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

All 4 ball joints on the vehicle were close to failing at 72,310 miles. Plus, an inner tie rod was bad and the right wheel bearing. This caused the steering to be very loose and it became hard to control.

- Ankeny, IA, USA

My 1998 odge Durango 4X4 sltt was very difficult to keep on the road. It seemed to be driving sideways. I was very alarmed and took it to the Goodyear dealership in cedartown, Georgia. The Goodyear dealership said the balljoints were dangerously worn and must be replaced immmeadiatly. I took it to my personal mechanic and he also said the ball joints and tierod ends had to be replaced bearings were very dangerous and must be replaced because the car was unsafe to drive. He advised me to contact the Dodge dealership due to a recall. The Dodge dealership said the recall only included 2000-2003 4X4 Durangos. I have no choice but to replace the ball joints and tierod ends because it is unsafe to drive. I feel that the Dodge Chrysler corporation should be responsible for the cost of the parts and service fees as well as labor to fix this dangerous condition on my Dodge Durango.I would appreciate any help in resolving this matter. This could have been a life threatening condition, and I feel the Dodge corporation should be aware of the problem and help to resolve and recall cars of this make and model due to the fact that the 1998 model has similar defects as the 2000-2003 models have which have been already recalled.

- Rome, GA, USA

While driving at 35 mph a grinding/popping noise came from the front left end of the vehicle. Consumer pulled over to inspect the noise, and noticed the left front tire had came off. The tire was turned outward and hanging. Vehicle was towed to the dealership, who indicated that a bearing was needed. Also, both upper and lower ball joints were defective, and needed to be replaced.

- Wellsburg, WV, USA

1) ABS and brake lights came on, whining noise from front end 2) dealer determined ball joints in front and wheel bearings in serious shaped, laughed at how I was just driving on the highway since the likelihood of the wheels falling off was so high. 3. dealer installed 2 hub brakes, bearings in front ($1025.30 cost) and overhauled rear differential, bearings worn and excessive movement in pinion ($924.48). * now I hear NHTSA has discovered this on 00-03 Durangos (mine is a 98) and wants Chrysler to recall them. I paid all this money to correct a problem even the federal government says is Chrysler's fault. They should give me at least a credit for future repairs.

- Bethel, VT, USA

While driving 40 mph the front wheel bearings failed. As a result the vehicle became uncontrollable and the driver had to pull to the side of the road. Please provide any additional information.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

The vehicle makes a loud humming noise. Took to the dealer, and the dealer says the front wheel bearing joint needs replacing. Consumer say, " the wheel could come off according to the news.

- De Soto, KS, USA

I have had numerous problems with the front end of my 1998 Dodge Durango slt 4X4. I recently had it in to replace the wheel bearing on the passenger side and two of the ball joints costing me close to $500. Less than 50,000 miles ago I also had to replace a wheel bearing and I believe it was on passenger side as well. There is a lot of noise from the front end at all times. It just seems to me that there shouldn't be that much trouble with this vehicle. The first wheel bearing problem I had looked like the wheel was going to fall off when you put it in the air and moved the wheel.

- Clarion, IA, USA

An independent mechanic replaced the upper and lower ball joints and the wheel bearings due to failure. Mechanic said that the ball joints failed prematurely. The failure of the wheel bearings occurred three weeks after replacement of ball joints. Tires were destroyed due to the failure of wheel bearings.

- Cresco, IA, USA

Wheel bearing disintegrated making vehicle immobile, grinding noise just prior with to failure.

- Chicago, IL, USA

"98 Dodge Durango-wheel axle failure.wheel bearing and sensor replaced on front driver side. Wheel about to fall off!

- Chagrin Falls, OH, USA

Consumer heard while traveling at any speed a loud grinding noise coming from front end of vehicle. Dealer serviced indicated that front wheel bearing needed to be replaced.

- Wilmington, DE, USA

We recently had our Durango in for preventive manintenance and discoverd front end ball joints had abnormal wear and posed a serious hazard while driving. Further research on abnormal wear found that a number of Durango's reported same type of abnormality. We paid over $800 for repair and feel this type of problem should be strongly considered for recall regulations. This could have caused a serious accident to my family and other Durango owners as well.

- Newark, DE, USA

While driving the vehicle I heard a load pop, at whcih point steering became difficult and it felt like something was rubbing or hanging in the front suspension. I took the vehicle to a Dodge dealership in columbus and was told that the right and left control arms need to be replaced, the left and right tie rods, and the right and left wheel bearings all must be replaced. Total repair cost to be $1,900. I have owned the truck 3 years and have put approximately 35,000 miles on the vehicle during the time period. We have had regular maintanence during this time period. It appears that the damage to the front suspension system is highly unusual for such a short time to have owned the vehicle.

- Columbus, OH, USA

Front end had to be replaced because of loose steering. Dealer notified. Both control arms and bearings were replaced.

- Livingston, MT, USA

The upper ball joints, wheel bearing and tie rod needed to be replaced because they were loose, per dealership.

- Geneva, NY, USA

Front wheel bearing failure on a 1998 Dodge Durango. The failure caused the front wheel to collapse into the spindle which caused excessive heat and sparks to rupture front brake line and cause a fire.

- Dousman, WI, USA

I own a 1998 Dodge Durango, I am on my second set of upper and lower ball joints and now have to replace the front wheel bearing hubs also. My dealer says this is normal, I have never had to replace these items on any other car that I've owned!

- South Rockwood, MI, USA

In July I started noticing a loose clunky feeling from the front end. I brought it too tuffy auto service in saginaw, mi. They said the front(left and right) bearings were bad. And also a left idler arm. This is not a problem that should happen to a vehicle with only 65,000 miles. What can or should I do.

- Novi, MI, USA