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 contact owns a 2002 Dodge Durango. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact heard a clunking, whining, and humming sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. He drove to the repair shop and the mechanic stated that both the upper and lower ball joints and a tie rod needed to be replaced. The mechanic performed a wheel alignment. NHTSA campaign id number 04V596000 (suspension:front: Control arm:upper ball joint) was referenced. The contact was also informed that the entire cooling system needed to be replaced because the dealer could not locate the cause of the failure. The cooling system has not worked properly since the repair. The switch to operate the blower motor fan only works on high. The failure mileage was 110,000. Updated 07/15/08. The brakes were replaced numerous times. Updated 07/15/08.
I purchased a 2002 Dodge Durango in jauary of 2007. I have not had any problems with it until I noticed that the truck was pulling to the right. I took the truck to a local service center and they informed me that the upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced. They also informed me that there had been a recall for the upper ball joints for Chrysler. When I contacted the local dealer they told me that the recall had been performed on my truck in 2005. When I informed the service center that the recall had been done they were amazed to find that they ball joints had worn so quickly and the problem with the ball joints "still" presents very dangerous situation for Dodge Durango owners.
The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the vehicle is making a loud noise. When she makes a turn, the steering wheel fails to return automatically and she must pull hard to get it back in position. The contact stated that there is a recall on her vehicle, however, the dealer stated that her vehicle was excluded. The engine size was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 117,000.
2002 Dodge Durango slt 2wd: Ball joints were replaced after recall was issued, however about 6 months after they were replaced, the exact same noises began occurring again. Took car to dealer with the complaint and they denied the new ball joints were worn. Upon getting new front tires installed at sears (about 3 months after the dealership inspected the joints) they inspected the car without being asked (it is part of their service) and on the report they issued, it said the ball joints were indeed worn. The recall notices I have read about the replacement of the original ball joints state that if the joints fail you can lose control of the vehicle, so obviously I am in fear that my car can fail at any given time. I am writing this to make it aware that I have already had the recall replacement, but fear that the replacements are also defective as indicated by an independent, unsolicited inspection.
The consumer stated the vehicle was taken to repair shop and the mechanic took it for a drive. When the vehicle was driven over a bump the mechanic lost control. The lower ball joints had to be replaced. Consumer had trouble controlling the vehicle going over bumps. It had occurred for about a month and kept getting worse.
- Claymont, DE, USA
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The front lower ball joints were loose. They were so loose that the vehicle could not be aligned. They have to be replaced. There was a recall on the upper ball joints, but not for the lower ball joint.
The upper balls joints were repaired prior to receiving a recall, and the manufacturer part of the payment. Consumer recently went through inspection, and the lower ball joints were found to be defective. No recall for the lower ball joints.
While driving 40 mph front driver's side tire came off the vehicle, resulting in a collision. Vehicle had to be towed. Dealership informed the consumer of the front lower ball joint failure. Problem was not resolved.
When driving any speed, the consumer would hear a knocking noise coming from the upper/lower ball joint. The dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. The cause was not determined.
Consumer noticed that the right front wheel had a lot of play in it while the vehicle was lifted having an oil change performed. Vehicle was taken to a dealership to have the wheel inspected. Dealership indicated after inspecting the vehicle that front ball joints, left outer tie rod, and the right front wheel bearing needed to be replaced.
Hear ratling in front suspension. Dealer investigation revealed premature wear of ball joints. Dealer suggested to wait, as a possible recall may occur.
While the vehicle was parked consumer noticed uneven wear and tear on all four tires. Consumer contacted the dealer, and mechanic determined that the upper ball joints needed to be replaced.
I have a 2002 Dodge Durango that is experiencing every problem that is known with Dodge ball joints and brakes. Apr-2004 I have been experiencing while driving, the steering wheel freezing while turning left and the steering locks at 20-25mph. I took the truck to greenfield Dodge and informed them of the problems, also the problems with the front brakes. They noted that they "test drove the vehicle found the lower ball joints to have excessive play (.075). The service group informed me that this incident was not covered under my warranty. After several hours they finally decided to replace the part. They informed me that the car would be ready at 7:00pm that evening the car would be ready. After waiting several hours I made arrangements to get to the service shop, where they told me that they never brought the car in because "other things came up". I had no way to get home so I had to rent a car from the dealer ship. The next day I picked up the car and had to pay $30 for the rental and $108 for my deductible. Regarding the brakes. I decided to have the brakes fixed at midas because I was not happy with the service at Dodge. The mechanic at midas removed the pads and the caliber and informed me that the pins that go into the caliber were stripped. He stated that this is a common thing that they have seen with the Dodge trucks. They had to tap and install a heli-coil. I picked up the car and had to pay $30 for the rental and $108 for my deductible. The entire fee for the brake service with the additional parts that included a heli-coil kit and service came to $292.13. The two day experience left a very bad taste in my mouth and wallet.
While driving heard a very loud clicking, popping sound coming from the front end on the driver's side. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer, where the mechanic determined that upper and lower ball joints were worn out.
While driving 45 mph a loud banging noise was heard coming from the driver and passenger side wheels. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic replaced both upper and lower ball joints.
While driving 30 mph vehicle hit a pot hole. Consumer applied the brakes, lost control of the vehicle, and hit a curb. Passenger's side wheel fell off. Consumer had the vehicle towed to dealer for inspection, and mechanic replaced both upper and lower ball joints. EA03-023
While driving the vehicle consumer heard a noise coming through the from end. Vehicle was taken to the dealership, mechanic indicated need to be replace the ball joints at owner expenses. And consumer don't have the money.
While driving at low speed, and turning the left or right consumer heard loud clunky noise coming from the front end. Mechanic, at delusive indicated vehicle is operating as designed.
While driving at lower speed consumer hear loud noise coming through the front end. Dealer has inspected several times, mechanic indicated to the consumer we didn't heard any noise in your car, is fine.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Baraboo, WI, USA