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Dodge Durango

Steering Problems

Dodge Durango • Engine Failure • Transmission Failure • Steering Problems • Brake Problems • Other Problems • All of the Above • What can you do? --- News • NHTSA Probes Durango Fires • NHTSA Investigating Dodge Dakota and Durango • Durango Recall to Fix Fuel Leak • Durango, Dakota Recall to Fix Suspension Problems • Feds Want Recall of Dodge Durango, Dakota • Durango Probe Drags On • Feds Probe Durango Steering Problems

J.A. of Dolton IL (3/18/04):
While driving my 2000 Dodge Durango, I lost control of my truck and it continued to go left. The steering wheel was straight and the truck was going to the left. I was traveling at about 25 mph. My vehicle struck an oncoming car and continued into a gas station where my vehicle struck the concrete barrier around the gas pump. It continued to slide out of the gas station onto a residential street where we finally came to rest in a front yard.

My vehicle was inspected by two shops and both said that my ball joint had snapped and caused my entire knee assembly to malfunction. Dodge sent out an investigator that determined that my ball joint problem was different from the ones that they covered because it snapped, rather than schredding like the others. Experts say that the ball joints are faulting because they are non-greasable. They may shred, snap or simply fall apart.

Peter of Rye NY (11/17/04):
I own a 2000 Dodge Dakota. On Nov. 15 2004 I was driving when my front passenger side wheel assembly fell off. I was unable to control my truck -- thank god the vehicle approaching from the opposite direction saw my truck swerve toward his direction and was able to avoid me. The truck has 60000 miles on it, all highway. My truck was towed to a private mechanic he said it would cost $2,500 to fix. I needed a new rack, new axle, new ball joints upper and lower among other parts and labor.

On Nov. 17 I called Dodge customer service, the agent I spoke with was Billy. He took my info seeming very cocerned but when it came time for help Billy told me that due to the mileage, I was on my own. From research on the web, ball joints can last 100,000 miles. And the mechanics I spoke to said it is very rare for both upper and lower ball joints to fail at the same time. Leading me to beleive this a design flaw that Dodge will not admit.

Grace of Rowley MA (10/6/04):
While driving down my driveway, my left front (driver's side) wheel fell off completely. After towing the vehicle to my local Dodge dealer, I was told that both upper and lower ball joints had failed and that my driver's side axle was broken and had to be replaced. They also informed me that the passenger side ball joints were worn and should be replaced. My Durango is 2001 with 60,000 miles on it. The dealer told me that it was the axle breaking that caused the ball joints to fail.

Charles of Ringwood NJ (7/21/04):
I had my ball joint break while driving. I had it fixed only to learn that this is a widespread problem. Just yesterday I had the steering rod break, and again I am dealing with expensive repairs, not to mention the fact that I lost the ability to steer while driving!

Dodge told me the have received MULTIPLE complaints of this very unsafe problem and have not recalled the product. I CANT BELIEVE THAT!

Monica of Hudson OH (6/16/04):
My ball joint on the left front wheel broke. I have a piece of it to show. My car then turned severely to the left hitting a cement parking lot light post and then came to an abrubt stop throwing me into the windshield. A Hudson police officer heard a loud explosion and then turned his head to see me crash into the cement pole and then throwing me into the windshield. I probably tried to block myself from going into the windshield by using my forearm, which hit the steering wheel as it was spinning to the left leaving a burn on my arm. Thank God it was in the parking lot. The damage was extensive and is all documented and witnessed by the Hudson, Ohio police department.

Damage Resulting: Damage to vehicle and to myself. Wheel rim blown apart. Ball joint cracked into pieces. Minimal injuries to my body, but that's only going through a parking lot at about 3mph.

Rosemarie of Wading River NJ (12/9/04):
We purchased our 2002 Durango new. We have so many problems with it including upper ball joints. Again the vehicle is making noise afraid to drive. The brakes do not stop this vehicle. Tires are wearing to to the ball joints. Upper sway bar bushing replace atleast 5 times. I can go on and on.

