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.
I want to add my complaint against Dodge for the ongoing investigation into the possible recall of the 1999 Dodge Durango for failure of front-end tie rods and ball joints. My understanding is that the NHTSA has an ongoing investigation into the failure of these parts on this model year Durango. Just last week at 55K original owner miles I had to replace the ball joints and tie rods.
Consumer complained about a ball joint problem. Vehicle vibrated when moving at speeds of 50 mph or higher. Consumer contacted the dealer, and was told that because the vehicle had over 90,000 miles they would not cover it.
Consumer complained about a steering problem. Vehicle was taken to the dealership, who indicated that both ball joints and tie rods were defective and needed to be replaced.
Ball joints on my 1999 Dodge Durango had been squeaking for a couple of years, after seeing expose on failing ball joints, I had them checked and all 4 ball joints were bad. I had them checked at 2 independent repair shops before taking it into the chrsyler/Dodge dealership in midland mi. Feeny Dodge. They confirmed that the balls joints were compromised and replaced them for the labor charge and did not charge for the parts. This was in November 2003. The vehicle only had 33,000 miles on it.
While driving 55 mph vehicle shook uncontrollable. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer. Mechanic determined that both frontal upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced due to corrosion.
- Port Richey, FL, USA
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While driving 60 mph, the vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. The driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle and drove it to a body shop. The mechanic informed the driver that the upper and lower ball joints needed replacing due to worn parts.
The lower ball joints have cracked without warning. As a result while driving the vehicle vibrates violently. The cause has yet to be determined. Please provide additional information.
Excessive tire wear, failed safety inspection. Ball joint failure (all) required replacement. Contacted dealer, they would not replace even though failure was premature. Replaced all ball joints at my expense...$1,289.
While driving, a loud noise was heard from the front. Consumer drove the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that both front upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced due to corrosion. While rotating his tire the consumer checked the ball joints and noticed that the upper and lower ones were extremely loose. The consumer believes this was cause by lack of grease because there are no grease fittings.
Consumer felt that manufacturer should be responsible for the repair on vehicle. The vehicles lower ball joints were loose and have excessive wear. Prior to this failure the vehicle's leaf springs broke. The dealer replaced both rear leaf springs.
Premature wear on ball joints. Dealer inspected at my request during routine 37,500 mile maintenance. I was told that the ball joints needed to be replaced, which involves replacing the entire upper control arms on the vehicle for a cost of over $800. Not replacing them could cause wheel to come off. Replacing major suspension components on a light use, low mile vehicle is outrageous. If they were ment to be replaced at 38,000 miles they would not be integral with the control arm.
Steering became loose and front wheels began to make loud creaking noises. Having been aware of the tendency for Durango ball joints to fail, I took my car to the shop. Ball joints on front required replacement as well as bearing on one side.
While driving at 35 mph, the consumer heard a scraping sound coming from the front end. Vehicle was taken to a mechanic who determined that the upper and lower ball joints were worn out. Also the left hub bearing was worn out.
At 39000 miles, 1999 Dodge Durango had to have ball joints replaces as they were dangerously worn. Since grandchildren ride in vehicle, ball joints had to be replaced at a cost of $764.22. Dodge refuses to stand behind vehicle even though ball joints were obviously defective and worn at 36000 miles when warranty ran out.
All suspension ball joints on my 1999 Dodge Durango went out at once making it almost imposible to drive and almost lost the front passenger side wheel with all my children in the car. Vehicle only has 82,000 miles on it with regular maintenance and this should not have happened. Took the car to the mechanic and had all ball joints replaced. He informed me that I was very lucky not to have had an accident and that he has seen this problem with the Dodge Durango many times. From my research on this subject I can see it is a common problem with potential for serious injury. Please look into this problem asap. Thank you.
During Maryland state vehicle inspection on my 99 Dodge Durango, I was by the mechanic that the front ball joints appeared to be defective. The mechanic found cracks, chips, and excessive wear on the ball joints, and said that they needed to be replaced asap. He told me that it was unsafe to drive my vehicle in this condition. I called the local Dodge dealership and was told by the service manager that I should expect the ball joints to be in this condition considering that I have about 100,000 miles on the vehicle. He said they would only have been covered by the warranty until 36,000 miles. He did not seem to think that it was hazardous to drive with damaged ball joints, and was rude when I asked about any recalls on the vehicle. I found more information on the internet about the on-going investigation about the defective Durango ball joints.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Stanwood, WA, USA