Repeated failure of lower ball joints on 1999 Dodge Durango slt+ 4X4.

- Radford, VA, USA

Request reimbursement for ball joint repair. Consumer found out after being informed by a television program about the excessive wearing of the ball joints associated with other Dodge Durango vehicles which was experienced by the consumer.

- Greenwood, LA, USA

While driving 50 mph a knocking noise was heard coming from the rear. Driver was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that both upper and lower ball joints needed replacing due to corrosion.

- Aberdeen, MD, USA

While driving 25 mph the steering wheel was hard to turn. A squeaking noise was heard coming from the steering wheel. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that both upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced.

- Kansas City, MO, USA

While driving front end vibrated. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that both upper and lower ball joints needed replacing.

- Brigham City, UT, USA

While driving at 45 mph consumer heard a clunky noise coming from the front end. Mechanic at an independent repair shop determined that lower and upper ball joints needed to be replaced.

- Patchogue, NY, USA

I am writing to document the front-end repairs made to my 1999 Dodge Durango and the expenses incurred in 2003. I am asking that daimler Chrysler reimburse me in full for these expenses. These repairs were necessary due to premature wear, which has been a documented design defect in numerous other Dodge Durangos of the model years 1998  2000. Front-end repairs performed in 2003 to my Dodge Durango: Replacement of upper & lower ball joints$769.1804/09/2003 replacement of right & left front hub bearings$1,092.4409/20/2003 replacement of front hub assembly$983.8511/06/2003 total front-end repair costs incurred:$2,845.47

- Neptune, NJ, USA

Ball joint replacement we recently had the ball joints checked after watching information on tv about the accidents caused by failing ball joints on Durango's and other Dodge trucks. In our case, we inspected the parts with the auto technician (someone we know very well). At that time, we saw and were advised strongly to replace the equipment. Since younger drivers in our family sometimes use this vehicle, we decided to replace the ball joints at our financial expense. We realize that it was our choice but we are more at ease with the use of the vehicle. Peace of mind is better than taking the chance of an accident.

- Altoona, PA, USA

When turning the steering wheel to the left or right, the consumer would hear a clicking sound. The vehicle was serviced, and the dealer informed the consumer that the ball joints and the tie rods were loose. While the vehicle was in motion, there was a loud squealing sound and when a bump was hit, the front end squeaked loudly.

- Twin Falls, ID, USA

We have been told by our local dealership that the ball joints are worn, and are excessively wearing our brand new set of tires. We are very upset that Dodge is not doing anything about this obvious problem. We have never had a vehicle with so many issues before, the intake gasket, the ABS sensor, the seal on rear axle, a seat belt that wouldn't work, and now this. Very unhappy with the vehicle as a whole.

- Burr Oak, MI, USA

I own a 1999 Dodge Durango with approximately 64,000 miles. Immediately upon purchasing the vehichle I have experienced a large poping and dragging sound when turning or performing a U-turn. Recently I attempted to make a U-turn and my car nearly lost control and felt as if it would tip over. I took the vehicle in to cerritos Dodge and I was advised that the vehichles upper and lower, right and left ball joints were completely shot. All were replaced. I continue to experience the popping and dragging sounds. Upon purchasing the vehichle, I have had to change the (all four) tires 3 times, obtain 3 wheel alignments, change the battery (went completely dead at approximately 25,000 miles) repair the brake light switch (brake lights wouldn't turn off), and repair door/hatch locks (unable to lock and make loud buzzing and clicking sound).

- Carson, CA, USA

Dealership replaced the lower and upper ball joints at 83,000 miles at consumer's expense.

- Sturgis, MI, USA

Upper lower ball joints, both sides repaired once with vehicle having under 32,000 miles on it at dealership where purchased. Right side repaired again at independent mechanic at 49,000, upon failure of safety inspection. Left one would soon need to be replaced also.

- Dennis, MA, USA

1999 Dodge Durango had worn ball joints and steering end links. Was making a popping sound evertime I turned left or right squeeked when I went over bumps.

- Cary, NC, USA

While driving a loud noise was heard coming from the front. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined the need to replace the upper and lower ball joints.

- Brazil, IN, USA

While driving at 35 mph consumer heard a rattling sound coming from the front end. Vehicle was taken to a independent mechanic who determined that upper and lower ball joints were worn out on both sides. Also, consumer heard a clanking sound coming from the engine. Dealer examined the vehicle, and found that a new transmission was needed.

- New Orleans, LA, USA

At 40,000 mi.check up on my Dodge Durango 1999 it was found to be the boots around my upper ball joints were ripped. At 45,000 miles the rubber boots around the lower ball joints are ripped. These are from the factory and should not be happening for such low mileage. These are permently greased and the damage is unknown when there is rips and dirt, etc is getting up in there. There is several hundred complaints about this and when is the government going to make a recall. It is a shame someone has to be killed before something is done. There is no recall or action being taken up to this point to repair this problem. What do you suggest we do? this is very expensive to fix and the vehicle itself is not cheap. I enjoy driving my Durango, but now cannot take it on the highway. Please help!

- Palm Bay, FL, USA

Upper and lower ball joints failed. The consumer was also the tie rods were bad.

- Dubuque, IA, USA

PE 03-032, front suspension. Upper ball joint failure: While driving at any speed and when turning corners a clicking sound was heard from the front end. Also, when driving straight there was a groaning sound coming from the front. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the upper and lower ball joints were worn out.

- Blue Ridge, VA, USA

At very low mileages independent shop replaced the lower and upper ball joints at consumer's expense. Dealer notified.

- West Des Moines, IA, USA