Donna of Elkton VA (11/30/04):
Bought a 1998 Dodge Durango in 2003. I have already replaced the ball joints, tie rods, ac compressor, and now the oil pressure gauge started going up and down and the durango stopped running. Thankfully my son saw this and pulled over right away. I called a mechanic will be over $4000 and he stated this was a big problem with Durangos.

Beth of Bridgeport CT (11/4/04):
I purchased a 2000 Dodge Durango from White Plains Dodge in June of 2003. I recently took it to my mechanic for a tuneup and was told I had the worst ball joint problem he had ever seen, and that it was extremely unsafe to drive. He said I was lucky to be alive. The vehicle has only 86,000 miles on it. I had heard about a possible recall on this part and called to inquire, but was told the matter was under investigation.

At the time I purchased the vehicle I was also sold a 3-year warrenty that has proven absolutely useless. I had a problem with the 4-wheel drive back in June of this year that was not covered. I was also told by my mechanic at the time he discovered the ball-joint problem that I need new tire rods, but for some reason they don't sell this part seperately for a Durango, so I have to get a whole new steering rack. You guessed it - Not covered under my warranty!

Lorrie of Jefferson City MO (11/3/04):
As I type this my 2002 Dodge Durango is having the ball joints replaced at 38,600 miles. I am lucky as I work for a tire and auto repair shop. Every time they change the oil at 3,000 miles they check the ball joints. I contacted Dodge and they said there is no recall as of yet on the ball joint issue. I have a six-year-old son that goes with me every day to school. His safety is the most important thing to me. Maybe my complaint will help put this recall to work. Dodge said to keep my receipt and wait to see what happens.

John of APO AE, NY (11/2/04):
Adding to the list of complaints about upper ball joints on 98-2003 Dodge Durangos. We had ours replaced a few months ago after our mechanic told us that they were indeed failing. Glad we saw the television news magazine report on these. In my opinion, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration must be asleep at the wheel because they have not acted to regulate the industry. Additionally, the steering column ignition lock linkage recently and unexpectedly failed. The ignition key will not turn.

The repair cost roughly $700, and we had to order and ship the parts ourselves. We will have to continually monitor these parts since the replacements were also the "maintenance free" no grease design. They will undoubtedly have to be replaced again. The parts are poorly designed, and reported to have a statistically deviant failure rate. How can a manufacturer design and install such a part, and then disavow responsibility?

Dan of Hamburg PA (10/26/04):
I own a 1999 Dodge Durango and found out last year that it has 4 bad ball joints. Chrysler from what I heard knows they have a problem but are only investigating it. My dealer says it will cost me $900.00 to fix the problem. Now I have 52,000 miles on it and already go thru a few sets of tires.

Lorrie of Sparta NJ (9/4/04):
I have already had to replace the front brakes on my 2000 Dodge Durange at around 30,000 miles! Now there is something wrong with the steering. It suddenly gets difficult to steer and back up and then it quits. I am terrified. This is a leased car and I pay over $500 per month on it. I read about the ball joints. I will have to take car in and insist that someone checks it. I have small children in my car!

Diane of Houston (9/4/04):
I have a 1998 Dodge Durango SLT 3.9 I bought brand new for $31,614. It only has 59,000 miles on it and is falling apart. Current problems include: Upper and lower ball joints were replaced at 25,000 and are bad again already. Rear end needs to be replaced at only 59K miles, rear window motor bad, ABS light stays on, eating tires, the alarm activates intermittently, and the rear A/C blows only hot air. There are numerous fuild leaks; tranny, differential, cv joints, and oil pan.

I also have a 1983 Porsche 944 that I have owned for 21 years and have not had to spend a tenth of what I've spent so far on the Durango. I've had my Harley for 11 years and have only had to change the oil. Needless to say, I won't be keeping my Durango long term. The problems I've had with the Durango are due to poor workmanship and design, not owner negligence.

Allan of Princeton WV (8/9/04):
We have a 2000 Dodge Durango. It has 64,000 miles. The ball joints have been replaced 2 times already. When I bought the car used, the used car dealership told me that a noise in the front end would be repaired under warranty. The used car dealer said that the previous owners had already replaced the ball joints at about 20,000 miles. The car then had 33,000 miles. The Dodge dealer did some repairs and the noise continued. They told me that there were no problems.

