Problems with 1999 Dodge Durango SUSPENSION

Dt:consumer noticed that vehicle started riding rough. consumer replaced shocks, but the front end still seemed to ride rough enough to feel all bumps in road. consumer had brake pads changed and the mechanic showed consumer that ball joints were bad. mechanic checked both top and bottom ball joint on driver's side. ball joints showed lots of wear. then, mechanic checked passenger side to find that more slack was in passenger side than driver side. mechanic told consumer that there were stories of wheels coming off of same type of vehicle. consumer says that vehicle is not used for off road use. vehicle is used for highway and city driving. consumer is scared to drive vehicle. consumer is aware of recall on newer models. feels that same problem exists with this vehicle. consumer has not yet replaced ball joints. vehicle is serviced regularly about every 4500 miles at a quick lube. *ak

I noticed while driving my 1999 dodge durrango, at speeds in excess of 45 mph, that the front end shook excessively. i took my 99 durrango to the local dodge dealer, and asked about a recall that i was told about. the service manager at the dealership told me it was for 2000's not 99's. then he proceded to tell me that the 2000 and the 99 upper control arm and ball joint assembly were exactly the same part. but, he could not explain to me why one was covered under the recall and the other was not. he then quoted me a price and wanted me to leave my vehicle so it could be repaired. when i insisted on an explaination for this, he swiftly gave me a 1-800 number to call, where ofcourse i got the run around and still no answer.

Suspension fron control arm upper ball joint and control arm - failure

Dt: in 2003 i had ball joints, upper and lower replaced, also tires were replaced. the arms were replaced prior to that. dealer is now recommending the ball joints and tires be replaced again at cost $1200 for ball joints plus the cost of tires. the dealer had no idea why this would happen. i consumer called manufacturer, and they could not help. the only recall was for the years of 2000-2003, consumer's vehicle recall was 1999. *ak

Dt: contact states: premature wear of upper ball joints and front suspension. dealer t said car was not under recall. also, called daimler chrysler and they told him the same thing.*ak

1999 dodge durango. ball joints and tie rod needed to be replaced because they were completely broken. i saw the recall notice on the 2003 durango and believe that my 1999 durango experienced the same failure.

Dt: consumer states: the upper and lower ball joints on the front end on both sides are completely gone. vehicle shakes and rattles uncontrollably. bought used a year and half ago, also, the u joints were replaced 2 weeks after purchase. have to have both hands on the wheel to control. talked to chrysler , and they recognized there was a problem, and will pay for upper ball joints, consumer will hav eto pay for lower joints and labor.*ak

Dt consumer states when the wheel was turned to the right, the vehicle would jerk and pull to the right. the vehicle has been serviced. *jb the upper ball joint were replaced to correct this problem. *nm

Consumer states: on the front end driver's side, the lower and upper ball joints were bad and had to be replaced. the boot was completely blown out. it was making a squeaking noise and had a different drive. *tt

I took my 1999 dodge durango into have the tires rotated. the auto tech said both the upper ball joints were failing on both sides and the lower ball joint on the left side along with the tie-rods. my durango has 100,000 miles on it. i was told by the manager of the service department that durangos were know for ball joint problems and that they have had recalls. i see the 2000 durangos have had recalls, what about the 99's. $800.00 with of repairs is very costly.

Brought 99 durang. in for front end alig. was told $ 1600 in repairs needed, guess what? yup, upperand lower ball joints,inner control rods and shocks, well the shocks seem fine but the rest is a mess, called dealer ira dodge,and they said only recall was for a 2000 and up.i asked if it was nomal for all four ball joints to go at 64k(it could have been earlier i need new tires at the time inner wheel was wearing) he said no.. oh well right, this is ridiculous.checked part nums at local parts place(autozone) for all said above ,$259.that included new shocks, better ones too.ill never buy a dodge again.and ill never go to firestone tires

I have a 1999 dodge durango which has lower & upper ball joints that need to be replaced and on 33269 miles on the vehicle. i don't know what to do but the dealership says it is my problem, that my year is not on the recall list.

1999 dodge durango experienced problems with control arms and ball joint failures.*mr the consumer had all the ball joints replaced in late 2003 after hearing incidents from the media. in late 2004, the consumer was involved in a minor low speed accident and the left control arm assembly including the left ball joint were replaced. (the consumer did not state if there was damage to the vehicle). after the repair the consumes wife started to hear a popping sound, the vehicle was returned to the dealer but no problem was found but they did check all the bolts and tightened to specs. immediately after picking up the vehicle the noise was still there. the consumer inspected the vehicle himself by removing the left front tire and wheel assembly and found the cotter pin installation poorly done on the upper ball joint. the consumer then found the lower control arm assembly which had previously been repaired to be poorly done as well. the brakes squeaked, but the consumer declined the repairs. *jb

Ea03023 ball joints on the 1999 dodge durango.*mr consumer wants to know why there are no recall on the 1999 dodge durango when they have the same problems as the newer models. *bf

I took my 1999 dodge durango slt 4x4 to have an alignment and i was told that the alignment ws fine but that the front ball joints were failing. the serviceman told me that all 2000 and later model durango's were recalled to replace the parts. he also told me that my vehicles parts were the same as the 2000 year models that were recalled. the recall was because the ball joints had failed causing several accidents. why the 1999 models weren't included i don't know. i sent a letter to dodge and they gave me the generic answer that there were no recalls active for my vehicle. i haven't fixed the vehicle yet and all the parts are still in place.

