10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 1 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 2 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 41,542 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
1998 Dodge Durango. 27500 miles. Yes 27500 miles. Upper ball joints both sides shot $321 to repair. Right side was extremely bad.
- Tiffin, OH, USA
I own a 1998 Dodge Durango and back in March of this year I replaced the upper/lower ball joints due to failure. The vehicle had an awful squeaky noise and when taken to the mechanic I was told that I was lucky to still be alive as the balljoints were extremely worn out due to be an ungreaseable type. The repair cost me $650. It has only been 3months since the repair in which the balljoints were replaced with dealer parts and once again, the squeaky sound is back, I've gone back to the mechanic only to be told that once again, the balljoints have failed!! another $650 to fix, this is outrageous!! Dodge must become responsible for the fact that these balljoints continuously fail and they must come up with a greaseable type. In this economy it is very difficult to spend $650 every 2-3 months on balljoints!! at this rate, there will come a point where the tires will fall off the vehicle and cause a death being as these joints don't last as long as they should.
- Lawrence, MA, USA
I bought this car used in the last week of November '08. I had my brakes done by an individual maybe two weeks later. A couple of day later driving home from work I started hearing a real loud iron grinding noise. The next day I had the car towed to aamco, who told me my caliper pins had came out, and I would need a new steering knuckle and a set of caliper pins.the truck was fixed costing me $525 (noting: Mechanic used a used steering knuckle.) now 2 months after those repairs I need a wheel spindle, and caliper bolts because the threading have stripped away and something totally unrelated a neutral safety switch. Costing me $580. I was told that by Firestone who told me I needed new tie rods and then corrected themselves by telling me I needed a new steering knuckle - who wouldn't even work on my car because of liability told me that it was unsafe to drive because the right front tire could literally fall off due to lack of support and cause a major or serious accident, and that I needed to take it back to aamco. I didn't want to because I felt aamco should have fixed this the first time. But after fighting with them and reading the other complaints maybe they're not in the wrong.
- Atlanta, GA, USA
Heard metal to metal rubbing on 2/2/09 now on 2/6/09 hub bearing broke right side.... wheel is tiled in to wheel well.
- Long Branch, NJ, USA
We bought a 98' Durango w/ 123K miles & after driving it less than 500 miles I began to notice a loud-repeating noise "thud...thud.." coming from the front passenger wheel wall. Then I began to notice extreme steering problems so I stopped the vehicle and inspected it further. I jacked up the vehicle and observed a lot of "play" in the front tire. I was actually able to "wobble' back and forth and the lug nuts were still secured. I contacted a very reputable mechanic (3rd generation race car driver too!) and he advised that there have been massive problems with the ball joints failing on the Durango's, but they only will fix back to 2000' model year. Well, any reasonable auto company that knows it has a faulty part should take responsibility for the safety of its people....if not, then they are liable for continuing to allow a product that endangers the safety of the driver, its occupants & other motorist's/citizens-who expect their safety to be looked upon, not "investigated internally." I have been in law enforcement for +13 years, and as a result I have worked many vehicle accidents (some causing death) that just didn't make sense-until now! something needs to be done here...and not just "only 2000' year models and up" thing. Do the right thing, because its the right thing to do!
- Pecatonica, IL, USA
Dodge Durango 1998 ball joint failure and full separation with no warning, which caused extensive damage in an on-road accident to several vehicles. Dodge corporation will not acknowledge the hundreds of ball joint failures and lost lives due to this poor design and defective ball joints. My vehicle has 84,000 miles on it and ball joints have been replaced 3 times! ball joints, according to top mechanics are supposed to last about 100,000 miles before replacement and rarely separate. These components used by Dodge are deadly, deficient, and ought to have been recalled years ago. How many more lives have to be lost before the issue is properly dealt with??
- Calumet City, IL, USA
Consumer inquiry as to why Dodge Durangos were only recalled to the 2000 model for the front end ball joints.*** answer required***.
