While vehicle being inspected upper ball joints fell off. No injuries reported. Brakes were pulsating when vehicle trying to stop. It was found that rotors were out of round. Dealer replaced rotors. Vehicle doesn't start occasionally after being driven for a short time. No faults on test found; therefore, dealer couldn't duplicate problem. In addition, molding on windows, doors, and bumper.

- Spencerport, NY, USA

1998 Durango with less then 60000 both upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced. The vehicle has been well cared for never off road and not used to tow anything heavy.

- Raleigh, NC, 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

While driving consumer noticed that vehicle was swaying from side to side with difficulty of maintaining the vehicle on the road. Vehicle was serviced, and the technician determined that lower ball joints were worn out.

- Belton, SC, USA

I bought a 1998 Dodge Durango in November of 2002. The vehicle had 59939 miles on it. I have maintained the car as one should. On 9/2/03 I took the auto into aamco transmissions as the car was not shifting down into 1st gear. It cost me $500 to fix this transmission problem. At the same time they told me my transfer case was going out and needs to be rebuilt. The estimate-$1350. In Nov of 2003, I took the car in to get a lube job. The mechanic told me that my lower ball joints were not accepting grease & the upper boots were rotted. That eventually I would need new ball joints but I still had time. In Dec 2003, I started having problems with the electrical system. The front passenger window would not roll down. Then if my steering wheel was turned as I put the car in park, it would not start, or it would die as I was backing out. In January I heard metal in my front tires as I was braking. A new brake job cost me $350. The end of January, while driving this vehicle with 72,000 miles, my front right tire fell off. Reason: Upper ball joint broke off. Every mechanic has stated that this is a defect, as they have never seen ball joints do this at this low mileage. I then saw NHTSA interviewed on the news for the very same reason. Dodge Durangos and their ball joints with tires falling off. My car landed in a ditch. I was lucky I was only travelling at 35 mph. It could have been fatal, and who ever manufactures these ball joints better stand up to the plate and take responsibility. This auto has been nothing but a mechanical problem since I bought it. And costly at that!

- Kittredge, CO, USA

I started noticing a popping sound on left turns and when it was inspected at a local mechanic, I was informed of a lower ball joint problem coupled with deterioration of the spindle or a arm. I really like the Durango and was even contemplating a pacifica. If daimler Chrysler doesn't do any better service to its customers by repairing their faulty equipment, perhaps the big bucks they want for their product could be placed into another auto manufacturer.

- Riverside, OH, USA

Premature wear on passenger side front upper and lower ball joints.

- Delavan, WI, USA

In June, 2003 I took my Durango into the shop for some routine servicing. The mechanic inspected the front of the vehicle and noticed considerable wear to the upper and lower ball joints on the front end. He recommended immediate replacement of these parts. Thankfully, I had these parts replaced in July before a serious accident occurred. However, these repairs were done outside of the warranty period and at considerable cost to myself. I don't use this vehicle very often, so at the time of the repair it only had 37,000 miles on it but I had owned it for 4 years. I believe diamler/Chrysler is producing defective parts on these vehicles and it should be their responsibility to pay for the replacement of these parts.

- Savage, MN, USA

While driving 55 mph, a knocking noise was heard coming from driver side wheel. Driver was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic replaced both upper and lower ball joints due to worn out parts.

- Robinson, IL, USA

Took 1998 Durango for wheel rotation and alignment. Vehicle only has 72K000miles. Technician had to replace lower ball joints, which had caused excessive tire wear.

- Midlothian, VA, USA

Ball joints worn out prematurely.

- Summerdale, AL, USA

Lower and upper ball joints failed. Consumer was concerned that the front end will collapse while driving.

- Statesboro, GA, 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

While driving over bumpy road consumer heard a noise. After vehicle was serviced consumer was informed that the ball joints needed replacement.

- Titusville, FL, USA

While driving at any speed vehicle shook violently. Eventually, the consumer pulled the front tire off, and noticed that upper ball joints failed and needed replacement.

- Sonora, CA, USA

When vehicle was going through state inspection technician determined that upper and lower ball joints were loose. The ball joints needed replacement.

- Fayetteville, PA, USA

I own a 1998 Dodge Durango slt with 75000 miles. The vehicle was pulling strong to the right. I took it into a repair shop in our town of 28000 people. They indicated that the upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced. The repair shop indicated that this was the 4th Durango they have had with this problem in the past couple months. The repair was $975. In addition, my employer has 25 Durangos in their fleet and have discovered the same defective ball joints. There needs to be a recall on these Durangos and reimbursement for the cost of repairs.

- Clinton, IA, USA

Consumer complained about ball joints and tie rod problems. While pulling out of the driveway front right wheel came off the vehicle.

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

While at repair shop for front alignment mechanic determined that front upper and lower ball joints were worn out, and had to be replaced.

- Plano, TX, USA

I own a Dodge Durango 1998 and I saw that you are doing an investigation of the Durango's. I recently took my Durango to a tire specialist to get an alignment done the vehicle has been pulling for some time now. They informed me that the ball joints and the 2 outer and 1 inner tie rods are bad and need to be replaced. If I take the vehicle to the dealership its going to be about a 900 procedure where if I take it to someone else it will be a 700 procedure but in order to be re-imbursed if a recall does come out I was told that I have to take it to the dealer. I am a pregnant woman and I have a 1 year old child. I am really worried that something that other mothers have experienced will also happen to me and my family. I am the one that drives this vehicle day in and day out. Since we bought the Durango in 2002 we have had to replace tires, brakes, water pump, radiatior, now the ac is not blowing cold or even cool air and we need the ball joints and tie rods replaced. You have my word that I will never buy another Dodge. I know this is being investigated and I wanted to let you know that this is a severe problem and I hope they do something soon before people die.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA