Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 1998 Dodge Durango
The 1998 Dodge Durango faces significant suspension issues and several recalls. It has a high number of complaints, particularly about suspension and powertrain problems. Recalls also cover critical components like brakes, fuel systems, and electrical systems. Prospective buyers should inspect these areas carefully. The recall and complaint data suggests potential costly repairs.
NHTSA data on file today
The 1998 Dodge Durango has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 964 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #06E024000 REPLACEMENT AIR INTAKE SYSTEMS/DEBRIS CAN ENTER NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06E022000 BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDER NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #01V153000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/CLOCKSPRING MATERIAL NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #99V341000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/REAR BRAKE TUBES NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #99V342000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/FUEL TANK ATTACHING STRAPS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #98V019000 CHRYSLER/GENERATOR CABLE FASTENER NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Suspension 538 complaints
- Power Train 99 complaints
- Steering 89 complaints
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic 84 complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 64 complaints
- Visibility 48 complaints
Of the 964 complaints on file, 51 report a crash and 12 a fire; across all 964 complaints, owners report 31 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Frequent suspension complaints
How to check: Inspect suspension components for wear or damage.
Rear brake tube wear
How to check: Check for signs of wear or leaks in brake lines.
Generator cable connection issues
How to check: Ensure no electrical arcing near power distribution.
Replacement fuel kit issues
How to check: Verify aftermarket parts aren't using affected kits.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual noises from suspension or engine.
Red flag: Clunking or grinding noise
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Observe idling stability; no stalling.
Red flag: Engine stalls or idles roughly
- 03
Initial braking
What to check: Feel for brake pedal firmness, no noise.
Red flag: Soft brake pedal or squealing
- 04
Low-speed steering
What to check: Check for ease of steering and noise.
Red flag: Excessive steering effort or clicking
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Smooth acceleration without hesitation.
Red flag: Jerky acceleration or hesitation
- 06
Cruising over bumps
What to check: Listen for suspension noise.
Red flag: Loud clunks or rattles
- 07
Hard braking
What to check: Check for stability and straight stopping.
Red flag: Pulls to one side or vibration
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Have there been any suspension repairs?
- Are there any open recalls?
- Have the brake tubes been inspected?
- Were aftermarket parts installed?
- Is there a history of electrical issues?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Vehicle service history
- Recall repair records
- Recent suspension inspection
- Brake system service documentation
- Electrical system check records
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 1998 Dodge Durango at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 1998 Dodge Durango? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.