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.
Premature ball joint wear. Took vehicle to dealership for 60,000 mile oil change. Service represenative informed me that the ball joints were worn out. They also informed me to file this complaint because it is a common problem on this vehicle.
Consumer took the vehicle to dealer for routine maintenance, and mechanic determined that left and right upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced due to corrosion.
I have a 1999 Dodge Durango that at 80,000 had to have both the upper and lower ball joints replaced on both front wheels. This condition was validated by 2 independant mechanics. Both thought this condition was premature. The replacement cost near $1000. Recently Chrysler recalled Durangos for 2000-2004 for the identical condition. Is it possible that this condition exists in earlier Durangos as well.
I bought a 1999 Dodge Durango in February 2004 and had heard about the front ball joint problems that they were having with the Durangos and dakotas. I had them checked at a local repair shop and sure enough both the upper and lower ball joints on both sides were in serious need of being replaced. I checked with the Dodge company and was told that the ball joints were under investigation and would soon be recalled. I had the joints replaced at my expense and was amazed at the difference I felt when I got in to drive the Durango the first time. The whole front end felt alot more solid. I didn't wait till the wheels fell off like my friend's Durango. I have children and was worried that they would get seriuosly injured so I had them replaced with the understanding that if a recall was made, I would get reimbursed the cost. The 2000-2003 Durangos & dakotas have been recalled for this exact reason.
Failed front upper and lower ball joints at 70,000. My mechanic syas that it is unsafe to drive, as the wheels could fall off. He also states that the ball-joints should never be totally worn at only 70,000 miles. There is a rball-joint related recall for all 2000 - 2004 model year Durango's, but mine is a 1999. Dodge/Chrysler have been less than cooperative. I see many, many other 199 Durango owners with the same problem and am looking for some recourse/compensetory response from Dodge to fix the problem.
- Lynnfield, MA, USA
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While driving 45 mph consumer heard a loud popping noise, and the vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that both frontal upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced.
Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer for an inspection. During the inspection consumer was informed that all four ball joints needed to be replaced. Consumer contacted the manufacturer, who insisted that only the 2000 through 2003 vehicles were being recalled.
While driving at low speeds consumer heard a loud knocking noise coming from the front of the vehicle. Suddenly, the vehicle vibrated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for an alignment, and the mechanic determined that both frontal upper and lower ball joint needed to be replaced. The consumer noticed severe tire wear on the front tires.
The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a routine inspection. The mechanic informed the consumer the upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced.
While driving, the vehicle started vibrating uncontrollably. The driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle and pulled over. The driver noticed that the passenger side wheel had caved in. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the left and right upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced due to corrosion.
The vehicle would vibrate while driving at any speed. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop. The mechanic informed the consumer the upper and lower ball joints and the hub bearing needed to be replaced.
While driving at any speed, the consumer would hear knocking noises coming from the front end of the vehicle. The dealership repaired the front upper/lower ball joints.
Upon performing a front end alignment, the dealership noticed that the front upper and lower ball joints were extremely worn and could fail at any time. The dealership replaced the ball joints.
After hearing a loud noise coming from the front end consumer took the vehicle to dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that front upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced.
My wife has a 1999 Durango with 48000 miles and had to have all 4 ball joints replaced in the thing since she purchased the vehicle. Now the are saying one of the ball joints are no good!!! granted the first 2 were covered under warranty but she had to pay for the other 2 out of her pocket and now looking to pay out of pocket again!!!!
The steering wheel vibrated while driving 35 mph or more. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop for a front wheel alignment. The mechanic informed the consumer that the alignment couldn't be performed because the upper and the lower ball joints needed to be replaced on both sides. Front wheels worn unevenly to the point that there was a slight vibration in steering.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Suffolk, VA, USA