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.
NHTSA campaign 04V596000; daimler Chrysler issued an upper ball joint recall. This vehicle was included in the recall, but when taken to the dealer for repairs results showed that the lower ball joints needed to be replaced as well. Dealer will repair at consumer's expense. The consumer has attempted to contact the manufacturer for four days but only gets an answering machine.
The steering in my 2001 Durango has been very loose and difficult to control especially over rough roads since about 30,000 miles. About a year ago when there was approximately 45,000 miles on it, there started to be very loud noises coming from the front wheels. I took it to the dealership and was told I needed new brake pads but nothing was mentioned about the ball joints. I had a mechanic look at the brakes and was told they were fine, but that the upper and lower ball joints seemed unusually worn. When I heard of the recall December 10, 2004 for the upper ball joints, I took my vehicle in to be checked. They verified that the upper ball joints were "almost gone" and replaced them according to the recall. However, they then informed me that the lower ball joints were just as bad and needed to be replaced "very soon". I asked if the vehicle was still just as unsafe as when I brought it in, and was told "yes". my concern and question then is why are the lower ball joints not included in the recall" does it not make sense that when one half of a suspension's moving part fails, that it puts undue stress on the opposing part, causing it to fail as well? also, if the repair of the upper ball joint did not make my vehicle safe, then what is the purpose of the recall"
I have been hearing about Dodge durrango recalls for years 00-03 and I have a 2001. I have recently on December 2 went to get new tires and an alignment when I was notified that my ball joints on all 4 wheels were bad, along with a lower ball joint on the front passenger side. I don't feel that customers of daimler Chrysler should have to pay for this. I, for one don't have the money to give out to replace this problem right away especially around christmas. Daimler Chrysler should replace them because they have a defective product.
Dodge dealer indicated that both upper and lower ball joints on both front tires needed to be replaced due to premature wear. He stated the car is dangerous to drive because the wheels could fall off. My car has always had problems with its wheels. I have replaced the rotors twice and had to by tires sooner than I should have due to premature and uneven wear even though I had my tires rotated and realigned frequently. When we first purchased the car in made really strange noises at the front wheels. We took it in to the dealership to get fixed. The car jumpy when I go over rough areas of a road. It seems to bounce in all different directions. I have to be very conscious when going over uneven roads or I might loss control of the steering. I feel that Dodge should cover the cost of repairing the ball joints. I feel it is a manufacturers defect. None of my other cars have ever had this problem and I have a Ford Ranger with 210,000 miles on it and it is used for off road driving.
- Las Vegas, NV, USA
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When we purchased new tires on 11/29/04, we were informed that the front lower ball joints are worn out and ready to break. We were told that these need to be replaced asap.
I have had to replace the rotors three times and also had them resurfaced 3 times in 3 years. Now I have been told the ball joints are in very bad shape and must be replaced right away. I have owned other Dodge vehicles through-out the years and I'm very disappointed with this one.
2nd alignement in 6 months. Mechanic showed deteriorated ball joints and play. Unable to correct alignement issues due to severly worn ball joint components. Worn tires due to condition.
I was attempting to make a left turn to enter a parking ramp at work when unexpectedly I was unable to control my vehicle, as a result I collided with a concrete wall. I had some digital pictures taken as the police would not come to file a report on private propery. The vehicle sustained major damage and I'm convinced this is related to a poor design/weak parts used in the steering linkage/suspension system.
When the consumer took the vehicle for a routine maintenance, the mechanic informed the consumer that the lower ball joints needed to be replaced due to corrosion. Please fill in additional information.
PE 03 032/ front suspension upper ball joint failure: While driving 20-25 mph the upper and lower ball joints on the right side broke. The condition caused a vehicle accident in which the vehicle struck a speed sign and a telephone pole. The consumer was transported by ambulance to the local hospital for a concussion and minor bruises. The manufacturer was notified.the manufacturer informed consumer that they were going to send out an investigator concerning these issues.
Consumer heard a noise coming from the front while driving at any speed. Upon inspection by the dealership consumer was informed that lower ball joints needed to be replaced.
My 2001 Durango has had the rotors go bad and the ball joints (both of which cost me money). The vehicle has 55000 miles on it and is driven 95% of the time on the interstate system. Although I like the vehicle, I think the mft should pay for the replacement. I also, think it is time for a recall. I am hard pressed to buy another Dodge ( I own two) knowing that they don't care about my safety!
While driving 70 mph vehicle vibrated. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. Mechanic informed determined that the upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced.
My ball joints and right contol arm have gone out again. On 12-6-02 I took my car into the dealership and they replaced my ignition switch and right control arm and hub bearings. No I have the same problem again and they do not want to help me with my problem. I just drive in the city. My ro # is 262789. It was a done at valencia Dodge.
I have a 2001 Dodge Durango. On Sunday April 4,2004 I hit a small pothole on the road and almost lost control of my vehicle and hit another car. It felt like the front end was going to fall off. I took the car to a Dodge dealer here in provo Utah. The upper and lower ball joints had to be replaced. The service department told me they were worn and were in bad shape.I have 48000 miles on my vehicle. This could have caused a serious crash. I won't say accident for both chryler and the government know of the problem and refuse to address the problem. Get off your ass before someone gets killed!
I would like to file a claim regarding my 2001 Dodge Durango 4X4. I have experienced problems with the upper and lower ball joints on my Durango. Both the upper and lower ball joints were so worn out the truck would not go down the highway straight. The ball joints were both located on the passenger side. I have since had them replaced. The truck had only 59,000 miles on it. I feel this is premature wear and is a faulty design. I have seen the investigation on tv and feel this should be a recalled item. It has affected alot of vehicles from 1998-2003, why has no one forced a recall yet? this is clearly a safety issue, if the front wheels fly off, or you cant keep the vehicle going in a straight line, it is a safety issue and Dodge should be forced to correct it immediatly.
I saw on T.V. that the Dodge Durango's were having problems with the lower front ball joint. My dealer, nethaway's, checked the ball joint's on my vehicle and they are abnormally worn for a vehicle with 63125 miles. I informed Dodge of this problem, and received no assistance in correcting the same.
The consumer had problems with the ball joints. The owner has already replaced the ball joints once and now they need replacing again. This vehicle was purchased new and had less than 30,000 miles. Provide further details.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Port Angeles, WA, USA