The 2007 Dodge Durango has a serious airbag problem tied to Takata inflator defects. Owners report two main failure modes: airbags that deploy but don't inflate, leaving occupants unprotected during head-on collisions, and airbags that don't deploy at all during crashes severe enough to cause fractures and serious injuries. A few owners also describe unexplained deployments at low speeds or during rain, causing secondary accidents.
Chrysler issued multiple recall campaigns (15V313000, 16V352000, 14V817000, 14V354000) starting in 2014, citing humidity exposure degrading inflators. However, the bigger problem is that repair parts were unavailable for months or longer—some owners waited over a year with no parts and no estimated delivery date. Dealerships couldn't complete repairs, turned owners away, or offered impractical wait times. One owner was told the service department wasn't "a doctor's office" and couldn't accommodate her. Owners received multiple recall notices stating parts would arrive, then got the same "parts not available" response when they called back. Compounding the frustration, some owners never received recall notices at all and found out through Facebook.
Failure modes owners describe
Airbags failed to inflate during impact
Airbag modules deployed but did not inflate, providing no protection during frontal collisions. Owners describe bags coming out like a 'cape' without cushioning effect.
When: During head-on crashes at highway speeds (60-80 mph, 55 mph, 70 mph); also noted at lower speeds (30-35 mph impacts)
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag deploys but does not inflate; No cushioning on impact; Occupants sustain injuries despite deployment
Repairs/costs cited: No repair actions documented in narratives; vehicles involved in severe crashes
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Takata recall campaigns 15V313000, 16V352000, 14V817000, 14V354000 issued for defective inflators caused by absolute humidity exposure
Complete airbag non-deployment during crashes
Airbag systems failed to deploy at all during significant frontal impacts and collisions, leaving occupants unprotected despite crash severity warranting deployment.
When: During head-on collisions (35 mph, 50 mph, 55 mph), multi-vehicle collisions at 132,000 miles and 140,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: No airbag deployment despite frontal impact; Occupants sustain head, spine, rib, and clavicle fractures; Serious injuries requiring medical attention
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles destroyed in collisions; no repair attempted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Takata recall campaigns issued; one narrative mentions damaged clock spring connector tab part #107300 preventing recall completion
Unexpected airbag deployment
Airbags deployed without any collision or accident, triggered by minor road hazards such as driving into a hole. Deployment caused loss of vehicle control and secondary crashes.
When: At 35 mph after hitting a hole in road; at 40-45 mph during heavy rain; during normal highway driving at 70 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Spontaneous deployment without impact; Loss of vehicle control; Secondary collision into pole or other objects; Occupant injuries to chest, stomach, arms, knees
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle destroyed and towed; one vehicle hit telephone pole following unexplained deployment
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Takata recall campaigns issued
Airbag warning light illumination with clock spring failure
Airbag warning indicator illuminated on dashboard repeatedly while driving. Diagnosis revealed steering column clock spring failure. Clock spring connector tab damage documented in one recall attempt.
When: At 150,000 miles during highway driving (70 mph)
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning indicator illuminated; Warning recurs multiple times; Steering column clock spring failed
Repairs/costs cited: Clock spring replacement needed; damaged connector tab part #107300 documented; one vehicle refused service due to pre-existing damage
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Takata recall issued; service departments cite unrelated damage as reason to deny recall work
Recall parts unavailability and extended delays
Owners received multiple recall notices (15V313000, 16V352000, 14V817000, 14V354000) but dealers could not perform repairs due to manufacturer parts shortages that persisted for months to over a year. No estimated timelines provided to owners.
When: Recalls issued December 2014 through July 2016; delays lasted 4+ months in many cases, over 1 year in some
Symptoms owners cite: Recall notice received; Dealer states parts unavailable; Multiple follow-up calls yield no progress; No estimated delivery date for parts; Limited dealer inventory despite national recall
Codes mentioned: 15V313000, 16V352000, 14V817000, 14V354000
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs completed; owners unable to get vehicles serviced despite repeated attempts and multiple recall notices
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler/FCA issued multiple Takata airbag recall campaigns but failed to supply parts in timely manner; dealers reported limited or no parts availability; manufacturer could not provide estimated repair dates
Dealership service refusal and scheduling issues
Dealerships refused to perform recalled safety repairs or offered only extended wait times that were impractical for owners. One dealership claimed inability to accommodate without keeping vehicle for extended periods.
When: During 2014-2016 recall period
Symptoms owners cite: Dealer refuses recall service; Dealer claims no capacity to perform work; No return calls from service departments; Online scheduling promises not honored; Only 3-4 recalls per week capacity claimed
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs performed; one dealership told pregnant owner she would have to leave vehicle for days with no timeline
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Takata recall issued; manufacturer did not enforce dealer compliance or provide alternative service options
Synthesized from 38 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.