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.
My 1998 Dodge Durango 4X4 is in need of replacement of the following front end parts: Driver's side upper and lower ball joints, and outer tie rod, passenger side upper and lower balljoints, and inner tie rod. The SUV is very difficult to handle because of this and I feel extremely dangerous putting my life in jeopardy on several occasions on highways.
Extreme squeaky noises coming from the front end of the truck. Mechanic said that upper and lower ball joints wore out and this was a very common problem with these SUVS. He said that it was likely that there will be a recall on this soon as well.
While driving vehicle was swaying from side to side. Consumer had difficulty handling vehicle on the road. Vehicle was serviced, and technician determined that the lower and upper ball joints were worn out and needed to be replaced.
Thank god, we have no "incident" to report.however, if we did not decide to bring our Dodge Durango in to get the ball joints checked out we may have had a "horrible incident"!!! the repairman said the ball joints were so loose that they could move them around when pulling on the tires. We have three children that ride in this vehicle daily, the tires could have fallen off at any time!!!!!!! this is unacceptable and Dodge must be held accountable for their faulty defects.
- Sioux Falls, SD, USA
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Consumer took the vehicle to the dealership for inspection, and mechanic determined that both upper ball joints failed. Consumer will have the mechanic replace the upper ball joints.
While driving at any speed, the vehicle vibrates uncontrollably. The driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle and drove it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the upper ball joint needed to be replaced. The upper ball joint repair has not rid the vehicle of the front end shake. Neither the dealer nor an independent shop have been able to identify the cause of the shaking.
The consumer had taken the vehicle to the dealership for inspection and the mechanic determined that both upper ball joints were wearing prematurely. The consumer will have the mechanic replace the upper ball joints. (all of the ball joints needed to be replaced)
When driving at any speed, the consumer heard a knocking noise coming from the front of the vehicle. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealership for inspection and the mechanic determined that the left upper ball joints failed. The consumer will have the mechanic replace the upper ball joints. The upper and lower ball joints were undersized at the time of make. This caused the tie rods to fail due to the undue pressure.
1. seatbelts, housing repeatedly fell down. Never replaced, service only pulled it back up and the problem continues 2. all four window regulators replaced prior to recall. Now I have one window that will go down. The rest are stuck in the up posiiton. Of course, my warranty is up. 3. rear differential went out at 63,000. 3,000 past warranty. 4. all four ball joints are bad. Serviceman says unsafe to drive until replaced. Still waiting on a recall. 5. passenger front seat cover came apart at seams. Service said not covered by warranty. 6. hood latch does not release hood. My vehicle is now parked and not being driven at 80,000. I do not have and will never have another Chrysler product in my drive. I bought this vehicle new and took very good care of it. It seems to be falling apart around me. Seems I have heard stories about the ball joints, wheels coming off, etc. No one killed yet, but no recall yet either I see.
Ball joints wore out on front steering mechanism. Top and bottom ball joints and tie rods had to be replaced in order to pass state inspection. Over $1,000 for repairs. Told this is probably a manufacturing defect. Dealer informed me that they go out a lot and that a recall could be in the process and to check with dot because they decide on recalls.
I purchased my Durango in 1998, I have had it in to the dealer because of steering column noise, was told nothing was wrong with it. My front right brake squeals and I get grease on my wheels, had replaced, still makes the noise. My fuel strap was replaced in a previous recall. Now I am going to have to have the ball joints redone, they are separating. Was told vehicle is unsafe to drive, wheel will fall off. I would like to know why there has been no recalls on this problem. We also have a friend that has a 2000 that needs to replace his because of the same situation. Will there be a recall?
Vehicle acquired in July of 2004. All component system failures listed have occurred since that timeframe. Engine overheated due to two (2) freeze plugs that failed between the rear of the engine and the transmission housing. Reverse lights no longer function and cause is still under investigation. Front transaxle assemblies were replaced as were the lower ball joints. Vehicle is currently at a repair facility requiring upper ball joint and tie-rod end replacement.
PE 03-032, front suspension/upper ball joints: Consumer took vehicle to dealer for a new light switch and found that the upper and lower ball joints were worn out. Also, the inner tie rods needed to be replaced the dealer refused to replace the ball joints free of charge.
The upper and lower ball joints are worn and loose on my 1998 Dodge Durango. When I discovered this defect I went to 15 used car lots that also had Dodge Durangos in their inventory and every one either had the same condition or the ball joints were already replaced.
On April 8, 2004, we took our vehicle to the service station for a routine oil change and annual safety inspection. At this time our vechicle had approximately 63,000 miles on it. During the safety inspection, it was noted that all 4 front ball joints were bad. Our mechanic believed this to be premature wear for these parts. As we were leaving on vacation the next day, we took it to the Chrysler dealer and paid close to $1,000 to have this defect repaired to protect the safety of our family. Upon further research, we see that there have been other complaints and an investigation into this defect.
The consumer had to replace both left and right ball joints and tie rods due to premature wear. A faulty intake gasket caused an oil leak. The consumer notified the manufacturer and requested reimbursement. The consumer was denied reimbursement.
While driving vehicle pulls to the right, and there's a grinding noise in the front end when turning. Dealership inspected the vehicle and noticed that the upper right ball joint was loose.
Both upper and lower ball joints must be replaced at 66,000 miles which seems very early for a component of this type. The durange has been careflully maintained.
I was bringing my 4 year old daughter to preschool this morning when I hear a thumping noise so I pulled over and noticed my tires were fine. So after I dropped her off at school I decided to take it to the dealership where I bought the car after seeing the program about bad ball joints in Durangos. Well after the mechanics inspected my car they told me that if I had hit another bump or pot hole in the road my tires would have snapped off. That is how bad they were. I had no warning except for this morning. So I called diamel Chrysler to get them to cover the cost and they said " in good faith" they would fix the ball joints at no cost but would not cover any other damage done by the ball joints going. I could've gotten killed today with my daughter or I could've killed someone else. There should be an immediate recall on the ball joints before someone gets killed. By the ball joints being bad my tires which were new are shot, my hub on both sides needs to be replaced, both shocks and the bearings on both sides. I have to pay over $1,200 in damages because of a ball joint.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Beaumont, TX, USA