Contact had to have all four ball joints replaced on 1999, Dodge, Durango. This vehicle did not fall under the recall campaign. The mechanic that replaced the ball joints stated the replacement was due to poor design of the vehicle.

- Plainfield, IN, USA

Consumer noticed that vehicle started riding rough. Consumer replaced shocks, but the front end still seemed to ride rough enough to feel all bumps in road. Consumer had brake pads changed and the mechanic showed consumer that ball joints were bad. Mechanic checked both top and bottom ball joint on driver's side. Ball joints showed lots of wear. Then, mechanic checked passenger side to find that more slack was in passenger side than driver side. Mechanic told consumer that there were stories of wheels coming off of same type of vehicle. Consumer says that vehicle is not used for off road use. Vehicle is used for highway and city driving. Consumer is scared to drive vehicle. Consumer is aware of recall on newer models. Feels that same problem exists with this vehicle. Consumer has not yet replaced ball joints. Vehicle is serviced regularly about every 4500 miles at a quick lube.

- North Richland Hills, TX, USA

In 2003 I had ball joints, upper and lower replaced, also tires were replaced. The arms were replaced prior to that. Dealer is now recommending the ball joints and tires be replaced again at cost $1200 for ball joints plus the cost of tires. The dealer had no idea why this would happen. I consumer called manufacturer, and they could not help. The only recall was for the years of 2000-2003, consumer's vehicle recall was 1999.

- Lake Havasu City, AZ, USA

Consumer stated: When driving down the road the steering wheel would shake badly, and there was a clanking noise every once in awhile. Dealership replaced all 4 ball joints on the front end suspension.

- Dodgeville, WI, USA

Consumer states: The upper and lower ball joints on the front end on both sides are completely gone. Vehicle shakes and rattles uncontrollably. Bought used a year and half ago, also, the U joints were replaced 2 weeks after purchase. Have to have both hands on the wheel to control. Talked to Chrysler, and they recognized there was a problem, and will pay for upper ball joints, consumer will hav eto pay for lower joints and labor.

- Toledo, OH, USA

1999 Dodge Durango, same problem as the 2000 up. The recall was done on those but Dodge has not been forced to recall the 1999's. we purchased our vehicle in August 1999, it never did drive good, wandering, we thought it might be the tires, and continued to drive until unable to go anywhere in safety. Took the vehicle to larry miller 12/22/2003 they recommended replacing both inner tie rods, idler arms, alignment etc. Cost of $796 this was approx 55,000 miles. Since they would not warrant the car, we took it to a private shop russ' alignment in salt lake. And paid $779 2/4/2004. We replaced all 4 tires. We had this vehicle into alignment shops constantly, tire repair, balancing etc the tires were so badly worn in directions that should never have been on a vehicle. These things should have been done 30,000 miles sooner. I contacted Chrysler and submitted the receipts the file # 13542683, phone # 1-800-992-1997 option #5. I spoke with "brandy" brandy instructed the Durango was out of warranty and they had no requirement to compensation. When asked to put that in a written statement they refused and said it was in my file and they did not have to submit that information nor could I speak with a superviser. But that I would receive my original bills back in 7-10 days. This is a recent claim and have not received my original receipts yet. 5/18/2005

- Salt Lake City, UT, USA

Brought 99 durang. In for front end alig. Was told $ 1600 in repairs needed, guess what? yup, upperand lower ball joints, inner control rods and shocks, well the shocks seem fine but the rest is a mess, called dealer ira Dodge, and they said only recall was for a 2000 and up.I asked if it was nomal for all four ball joints to go at 64K(it could have been earlier I need new tires at the time inner wheel was wearing) he said no.. oh well right, this is ridiculous.checked part nums at local parts place(autozone) for all said above, $259.that included new shocks, better ones too.ill never buy a Dodge again.and ill never go to Firestone tires

