light came on. She took vehicle to dealer and had it fixed. The next day the light was still on. Vehicle was taken back to the dealer. Currently, the check engine light, ABS light and a brake light were on. Vehicle had been to the dealer 4 times and still couldn't find the cause of the problem. Manufacturer had not been contacted . She has paid for all the trips to the dealer and they haven't fixed it yet. She could not afford to continue paying for all repairs.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Dodge Durango. While driving at night between 45-50 MPH the headlights failed without warning. He activated the high beam headlights and continued operation. No repairs were made. The failure and current mileages were 100,000. Updated 01/15/10. The consumer stated the headlights would not work unless he moved the tilt steering when first starting the vehicle. The dealer found a wire burnt at the multi-function switch connector. Updated 01/19/10
Was driving after dark last night and my headlights just stopped working (both of them) almost caused another car to hit me, because they could not see me. I pulled over and proceeded to check the fuses, etc and they were all fine and the high beams and parking lights worked, just not the headlights. Took the car to the place I bought it from and after 2 hours his mechanics figured out that it was the relay switch that had blown and had to be replaced.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Dodge Durango. While parked, the contact activated the headlights however, the flashers began to illuminate. The low and high beam headlights failed to function at any given time. The manufacturer issued a voluntary recall pertaining to the headlights. The VIN was not included in the recall defect. The vehicle had not been repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 193,000. The VIN was not available.
Headlight complaints in other Durango years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 1999 Dodge Durango?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the lights of the 1999 Dodge Durango, 1% of the model year's 1,967 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Dodge Durango headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights 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 headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 77,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
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.