10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 3 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 2 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 24,280 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.
Upper ball joint failure. Loud noise and decreased steering function. Recall on 2002 Durango 4X4 but not on 2002 Durango without 4X4. Perhaps same parts were used in both type 2002 Durango. Recall should be on both. Estimate repair cost $1500.
- Highlands, TX, USA
The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Durango. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact heard a clunking, whining, and humming sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. He drove to the repair shop and the mechanic stated that both the upper and lower ball joints and a tie rod needed to be replaced. The mechanic performed a wheel alignment. NHTSA campaign id number 04V596000 (suspension:front: Control arm:upper ball joint) was referenced. The contact was also informed that the entire cooling system needed to be replaced because the dealer could not locate the cause of the failure. The cooling system has not worked properly since the repair. The switch to operate the blower motor fan only works on high. The failure mileage was 110,000. Updated 07/15/08. The brakes were replaced numerous times. Updated 07/15/08.
- Baraboo, WI, USA
I purchased a 2002 Dodge Durango in jauary of 2007. I have not had any problems with it until I noticed that the truck was pulling to the right. I took the truck to a local service center and they informed me that the upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced. They also informed me that there had been a recall for the upper ball joints for Chrysler. When I contacted the local dealer they told me that the recall had been performed on my truck in 2005. When I informed the service center that the recall had been done they were amazed to find that they ball joints had worn so quickly and the problem with the ball joints "still" presents very dangerous situation for Dodge Durango owners.
- Pataskala, OH, USA
The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Durango. While driving 40 mph, the vehicle veered to the right and crashed into the guard rail. The contact sustained leg and arm injuries. A police report was filed. The upper ball joints and tie rods failed and caused the crash. The dealer and manufacturer were unable to explain why this occurred and stated that no recalls were available. In 2005, the vehicle was repaired under recall number 04V596000 (suspension:front:control arm:upper ball joint), in which the tie rods and ball joints were replaced. The vehicle had 46,000 miles at that time. The failure and current mileages were 69,000.
- Pinckney, MI, USA
I heard a clunking noise from front of vehicle when braking or turning. When I took it for service, I was told the right front steering control arm was broken and catastrophic consequences were imminent if I drove. The vehicle was repaired by the Dodge dealer. I was later advised that NHTSA campaign 04V596000 was associated with this failure.
- Winter Park, FL, USA
: the contact stated while backing out of a drive way at 5 mph, the steering was too hard to operate. No warning lights were illuminated prior to the incident. The vehicle was already subject to a NHTSA recall #04V596000 repair where the upper ball joints were replaced. The contact noticed there were no greasers to maintain the ball joint lubricated. The vehicle was taken to the dealership who determined the ball joint should be replaced again to correct the problem. The manufacturer was contacted who coincided with the dealership. The contact expressed concern because the vehicle had less than 50,000 miles since the recall was performed and another replacement would not guarantee the ball joint's endurance.
- Pataskala, OH, USA
We had an appointment to replace the tires on our 2002 Dodge Durango, 2X4 SXT. The Firestone mechanic came into the waiting room and informed us that the passenger side upper ball joint was very bad and the drivers side showed signs of wear. This vehicle has 43500 miles on it. There is a recall on the 4X4 models of the Durango, but not the 2X4 models. While their was no injuries or deaths involved, this is a potentially deadly problem and needs to be addressed for all the Durangos.
- Copperas Cove, TX, USA
The contact's wife had an accident. She lost control while driving around a curve in the road. She heard a popping noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle pulled to the right. She went off the road, hitting the side walk, blew the front right tire, and then hit a small embankment. The vehicle was towed to a body shop. The mechanic took the front right tire off, and the ball joint was broken. There was NHTSA recall 04V596000 on the ball joint, and it was replaced about one month ago.
- Port St. Lucy , FL, USA
I received a recall notice from daimler Chrysler pertaining to the upper ball joints on my 2002 Dodge Durango. I tried to schedule this 3 times with my dealer. Brenner motors 1812-30 paxton St harrisburg pa,17104 717-232-4271. It has been 9 months since my first contact and they keep telling me they are waiting for parts.
- Etters, PA, USA
NHTSA recall campaign 04596000 concerning upper ball joint wear. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for recall repairs. A few hours later driver contacted the dealer, and was informed that the vehicle was ready, and that recall repairs were performed. Driver picked up the vehicle, and was advised that repairs had not been performed, and to come back another day.
- Holly, MI, USA
Consumer received NHTSA recall campaign 04V596000 for upper ball joints. When taken vehicle to dealer for service dealer had no parts. Currently, dealer still has no parts available. Called another dealership and they replaced ball joints the next day.
- Vancouver, WA, USA
Recall campaign 04V596000 concerning ball joint wear. Consumer had an appointment for March 4, 2005 for recall repairs. Dealer informed the consumer that the parts were available. On March 3, 2005. Consumer was informed by the dealer that the appointment was canceled due to no parts, and that they did not know when the parts would be available.
- Spokane, WA, USA
While driving 40 mph front driver's side tire came off the vehicle, resulting in a collision. Vehicle had to be towed. Dealership informed the consumer of the front lower ball joint failure. Problem was not resolved.
- West Keansburg, NJ, USA
NHTSA recall campaign 04V596000; daimler Chrysler issued an upper ball joint recall. This vehicle was included in the recall, but there were no parts available in order to repair, which was dangerous because the front wheels could fall off.
- Salisbury, MD, USA
NHTSA recall campaign 04V596000; daimler Chrysler issued an upper ball joint recall. This vehicle was included in the recall, but the dealer had no parts available in order to repair, which could be dangerous because the wheels could fall off. Consumer received recall notice on 2 Durangos and have been trying to get them repaired for several weeks. Chrysler has no time frame when they will be shipped.
- Lancaster, PA, USA
Consumer received recall 04V596000 for the upper ball joints, and to date has not been able to have the vehicle repaired since no parts were available.
- Woodmere, NY, USA
NHTSA campaign 04V59600; daimler Chrysler issued an upper ball joint recall. This vehicle is included in the recall, but there are no available parts in order to repair, which could be dangerous because the wheels could fall off.
- Newark, DE, USA
NHTSA recall campaign 04V596000; daimler Chrysler issued an upper ball joint recall. This vehicle was included in the recall, but there were no available parts for recall repairs. This was dangerous because the wheels could fall off.
- Carroll, IA, USA
Consumer received recall 04V596000 for upper ball joints. When contacting dealer consumer was explained that they would not receive parts for approximately 6-8 weeks.
- San Rafael, CA, USA
- Marietta, GA, USA