The family & I were traveling back from NJ to fl. We stopped for gas & restrooms. As we were pulling out to get back to head back onto the road the truck would not steer in the right direction. We got out & noticed the tire was no longer connected to the steering rod. Luckily there was a Dodge dealership right down the road. We had to wait until morning to get it towed to the dealership. So we had to get it moved into a parking space at the convenience store & stay in a motel for 2days until the truck was done. It took two days because the part needed to be ordered. The staff at the Dodge dealership made us aware that this problem was common in Dodge Durangos.

- Kissimmee, FL, USA

See first complaint 10237419. I'm having continued front end steering/suspension problems. Had the lower ball joint replaced on 09/28/07. By February of this year I'm experiencing what seems to be the same problems... clunking sound (metal to metal) that starts when engine area is hot. After 45 minutes of driving. Vibration can be felt in the steering and floor boards. The noise is getting progressively louder and I fear that safety may become a issue. The Durango makes a sound something like the tire and rim is going to vibrate right off the vehicle. I'm now on my third mechanic....richmond, ca. Hilltop Dodge, who test drove my Durango and heard the sound on 08/12/08. They inspected the front ball joints, tie rods, and assured that each area was tight. They deemed that the vehicle is safe to drive, but weren't sure of the problem. They think it may be looseness in the lower steering shaft. Dealer/mechanic said the problem needed to be more consistent to isolate the noise. Inspection charge $124.95. Problem has not been identified or resolved, but sounds similar to what has been investigated for potential recall in the past.

- Concord, CA, USA

Problem with "front suspension/ball joints" 2004 Dodge Durango: Had excessive freeplay in lower ball joints. Left more than the right. Ball joints were replace with Chrysler/Dodge parts on 9/28/07 at 60,577 miles. The repair costs $544.69. At 65,202 miles I stated experiencing the exact same problems again. Vibration that can be felt in the steering and floorboard under the drivers feet. A metal on metal clunking sound starts after the vehicle is driven for a 1/2-hour (when hot) and is only heard while the vehicle is moving. Had two shops look at it but they couldn't hear the noise. Now at 65,738 miles, the noise is getting loud and I'm very concerned about the safety. Will the tire come off or will the ability to steer be go out completely at some point?

- Concord, CA, USA