The contact owns a 1998 Dodge Durango. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact noticed that the steering was looser than normal. He took the vehicle to a local mechanic on February 21, 2008 and both upper and lower ball joints as well as the steering box were replaced. The repair cost $1,001.24. The failure mileage was 59,298 and current mileage was 59,598. Updated 05/05/08 the consumer stated on April 10, 2003 had to replace both rear window regulators. Updated 05/05/08

- Trenton, NC, USA

Tires never lasted more than 20K miles since purchasing the car new. Front end shimmy and wander on the highway even after twice yearly alignments. To be repaired soon. I can save old parts.

- New Milford, CT, USA

The contact owns a 1998 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the vehicle failed inspection because the passenger side front upper ball joint and the driver side front lower ball joint were loose. There had been no failure to date and there are no recalls at this time. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage was 58,945.

- Arnold, MO, USA

Both ball joints left and right lower and upper are bad, have not replaced as of yet will soon. Truck has only 82K on it.

- Sartell, MN, USA

I bought my 1998 Dodge Durango from a small used car lot. When I got it home and had it checked out by my mechanic they told me I had to replace the ball joints and that it was unsafe to drive. That was $1000+. after finding out that this was also a problem in the later models but that they were being recalled, I thought it should be brought to someone's attention.

- Collinsville, IL, USA

: the contact stated the steering wheel had a lot of play at various speeds. The dealership determined the upper ball joint needed to be replaced.

- Southfield, MI, USA

Consumer would like reimbursement for ball joint repairs on a 1998 Dodge Durango. The consumer was aware of Dodge Durango ball joint recall and believes that the manufacturer was going expand the scope of the recall to include his vehicle. That did not occur and the consumer was force to pay for upper ball joint replacement.

- Danville, CA, USA

I have been informed by my Dodge dealer that my 1998 Dodge Durango needs to have the ball joints replaced for the second time. The vehicle currently has 120,000 miles on it. They were replaced the first time at 70,000 miles at my expense. Dodge has refused to participate financially on either occasion. Since ball joints are an integral part of the steering system I consider this a safety issue. I also think the failure rate on these parts is unacceptable. I do know Dodge has issued recalls on later model Durango's for this same issue. The vehicle is not used off road and has been meticulously serviced according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Please help.

- Louisville, KY, USA

I purchased a 1998 Dodge Durango from a small car dealership in 2004. It only had 50K miles on it. It now has 75K miles on it. I was told before a trip that my truck had some "play". not knowing what that was, I continued to drive it. I am now told that it is going to cost me $1000 to fix it and then I would need to replace the tires only have 5K miles on them. I am looking at a 2K dollar fix! one mechanic told me they were extremely unsafe! I have 3 small children and this is our main vehicle. How many lives are they going to put in danger for the Durango owners (1998-1999)" we have the same ball joint problems as the 2000-2003 owners. I have researched the internet and forums and have seen thousands of complaints so why has nothing been done? I do not have $2000 dollars to put into a truck that shouldn't have anything but minor things with the mileage and just normal driving. This is unsafe and is putting many lives in danger. Are they going to wait to get medical bills and funeral expenses when an entire family loses their lives from the truck rolling? what happens to the ones who keep driving it, unaware what the "play" is" they will be the ones possible losing their lives or taking someone else's! I see another class action law suite coming on!!!

- Van Wert, OH, USA

After paying $1500 to replace the upper and lower ball joints on our recently purchased Durango, I discovered there was a recall on the upper ball joint for Durangos. When I inquired with dealer about a possible reimbursement for the parts recalled I was notified that the recall did not apply to our vehicle year, it only applied to 2000-2003 model years. Although our 1998 model encountered the same problem as the recalled vehicles, daimler Chrysler wasn't willing to reimburse or do anything for us. I found this very disappointing considering this is the fourth Dodge we've owned and currently both our vehicles are Dodge makes. With the enormous number of documented complaints it seems reasonable to expect the NHTSA to demand daimler Chrysler recall the 1998 and 1999 Durangos for ball joint problems as well.

- Bellevue, WA, USA

: the contact stated while at the dealership for a tire replacement and alignment the dealership observed the upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced prior to the tire replacement. There is a NHTSA recall, # 04V596000, regarding the suspension: Front: Control arm: Upper ball joint. The VIN was not included in the recall. The dealership replaced the upper and lower ball joints on both sides. Since purchase, the ABS light and brake light intermittently illuminate. As a result, smoke comes from the wheel well area. The dealership was notified about the problem however, they are unable to duplicate it.

- East Point, GA, USA

After seeing a report about failed ball joints in Dodge Durangos, we had ours inspected and they all had to be replaced. We had them replaced and 4 months later they had to be replaced again.

- Clarksville, TN, 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

The contact heard a rattling noise in the front end of vehicle while driving. Upon inspection, the certified repairman determined the front upper and lower ball joints had to be replaced. The contact notified the manufacturer and lodged a complaint. The case number was 14394561. Repairs were made at the contact's expense.

- Lewes, DE, USA

1998 Dodge Durango. Upper and lower ball joints. I had thought I needed shocks and an alignment and brought the vehicle to my mechanic who told me that the vehicle needed upper and lower ball joints, tie rod end and idler arm. The vehicle has become unsafe to drive. The vehicle was never abused, and 90% of the miles are highway miles. I have read many accounts of the exact same problem and believe further investigation and recall is necessary.

- Calimesa, CA, USA

Ball joint failure on 1998 Durango slt w/ 5.9L engine and 81,500 miles. Heard clunking sound in front end driving down freeway in dallas, tx. Pulled in midas shop and leered that driver's side front ball joint was ready to come completely apart. The midas shop manager advised me to not drive the vehicle like this. Both front ball joints and wheel bearings needed to be replaced. Cost: $1,400. I do have the old parts.

- Frisco, TX, USA

Upper ball joint failure. Ball joints replaced.

- Highlands, NC, USA

Premature wear on upper and lower ball joints on both sides of vehicle. The separation of these components cause the driver to lose control of the steering and could cause the vehicle to roll over causing serious injury or death. In addition to the ball joints, the wheel bearing assemblies fail prematurely which in combination with the ball joint problem greatly increases loss of control of the vehicle. This vehicle also has a problem with the transmission slipping with less than 70,000 miles on it. This causes slow acceleration which could cause an accident resulting in serious injury or death.

- Vestaburg, MI, USA

Took vehicle in for inspection. Entire front end failed! tires were getting ready to fall off! tires less than 1 year old worn completely bold because of the front end. Was told that the 2000 was recalled for the exact same problem! but my 1998 is not in on recall...and it is the exact same problem!!@!!!!!!!

- Hampton, VA, USA

Ball joint failure on 1998 Dodge Durango. These trucks have recalls for 1999 and 2000. My vehicle only had 62,000 when 3 of the 4 ball joints had to be replaced because of water that had leaked into the joints. My reference number for the complaint that I filed with Dodge is # 13277677.

- Brick, NJ, USA