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 wife's 1999 garage-kept Durango with only 25,600 miles on it is at the Dodge dealer right now having both lower ball joints replaced. Cost estimate is $560. I took the truck in to have the suspension inspected based largely upon the media coverage of this defect, and the info I gleened from this usefull NHTSA database. I just called the Dodge contact-us phone number, and documented my complaint. The polite woman took down my info, but she said that was all she could do, and that I should save my receipts for the repairs, in case there is a recall. I am an engineer, and I am convinced this is a design defect. I have a 1992 Explorer with 116,000 miles on it and have never had this kind of problem. While at the Dodge dealership, I looked underneath the shiny new 2004 Durango on the lot - what a surprise! the front supension is completely redesigned, and looks nothing like the suspension on the 99. Dodge needs to stop dodging their existing customers, or people like me will never buy another vehicle from them. I should have known better when I recalled that the fictitious al bundy's car of choice was a Dodge. To all Durango owners: Have your suspension inspected.
My 1999 Dodge Durango has been into the service department many times for this same problem, constant grinding at the front end of the vehicle, the grinding continues when backing out of driveway and on right and left turns...the service department continually claims that they "cannot duplicate the problem" the vehicle is unsafe to drive and I would like to see if I can get this vehicle declared a lemon. Thank you. Felecia C. leak.
Right upper control arm came loose causing popping, binding and steering control problems. Also, upper and lower right ball joints were worn out. Had to have the right front suspension repaired at 73,600 miles. Now two weeks after, the left front is doing the same and needs repairing. Also, having other squeaking and grinding somewhere in the suspension that has not yet been determined what is causing it. It is a dangerous situation and it sounds like a wreck.
- Ocala, FL, USA
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There was a loud squeaking noise in the front end of the vehicle while in motion. Upon inspection of vehicle by the dealership, they noticed that the sway bar bushings collapsed.
On 09-16-03 I took our 1999 Durango to a local dealership for a grinding noise in the front end (I suspected it to be wheel bearings). The Durango only had 50,000 miles on it and I learned that it needed wheel bearing/hub assemblies on both sides. That cost me nearly $900 and now only 1 month later I am faced with replacing upper ball joints and control arms on both sides. The dealership and daimler Chrysler are no help with these problems. I feel these components have failed prematurely. This is not a vehicle that is driven roughly (my wife uses it to Transport our two small children). I'll have to rethink future purchases of Chrysler products.
Front suspension/ball bearings completely gone. Oil pressure gage drops to 0 even after having the oil changed. Transmission problems. ABS and brake light stays on.
Premature failure of front suspension, parts are worn out. Cannot even align vehicle. Dangerous condition. Possibility to have to replace entire front suspension arms. Mileage: 55000
I purchased new tires and asked the tire dealer to check the alignment on my 1999 Dodge Durango and they told me they could not do it due to the fact the front end ball joints and control arms were bad and had to be replaced with only 52,000 miles. Chrysler said at the time this was unheard of and saw no reason for premature failure. They would not cover this under factory warranty. They made me pay for this with my Chrysler extended warranty, charging me $50 deductible and I had to pay for a front end alignment that was not required except for the changing of the parts. This should not be required on a vehicle with this age and mileage. Cars run for years and over one hundred thousand miles and do not have this problem. This needs to be looked into further. Luckily, this was caught before there was an incident while driving the vehicle on vacation in the mountains a few weeks later.
Re: 1999 Dodge Durango front suspension I just had to replace all four ball joints, and both tie rod ends on this vehicle at 59,000 miles of light on road usage. I have run previous vehicles to over 200,000 miles without any front work required. I consider this to be a defect in design.
While having routine maintenance work performed on our car, it was noted that the front suspension ball joints on our '99 Durango are "dangerously" worn out. The repair facility mentioned that the same problem has been noted on all Durangos that have come through their shop and that such premature wear is not common.
There was a ticking noise in the front end of the vehicle when the wheels were turned. The consumer read numerous reports from other owners that this was the first sign of a major front end problem.
I would like to file a complaint about a defect in the Dodge Durango ball joints. In usa today, dated: July 22, 2003, there was a article indicating that federal regulators are investigating the Dodge Durango SUV for a defect that could cause the front wheels to separate from the vehicle because the ball joints had worn out and the vehicle suspension to collapse. I have an 1999 Durango with roughly 30K miles. In May 03, I took my car in for 30K mile maintenance and because it was running rough. I ended up having to have the ball joint and suspension for the front wheel replaced because I was told that the ball joints had disintegrated and the suspension had subsequently been damaged. I have only driven my Durango on the highway and I have never taken it off the road. Therefore, I thought this type of problem was very odd at only 30000 miles. After reading the article in usa today, it is clear to me the damage to my vehicle was due to this defect. This complaint is to further collobrate the 81 complaints already filed.
9/19/02 had to replace upper and lower bushings on my 99 Dodge Durango with 59,339 miles. Called daimler Chrysler and was told that they were not aware of any suspension problems. Then on March 8, 2003 I had to replace the right ball joint with 65,577 miles. Once again call daimer Chrysler and again was told that they were not aware of any suspension problems.
Front end suspension squeaks horribly. Embarrassing to drive at times. I have been told by the dealer that I need to have both upper and lower control arms/ ball joints replaced on both sides. By viewing the complaints file I see this is common and don't see the sense in replacing them only to have them go bad again. Dodge needs to do something about this problem with this SUV and stop giving their consumers grief. Why wait for fatalities!!
After my first week of buying this Dodge Durango I lost control of my vehicle, it seems the front end two wheels kept on jumping and I could not stop it. It was not ivolved in an accident but I had to jump in another lane which I could have hurt someone. I did jerk my neck and had to take some iburfrofen for awhile. It also seems the brakes are real touchy. I had my Durango for two years and still afraid to drive it because its a dangerous vehicle. I also witness another person this week driving her Durango well as she turned the corner she lost controll of hers also and I told my daughter thats what happen to me my first time driving mine, im glad I had a witness because no one beleived me when I told them my story. Anyway I beleave its the front suspension you have to be real carefull when you turn and brake. Thanks for listenning to me. Oh yeah mine is a 1999.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Lake Forest, IL, USA