Then at about 37,000 miles, at my annual dot inspection, they told me that I was lucky that my front wheel had not fallen off due to the ball joints. They were replaced again. At 64,000 miles the front end is popping once again. Also we get about 10,000 miles out of a set of front brake pads and rotors.

Debra of Grapeland TX (3/17/04):
My 2000 Dodge Durango was diagnosed with undercarriage problems and in need of four ball joints and numerous other parts. First tire wear began at 30,000 miles and alignment did not help and now it cannot be aligned due to all problems. My car's front end now sounds like it's coming apart. Estimate to fix is around $800, which I feel I should not have to pay. Durango's record for inferior undercarriage should be enough for the auto industry to demand compensation to all buyers with problems.

Kim of San Bernardino CA (3/3/04):
We bought a used 2000 Dodge Durango approx 4/2002 from the Jeep dealer in Ontario, California; they said it would haul our 19ft. travel trailer. We had sloopy steering issues, and when you would go over a bump while traveling on the freeway the steering would wobble as if to almost lose control. We bought new tires and had a front end alignment completed as well. Firestone tires said the alignment was completed as best as possible, it was almost out of scope as it was.

We hauled a 19-ft. travel trailer and FLIPPED it over on the freeway just a half mile from our home. My husband and 12-year-old daughter were luckilly not physically injured in the accident. Another lucky thing is the trailer jacknifed and disconnected itself off the ball and anti-sway arms, no damage to the Durango. However, the trailer and our effects were a complete loss, not to mention the cost of the crane and flatbed towing. We took the Durango into Moss Brothers Dodge and had them check the front end and especially check out the KNUCKLES. The cost was about $700 for front-end work. Most of the issues still exist while driving this 2000 Durango.

Gail of Amherst MA (3/12/04):
Car has failed inspection twice for ball joints -- once at 2 years old and once at 4 years old. A serious dangerous condition that this should be recalled for. Also have had to replace the front rotors twice in the 4 years. Problems with brakes and transmission also.

Our safety is at risk and they are aware of this but deny responsibility and dollars spent repairing these problems on an on going basis when they clearly have a problem is rediculous.

Kenneth of Irving TX (3/12/04):
I have a 1999 Dodge Durango where I experienced complete front wheel separation while driving (luckily at only 20 mph) after the ball jointscontrol arms failed. Repairs were in excess of $2,500. If there is not a recall from the National Transportation Authority on these vehicles, it is a travesty. Now the power steering has failed but I have not had a chance to fully diagnose problem.

Dave of Union KY (3/10/04):
I have a 1999 Dodge Durango. I bought it as a demo model with 12,000 miles on the clock. After approx 25,000 miles I started to complain about a rumbling noise coming from the front. Dodge replaced the CV joints and rotated the tires. The noise decreased but did not go away. I complained numourous times with no result, the Dodge dealer in Florence KY said it was the tires. After approx 55,000 I had to have the tires replaced due to very excessive wear on the inside of both front tires.

The mechanic at the tire shop showed me the wear on the ball joints. There was approximataly 1/2 inch of play. I immediatly went back to the dealer and complained again. They said this was just a ploy by tire places to get work out of unsuspecting customers. Fortunately they did change the ball joints. I tried to get them to pay for the prematurley worn tires but they said the ball joints were not worn when I previously complained, which I suspect is incorrect. As soon as the ball joint were changed and wheels aligned the car was quiet again.

At about 68,000 I noticed the rumbling noise again. I took my Durango to another dealer hoping for better service. They did say the bottom ball joints were worn but would not cover them under warranty. I contacted Chrysler to try to get the work covered but without result. In the end I changed the bottom ball joint myself, for piece of mind, a quiet car and to save buying a new set of tires. Since then I have heard about Durango front suspension being under investigation.

