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.
While driving approximately 5-10 mph the right front wheel shook. Would hear noises every time steering wheel was turned, stopping or even braking. Took vehicle to mechanic, who determined that upper ball joints separated. Also, the steering knuckle separated, and the suspension moved. Mechanic indicated that this was causing the shaking problem. Vehicle would need to be lubricated every 2-3 months. After having the vehicle serviced the consumer stated that the left side began having the same problem.
Upper and lower ball joints worn and needed to be replaced. Luckily this was found by a mechanic and they were replaced before they failed. However, this was done after the warranty period at considerable cost to myself.
A loud knocking was heard coming from rear. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer, and mechanic determined that both front D upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced due to corrosion.
Consumer stated vehicle experienced the same problem as mentioned in the recall regarding the ball joints. Consumer contacted Dodge three to five months ago. However she was told the recall was for the 2000-2003 1/2 models.
The upper and lower ball joints were replaced twice. There was a recall on the Dodge Durango. Consumer contacted the dealer and manufacturer. Consumer stated they will not do anything to help.
- Weymouth, MA, USA
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Complaint received via E-mail. I have a 1998 ball joints, and that the car is unsafe. I figured they were just trying to make money for another job. I went directly to my neighborhood shop to see what they said and they agreed. Dodge knew that this is a problem. Also, a cash cow to them at $1500. I have driven this vehicle gently and only had high 50000 miles at the time of repair. 1998 Durango should be included in this recall. The consumer stated that the oil pump failed and the tranny failed. The intake gasket manifold failed and consumed 1 qt of oil in two days. The vehicle uses excessive anti freez. The crank shaft was replaced as well as connecting rod and bearings. The consumer stated that the vehicle had to many problems and dealer knew of the problems beforehand. Four ball joints have been replaced.
At very low speeds, such as pulling in or out of driveway, can feel and hear popping noises through the floor boards. Also, the steering wheel would be very loose; it takes about two inches before steering wheel is actually able to be turned. Have taken vehicle to mechanic and was informed that upper and lower ball joints, on all wheels, are worn out and need to be replaced.
1998 Dodge Durango with left turn steering problems. Shop greased the cv joints but now is telling me because of bad design that is the same as what is happening with 2000-2003 I have to spend $1,150 on new upper and lower ball joints.
I own an 1998 Durango that required all the ball joints to be replaced at relatively low mileage. The mechanic felt they were ready to collapse. According to Chrysler the ball joints are the same design as those currently being recalled on later models. Why aren't 98 and 99 model year Durangos being recalled?
Dodge dealer reported that ball joints on 1998 Dodge Durango have excessive wear and require replacement. The quote to replace exceeded $2000 and I was told at the time that the recall was pending. I am the original owner, vehicle mileage is 76,898. VIN is [xxx]. I see that the recall is for 2000 through 2003 and that warranty on 2000 thru 2003 models was extended to 100,000 miles for ball joints. Is there any recourse" isn't this the same suspension design as the 2000 model" I also replaced the rear axle in 2003 following a total failure resulting in rear locking up and shearing the U-joint and dropping the drive shaft while driving. Replacement cost exceeded $3000 and I was told at the time that this is a known problem with Durango's as well. Updated 07/24/2012* js information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
For about 1 1/2 years I have noticed a popping sound coming form my front end when I am going slow or turning. I have had it checked out and have been told that it is my upper ball joints. I looked and I could see that the rubber bushing has worn out around the ball joint. The condition seems to be getting worse, with my front end vibrating and the popping and cracking sound increasing. I know about the recall for years 2000+ Dodge Durango's, and now I think that mine should be included also.
I bought a new set of tires at a local tire store, and was informed by the front end alighnment mechanic that I had (3) ball joints that were bad. The upper right side was at the point of seperation at any time. He suggested I take it to the Dodge dealership, which I did and they said that all (4) balljoints were bad. I asked if it was a recall, they said it was under investigation the cost to repair was to be $ $825, and to hold the bill for possible reimburment. I could not afford for them to do the repairs, I went back to the tire store and had the repairs made by them. See now that the 1998 up Durangos are in question, mine is a 1998 year model. I expect to be repaid the $$$ spent for these repairs. Thank you, larry isley
The NHTSA recently advised DaimlerChrysler to issue a recall on 2000-2003 Dodge Durangos and dakotas concerning the ball joint(s) separating, resulting in the wheel falling off. Please consider expanding this suggested recall to include earlier models. I own a 1998 Durango that had the exact same problem, although I caught it before something horrible happened. To say that the ball joints were bad would be the understatement of the year - I have worked on vehicles for years, pickup trucks in particular. I have never seen anything like this - the ball joint fell out of the housing.
Consumer heard a knocking noise coming from the front. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that both driver's side and passenger's side upper ball joints needed to be replaced. Consumer informed the dealer that this problem occurred more than once, and had not been resolved.
Intermittently vehicle made a clanking noise while driving under normal conditions. Vehicle was taken to a dealership for inspection, who indicated that the upper ball joints were bad and needed to be replaced, and they were replaced. Three months later, the outer and inner tie rod ends needed to be replaced.
Upper ball joints were making grinding noise when the vehicle turned at low speeds causing the tires to shake. Dealer repaired vehicle twice, but consumer will wait for repairs for the third time.
1) ABS and brake lights came on, whining noise from front end 2) dealer determined ball joints in front and wheel bearings in serious shaped, laughed at how I was just driving on the highway since the likelihood of the wheels falling off was so high. 3. dealer installed 2 hub brakes, bearings in front ($1025.30 cost) and overhauled rear differential, bearings worn and excessive movement in pinion ($924.48). * now I hear NHTSA has discovered this on 00-03 Durangos (mine is a 98) and wants Chrysler to recall them. I paid all this money to correct a problem even the federal government says is Chrysler's fault. They should give me at least a credit for future repairs.
With regard to the potential recall of Durangos and dakotas in model years 2000-2003, I would urge you to consider starting the recall in the 1998 model year. I have had to replace my ball joints, and I've read about numerous others that have had to dothe same on the doc (Durango owners club) forum (www.durangoclub.com). fyi - the date of incident is the estimated date of replacement of the ball joints.
I purchase my 1998 Dodge Durango in February of 2004. After two months problems with brakes and upper and lower ball joints began (both front tires) with the driver side being the worst. I heard clicking when I would turn the steering wheel to the left and thought it could be the cv joint. I too K the vehicle to brauning automotive and they found the problem and gave an estimate of $1500 in repair costs. I purchased the parts myself and my father replaced both the upper and lower ball joints the following day. ( I am doubtful he still has the old parts - but I will ask) this was back in April 2004 and I am hearing the clicking yet again. When my father worked on my car he told me there was a bolt that was partial screwed in and the theads had actually been stripped off. He had to change the bolt as well. The clicking sound is almost sounds like two pieces of metal are slamming together. This does not happen when I am driving staight. I only hear it when I turn. I have 3 children and don't have the money to repair this problem. I heard on the radio a little bit about this. I don;T know if this is an actual recall or if it may become a recall. I don't want to have an accident like the others before something is done about this.
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- Covington, GA, USA