Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
Hello my name is [redacted] I brought this SUV 12/3/2019 .the guy I bought this SUV from he told me there's an electrical issue with the battery to the transmission I found there was several things wrong with it the steering wheel is loose. Need a tune-up oh when I got home the car starts smoking inside then the outside that's how it caught on fire underneath to the firewall I think not sure please help
While driving less than 600 from my house in my 1999 green Dodge Durango 4 door the power steering went out causing an accident with a parked car. I had the car had to be towed to the Dodge dealership in warren michigan I was told that the power steering seal blew causing the loss of power assist steering. The loss of this type of failure as you know makes driving harder that a car without power steering at all. I ask the dealership to have dcc look into the cause of this failure which cause the accident without any prior leaks or loss of fluid. The investigation letter stated that a vehicle that was built June 23, 1999 and had 66,006 miles would have these kinds of failures. The vehicle was inspected less than 3000 miles prior when it was taken in for air conditioning core issues. …
4 times in the last two weeks while driving in heavy city traffic in the los angeles, ca area the engine turned off, without warning, warning lights, or warning sounds. All guages went to zero. There was no abnormal function of the vehicle before each incident. Power assist to steering and brakes were also lost. Each time it was in dry, sunny weather with the temperature between 60 and 80 degrees fahrenheit. Each time I was able to coast to a curb or physically push the vehicle out of traffic. Each time, except one, the engine would not start immediately afterward. The engine would turn over briskly but would not start. After 4 to 6 attempts the car would start normally and then run normally as if nothing had ever happened. Each time the gasoline tank was at least one quarter full. …
Tl contact owns a 1999 Dodge Durango. While driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle veered to the left and the power assist pulled to the right. The contact heard a loud noise and smoke appeared under the hood. In addition, the vehicle was not running properly and the brakes overheated with a burning odor. The contact observed severe tire wear. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and the vehicle was repaired. On over 20 separate occasions, the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for the same issues; however, the failures still persist. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 20,000 and current mileage was 122,000.
The vehicle is hard to steer it also has a problem disengaging the 4 wheel drive the vehicle's tires in the front rub against the wheel wells causing uneven tread wear the vehicle is deemed unsafe also due to the vehicle's suspension bushings in the front in the tie rods in the front of the vehicle are loose causing a over compensation and under compensation for steering possibly resulting in fatality ultimately due to a bad lane change forcing the vehicle to collide with another vehicle ending up ultimately in fatality.
Usually happens when it is hot out but the truck just shuts off with out notice all power too all gauges go to 0 power steering. Does not matter how fast or slow I am going. I have to park it and let it sit anywhere from 5 minutes up to two hours. I have had several parts replaced and the problem continues no one seems to have an answer. This is so dangerous not only for me but also all other drivers on the road. This needs to be figured out soon I fear for my life and the life of others.
Makong turns, the oil pressure plummets. Wheel speed sensors are causing the dash light to stay on. Been through 2 new PCM computers. Spark plugs foul out too easy. Battery temp sensor needs to be beefed up. Factory anti theft system stopped working. There is a short somewhere. This Durango has died while in motion too. Scary.
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
Nut came off left front wheel bearing causing wheel to come off vehicle. When picking up pieces, I noticed that there is no cotter key to keep the nut from backing off. Had this happened at higher speeds, the result would have been very serious.
While driving at various times on the highways my car shuts down and I lose steering and power brakes which makes it hard to slow down and move to side of road. After 10 to 15 min l can restart my car.
Steering complaints in other Durango years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1999 Dodge Durango?
NHTSA has 170 complaints about the steering of the 1999 Dodge Durango, 9% of the model year's 1,967 complaints. The component named most often is linkages › tie rod assembly (87 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Dodge Durango steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 7 crashes, 2 fires and 2 injuries to steering 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.