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 purchased a 1999 Dodge Durango new in September of 1998. While the vehicle was still under warranty, I complained that there was a rough grinding noise in the area of the right front of the vehicle. The vehicle now has 46795 miles. On February 9, 2005, the noise was very loud and we were scared to drive the vehicle. We took it to the Chrysler dealership (carl greg Chrysler-Jeep in johnson city, tn) and we were told that the ball joints were going bad and needed to be replaced. I also was told that there was a recall on some of the Durangos. The service manager told me that he could replace the joints but he would have to use the same model that was on the vehicle because the new redesigned joints had not been released from Chrysler. I was to come back when the new joints came in. The noise became very bad and we were scared to drive the vehicle. I took it to the Dodge dealer (carl gregory Dodge of johnson city) (the Chrysler-Jeep dealership had closed) for service. I was told that the driver and passenger side upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced and that it was dangerous to drive the vehicle. I had the joints replaced and it cost me $760.40 out of my pocket to repair both sets of ball joints on a vehicle with 46795 miles and is driven by my wife when the weather is bad. The vehicle is in the garage the time it is not being driven by my wife. I am now told that there is no recall on my Durango and there are no problems reported with ball joints on the 1999 Durangos. I was advised by the service department not to drive the vehicle out of the garage because it was not safe to do so. I think that this is something that you should know. An inquiry now might save someone's life later on.
- Jonesborough, TN, USA
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The vehicle's ball joints failed prior to recall notification. The consumer request reimbursement for the cost of the repair. The consumers vehicle was not listed in the recall. The consumer would like to be reimbursed for the cost of service. The consumer referenced # 10510673.
While the vehicle was being inspected at state inspection station the inspector informed consumer that both upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced on the right side, and the lower ball joint on the left side also needed to be replaced. Dealer was notified.
In November 2003, my wife had a blowout while driving our 1999 Dodge Durango on the highway. This was just after four new tires had been put on the Durango. The service center stated that the blowout was a result of problems with the ball joints and tie rods. Then in approximately novmeber, 2004 we had to have major repair of the front axle. In January, 2005 the Durango required replacement of the front ball joints, tie rods, two new tires and alignment. This after the same parts had been replaced just 14 months earlier. I do not have the parts that were replaced.
The vehicle was taken to a dealership for heating problems and failure of starting. The vehicle was towed to a dealership which could not repair the problem. While at another shop, a mechanic replaced the upper/lower ball joints. This vehicle is out of the remedy scope for year NHTSA recall 04V596000 ball joints, but still had failure.
The consumer was having a problem with his tires wearing, so he took the vehicle to the dealer. It was discovered the upper and lower ball joints are defective.
While turning left driver heard a loud popping noise coming from the front. Then, vehicle jerked and vibrated uncontrollably. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic lubricated the front suspension. However, the problem recurred, and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer. Mechanic determined that the upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced.
While driving and upon backing out of the driveway the tire disengaged. The tie rod, and ball joints failed. Consumer had the vehicle repaired. Consumer heard of recall campaign 04V596000 concerning ball joint wear. Consumer contacted the dealer, and was advised that the 1999 models were not included.
Lower ball joints on both sides of vehicle. The vehicle failed inspection due to worn front upper and lower ball joints. The consumer stated that he is having the same problem with his vehicle as the later year model listed in the recall. The vehicle as a result of the failed ball joints has uneven tire wear, brake problems, oil pressure problems, sludge build up, and speed sensor issues.
A clicking noise came from the front of the vehicle, and the steering shook at low speeds, making it uneasy to control vehicle. Manufacturer was notified by consumer.
Loose upper / lower ball joints on 1999 Dodge Durango 4X4, 86,000 miles. Chrysler has recalled the 2000 thru 2003 Durango / Dakota 4X4 for replacement of the same ball joints. Spoke with Dodge/Chrysler's customer service on 2-9-05 and they advised me to take it into a Dodge on service center for there tech's to analyze. Before I could get it in on 2-10-05, they refused to provide any further consideration.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Orinda, CA, USA