10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 1 / 2
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 1 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 43,936 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
« Read the previous 20 complaints
Ball joint and steering box failures on a 1998 Dodge Durango with 70,000 miles.
- Manchester, CT, USA
In April of 2000 I had to replace my lower ball joints on my 98 Dodge Durango with 40,000 miles on it. Now in Oct. 2003 with 95,000 I'm told my upper ball joints are severely worn and my lower are going out again.
- Salem, OR, USA
PE 03-032, front suspension/ upper ball joint: The upper ball joints wore out prematurely.
- Toledo, OH, USA
Ball joint failure -- both upper and lower on both sides. Brought vehicle to dealership for regular maintenance, and mentioned that I heard a small squeak in the chassis. After several hours, they found that my ball joints were so badly worn that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. When I asked how unsafe, they indicated that the wheels could fail in a day, a few days, a week....that I was very fortunate they hadn't already. The cost of repair was $1,400. If I elected not to get the problem fixed, the dealership representative told me that I would need to sign a waiver before they would allow me to get my vehicle back. I drive car pools, have the safety of my 3 children plus the responsibility for all other drivers on the road, and to have my Durango "unsafe to drive" when I have taken good care of my vehicle is extremely upsetting. I have had my maintenance performed by the local Dodge dealership (metrolina Dodge) and welcome the opportunity to share those records with you in an investigation. Had it not been for this 'after-thought' when I brought the car in, I have no idea what could have happened, but listening to the dealer representative, it could have been deadly. Please investigate and urge a recall.
- Charlotte, NC, USA
While driving the consumer heard a soft sporadic squeaking noise coming from the chassis. The dealers technician had trouble locating the noise but eventually determined that the vehicle needed new ball joints and was unsafe to drive. The consumer left the dealer without having the work done. The consumer feels other consumer's should be aware of this defect.
- Charlotte, NC, USA
Upon rotating my tires found the upper ball joints on my 1998 Dodge Durango were frightened worn and close to failure. These joints were (no grease fittings) and only had 65,000 miles on them. I changed them out myself with moog parts (greaseable) and discarded the worn out parts. My concern is that a catastrophic failure could have occurred with no warning. These parts should have a much longer life and seems to be a week link in the Durango front ends. I think that Dodge should reexamine the use of this style part, since my usage of this auto was only on road.
- Westville, IN, USA
Upper and lower ball joint on my 1998 Dodge Durango with 50,000 miles need to be replaced.
- Shoals, IN, USA
While driving consumer heard a "squeaking" noise coming from the front of the vehicle. The mechanic at an independent repair shop determined that the upper and lower ball joints were loose and need to be replaced.
- Frankfort, KY, USA
Upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced due to premature wear, per dealership.
- Riverside, IL, USA
Front end squeaks when it goes over the slightest bump. Dealership indicated that the upper ball joints needed to be lubricated. The ball joints were lubricated, but the noise still persisted.
- Ashton, MD, USA
Front end ball joints worn out. Would not pass inspection. 98 Durango with only 33,250 miles..
- Franklin, VA, USA
While driving 30 mph driver's side wheel collapsed without warning. The dealer stated that the upper ball joints failed.
- Irons, MI, USA
While turning left or right vehicle made a loud noise. An independent shop technician stated, upper and lower ball joints needs to be replaced. A loud clunking noise was heard when going over any bumps in the road. The worse noise was heard when turning left or right. Consumer took the vehicle to the mechanic when he learned the ball joints were no good.
- Nixa, MO, USA
We have a 1998 Dodge Durango, and seen the investigation report on the evening news regarding the front suspension upper ball joint failure. We to have the same problem and have not gotten it fixed, because we no longer have a warranty.
- Assaria, KS, USA
The ball joints on my 1998 Dodge Durango were bad and I have since had to replace them.
- Wheaton, IL, USA
Replaced power steering pump at 38,627 miles.eplaced lower left ball joint at 38,657 miles.eplaced upper control arm and upper ball joint at 41,634 miles.replaced right front axle and lower right ball joint at 45,946 miles.
- Rocky Mount, NC, USA
20,000 miles front tires worn extremely bad and uneven, had tires replace, was informed that alignment could not be done due to left and right upper ball joints being bad. Truck jumps around on even the smallest bumps, front end vibrations.
- Lakehurst, NJ, USA
Front end repairs.
- Deptford, NJ, USA
Upper ball joint failure onboth driver and passenger side of the vehicle.
- Greensboro, NC, USA
- Bucyrus, OH, USA