This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
Defective ball joints, I'm getting ready to go on my 3rd set of ball joints. There is definitely something wrong with the Durango ball joint (front end design). My first set of ball joints went bad after 50,000 miles (3 out of 4 joints defective), when I took my car in for tire replacements (as a result) they told me that they had 2 other Durango's in the shop for the same reason (bad ball joints). Now, after 80,000 (30,000 from my last replacement) my tires are showing the same wear pattern. I'm very interested into any probe resulting from the ball joint issue and would be happy to assist in any way.
I had to replace left and right ball joints on a 1998 Dodge Durango at approximately 45,000 miles. It cost $1400. I just learned about this site from the Durango owners club on yahoo groups. The ball joints seem to be a problem for many people.
PE 03-032, front suspension upper ball joint failure: The vehicle trembled terribly when driving at a high speed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the consumer was informed that the upper and lower ball joints were worn out. Manufacturer had been informed of the problem.
Both sides upper ball joints separated while driving and a noise was heard coming from the front. Both front tires could fall off, and vehicle was inoperable.
The consumer stated that the upper ball joint were wearing prematurely. The consumer made contact with the dealership. The dealer refused to align the vehicles wheels because the ball joints were worn. The ball joints were replaced by an independent mechanic.
1998 Dodge Durango - suspension - front-control arm and upper ball joint has been replaced at least 3 times since we purchased the vehicle in Dec 1999. We were advised in Aug of this year that they need to be replaced again.
Vehicle failed state inspection. Needed to replace the upper and lower ball joints. Both upper and lower ball joints were replaced and vehicle passed inspection. The front brakes and rotors were also replaced.
PE 03-032, front susension upper ball joint failure: Upper ball joints wore out prematurely. The problem was repaired by the owner. The upper and lower ball joints were replaced.
While driving at low speeds noise could be heard from the front end. Steering column shifted when accelerating and braking. All four ball joints were replaced along with the inner tie rods. But the noise could still be heard. The cause of the problem had not been determined.
PE 03-032, front suspension upper ball joint wore out prematurely. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for new tires and an alignment. The technician refused to perform the alignment because the upper ball joints were worn.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Bryant, AR, USA