Ball joints wore out leading to stress and subsequent break of tie rod, ball joints were replaced due to recall, tie rod repaired at owners expense, was told one did not relate to the other.

- Medway, MA, USA

While getting an oil change mechanic informed the consumer that both lower ball joints and the tie rod needed to be replaced.

- Pottsville, PA, USA

When turining my 2000 Dodge Durango I heard a poping noise, my mechanic told me on 10/27/04 my ball joints were bad and that the whole sterring rack needed to be replaced. I called the local dealer and was told it is not covered under warranty, I then called Dodge they advised the same. I looked on the internet and have found numerous complaints to Consumer Affairs. The repair will cost $1200, this vehicle has only 48,000 miles. From what I have read and the cbs news report it seems that Dodge should have a recall for this problem before people start getting killed.

- Drexel Hill, PA, USA

On May 1, 2004 I went to a midas shop in the cincinnati, Ohio area due to a bad left pull on the front of my Durango. The vehicle has approximately 69,500 miles. My intention was to get an alignment. The technician notified me that my right front upper ball joint was shot and the right inside tie rod was shot. In calling for the repair parts, the technician notified me that the part would have to come from Dodge. I checked with another mechanic that I use and the problems were verified. This mechanic contacted a local Dodge dealer and was told that the whole front rack would have to be replaced. The estimated cost was $500 in materials. I expect expensive labor charges to be necessary due to the required time to replace this system. This is a financial burden and has caused me to wait to get the necessary repair. Based on the information in ODI #10061274 and EA03023, I am concerned about the effect on my vehicle and future safety concerns. The mechanic is currently searching for the part. Also, since it is worthless to get an alignment with these parts bad, I am wearing out expensive tires waiting for this repair.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

While consumer was traveling 60-65 mph wheel shook violently. Consumer was close to the right side of the road, and when he came upon an exit he took it and pulled to the side. When he got out and looked at wheel it had turned toe-in. Consumer immediately called dealer, and had the vehicle towed. Vehicle was repaired at cost of $2100. There was no mention of a recall or investigation. Dealer replaced the wheel bearings, tie rods, steering column, and the steering rack. All those parts had to be replaced because of ball joint failure, and the wheel coming almost off vehicle.

- Reading, MA, USA

Mechanic determined that upper ball joints wore out prematurely. Also, wheel bearings and the inner/outer tie rods needed to be replaced.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

This complaint is related to the Dodge Durango front suspension upper ball joints and control arms wearing out prematurely. At 28,433 miles I experienced front suspension problems. The local Chrysler dealership could not find anything wrong. At 38,801 miles "they" were able to pinpoint the problem and replaced the front and rear sway bar bushings and inner and outer tie rods. At 45,390 miles the problem reocurred and the tie rods, upper ball joints and control arms were replaced again! after reading the related article on your website, I wanted to express my concern and encourage you to further your investigation.

- Midland, MI, USA

The consumer ran over a pothole while traveling approximately 10 mph. The right front tie rod "busted" causing the entire steering system to fail. The consumer lost control of vehicle and narrowly avoided a collision. The consumer pulled out from a stop sign, turned right and hit a pothole with the right front tire, which left the consumer half in the road of oncoming traffic. The vehicle didn't move. When the consumer inspected the vehicle she saw that the tie rod had fallen off and punctured the right rim and caused the tire to go flat.

- Saint David, IL, USA

Consumer lost all steering, the vehicle was towed to the mechanic and indicated the front track bar and tie rod broke. When the tie rods broke, the left the front wheels were without the ability to steer and was unable to slow or stop. The entire rack assembly was replaced. Scc

- Saint Augustine, FL, USA

While driving inner tie rod that goes into steering mechanism was stripped, causing passenger's side tire to turn outward to right of vehicle.

- Kendallville, IN, USA