PE 03-032, front suspension/upper ball joint failure: The upper ball joints failed prematurely. When vehicle was serviced, consumer was always told, everything was O.K.

- Boise, ID, USA

While driving at 45 mph or higher vehicle shimmied and made noise. An independent mechanic determined that the upper ball joints were worn out, and they were replaced.

- Lake Charles, LA, USA

I was told in May 2003 that my 2000 Dodge Durango needed upper ball joints replaced. I then took it to the dealership where I purchased it and they told me the same thing. They told me they couldn't get the replacement parts for at least a month. When I took the Durango to them in July, they then told me I need the control arms replaced as well. I was very upset because my vehicle only had 41,799 miles on it. I researched this and found that ball joints should last at least 100,000 miles. I expressed my anger toward the dealership and the manager then told me I wouldn't have to pay for the control arm, that Chrysler would eat that cost for me. At that point I had no choice but to have the work done, for fear that I might get into an accident. I spent 2 1/2 long months trying to resolve this issue and spent $490 to replace the ball joints. I hope this reaches you and you can get this resolved for everyone involved with these similar problems. Thank you. Elaina dow.

- Athens, MI, USA

Premature replacement required for 2000 Dodge Durango upper and lower ball joints (50,000 miles).

- Shelby, NC, USA

While driving 5 mph and turning left into a parking space driver's side front wheel separated from the suspension. Dealer stated that ball joints separated. There was no injuries. EA03-023

- Wilmington, NC, USA

Left upper ball joint had to be replaced.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

When going over a bump in the road vehicle veers to the right. Took vehicle to dealer, and dealer replaced the upper ball joints.

- Burr Oak, MI, USA

It all started with a squeezing noise in the front end, one day the front right end ball joint collapsed and caused the front right wheel to completely fold underneath itself and caused the front end to collapse. There was roughly miles on the vehicle and in very good condition. Luckily I was simply pulling out of my driveway and not driving down the highway. No one was hurt, but the potential for injury was astronomical. EA03-023

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

While driving 15 mph consumer heard a loud popping noise. The consumer pulled over to check, and saw that front ball joints broke. EA03-023

- Blacklick, OH, USA

2000 Dodge Durango ball joints.

- Bay City, MI, USA

We own a 2000 Dodge Durango. We experienced vibration in the front and strange noises. Mechanic checked front end of vehicle. Said that front right upper ball joint was defective to the point where it was unsafe to operate. He showed us the abnormal "play" in the front and said the wheel could easily separate from the chassis. He replaced this ball joint, but warned that the other three (consisting of lower and upper ball joints on left side, and lower ball joint on right side) are also bad and will need replacing in the very near future. Also said the universal joints in the rear will need to be replaced in the near future. This is all after we spent more than $200 to replace rear wheel axle bearings.

- Richmond, IN, USA

I own a 2000 Dodge Durango with 50,000 miles on it. (bought brand new). In August I took it in for service to my dealership, and told them about a noise in the front end. They checked it out, and told me I need upper and lower ball joints, at the cost of $1500. I have not yet had them replaced. I feel that there is a major problem with Dodge's ball joints, from the recent tv reports. I think the factory should recall these vehicles and fix what is needed. I have a statement from the dealership stating that these ball joints need replacing, if you need a copy of that, I will be glad to mail you one. Thanks, joan yuenger.

- Caroga Lake, NY, USA

Vehicle has excessive play in the front wheels. Consumer suspects problem with upper ball joints. This problem is occurring on both sides of the vehicle, even when it is immobile. When vehicle is in motion noise can be heard in front of vehicle. Also, steering is very unstable when vehicle is moving at medium to high speed.

- Hayward, CA, USA

The front end of my 2000 Dodge Durango has a squeaking & popping noise every ime you hit a bump. It has been inspected and they stated that the upper ball joints are bad. I seen a special on cbs nightly news on 10-27-03 and they stated that he feds are investigating this complaint and are in the process of getting a national recall on this item. How long will this recall take? there are several lives at risk here.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

Upper ball joints on 2000 Dodge Durango needed replacing at 65,000.the right side upper ball joint was near complete failure.

- Palatine, IL, USA

Upper ball joint failure, replaced upper ball joint.

- Pompano Beach, FL, USA

No wreck - first, complained to Dodge dealership and they replaced a "belt" saying that's what it was in 2000 after 22397 miles, then I couldn't take the squeeking any more in 2001 and had the whole upper control arm assembly replaced by a local mechanic at 41306 since it was out of warranty by then. This mechanic was shocked that this vehicle had to have this replaced, but found it was the source of my "squeek". continual squeek from about 17000 miles up to when fixed at 41306 miles. Seems, it's starting to do it again somewhat (not like original problem though). Now, no one will want to purchase this vehicle as a used car, plus the trade-in value will drop dramatically.

- Charlotte, NC, USA

Upper ball joint failure - under 48,000 miles...I was lucky, in a way, my tires wore out and when I had them changed I was told that the upper ball joints were ready to break. I called the Dodge dealership and ordered the new ones. I have been waiting six weeks to get them in. They still have not called me back.

- Lockport, LA, USA

2000 Dodge Durango..feels very loose while driving squeaks while turning and bumps very hard on anything in the road.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

There was a squeaking in the front end. 9/02 the sway bar and sway bar bushings were replaced, only 37,572 miles on it. The vehicle now squeeks again in the front end. In addition, while driving down the highway, it feels as if I'm driving down a bumpy road, the front tires are bouncing a lot. Ball joints? this is a 2000 Dodge Durango that I bought brand new on August 28, 2000. I would like to see a recall issued by the company to fix this problem.

- Grand Junction, CO, USA