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.
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 want to join the growing list of consumers complaining about the Dodge Durango upper ball joint problem. On April 15, 2004 I had to pay for replacement upper ball joints at a cost of $468.16 - the truck had about 40,000 miles on it. Dodge needs to do something about this problem now. When the mechanic put the truck up on the rack, the right front wheel wobbled very badly. She said "this is very serious." There were no steering problems and no warning noises, I just took the truck in to be checked for my own peace of mind. Does the wheel have to fall off as a first warning.
No obvious symptoms, just getting an inspection to renew license. Mechanic says it failed due to bad upper right ball joint. He showed me the wheel and it would move sideways a full 1" back and forth! this joint is ready to fail completely and I have had no warning, no noise, no loose feeling in the steering, nothing. Only 46,000 miles on vehicle, didn't expect a problem like that. Thank god that Missouri requires an inspection every other year! I will request the mechanic save the part when replaced.
While driving at any speed consumer heard a squeaking noise coming from the front of the vehicle. Consumer drove the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that both upper ball joints needed to be replaced.
Consumer complained about a ball joint problem. Consumer took the vehicle to an independent tire shop to get the tires balanced and aligned and it was determined that ball joints were defective. The vehicle could not be aligned due to the ball joints. The Dodge dealer denied that there was a problem with the ball joints. Finally the dealer found play on one side and wanted to replace both upper ball joints. (the dealer rep stated that they were trained to check them a certain way and they would not have found play the way that they were checking them) the transmission would intermittently not upshift, however the dealer was unable to duplicate.
- Livermore, CA, USA
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I purchased a 2002 Dodge Durango 2wd sport in Aug. Of 2001. In July of 2002, I noticed that the suspension on the left was making noise and didn't feel right. It was found that the A-frame and ball joint on the left were failing and had to be replaced. Thankfully, I caught this problem before the suspension failed completely. I was very concerned that a vehicle so new would have this kind of issue. Thankfully, I had warranty coverage to pay for the expensive repairs.
2002 Durango ball joints: After numerous attempts by dealer, over one year period, to diagnose and repair "popping sound/front suspension/slow speed/when turning abruptly, vehicle was taken to another dealer for diagnosis. L&R control arms replaced due to bad bushings. Svc. Mgr. Indicated to me integral right upper ball joint loose in it's socket.
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.
Failed ball joints: Arm, upper control had to have the above parts replaced on 2002 Dodge Durango at 36956miles on the vehicle. Heard a clunking noise when turned the wheel one direction, which prompted me to take it to the shop. When vehicle was purchased it had been a demo and had 28179miles.I'm sure they replaced the bad ball joints with the same model of balljoints therefore I'm affraid they are going to fail again. I have a 1 year old daughter and the vehicle is used to take her to and from daycare as well as to Transport me to work.I am scared to drive my car and am looking into trading it off for a Ford.
Consumer took vehicle to be inspected, and mechanic determined that upper ball joints were wearing out prematurely. Consumer had the upper ball joints replaced.
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 at any speed and when crossing a bump in the road tires grabbed the bump. When turning corners there was a clanking sound coming from the front wheels. Also, there were times when turning left rear end of the vehicle would want to go in the opposite direction.
While driving there was a squeaking noise in the right front end. Dealership inspected vehicle, but could not locate the cause of the squeak. Consumer felt the squeak might be due to the upper ball joints.
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 making right hand turns consumer heard a loud noise coming from the front end. Dealer informed consumer that problem pertained to front upper ball joint failure. Consumer had the vehicle repaired.
I have noticed strange sounds eminating from the front suspension of my Dodge Durango since October of 2003. Initially I assumed these sounds were from cold shocks since it first occured with the onset of cold weather. After seeing the story on cbs, I am now concerned about the ball joints. I would like to have the ball joints checked but I am afraid to have the dealership check them.
I own a 2002 Dodge Durango with 35,000 miles that has always been properly maintained. I have already had the dealer replace 2 worn ball joints last week, I've had the brake pads replaced twice, and one rotor on one side (in front) turned, and I am still hearing strange noises. I would like an investigation done on my vehicle, as I am driving my daughter and myself around everyday, and my factory warranty is about to expire. Its obvious daimler Chrysler is not concerned with saving peoples lives, as I have just witnessed the March third evening edition of cbs news with dan rather. I am rather concerned that the transportation safety administration has let daimler Chrysler get away with not recalling these problems considering the large amount of complaints with these suspension systems. Please help me and contact me. Thank you. Email me at jcookie100@earthlink.net or phone me (858)220-0419. Im not real sure what to do at this point. Thank you. Signed, a concerned parent and driver.
2002 Dodge Durango right tie rod broke it was found that the right inner tie rob shaft threads were stripped and the left front tie rod loose at 25626 miles. Ball joints checked and they found play in both upper ball joints. Also knocking noise when turning steering wheel the rack and pinion was also found to have to be replaced replaced. We had to pay for a rental car that was not covered even though the car is supposable covered until 36000 miles"?? car was in shop for over a week and parts were just 20 miles away in other dealership. Durango does have a problem with the steering why is nothing being done" thank goodness nothing happened while we were on the highway or else the car could have flipped.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- San Antonio, TX, USA