Problems with 1999 Dodge Durango SUSPENSION

Upper ball joint wore out too soon auto had 50,000 miles. i was told to replace them when i had new tire installed.

Upper control arm bushings and ball joints started making noise after 12,000 miles and had to be replaced by 50,000 miles. the cost of replacing these components was over $750.00. *la

We have been detecting frontend noises for some time now in our 1999 dodge durango(vin# [xxx]). on friday morning, nov 28,2003, they suddenly became much worse. the sudden increase came while we were visiting family for thanksgiving some 350 miles from home. i promptly telephoned my service person at home and asked him about the problem. he and i have had multiple conversations regarding noise in the front end and he has continually reassured me that no problem of any serious nature is detectable. on this occasion, he told me that he could refer me to another dealer in nj or i could bring it in to him when i got home with the truck. i described the noise in detail, a metal on metal grating noise with squeaking that worsened over bumps in the road or on right turns. at no time did the service person inform me of a potentially dangerous condition and discourage me from driving the truck at either high speed or low speed. later in the day the noise worsened even to a greater degree. at this point it even seemed that there was some drag on the truck's forward progress. we phoned a local dodge dealership and began to make the 5 mile journey. approximately 1 mile from our starting point, the front end of the vehicle collapsed. i had to get a tow to the dealer. the front wheels were completely splayed out and i no longer had control of the vehicle.*ak information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Bll joints neede to be replaced at only 60,000 miles.

I purchased a brand new 1999 dodge durango and have faithfully maintained the vehicle with oil changes, tune-ups, etc. i recently brought my durango into the local dodge dealership where i purchased the car, due to the engine light coming on for no apparent reason. i was informed that my front end ball joints needed to be replaced along with the arm control, and the sensor needed to be replaced. the total costs of repair, including new tires, etc. totaled over $2000.00. no one informed me of a potential recall of the ball joints, until i picked my car up, and paid the bill. now i find out that your agency has been investigating this problem for quite some time and nothing has been done to date. i have researched this issue on the internet and have found numerous instances of failure of the ball joints at extreme cost to car owners. my vehicle has only about 48,000 miles on it. this is ridiculous. it is my hope that your agency will take action soon, as this is a serious problem, and could lead to fatalities if not addressed. *la

1999 dodge durango has 48,000 miles after getting a front-end alignment the mechanic found that the (2) upper and (2) lower ball joints (driver and passenger side) are loose. the vehicle has only 48,000 miles. it needs to be replaced and when i've called the dealership they mentioned that it has not been recalled for this specific problem. *la

I have a 1999 dodge durango with 39000 and the ball joints are bad. also the braking system seems to be failing, it grabs unatrally hard. i have also experienced an engine oil pressure problem.*ak

1999 dodge durango has severely and prematurely worn front-end ball joints at 65,000 miles. *ak

1999 dodge durango has severely and prematurely worn front-end ball joints at 65,000 miles. *ak

Front lower ball joints are worn (prematurely in my mind). vehicle had 63,xxx miles when first noted by royal gate dodge-st. louis

I own a 1999 dodge durango and the wheel bearings just collapsed on it. it collapsed on the highway and my wife didn't loose control but it did almost cause her to have a accident. she was able to get it safely off the highway. it has been diagnosed and to the tune of $1800.00 for repair to the front end because of this damage caused damage to other front end parts. *la

Consumer stated that three out of the four ball joints on the vehicle were defective.*ak all four control arms and tie rods were replaced. *ph

While changing the front right wheel consumer noticed that upper ball joint was loose. manufacturer was notified, and they informed consumer that the part was not covered under a recall.*ak

The driver had problems steering the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a tire dealer and the technician found the upper and lower ball joints were worn. the dealer replaced them. *nm *sc *jb

We had been hearing strange noises when we were going around corners coming from the wheels in front, we took it to a dodge dealership and were told our wheels were about to break off and needed to replace the upper ball joints. we did that at a big expense to us and since have had no problem with the wheels but lots of problems with everything else in the truck.*ak

