10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 1 / 1
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 1 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 42,136 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.
« Read the previous 20 complaints
I own a 1999 Dodge Durango slt. It has a 5.9L engine and is 4X4. My complaint is among the many who have filed to report the front upper and lower ball joints where going bad prematurely. I have replaced them approximately 30,000 miles due to premature wear. Went off again at 80,000 miles, and now at 92,000 miles I have to replace them again. I am going to use after market parts this time because the factory ones simply will not last long enough. This problem coupled with many other smaller problems has made the overall value of the vehicle go down and the re-sale value is among the lowest of all the SUV's on the market. I appreciate any attempts to remedy this problem and thank you for your time. If there is any way I can assist, please do not hesitate to notify me. Thank you.
- Apple Valley, CA, USA
Premature wear of ball joints, upper and lower.
- Westminster, CO, USA
Front ball joints are prematurely wearing. Dealer states vehicle will not pass state inspection with this defect.
- Burgess, VA, USA
Upper and lower ball joints failed.
- Ocoee, FL, USA
Brought vehicle in for routine service and was informed that all 4 ball joints (upper and lower) had dangerously excessive play and needed to be replaced immediately. I was informed that the ball joints (and tie rods) were in such poor condition that the vehicle was not safe to be driven even a short distance.
- Milford, MA, USA
Excessive wear over a short period of time at approximately 30,000 miles. Front structure of the vehicle was replaced. Also, control arm/upper and lower ball joints, and tie rod were replaced due to corrosion. There were no major injuries nor fatalities to report at this time.
- Petaluma, CA, USA
Consumer stated vehicle failed state inspection due to defective ball joints.
- Avon, MA, USA
Consumer stated that when he purchased tires in March of 2002 and wanted the tires aligned, he was told by dealer that ball joints were bad. Later, took vehicle to another dealer and was told that ball joints were alright. Then, about 2-3 weeks later while putting brakes on vehicle dealer noticed that wheels were wobbly due to defective ball joints. However, since warranty expired consumer could not get help. Consumer stated that when he purchased tires in March of 2002 and wanted the tires aligned, he was told by dealer that ball joints were bad. Later, took vehicle to another dealer and was told that ball joints were alright. Then, about 2-3 weeks later while putting brakes on vehicle dealer noticed that wheels were wobbly due to defective ball joints. Vehicle was out of warranty and consumer is not orginial owner of vehicle so the manufacturer would not do anything to help. The estimate for repairs came to $1943.25.
- Friendswood, TX, USA
Consumer states while having vehicle serviced technician noticed both front ball joints needed to be replaced.
- Boise, ID, USA
Had replacement of the upper and lower ball joints as a result of early wear.
- Macungie, PA, USA
Vehicle was taken to the dealer for an alignment. The dealer found the lower ball joint on the front suspension had to be replaced.
- Beaver, PA, USA
Upper/ lower ball joints, and tie rods needed to be replaced due to premature wear, per dealership.
- Elgin, IL, USA
Upper and lower ball joints replaced on my 1999 Dodge Durango after only 40,000 miles.
- Tarentum, PA, USA
I took my 1999 Dodge Durango in for an alignment. The dealer told me that the alignment could not be performed because of bad ball joints. They then told me that they had received a letter from diamler Chrysler regarding an inquire into faulty ball joints on the Durango. They told me to wait it out to see if a recall is going to be done or not. I worry that the ball joint could snap while driving and cause an accident. Is there anything pending on this issue or not? they gave me the option of replacing them for $800 and seeking reimbursement from diamler Chrysler. I doubt they would reimburse if they determine that there is not problem. It is a little suspicious since our Durango only has 50,000 miles on it. No part should wear out in that time frame under normal driving conditions.
- South Weber, UT, USA
The ball joints wore out on the vehicle. The consumer also had problems with the rotors, drums, worn brake pads and bald tires. The consumer bought this vehicle two weeks ago and the dealer promised that various problems would be fixed but has not honored his promise (PE 03-032 front susp. Upper ball joint failure).
- Sonora, CA, USA
Consumer stated while having vehicle serviced technician noticed upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced.
- Springfield, IL, USA
While driving there would be severe vibration in the steering wheel. This causes the vehicle to drift from left or right. Would have a hard time controlling vehicle. Took vehicle to dealership, and mechanic indicated problem was the upper and lower ball joints on vehicle. Problem not repaired.
- Farmington, NH, USA
Front ball joints (upper & lower) worn out completely at 70,000 miles. I've owned a 1986 Nissan pickup with 200,000 miles with original ball joints still in good shape. Looking at the number of complaints about the same problem on this site, sounds like a possible design flaw/defect.
- Gray, GA, USA
Upper and lower ball joints wore out prematurely and needd to be replaced.
- East Stroudsburg, PA, USA
- Hanceville, AL, USA