Both ball joints of the durago have been deemed unsafe after 60,000 miles.

- Thomaston, CT, USA

State inspector noticed that upper and lower ball joints loose rusted, and needed to be replaced. This occurred during a state inspection. The vehvile went throught Pennsylvania state inspection. All four ball joints failed inspection.

- Myerstown, PA, USA

While vehicle being inspected upper ball joints fell off. No injuries reported. Brakes were pulsating when vehicle trying to stop. It was found that rotors were out of round. Dealer replaced rotors. Vehicle doesn't start occasionally after being driven for a short time. No faults on test found; therefore, dealer couldn't duplicate problem. In addition, molding on windows, doors, and bumper.

- Spencerport, NY, USA

1998 Durango with less then 60000 both upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced. The vehicle has been well cared for never off road and not used to tow anything heavy.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

Consumer took vehicle to dealer for an alignment, and was told that an alignment could not be done because vehicle needed upper and lower ball joints. Consumer stated that tie rod in upper left arm was replaced. Consumer had not yet had a problem with vehicle, but was told that the 1999 model was being recalled for ball joints.

- Lisle, IL, USA

I heard about the problems with the Dodge DurangoS upper ball joints, so I had the dealer inspect them on my 1998 that has 60,000 miles on it. They reported excessive wear to the ball joints. Therefore, I had no choice but to replace them for about $500 out of my pocket. IM glad that I was not one of the many that I heard about who have lost a whole wheel assembly while driving.

- Warrenville, IL, USA

We noticed problems with uneven front tire wear on our 1998 Dodge Durango. Local repair shop determined that upper ball joints are shot and need replaced. Received quote of $800 to replace upper and lower ball joints. Ball joint problem caused tires to wear out prematurely and uneven, steel belts almost showing on inside of one tire.

- Monticello, MN, USA

The upper ball joints wore out prematurely.

- Coal Valley , IL, USA

During a vehicle inspection dealer determined that the upper ball joints wore out and must be replaced. There was no indication of a problem before the inspection. The dealer also stated the tie rods needed to be replaced.

- Fort Collins, CO, USA

While driving 50 mph a loud knocking noise was heard coming from the front left tire. Then, vehicle stalled. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that left front upper ball joint. Failed.

- New Ellenton, SC, USA

I bought a 1998 Dodge Durango in November of 2002. The vehicle had 59939 miles on it. I have maintained the car as one should. On 9/2/03 I took the auto into aamco transmissions as the car was not shifting down into 1st gear. It cost me $500 to fix this transmission problem. At the same time they told me my transfer case was going out and needs to be rebuilt. The estimate-$1350. In Nov of 2003, I took the car in to get a lube job. The mechanic told me that my lower ball joints were not accepting grease & the upper boots were rotted. That eventually I would need new ball joints but I still had time. In Dec 2003, I started having problems with the electrical system. The front passenger window would not roll down. Then if my steering wheel was turned as I put the car in park, it would not start, or it would die as I was backing out. In January I heard metal in my front tires as I was braking. A new brake job cost me $350. The end of January, while driving this vehicle with 72,000 miles, my front right tire fell off. Reason: Upper ball joint broke off. Every mechanic has stated that this is a defect, as they have never seen ball joints do this at this low mileage. I then saw NHTSA interviewed on the news for the very same reason. Dodge Durangos and their ball joints with tires falling off. My car landed in a ditch. I was lucky I was only travelling at 35 mph. It could have been fatal, and who ever manufactures these ball joints better stand up to the plate and take responsibility. This auto has been nothing but a mechanical problem since I bought it. And costly at that!

- Kittredge, CO, USA

Premature wear on passenger side front upper and lower ball joints.

- Delavan, WI, USA

In June, 2003 I took my Durango into the shop for some routine servicing. The mechanic inspected the front of the vehicle and noticed considerable wear to the upper and lower ball joints on the front end. He recommended immediate replacement of these parts. Thankfully, I had these parts replaced in July before a serious accident occurred. However, these repairs were done outside of the warranty period and at considerable cost to myself. I don't use this vehicle very often, so at the time of the repair it only had 37,000 miles on it but I had owned it for 4 years. I believe diamler/Chrysler is producing defective parts on these vehicles and it should be their responsibility to pay for the replacement of these parts.

- Savage, MN, USA

While driving 55 mph, a knocking noise was heard coming from driver side wheel. Driver was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic replaced both upper and lower ball joints due to worn out parts.

- Robinson, IL, USA

Ball joints worn out prematurely.

- Summerdale, AL, USA

Since I purchased my Durango in 1998 from the dealer I have had it in for numerous repairs and complained at least three times about a noise I heard near the rf wheel. They have told me it was a steering adjustment etc. I have paid for numerous repairs and still the noise is there. It is the ball joint, I have 80,000 miles on my vehicle and the noise was present since 256 mi. I have all my dealer service records and I will be happy to provide them which document my noise complaints and mileage. I was just advised by a mechanic it was the ball joint and about your investigation. No vehicle should have a problem like this at 256 miles unless it is a defective part. The same noise is present, I have no less than five witnesses also who have heard the noise and asked me about it yet the mechanics denied being able to replicate it.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

Lower and upper ball joints failed. Consumer was concerned that the front end will collapse while driving.

- Statesboro, GA, USA

Upon replacement of the tires dealership was unable to perform a front end alignment. Upper and lower ball joints and the inner tie rod were defective and needed to be replaced.

- Fairmont, MN, USA

While driving over bumpy road consumer heard a noise. After vehicle was serviced consumer was informed that the ball joints needed replacement.

- Titusville, FL, USA

While driving at any speed vehicle shook violently. Eventually, the consumer pulled the front tire off, and noticed that upper ball joints failed and needed replacement.

- Sonora, CA, USA