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 1999 Dodge Durango owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I was driving through a stop light prob around 15 MPH speeding up to 30 when a van going 30 ran the red light, struck me on the side of my Durango, spun us around and we were hit head on by the van which pushed us back into a light pole. The air bags did not deploy I have a permanant dent in my head from hitting the steering wheel
I pulled out of my driveway going in reverse and when I brake to put it into drive and start down the street my driver seat rocked back almost hitting the headrest on the back seat. If I had been in town and took off when a light turned green I could have caused an accident and seriously injured someone. My vehicle is a 1999 Dodge Durango slt gold edition 4wd 5.2l . The end of the adjuster bar under the seat snapped right off. Before that the seat shifted forward almost an inch each time I stopped my vehicle. Not sure if that was related. I have researched this on 20 plus websites and there are hundreds if not thousands of people with both of these issues. I would hate to see someone get hurt by this obvious lack of attention in design.
The oil pressure dropped and all the lights on the panel had come on. While driving the vehicle had become sluggish and then had gone back to normal. The dealer was unable to remedy. The oil was burning every 200 miles. The ovt valley pan gasket was changed, and the intake gasket was replaced. There was a loud knocking and or clicking in the motor. The dealer found sludge in the motor, and found that it was blown. The seat wouldn't slide/hard to lift, and the A/C compressor was found loose. Ts scc
While sitting at a intersection and waiting to make a left turn another vehicle rear ended consumer's vehicle, causing consumer's vehicle to hit the vehicle in front, and causing a six car chain of reaction collision. Both front driver's side and passenger's side seats collapsed forward. Upon impact, both front air bags did not deploy. Driver and passenger sustained neck and back injuries, and were transported by ambulance to the hospital. Vehicle was totaled by the insurance company.
1999 Dodge Durango slt / 4wd / 8 cyl 5.9l - vehicle mileage 53,712 as of 08/31/10; the following OEM components / parts are defective / broken / worn prematurely causing other parts / components / systems to fail, brake & should be recalled, serviced, replaced by daimler Chrysler, llc at their expense (no wonder they needed bailout $): 3) drivers power seat track has excessive motion when accelerating & stopping causing seat to slide forward / backward - possibly causing accident;
Drivers seat ( power adjustable type) broke the plastic clip for the raise lower motor causing the seat to be throne backward and in turn causing an unsafe driving condition. I myself am an ase certified master mechanic and cannot believe a piece of linkage made out of plastic was put in such a place to experience those types of load forces. The seat has had a little slack in it since I have owned it, and it has stayed about the same up until it just gave way.
My 1999 Durango slides in the rail unless the seat is positioned at the extreme forward or rearward positions. I can't tell if it is a cracked rail. . It is most noticeable when braking and the seat moves forward. Had taken it to the dealer back in 2003 but said it was out of warranty. It has seem to be worse over time. Dangerous to the point I am reluctant to let others drive it until it can be repaired.
1999 Durango, my power driver's side seat track just messed up and the seat just slides back and forth freely. When I looked for a solution on the net, I noticed that everybody has the same problem! If the seat slides back, my wife can't reach the brake, if it slides forward in an accident, there would be airbag injuries. On at least 1999 Dodge durangos the seat track motor assembly if defective.
Oil pressure indicator would go off and the pressure gauge would drop to nothing. Driving car stopped running in intersection. Car was towed to Dodge who repaired car. Light is still on and pressure continues to drop to nothing intermittently. Dodge has list of repairs needed. Initial Dodge assessment at purchase stated new ball joints needed in feb 2003 at 57,000 miles.
Seat track has become loose - provides rocking chair effect - not a warranty item. Upper ball joints were inspected & replaced as part of maintenance - however mechanic states they they failed way too early.
Seat complaints in other Durango years
Frequently asked questions
How common are seat problems on the 1999 Dodge Durango?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the seats of the 1999 Dodge Durango, 2% of the model year's 1,967 complaints. The component named most often is front assembly › power adjust (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Dodge Durango seat problems?
No. NHTSA lists no seats 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 seat problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 57,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 9 injuries 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.