While driving down a paved road the vehicle suddenly jerked to one side as I braked I attempted to correct with the steering but it did not respond. I came to rest approximately 3 feet from a 70 foot embankment. I laid down under the car to see if I could find an apparent problem and noticed that the steering tie rod end was hanging down. Upon further inspection I noticed that all of the threads on the inner tie rod end and on the steering drag link to be completely bare of thread. I am currently pricing the cost of a new tie rod end and drag link which hopefully will repair the problem, however the problem may have caused additional damage to the 4 wheel drive system. After talking to the local tire store and checking on the internet I find that this is a problem that seems to be occurring quite often on this model and could possibly be fatal if the driver panics or doesn't have the strength to hold the wheel.

- Garfield, WA, USA

Daimler Chrysler issued a recall (04V596000) for ball joint and extended warranty to 10 yr / 100000 miles for 2000 - 2003 Durangos. My question is why the '98 Durangos were not included since my 98 Durango had the same failure and the current mileage is only 69,000

- Layton, UT, USA

My Dodge Durango started making a clunking noise in the front suspension upon turning or going over rough pavement. I took the car into the shop and there was a failure of both the upper ball joints as well as the tie-rod ends, nearly separated. Per the garage, unusual for a 7 year old car with 66,000 miles. They need to be replaced before the catastrophic failure occurs. Replacement will include both upper and lower ball joints on left and right side and 4 tie rods. Old parts are available. Total cost of repair $1,100.

- Prairie Village, KS, USA

The consumers 1998 Durango needed both front and rear upper and lower ball joint replacement. The consumer experienced a spin out accident due to front end instability and bad tie rod ends. The consumer suggested that the front tires wore out in one year.

- Needham, MA, USA

All of the vehicle's ball joints had to be replaced. The consumer stated that there was a problem in the front end of the vehicle. The recall did not include the consumers vehicle. The consumer would like to be reimbursed for the amount she paid for service. The ABS and brake light came on. The right inner tie rod assembly was replaced.

- Upton, MA, USA

Events leading up to failure: 1.) noise eminating from the front of the vehicle ? clunking, squeaking; 2.) loose steering associated with clunking;.) wandering at speed. Failure and consequences: 1.) prior to complete failure the vehicle was diagnosed by a local dealer as worn lower ball joints, right inner tie rod end, and sway bar bushings 2.) possible consequences of not determining the problem prior to failure ? unsafe operation or life threatening accident due to steering failure correction: 1.) replaced lower both lower ball joints, sway bar bushings, and the right inner tie rod end ($777.78 parts and labor) in light of recent recalls regarding ball joints of 2000-2003 Dodge dakotas and Durangos, we believe investigation into earlier models is warranted. Extremely similar symptoms are evident on the earlier models prior to 2000 leading us to believe the problem existed prior to the 2000 model year. Given this vehicle was rarely placed in extreme conditions (off-road maneuvers, etc.), never in an accident, and with the majority of the time spent on paved roads, failure of ball joints and other suspension components in the 50,000 to 60,000 mile range is premature. We request an investigation into including 1998-1999 Dodge Durangos into the formal ball joint recall as detailed for the 2000-2003 models.

- Boise, ID, USA

Both upper ball joints had to be replaced due to wear. Upper and lower control arms as well as the inner tie rods were worn and were replaced.

- Mead, CO, USA

Intermittently vehicle made a clanking noise while driving under normal conditions. Vehicle was taken to a dealership for inspection, who indicated that the upper ball joints were bad and needed to be replaced, and they were replaced. Three months later, the outer and inner tie rod ends needed to be replaced.

- Brooklyn, OH, USA

Tie rod ends and driver side balljoint remature wearing of front tires due to failure of tierod ends both sides and the upper ball joint is going out last tire almost blew out due to the type of wear. The tire only had 15,000 miles on it the inner portion was down to the steelbelt the only way I saw it was because I was under the truck replaceing the tierods turns out the upper ball joint is bad also.I think five sets of tires due to poor manufactureing of a suspention is quite over kill. Speaking of the last one may have killed me if I didnt happen to be under the truck. Replaced the tie rod ends because I was told that was the reason for the tire wear. It turns out thats not the only reason.yes the old parts are available for your inspection.

- Grass Valley , CA, USA

Consumer has a concern that a second tie rod needs to be replaced with less then 11,000 miles of wear. Dealer was not notified.

- Bridgewater, MA, USA

1998 Dodge Durango with bad upper and lower ball joints due to the bad ball joints the tierod is now warped.

- Beaumont, TX, USA

My 1998 Dodge Durango 4X4 is in need of replacement of the following front end parts: Driver's side upper and lower ball joints, and outer tie rod, passenger side upper and lower balljoints, and inner tie rod. The SUV is very difficult to handle because of this and I feel extremely dangerous putting my life in jeopardy on several occasions on highways.

- Maspeth, NY, USA

Ball joints wore out on front steering mechanism. Top and bottom ball joints and tie rods had to be replaced in order to pass state inspection. Over $1,000 for repairs. Told this is probably a manufacturing defect. Dealer informed me that they go out a lot and that a recall could be in the process and to check with dot because they decide on recalls.

- Fayetteville, NC, USA

Vehicle acquired in July of 2004. All component system failures listed have occurred since that timeframe. Engine overheated due to two (2) freeze plugs that failed between the rear of the engine and the transmission housing. Reverse lights no longer function and cause is still under investigation. Front transaxle assemblies were replaced as were the lower ball joints. Vehicle is currently at a repair facility requiring upper ball joint and tie-rod end replacement.

- Chesterfield, MO, USA

PE 03-032, front suspension/upper ball joints: Consumer took vehicle to dealer for a new light switch and found that the upper and lower ball joints were worn out. Also, the inner tie rods needed to be replaced the dealer refused to replace the ball joints free of charge.

- Nixa, MO, USA

The consumer had to replace both left and right ball joints and tie rods due to premature wear. A faulty intake gasket caused an oil leak. The consumer notified the manufacturer and requested reimbursement. The consumer was denied reimbursement.

- Bethlehem, PA, USA

I have a 1998 Dodge Durango with 78,000 miles on it, having problems with upper and lower ball joints they all need to be replaced because of this, tire wear is uneven and horrendous, I have also had to replace the drivers side front wheel bearing twice in the last six months and because it is a closed bearing you replace the entire hub. I expect normal wear and don't expect a vehicle to never cause expenses, but this is extremely excessive.

- Manchester, PA, USA

Consumer took vehicle to dealer for an alignment, and was told that an alignment could not be done because vehicle needed upper and lower ball joints. Consumer stated that tie rod in upper left arm was replaced. Consumer had not yet had a problem with vehicle, but was told that the 1999 model was being recalled for ball joints.

- Lisle, IL, USA

During a vehicle inspection dealer determined that the upper ball joints wore out and must be replaced. There was no indication of a problem before the inspection. The dealer also stated the tie rods needed to be replaced.

- Fort Collins, CO, USA

Upon replacement of the tires dealership was unable to perform a front end alignment. Upper and lower ball joints and the inner tie rod were defective and needed to be replaced.

- Fairmont, MN, USA