1998 Dodge Durango: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1998 Dodge Durango: 4 recalls, 965 owner complaints and up to 13 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical Vehicle recall #98V019000 · 1998 · 37,900 vehicles
What's wrong: The fastener which secures the generator cable to the power distribution center (pdc) has an insufficient clamp load, resulting in a loose connection and electrical arcing at the connection.
Why it matters: This condition could cause a fire in the engine compartment.
The fix: Dealers will retighten the generator cable and battery cable fasteners to the proper torque specifications.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #99V341000 · 1999 · 96,892 vehicles
What's wrong: The rear brake tube can contact an underbody crossmember eventually wearing a hole in the tube.
Why it matters: If the tube were perforated, there would be a reduction in braking from the rear wheels, increasing stopping distances.
The fix: Dealers will install a rubber isolator on all vehicles that do not indicate tube contact. Vehicles that show contact and have less than 45,000 miles and no signs of red rust will have the rubber isolator installed with silicone to protect the tube where the coating has worn off. Vehicles that…
Fuel system Vehicle recall #99V342000 · 1999 · 150,729 vehicles
What's wrong: The fuel tank strap can separate due to fatigue during operation. If this occurs, the tank will be unsupported, increasing the risk of a fuel leak.
Why it matters: Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the double toggle lock fuel tank straps with single toggle lock design.
Airbags Vehicle recall #01V153000 · 2001 · 216,100 vehicles
What's wrong: Sound deadener material inside the steering wheel could become detached from the cover and housing. Note: the Ram pickup trucks were built at the warren assembly plant ("s" in the 11th VIN position) from May 16, 2000 through October 23, 2000; st. Louis north assembly plant ("j" in the 11th VIN position) from May 19, 2000 through October 23, 2000; lago alberto assembly plant ("m" in the 11th VIN position) from May…
Why it matters: When this occurs, the material could interfere with the clockspring ribbon and cause an open circuit. The driver air bag system will become disabled, and the air bag warning lamp will illuminate on the instrument panel.
The fix: Dealers will replace the clockspring assembly. Owner notification began June 18, 2001. Also some 1997-200 model year vehicles that, according to warranty records, have had a suspect replacement clockspring installed, will also be included in this campaign.
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Brakes (hydraulic) Equipment recall #06E022000 · 2006 · 7,440 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain aftermarket brake hydraulic master cylinders sold as replacement brake cylinders for certain Ford, daimlerchrysler, and Jeep passenger vehicles. These brake cylinders were sold under the brand names of napa, raybestos, aimco, ac delco, carquest, bendix, and wagner. Only products that were manufactured from July 27, 2005 through January 17, 2006 (date codes 0529 through 0602) are subject to this recall. When…
Why it matters: Loss of brake fluid can lead to a decrease in brake line pressure and an increase in stopping distance, which can result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Affinia (brake parts, Inc.) will replace the subject brake hydraulic master cylinders free of charge. The recall began on March 20, 2006. Owners can contact affina group customer service at 1-800-323-0354.
Engine & cooling Equipment recall #06E024000 · 2006 · 44,386 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain replacement k&n fuel performance kits, p/nos. 57-1509, 57-1511, 57-1511-1, 57-1517, 57-1517-1, 57-1527, and 57-1530. Also, a small percentage of these kits were sold under the mopar performance parts brand name (p/nos. P5007069 and p5007070). All kits were manufactured from April 20, 1999, through September 23, 2004. These assemblies were manufactured as replacement equipment for certain Dodge pickup trucks…
Why it matters: A jammed open throttle could cause unintended acceleration of the vehicle, possibly resulting in a crash or increased stoping distances when braking.
The fix: K&n will provide owners with a free repair kit along with repair instructions. The recall began on April 20, 2006.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 12 mention a fire, 31 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Suspension (540): the most common themes are noise or vibration (112), steering problems (48).
- Transmission & drivetrain (103): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (35), noise or vibration (21).
- Steering (90): the most common themes are steering problems (41), noise or vibration (20).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (85): the most common themes are noise or vibration (16), brake failure / soft pedal (11).
The 1998 Dodge Durango has 965 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 29 Durango model years for complaints (2.0× the average Durango year). Complaints peaked in 2003 (256 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 70,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1997 (4 complaints, 1 recalls), 1999 (1967 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.2 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 13 | Regular |
| 5.9 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 11 | 16 | 13 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1998 Dodge Durango.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 1998 Dodge Durango have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 1998 Dodge Durango, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1998 Dodge Durango problems?
Owners have filed 965 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are suspension (540), transmission & drivetrain (103), steering (90).
What gas mileage does the 1998 Dodge Durango get?
EPA ratings run up to 13 mpg combined (5.2 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1998 Dodge Durango repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.