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.
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.
The vehicle was taken in for regular maintenance and the results showed that the upper ball joints needed to be replaced. The consumer had no apparent signs of defect prior to the maintenance.
Oil pressure indicator would go off and the pressure gauge would drop to nothing. Driving car stopped running in intersection. Car was towed to Dodge who repaired car. Light is still on and pressure continues to drop to nothing intermittently. Dodge has list of repairs needed. Initial Dodge assessment at purchase stated new ball joints needed in Feb 2003 at 57,000 miles.
- Atlanta, GA, USA
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Consumer was driving on the highway and suddenly engine's oil pressure meter dropped to zero. Then, the vehicle stalled in the middle of the road. She took vehicle to dealer to get serviced, but the engine light still came on. Also, mechanic determined that the vehicle had worn out upper and lower ball joints. Vehicle could not pass inspection due to the engine light.
During a routine oil change and inspection, it was determined that the upper and lower ball joints on my 1999 Durango are in need of replacement. I have less than 71,000 miles on this vehicle. The recent recall of year models 2000-2003 should also include at least the 1999 and possibly 1998 models that are constructed with the same faulty ball joints. This issue must be addressed by the manufacturer as it is a serious safety concern for anyone riding in one of these vehicles.
While the tires were being rotated at the dealer. Mechanic determined that both upper ball joints needed to be replaced. Consumer stated this problem occurred once before.
Vehicle was taken to dealer for front wheel alignment multiple times before mechanic noticed that the upper ball joints needed to be replaced. Consumer notified manufacturer, but the cause was undetermined.
(1) turning into home driveway; (2) driver side upper ball joint broke (3) replaced driver and passenger side upper and lower ball joints, parts not available.
While driving 25 mph in the rain consumer suddenly heard a loud noise and then lost steering control. Vehicle was taken to a repair shop, and mechanic determined that the upper ball joints on driver's side needed to be replaced. Mechanic replaced both upper ball joints. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified.
A knocking noise was coming from the front. Consumer drove the vehicle to the dealer, and mechanic determined that driver's side and passenger's side upper ball joints needed to be replaced. The consumer stated that she purchased new tires and they cupped in no time due to bad ball joints. The consumer was told that the small ball joints are the same ball joints in a recall for another year/model.
I began hearing noise from my front tires and took it in to be serviced at my local Dodge garage. They did not hear the problem at first....I directed them to drive outside of town, as the noise was louder at higher speeds. Eventually they told me my upper ball joints were bad. Since my 1999 Durango had less than 40,000 miles on it, I questioned how that could be. That led me to search the internet for known issues, etc. I realized the potential danger and had the joints replaced without the benefit of an actual recall, to the tune of well over $300 (which I can't really afford since I am a widow raising three kids). I called the Chrysler customer care line and was treated quite rudely. I was sworn at and told I did not have my "ducks in a row". I am currently in the process of writing a complaint to Chrysler on that issue alone, as such comments were not warranted whatsoever.
My Durango has already had a front tie rod replaced and possibly ball joint(s)" it has always had loose steering issues. Recently I brought it in for brake work and it was diagnosed as needing new balls joints and possibly additional tie-rod work" the truck has only 59,000 miles.
See attached letter to daimler Chrysler. The complaint involves the failure of my Dodge Durango. My car pulled to the right, even though my steering wheel was straight. I have the precise suspension system and ball joints on my automobile, as the recently-recalled 2000 - 2003 Dodge Durangos. Yet the 1998 and 1999 models were not included in the recall. I had my automobile repaired for $1,139.40 to avoid injury to myself and my family and am seeking reimbursement from daimler Chrysler. The consumer stated that the vehicle also had a tie rod problem. Failure to correct this problem may result in the wheel falling off. The consumer stated that the vehicle door squeaks. Door hinge was lubricated. The service dealer stated on the invoice that the vehicle had once been in an accident.
While driving 45 mph, the driver side tire separated from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop. The mechanic informed the consumer that the upper/lower ball joints and the tie rod needed to be replaced.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Falls Church, VA, USA