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 vehicle drifts from side to side. I took it into the shop and they told me the ball joints on the front suspension had to be replaced. The garage mechanic told me he has seen alot of this. He put the vehicle up on the rack and showed me how easily the suspension could be moved back and forth. The vehicle is only 4 years old, and has only been driven on road, not off road. I am concerned about the safety of this vehicle and the $900 I was quoted to fix it.
I see there is an investigation for a possible recall on Dodge Durango's 1998-2003 for a failure of an upper ball joint on the front suspension. Out of the blue on my last inspection, I had an upper ball joint replaced with no mention to what was wrong, and I had to pay for the parts and labor.
I read about this in the newspaper, called Dodge, and found out teh ntsb was looking into the problem.I purchased a 1999 Dodge Durango in February of 2000, and it had 45,109 miles on it. Before I took possession they had to replace the ball joints (not sure if it was upper/lower or both). Then in December of 2001 I was told they were bad, and it wasn't under warranty. They (forest lake Dodge) replaced upper & lower ball joints on both sides, both tie rod ends, and aligned it. The total cost to me was $1,772.63. I now have a problem with the stabilizer bar which has come apart on the drivers side; this fitting is like a ball joint. Also, I think the front end is gettig bad again.
The dealer replaced the upper and lower ball joints. Consumer stated, to fix the problem it cost $6,000. When the ball joints cracked the brake system went out only at the time of loss. No warning except for noise at front end which was reported to the dealer. The tires wore unevenly due to the ball joint problem.
- Lemont, IL, USA
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Consumer took vehicle to mechanic for an alignment and tire rotation. Mechanic advised consumer could not perform alignment until all 4 ball joints were replaced due to being excessively worn. Also, mechanic indicated that ball joint failure has caused the gear box to leak.
We own a 1999 Dodge Durango with 81,000. We bought the vehicle brand new in October 1998. About 2-3 months ago, our mechanic said, that the ball joints were going bad (prematurely), but that we may be able to wait a few months before fixing them. Just recently we found out that there is an investigation on 1998-2000 Durango upper ball joint failure. The reports say there were 4 accidents and 81 complaints, we are writing to add to the complaint number. Please notify us if there is a recall. Thanks.
Non accident....referring to an article in the peru tribune, peru, Indiana 7/22/2003 regarding Dodge Durango failure of the upper ball joints on the front suspension. We own a 1998 Durango and in 1999 had the joints replaced and they are now again in need of replacement in 2003.
I read a newspaper article regarding ball joints on the 1998-2003 Dodge Durangos. I have a 1999 Dodge Durango and I had the upper and lower ball joints replaced at 54,000 miles (the vehicle was less than 4 years old). I was told at the time that the upper ball joints were in such bad condition that they were ready to snap. This is obviously not a problem that should occur at such low mileage. I had all of the ball joints replaced with aftermarket ball joints that are able to be lubed. It seems that the defective Dodge ball joints are enclosed and can not be lubed.
The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer to rotate the tires. Upon removal of the tires the technician indicated that both lower and upper ball joints needed to be replaced.
Concerns over the ball joint excessive wear and failure. I would like the manufacturer to provide a safety inspection to validate the safety of the vehicle due to all of the recent failures. I hope that this does not turn out to be a Firestone tire Ford Explorer fiasco!
On Feb 20, 2003 when I brought my Dodge Durango in for routine service (49,070 miles) I was informed that, "the upper ball joints and tie rods were worn out and needed replacement or the steering could suddenly fail." I was charge $865.28 for this repair which was not covered by the warranty. I protested that it was premature for this sort of wear after only 49000 miles but the mechanic insisted the work needed to be done for "safely reasons" and that Chrysler would not cover the cost. I have the receipt for the work.
Consumer called complaining about having problems with lower and upper joint bolts. They have been replaced. Manufacturer was not contacted at the time of this call, but consumer was aware of the preliminary evaluation that NHTSA was doing.
I would like to file a complaint about a defect in the Dodge Durango ball joints. In usa today, dated: July 22, 2003, there was a article indicating that federal regulators are investigating the Dodge Durango SUV for a defect that could cause the front wheels to separate from the vehicle because the ball joints had worn out and the vehicle suspension to collapse. I have an 1999 Durango with roughly 30K miles. In May 03, I took my car in for 30K mile maintenance and because it was running rough. I ended up having to have the ball joint and suspension for the front wheel replaced because I was told that the ball joints had disintegrated and the suspension had subsequently been damaged. I have only driven my Durango on the highway and I have never taken it off the road. Therefore, I thought this type of problem was very odd at only 30000 miles. After reading the article in usa today, it is clear to me the damage to my vehicle was due to this defect. This complaint is to further collobrate the 81 complaints already filed.
The consumer took the vehicle to get new tires, but was told by the mechanic the upper ball joints had excessive wear. Also the control arms were replaced.
1999 Durango, am being told by mechanic that ball joints are bad and need replacing at 60,000 miles. This vehicle gets only highway miles, no rough stuff at all. Mechanic says front end shimmy (experienced for past 10,000 miles) is result of ball joint and tie rods failing. There is no way a correctly designed suspension system will fail in 50-60,000 highway miles. Chrysler needs to fix their error.
1999 Dodge Durango - regarding suspension and steering. At 42,000 miles had to have left and right lower ball joints replaced, left and right upper control arms replaced. Chrysler would not cover total cost. My out of pocket cost was $728.45. Also dealer replaced leaking transfer case (a defect) no cost to me.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Holmen, WI, USA