- Unknown, DC, USA
1998 Dodge Durango - I purchased a 1998 Dodge Durango from branfoird Dodge 2 years ago. The dosge had 50,000 miles and now has 71,500 miles. The upper and lower ball joints are bad and the control arms and joints need to be replaced. I have been in contact with Dodge since the investigation was in place about this issue. Dodge is telling me that only the 2000-2003 models are covered under the recall and my truck is out of warranty! why wouldn't the 1998 & 1999 be covered as well seeing that there have been several issues and accidents with pictures due to ball joint failure on the 1999 & 1998 Durangos. Who do I call and for assistance on this problem that has a bill of over $1,000 dollars. Please reply with attorneys involved with matters such as this one. Charles T pilotti 15 taylor ave East haven, ct 06512 cell: 203-623-1905 Dodge ref # 12994028.
- East Haven, CT, USA
Suspension; left and right upper and lower ball joints required replacement. Worn so badly that garage unable to complete front end alignment. Vehicle mileage 132,848.
- Severn, MD, USA
I bought a used 1998 Dodge Durango with 24,000 miles in Feb 14th 2003. This was a Dodge certified used car. I also purchased an extra warranty package for $900. After 60 days I had a clunking noise in the front end. I called the Dodge garage from which I had purchased the vehicle and they had it towed. They called me back and said I had a big problem. This is what happened the right front axel, ball joint upper arm assembly had broke apart causing extensive damage with a total of $1700 my responsability. They said Dodge would not cover it because it was a four wheel drive. They said my extended Dodge warranty would not cover the front suspension on the four wheel drive. Now I read that many vehicles have had the same problem. Remind you this vehicle only had 24,000 miles on it and they told me that they wore out!!!!!!!!!! at my expense.
- Connellsville, PA, USA
Noise began in front wheel area and grew very loud within a short period of time. Also experienced steering issues (car shakes and pulls to right). Took vehicle in to check it out - had to replacel front ball joints and tension rods ends. We had to pay over $2000 to repair this defect, and car still does not steer properly. Dealer reported to us that this is a common problem for this vehicle.
- Omro, WI, USA
Consumer heard a noise in the front end when making at turn.
- Lake Andes, SD, USA
1998 Dodge Durango front end problems. Premature front end wear.
- Brewton, AL, USA
At 60,000 miles vehicle began pulling to left. Took to have front end aligned was told it would cost at least $700, maybe more depending on how many parts have to be replaced. Why do ball joints, tie rod ends, etc need to be replaced to align front end. Why require replacement at such low miles? these parts should last in excess of 100,000 miles.
- Louisville, KY, USA
I own a 1998 Dodge Durango front end was popping and the transmission was slipping at 51000 miles. It goes into the shop to be checked Dec.23, with all the known problems with the front end this makes me very concerned. My wife and I are cheerleding sponsers and travel all over the state with the girls.
- Griswold, IA, USA
My 1998 Dodge Durango's front suspension requires rebuilding at 72,000 miles. The ball joints are all worn, as is the upper control arm bushing. Vehicle wanders, especially on uneven surfaces. Metallic noises emanate from the front suspension, especially at low speeds. Local Chrysler dealer says there will be a recall sometime in the future. Meanwhile I do not consider the vehicle safe!
- Covington, LA, USA
My 98 Durango makes a squeaking noise (front end) every time I drive over a bump. In addition to the noise, the vehicle's steering is also very loose. Vehicle tracks well, but there's a couple/few inches of play in the steering wheel. Very noticeable when driving at higher speeds. Suspect upper/lower ball joints. Awaiting outcome of investigation for repairs.
- Yorktown, VA, USA
If the vehicle hits a bump in the road while driving a noise can be heard coming from the front of the vehicle, and the steering wheel feels loose.
- Batavia, OH, USA
Regarding PE 03032 front suspension on Dodge Durango. I have the same issue. The dealer told me after only 30000 miles on my 1998 Dodge Durango that my front suspension is worn and needs to be replaced. This has not been done yet. I'm desperately waiting on a recall and the outcome of your investigation. The car is making noise and is getting to the point that it needs to be repaired. How long does a investigation take?
- Kansas City, MO, USA
- Statesboro, GA, USA