Front upper and lower ball joint failure. causing vehicle to be uncontrollable at freeway speeds. fixed before complete failure of ball joint at 64,000 miles. fixed on 11-21-03. beginning at 26000 miles i complained to the dealership and brought the vehicle in to be inspected and fixed due to a severe clunking and popping sound in the front end of the vehicle. a friend suggested ball joints as the problem and chrysler said that wasn't the problem. the replaced many front end and steering components over the course of 4 visits. the noises and unstability of the vehicle stopped when i had the ball joints replaced at precision auto service. *ak

There was a problem with the front end stability. the upper and lower ball joints were suspected. *ak the dealership was aware of this problem. *sc

While driving 45 mph, the driver side tire separated from the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to a repair shop. the mechanic informed the consumer that the upper/lower ball joints and the tie rod needed to be replaced. *jb

Vehicle pulling to the right took to shop and they told me the vehicle is unsafe to be on the road and that the ball joints could fail at any time. this is the only vehicle i have so i have to drive it daily. *ak

Truck upper ball joints needed replacement because of premature wear, per dealership. please provide more details. *ph the severe wear of upper ball joints was diagnosed by dealership's mechanic. consumer didn't notice the defect on the vehicle, but they're confirmed that condition was dangerous. *la

Ball joints on my 1999 dodge durango had been squeaking for a couple of years, after seeing expose on failing ball joints, i had them checked and all 4 ball joints were bad. i had them checked at 2 independent repair shops before taking it into the chrsyler/dodge dealership in midland mi. feeny dodge. they confirmed that the balls joints were compromised and replaced them for the labor charge and did not charge for the parts. this was in november 2003. the vehicle only had 33,000 miles on it.*ak

Excessive wear on the upper and lower control arm bushings and ball joints on the front suspension

Bought this vehicle with 44,490 mi, check engine light came on within one mile of the dealers lot. it was fixed at no cost to me, but it came on three more times on different days. now there is some kind of noise in the rear end or brakes, not all the time though. the front tires were bad, but had good tread, those are my expense according to the dealer. i have to live with it, but i made a bad mistake buying this vehicle. the dealer did not tell me that these vehicles were under investgation by nhtsa

I have replaced all four ball joints on my 1999 dodge durango including the upper ball joints twice. in light of the recent developements and complaints by other dodge owners i feel it is appropriate to file a safety complaint with you as documentation for a possible recall on these parts. *ak

Ball joint excessive wear $1600.00 to repair at 41000 miles. *ak

Pe 03-032, front suspension/upper ball joint failure: consumer took vehicle to the repair shop for a front end alignment. the mechanic informed consumer that the upper ball joints wore out. *ak

After hearing of other complaints, i had my 1999 dodge durango checked out. upon inspection it was determined that the upper front ball joint was in great need of replacing, which is unusual for 59,000 miles. the dealer replaced the ball joint. the vehicle was not under warranty. *la

I have a 1999 dodge durango. i learned today that both top and bottom, front ball joints need to be replaced immediately. i understand that premature wearing out of these is not uncommon. i would like the manufacturer to replace these. the dealership was considerate, but not helpful. i would like to have these vehicles recalled as i understand this is not an uncommon problem, but could be very unsafe. anything you can do to expedite a recall would be appreciated. *la

Service manager (rick) at lake county dodge in jamestown, ny, stated that the ball joints in the front suspension control arm are showing excessive wear and need replacement (within a month for safety reasons) at a cost of $345.00. the vehicle (durango) has only 19,000 miles on the odometer. i think dodge should replace these faulty parts at no cost to the consumer but the request was refused by chrysler corp.