Lisa of Penfield NY (7/22/03):
I have so many problems with this awful vehicle. I am a salesperson that relies on a solid form of reliable transportation and my Durango has been anything but that! I bought it used in 99 with 18,000 miles. Granted I put many miles on a car annually but I can assure you that I never miss an oil change at 3000 miles nor do i let any needed maintenance go w/o immediate attention. I have a huge list of repairs, due to poor craftmanship but the worst has been with the front end and the suspension. This was replaced a year ago and most recently I had to have my ball joint replaced.

This was brought in to Vision Dodge in Penfield, NY for an annoying clicking noise that had been getting worse for over a year but they could never diagnose it. When I brought it in most recently, they were emphatic that it was my ball joint and that my life had been on the line for months! But they never noticed everytime I brought it in for diagnosis. The clicking noise still continues and is getting worse. It is in the rear of the truck and is described like a gear slipping upon dead stop and start not to mention even slow drive now. They told me they hear clear as a bell but cant diagnose w/o literally taking the entire rear of the truck apart.

This truck, that is loaded with every luxury imaginable, is the worst vehicle I have every owned. I have rust underneath every window sill (which I'm told tends to happen with this vehicle and it started in 2000!). I have heard that there might be a recall on the front end of this terrible car.

Jennifer of Burr Oak MI (10/31/03):
Bought brand new 2000 Dodge Durango, after 48,000 miles I had to replace the rack and pinion power steering unit and both front upper ball joints. This truck has been a nightmare. Now my tires are bad from wear because of the defective ball joints. The door actuator is shot, it makes a horrible noise when you lock or unlock the doors with the remote or once you hit 15 mph. This has been a horrible horrible vehicle.

I have put so much money into this piece of crap -- $900 for the power steering, $500 for the ball joints, I need new tires but cannot afford to get them. You do not buy or lease a vehicle and ever imagine having to put this kind of money into. DaimlerChysler did nothing because I was over the mileage for the warranty. Well what I tried to convey to them and dealership was this kind of thing just doesn't happen overnight and that they had a serious problem with defective parts. They just basically ignored and said sorry about your luck.

William of Pittsburgh (10/29/03):
I own a 1999 Dodge Durango 5.9 ltr. I have had nothing but problems with it. The main problem was I had to have the right front upper control arm assembly and the right front ball joint replaced after only 51179 miles. Cost me $763.45.

David of Fountain CO (10/29/03):
We have a problem with the upper ball joints in our 2001 Dodge Durango. As nationallly documented this poses a serious safety threat to me and my famliy. There needs to be an official recall issued by Dodge on this ASAP.

I have been driving this vehicle with my family inside with no idea the small creaking noise we hear from the front suspension was potentially critical. If I had not seen a news story on CBS about this issue I would still be putting my family at risk as we speak. This is not right and measures need to be taken to ensure the safety of American families.

Philip of Verona NJ (10/28/03):
I purchased a new 1998 Dodge Durango and had to replace my upper and lower ball joints after 90k miles. The vehicle was making a banging sound when I stopped and started. After both joint and control arms have been replaced the noise continues to appear. What do I do?

Janet of Bristow OK (10/28/03):
I have had my Durango for a little over 2 years. During most of that time, I have had a problem with it shaking as I apply the brakes at a speed of over 50 mph. I thought my wheels were out of balance. I can't afford to have it fixed so I have just lived with it. Now I hear that this could be a bad problem and there might be a recall.

Brad of Spanish Fork UT (10/28/03):
I bought a new Dodge Durango in 2000 and despite taking good care of it I have had several problems. ... I had to bring it in because the engine light came on and was informed that there was a defective part that the dealership had been notified in a bulletin. They replaced the part, but charged me for the labor. The latest problem is a power steering problem. The dealership informed me that because of a leaky seal I have to replace the entire rack and pinion for almost $900. I feel that this is absurd on a car that is only 3 years old.

Dan of Loyal WI (10/28/03):
My daughter and son-in-law have a 1999 Dodge Durango. Recently the drivers side bearing went out, and the ball joints on both front ends are shot. I read there are several complaints regarding the front ends of the Durango. Thank God a local mechanic relayed the problem to my daughter BEFORE a serious accident occurred.

