I manage the fleet for the fbi jacksonville division and while servicing one of our vehicles, an 02 2-wd Durango, noticed that the front suspension made a creaking noise when I lowered the vehicle back to the ground from our frame lift and inspection of the suspension revealed that the upper ball joints were worn out. They had about 1/4 inch of play and the vehicle only had 30,000 mi. On it. The boots were not torn nor has this vehicle been used under severe conditions. We only have one other 02 Durango and it is a 4WD but at 22,000 mi. The upper ball joints are showing some wear/play. After having to actually jack the vehicle up in the dealer service lane and show them the play they replaced the control arms under warranty on the 2wd and I haven't taken the 4WD one in yet. This has to be a defect, either the joints didn't get any lube when manufactured or they have a problem with the materials to cause them to wear so quickly. I didn't get the old parts so I can't say for sure. I have not seen any recall on these, I believe there is one on the later models for a similar problem. When I take the next one in I will see if they will let me have the original control arms but I'm doubtful they will. I consider ourselves lucky to have caught this before it caused an accident.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

Consumer received recall campaign 04V596000 concerning ball joint wear. No parts were available. Service manager dennis dzek.

- Joliet, IL, USA

04V596000/ball joint wear. Owner received notification from the manufacturer in December 2004. Owner contacted the dealer and was informed that parts needed to repair the defect were unavailable. The next available opening for the defect repair will be in may,2005. Provide further details.

- Tacoma, WA, USA

When driving any speed, the consumer would hear a knocking noise coming from the upper/lower ball joint. The dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. The cause was not determined.

- Polk City, FL, USA

Consumer received NHTSA recall 04V596000 concerning ball joint wear. After having the upper ball joints replaced, while driving, vehicle swerved on its own. Consumer had difficulty maintaining control of the vehicle. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic dtermined that vehicle needed an alignment.

- Williamstown, KY, USA

Consumer received NHTSA recall 04V596000 concerning ball joint wear. Consumer contacted the dealer for an appointment, and mechanic informed the consumer that the next available appointment would be March 31, 2004.

- Sumner, WA, USA

Consumer received recall 04V596000 concerning upper ball joint wear. No parts were available. Service manager bob.

- Absecon, NJ, USA

NHTSA campaign 04V596000; daimler Chrysler issued a upper ball joint recall. This vehicle is not included in the recall, however the consumer heard a clicking noise and experienced shaking from the upper ball joint. The VIN is outside the remedy scope. The consumer was disappointed in the response he received from NHTSA. The consumer replaced both upper control arm assemblies because they were dangerously worn out.

- Mcconnells, SC, USA

While driving 65 mph, the front of the vehicle became unstable. The consumer got out of the vehicle and discovered that the outside wall of the passenger side front tire was noticeably warned. The owner contacted the manufacturer who instructed the owner to have the vehicle towed to the nearest Dodge dealer. The dealer refused to tow the vehicle to the dealership and would not render any further assistance. Provide further details.

- Staten Island, NY, USA

The upper ball joint is making a clicking noise, causing the vehicle to have difficult control especially when making turns. Consumer will take vehicle to dealer for repairs for the second time.

- Milpitas, CA, USA

Both ball joints on my 2002 Durango VIN [xxx] miles 47000 [approx]. September 04 marietta Dodge scoot the service manager said they should not be bad on a 2 year old vehicle with average miles. But I am told that my vehicle is not covered under the recall. It is extrmely clear it should be. Updated 07/24/2012 information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Dallas, GA, USA

While steering to the right consumer heard a loud knocking noise coming from the front. Consumer applied the brake pedal and vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that both frontal upper ball joints needed to be replaced.

- Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

The front left side ball joint was making a grinding noise causing the wheel to shake and maintain control. Consumer took vehicle to dealer for repairs for the second time in a month.

- Brandy Station, VA, USA

While driving 25 mph vehicle jerked and vibrated uncontrollably. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. Mechanic determined that both front upper ball joints needed to be replaced.

- Pataskala, OH, USA

Upper ball joints are popping and cracking with every turn of my 2002 Dodge Durango. If they fail, it could mean the life of me, my husband and our 4 children. Dodge dealership will not recall this and I don't have the money to fix it. It is clearly a defect in the Durango.

- Oklahoma City, OK, USA

I'd like to add my vehicle to the list of Durango's that have had the upper ball joint replaced. My Durango is a 2002 with 38,000 mi. Very disappointing that my dealer never mentioned the ongoing problem. I have my vehicle in every 3 months for an oil change and not once did they inspect it. Now I am 2,000 mi over the warranty and no offers from Dodge or the dealer to fix it so I had a local mechanic fix it for me.

- Lockport, NY, USA

Took vehicle to dealer for a scheduled appointment to have the tires changed. Upon having the tires changed machanic determined that the top ball joints broke.

- Orangeburg, SC, USA

Consumer noticed that the right front wheel had a lot of play in it while the vehicle was lifted having an oil change performed. Vehicle was taken to a dealership to have the wheel inspected. Dealership indicated after inspecting the vehicle that front ball joints, left outer tie rod, and the right front wheel bearing needed to be replaced.

- Thurmont, MD, USA

Upper ball joints checked, found over.500 vertical travel in both, retained defective parts. Milage at time of repair was 80,000. Due to lack of replacement ball joints, both upper control arm assemblies were replaced at a cost of over $1000, paid by me. Repair date was 1-24-2004. The defective parts were replaced with exactly the same unit. Current milage on my vehicle is approx 106,000. I will need to replace the ball jpint assemblies for a second time within the next 12 months. When is NHTSA going to force Chrysler to recall this dangerously defective vehicle and repair them with redesigned ball joints?

- Mcconnells, SC, USA

2002 Dodge Durango upper ball joint excessive wear.

- Arlington, TN, USA