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 consumer took the vehicle to the dealership to have the upper ball joints inspected. The driver's side upper ball joint experienced premature wear.
PE 03-032, front suspension upper ball joint failure: The upper ball joints prematurely wore out and the wheel separated. The front end vibrated while driving. Both upper and lower ball joints were diagnosed as bad. EA03-023
PE 03-032 front suspension upper ball joint: Vehicle experienced complete upper ball joint failure, which caused wheel separation, almost resulting in loss of control. The steering became lose and the tire fell flat to the ground. EA03-023
Front end bad noticed uneven front tire wear and replaced tires also replaced front rotors and brakes also shocks front end still has shaking problems. Ball joints are suspected due to the abnormal tire wear also had a 4 wheel allignment and balance done all said to be correct. Still having the same problem after spending alot of time and money.
- Elizabethton, TN, USA
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Heard popping noise in my 2000 Dodge Durango at 40,000. Had it looked at by a mechanic that said he could not find a problem. Also noticed popping upon braking while pulling a pop-up camper and a 19' boat. Went for a Virginia inspection recently and failed due to bad upper ball joint. Is someone going to have to die before this problem is taken care of?
On August 7 03 my wife was taking kids and heard a sound coming from the front end and took the Dodge Durango in to be inspected but it did not pass as the upper control arm ball joint was bad we had bought it in July 29 00 and they said warranty was up. The Durango only had on 19126 miles on it also. At the time this was happening we had 5 kids in car.
The front ball joints are loose causing the tires to wear out unreasonalbe sooner. The front upper ball joints need to be replaced and can become dangerous. The front end makes noises and feels unsecured at times. I have asked the dealer to exam the front end after purchasing the vehicle. The machanic said everything was normal.
Had read about the complaints on Dodge Durango 1998-2003 models with premature wear on the ball joints. Have just had to replace both joints because the car was shaking terribly on the highway, and it is only 3 and 1/2 years old. Thought that this was a little too soon, but have never owned an SUV and am only familiar with normal cars. Do not use my Durango off road, and only tow a boat twice a year.
I own a 2000 Dodge Durango slt plus 4X4, with 27,000. Miles. (original owner)the drivers side ball joints were leaking, the dealer ship replaced all 4 ball joints under warrenty. The steering had started to become unstable. How ever, the front brake rotors had to be replaced because of corrosion, at my expense.
I'd like to raise a complaint regarding NHTSA action number PE03032 - the investigation of front suspension ball joints wearing out prematurely. I just got word that my 2000 Durango with 60,000 needs to have the ball joints (front) replaced because they are worn. Please record my complaint with the others as I feel this is a defect and would like to have Dodge reimburse me for the cost of this repair. Thanks
Had to replace upperball jonts at 50K miles on my 2000 Durango. After complaining of noise at 30K miles. Dealer stated could not find or report problem. When taken in for new tires and wheel alignment, dealer said they had to replace ball joints on right side. I forgot about my noise complaint and wow, the noise went away with the replacemnt of the ball joints. Now the left side is having the some noise at 65K miles.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Lexington, KY, USA