Henry of Bogart GA (10/28/03):
I have a 1999 Dodge Durango which I ourchased new. Since purchasing the vehicle I have had to replace the thermostat holder because it gad a crack in it. The left rear electric window stopped working. I have had to replae the AC/Heater fan, automatic belt tensioner, speed controller and two speed sensors. Now the vehicle is jumping when placed in first gear, shudders at about 50 mph and it creaks like its 100 years old. Chrysler says the front balls have to be replaced because they have dried out. They want $320 to repair. This is one of the worst cars I have purchased.

Leroy of Castle Hills, DE (10/27/03):
I have a 1999 Dodge Durango that has 41,100 miles on it. I noticed a buffeting in the front end. I purchased new tires and while in the process it was pointed out that the ball joints were badly worn, both the upper and lower. Rather than jeopardize safety I had a second mechanic at a different garage check to verify if that was the correct diagnosis. This was verified and they were replaced at a cost in excess of $600.00 including the front end alignment after the new ball joints were installed.

Since this vehicle has only 41,000 miles It appears that this is a serious defect that must be corrected before there are more serious consequences. This appears to be a defect and should be recalled to correct this problem before there is a loss of lives.

It has cost me in excess of $600.00 to replace defective parts that through normal wear should not wear out until the vehicle has at least 80,000 to 90,000 miles.

Mohammad of San Marcos CA (10/27/03):
I bought my Durango in 99 with 18,000 miles from Poway Dodge (San Diego, CA). I took it to the dealer in third month after buying it as it was almost about to roll over when turning in a turn. The dealer this is ok, not to worry. So I kept on driving then it started annoying clicking noise that had been getting worse for over a year but the Dodge in Carlsbad had not been able to diagnose it.

When I brought it in most recently, they were emphatic that it was my ball joint and that my life had been on the line for months! But no one ever noticed every time I brought it in for diagnosis.

David of Meriden CT (10/22/03):
Concerning 1999 Dodge Durango SLT with 57,000 miles: I went in for a front end alignment. Service Center explained that work could not be performed due to excessive wear of the upper and lower ball joints. Replacement cost would be $1,000.00. Even though I bought Added Care extended warrenty to cover this problem I feel that people should know and have their Durango checked for premature wear. I am certainly suprised to find this condition so soon in the life of this vechile.

Joe of Bloomingdale IL (10/16/03):
I purchased a 1999 Dodge Durango and it seems am experiencing many of the same problems as others I have read about. My oil pressure went to zero for no apparent reason and they said it was some sort of filter in the exhaust system. I complained about a sound of air rushing whenever I turned the wheel and the dealer said it was supposed to be that way! I just paid $800 to repair some bearings in my rear end and also found out all 4 ball joints need to be replaced! I found this out after I just ruined 2 brand new front tires!

Robert of Webster MA (7/23/03):
I bought a 1999 Dodge Durango brand new in '99 and have had nothing but problems since then. It started with the very first annual inspection. It had failed because of lower ball-joint issues. When I called Chrysler, they told me to bring it in and they would measure them. They measured them and told me that they were within Chrysler's specs. The following year, I brought it to a different inspection station and they also failed me. I then brought it to a 3rd station for another opinion and got the same results. When I contacted Chrysler again, they had me bring it to one of their dealerships for an inspection and, "POOF" it passed with no problem.

After fighting with Chrysler HQ over the phone for several days they had finally admitted that they used the wrong parts for the vehichle and that they were producing new "Heavier Duty" ball-joints. The person had stated that when the new parts were ready that I would receive a letter to have them replaced. It has now been just over a year from that phone call, I haven't moved in over 10 years, and I still have the same old "Clanking" ball-joints. My question would be that if these stations that are saying that this vehicle isn't safe to drive in my state, shouldn't Chrysler be getting the same results? Are they just covering up a known problem?

Also, my Durango had 25,000 miles on it when my oil pressure became non-existant and when the dealer looked at the engine, he told me that I was neglecting my maintenence. I always change the oil every 3000 miles but I guess that didn't matter. The end result was that I was out $3500 on a used engine (couldn't afford new) and I'm still riding around on bad lower ball-joints. These people need to research their vehichles better before they put them into a family's hands.