The vehicle was taken to the dealer for regular maintenance, and dealer found that the vehicle needed new bushings and ball joints. *ak *sc

While driving at 55 mph oil pressure dropped. engine started knocking and shut down. vehicle was taken to the mechanic, who replaced the oil pump and the piston rod bearings. also, there was a considerable slack in the steering column which would suggest that upper ball joint wore out. *ak

With less than 55,000 miles two (2) upper ball joints, two (2) lower ball joints and two (2) inner brackets have all gone bad.*ak

I felt a vibration in the front end of my vehicle around 60 miles an hour. i took it to the dodge dealership and asked them to check my tires. they informed me, that it wasn't my tires, but my ball joint was worn. i called dymlerchrysler and was told, that they were having trouble, with the durangos and dakotas. that it was still under investigation with them and the department of highway safety. that has been over 7 months ago and still nothing has been done about these problems with these vehicles. with the mounting complaints, i can not believe, that nothing has been done! are they waiting for someone to get killed??*ak

Pe 03 032/front suspension: upper ball joint failure. consumer was concerned about the front tires that were experiencing excessive wear, and a crunching noise could be heard while driving. vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed consumer that front ball joints needed to be replaced. *ak the consumer stated that all 4 ball joints are bad. consumer stated that she is on her third set of front tires and only has 81,000 miles on the vehicle.

I have a 1999 dodge durango 4wd and have suffered the same upper ball joint problem identified in the december 2004 recall of the 2000-2003 dodge durango. i had to have the upper ball joint and most of the front suspension replaced. fortunately i replaced the worn parts before having an accident. *jb

Premature ball joint failure on my 1999 dodge durango. *la

Brought my vehicle in for repair at the dodge dealership service dept. and they pointed out the the both ball joint (upper and lower) and control arm where loose and needed replace. i took my 99 durango in do to the "check engine" light was on. i was told that they are getting a lot durango's in with the same loose ball joint problem. i was advised by the service dealer that this was a safety issue. my vehicle only has 67k miles. thanks. *ak

Consumer took the vehicle to the gas station to have the front driver's side tire changed. the mechanic noticed that the driver's side upper and lower ball joints needed replacement due to corrosion.*ak *ph

While making a right turn, the right front wheel felt like it locked up and the vehicle began to fishtail. upon inspection at the dealer it was determined that the right upper and left/right lower ball joints were wearing prematurely. *ak *ph *nm

When turning there was a hesitation in the steering wheel before it turned, and if the vehicle went over a bump in the road, it pulled to the right. also, there was a rattling noise in the front end. mechanic replaced the lower ball joints, but the problem recurred. *ak

At 66,510 miles both upper control arms and both inner tire rods had to be replaced. the front brakes were replaced approximately 4 months ago and they too had to be replaced.*ak

I was informed yesterday that my 1999 dodge durango needs new ball joints from the perkins dodge dealer in colorado springs. i have 44,000 miles on this car - and i know about the class action suit. they want $600 to repair this defect. *la

The consumer complained about ball joint problems. the consumer had both lower and upper ball joints replaced at a private garage. *ak *nm

Consumer states the upper ball joints wear out prematurely. *ak the consumer stated that when the vehicle was purchased it had the upper ball joints replaced. *tc

Excessive wear on the upper and lower control bushings as well as ball joints on the front suspension components. vehicle has less than 31,000 miles and is just over three years old. *la

While driving steering wheel was loose. upon inspection of the vehicle mechanic determined that the passenger's side upper ball joint was loose, and the tire could fall off at anytime. also, mechanic indicated that both the upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced, but the parts were on a nation wide back order.*ak after parts were replaced, consumer again experienced steering becoming loose. also, repair was made on transmission pan gasket due to a bolt stripped out of the pan. *la

Front ball joints are bad 1999 dodge durango 4x4 83000 mi (nearly all hwy). *la

While driving the steering wheel had a lot of play. the wheel turned at a 90 degree angle. the dealership indicated that this was caused by premature wear of the upper/lower ball joints.*ak *jb

Purchased 1999 durango in october 2003, with an expired safety check. upon taking it to dealer for 1st service and perform "free" safety check as part of sale, vehicle failed inspection due to "front left upper control arm ball joint worn and alignment." now we are unable to drive it legally and dealer wants $ 800.00 for repairs. *la

Required premature replacement of the upper ball joints. lower ball joints, inner tie rod, stabilizer bar and bushings at 54,000 miles. car made a squeaking noise in the front end when on bumps and was the result of premature wearing of these parts. *la