- Lowell, MA, USA

1999 Dodge Durango experienced problems with control arms and ball joint failures. The consumer had all the ball joints replaced in late 2003 after hearing incidents from the media. In late 2004, the consumer was involved in a minor low speed accident and the left control arm assembly including the left ball joint were replaced. (the consumer did not state if there was damage to the vehicle). After the repair the consumes wife started to hear a popping sound, the vehicle was returned to the dealer but no problem was found but they did check all the bolts and tightened to specs. Immediately after picking up the vehicle the noise was still there. The consumer inspected the vehicle himself by removing the left front tire and wheel assembly and found the cotter pin installation poorly done on the upper ball joint. The consumer then found the lower control arm assembly which had previously been repaired to be poorly done as well. The brakes squeaked, but the consumer declined the repairs.

- Zionsville, IN, USA

I took my 1999 Dodge Durango into have the tires rotated. The auto tech said both the upper ball joints were failing on both sides and the lower ball joint on the left side along with the tie-rods. My Durango has 100,000 miles on it. I was told by the manager of the service department that Durangos were know for ball joint problems and that they have had recalls. I see the 2000 Durangos have had recalls, what about the 99's. $800 with of repairs is very costly.

- Pittsville, WI, USA

I have a 1999 Dodge Durango which has lower & upper ball joints that need to be replaced and on 33269 miles on the vehicle. I don't know what to do but the dealership says it is my problem, that my year is not on the recall list.

- Nantucket, MA, USA

I took my 1999 Dodge Durango slt 4X4 to have an alignment and I was told that the alignment ws fine but that the front ball joints were failing. The serviceman told me that all 2000 and later model Durango's were recalled to replace the parts. He also told me that my vehicles parts were the same as the 2000 year models that were recalled. The recall was because the ball joints had failed causing several accidents. Why the 1999 models weren't included I don't know. I sent a letter to Dodge and they gave me the generic answer that there were no recalls active for my vehicle. I haven't fixed the vehicle yet and all the parts are still in place.

- Idaho City, ID, USA

My 1999 Dodge Durango has had many problems. The ball joints have already been replaced but are still making noise when turning a corner. The electrical panel for the windows has been repaired twice and finally replaced. The back passenger window still will not operate. The fuel gauge is not reading accurately either.

- Pascagoula, MS, USA

Started with rebuilt transmission, then sludged in motor. Had to replace motor with only 120,000 miles motor and transmission 5,000. Also had to replace ball joints, tie rods and bearings cost $1,000

- Newton Grove, NC, USA

Vehicle vibrated in the front. Owner had a mechanic inspect the ball joints while the truck was being serviced for the brakes. Mechanic was able to move the wheels, and saw that the upper ball joints were worn out and failing.

- Charlotte, NC, USA

Ball joints were completely worn to a serious hazard. Mechanic said ball joints so bad car wheels could fall off. We have a 1999 slt Dodge Durango seems almost criminal that only 2000-2003 ball joints on these cars have recalls. My 17 yr old drives my car.I also have two other children younger. Ps I looked up our car found three recalls, we have never been notified by the dealer county Chrysler in hamburg pa. We have not moved from date of purchase and phone remained the same number. This is an outrage of neglect!!

- Kutztown, PA, USA

Premature ball joint failure.

- Columbus, OH, USA

Failure of ball joints on our 1999 Dodge Durango. We repaired the truck at the Dodge dealer. We have been advised the recall only covers Durangos from year 2000 and on. The dealer advised there is no recourse for 1999 Durangos under the recall despite having the exact same problem covered by the recall.

- Liberty Lake, WA, USA

Request for reimbursement for ball joint repair on Dodge Durango. The ball joints on the consumer's vehicle failed prior to recall notification.

- Helena, MT, USA

While driving at any speed vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. Driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. Mechanic determined that the upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced due to worn out parts.

- Fremont, CA, USA

My Durango steering had been out of control I took it to a mechanic and both front ball joints are bad and it is leaking transmission fluid from the front seal.it is costing $700 to be fixed. This is money I do not have. I have owned the car 1 and a half years.it was supposed to be reliable transportation.

- Eden, NC, USA