Mary of Howard Lake MN (7/22/03): I purchased my 1999 Dodge Durango new. Within a few months I had a front bearing go. Luckily I was only traveling at about 25 mph. Since then, I have had the transfer case and transmission go out. That was over $4,000. I have also had to replace the tie rod. and now I just found out that the 4 ball joints need to be replaced. This is the first and last Dodge vehicle I will ever buy. I have never had to stick so much money in to a vehicle ever before.

David of Fort Pierce FL (6/7/03):
At 60,000 miles I am having to have the rack and pinion gears replaced and all 6 bearings in the rear end. I do not tow anything and drive my vehicle with care. Also the transmission is slipping and speedometer doesn't start showing anything until 30mph. Costing me $1200 for the rear end work, have not got the transmission checked yet or the speedometer.

Mike of Waynesboro VA (5/31/03):
My 1998 Dodge Durango, with 52,000 miles is falling apart. I have transmission, steering and electrical problems. All happened just after the 36,000 mile warenty expired. The power steering leaks, and is hard to turn, the transmission is changing rough and the right rear window does not work. Estimates to repair are approximately $2,000.

The service manager, assistant manager, and two technicians who worked on it say that they have never heard of this ever happening to my type of auto. All of them agree that the part was defective. They checked the recalls, but was inconclusive. They also tried to get the factory rep. to assist them, but quoted to me that "he is an asshole and won't help us out here". What am I to do? They all agree that the part was defective from the factory.

Without my vehicle for 4 days now, and maybe more. Repair bill will be right at $800.00.

Jeff of Newhall CA (2/11/03):
While changing front brakes at 31,000 miles, I found the LH hub and rotor on my 2WD Durango loose. The fiber lock nut (which loosens in the direction of rotation) had backed off. The bearings were full of metal. Took it to the dealer. Hopefully they'll resolve it. A close one...The left front wheel could have fallen off.

Virginia of Longmont CO writes (4/19/01):
I picked up my 2001 Dodge Durango on March 10. Today is April 19, 2001. The car has had 2 fuel pumps replaced. On Tuesday they said they would replace the fuel pump because it is again loud enough to hear in the car on a highway with trucks all around.

Yesterday they refused to replace it, saying it sounded ok. They made me listen to a new one and claimed that mine sounded just like that. Mine is at least 3 times louder and I'm getting terrible gas mileage. A trip to Missouri after I had the car a week cost me more than double the normal fuel because the fuel pump was bad. I got about 100 miles per tank of gas. The tank is 25 gal.! They say the "screaming whine" is normal.

Last Thursday, April 12th, the steering "locked up" in a supermarket parking lot. I used all my strength to get it into a parking space. They tell me they can find nothing wrong. The car was in the shop all day yesterday. This morning, April 19, the engine warning light came on on my way to work. I drove straight to the dealership and had the service manager, Art Lewis, come out to look at it. He said as long as it isn't blinking it would be OK for today! He couldn't do anything for me today.

I have sent certified letters to Chrysler and I hope to see the DM next week, but this car scares me. I have no confidence in it and as a single, older woman I am often traveling alone.

Michelle of Austin AR (5/2/00):
My husband and I bought a 1999 Dodge Durango in May of last year. Since then, my vehicle has been in for service at least a dozen times for one problem or another. The front end brakes were popping. The couldn't duplicate at first, brought it in again. Finally duplicated the problem.

The motor is clanking, they told me it was normal? I don't think so, but now the check gauges light comes on at every normal stop and I lose oil pressure down to below 0. They said they don't want to look at it unless it blinks seven times in a day? Whatever.

I have popping in my steering. Was realigned but is still doing it. The brakes are still popping after a complete overhaul of the entire front end. I've had my drivers door regulator replaced three times in a couple of months. There is squeaking in the dash, that went away for a day or so after the front end was repaired, now it's back.

It's ridiculous! I pay $570 a month for a piece of junk. This is not right.

I called the Dodge Hot Line today and was told that all of these problems are either under investigation for a recall, or are a recall item, as mine is not the only Durango with these exact problems!

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