Consumer stated: when driving down the road the steering wheel would shake badly, and there was a clanking noise every once in awhile. dealership replaced all 4 ball joints on the front end suspension. *ak *sb

Dt; the ball joints failed at 58,230 miles when the consumer went for the state inspection. *jb

Started with rebuilt transmission, then sludged in motor. had to replace motor with only 120,000 miles motor and transmission 5,000. also had to replace ball joints, tie rods and bearings cost $1,000*ak

Ball joints were completely worn to a serious hazard. mechanic said ball joints so bad car wheels could fall off. we have a 1999 slt dodge durango seems almost criminal that only 2000-2003 ball joints on these cars have recalls. my 17 yr old drives my car.i also have two other children younger. ps i looked up our car found three recalls, we have never been notified by the dealer county chrysler in hamburg pa. we have not moved from date of purchase and phone remained the same number. this is an outrage of neglect!! *ak

I bought my 1999 dodge durango back in may 2003. i had it for almost one year and brought it in for some maintenance. they told me 3 of the 4 ball joints were bad and the fourth one was still within spec, whatever that is. i was also told that one ball joint was about to come apart if i had waited any longer. i had them replaced at a cost of $716. i then continuewd to keep up on the maintenance of them by greasing them regularly and inspecting them once a month. last month i noticed that the fourth on ethat was not replaced is woren and needs to be replaced. i also see that a recall was done but does not cover all the vehicles that have this problem. i believe that dodge needs to step up and fix this problem for all the durangos not just a few.

1999 dodge durango speed sensor failed as well as the upper and lower ball joints. ***no answer required***. *mr at 49,000 the transmission went out. the speed sensor failed for a second time. *jb

Ball joints in 1999 dodge durango - 58,000 miles - inspection rejected - ball joints not safe

1999 dodge durango began to shake when brakes are applied. have been to the local dodge dealer. they have notified me that the problem is due to worn upper ball joints. these ball joints are part of a recall for 2000-2004 dodge durangos.*ak i have contacted chrysler to ask for assistance in replacing the upper ball joints due to the problem that i have experienced. they have denied my request. they have agreed that the upper ball joints used in the 1999 4-wheel drive durangos is the same at the upper ball joints used in the 2000-2004 durangos.

My durango steering had been out of control i took it to a mechanic and both front ball joints are bad and it is leaking transmission fluid from the front seal.it is costing 700.00 to be fixed. this is money i do not have. i have owned the car 1 and a half years.it was supposed to be reliable transportation. *ak

Upper and lower ball joints,tie rod,and shocks replaced at 45,000 miles. *ak

When taken vehicle for state inspection the upper and lower ball joints had to be replaced due to wear.*ak

The consumer had all four ball joints on her 1999 dodge durango replaced at 71524 miles ([xxx]). *nm the consumer contacted the dealer about the ball joint recall. the dealer checked the consumers vehicle identification number who told the consumer that the vehicle was not included in the recall. *nm *jb information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

The upper and lower ball joints in the consumer's 1999 dodge durango wore out prematurely. *nm the ball joint problem caused problems with; the steering, tire wear, and mis-alignment. the rear windows would stick. *sc *jb

Dodge durango 4x4 1999 consumer wants to know why not expand recall for the ball joints. *bf while driving, the consumer experienced a funny shake with the vehicle. the mechanic informed the consumer the ball joints and tie rods needed to be replaced. *jb

Constituent in support of extending the 2000 dodge dakota recall to include the 1999 model year dakota's as well. *nm *jb

I've been noticing improper tire wear on my 1999 durango and had it looked at and was told the ball joints are failing. now i need to have them repaired at my own expense when the same problem for 2000 to 2003 was addressed by a recall that should have included 1999!! *jb

While the vehicle was being inspected at state inspection station the inspector informed consumer that both upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced on the right side, and the lower ball joint on the left side also needed to be replaced. dealer was notified.*ak

I purchased my 1999 durango in early 2000. since that time, i have had to replace numerous parts of the front end suspension including wheel bearings on several occasions, right side hub assembly, both spindles, and the rotors twice. last week, i notice the wheel was literally flopping sideways when i turned. my dealer then replaced the upper and lower ball joints on both sides. after the replacement of the ball joints, i drove the vehicle and noticed an extreme shaking when applying the brakes, and a dramatic pull to the right. my dealer examined the front end again, and after eliminating all other possibilities for the problem then notice that the front bracket which holds the lower control arm on the right side was fractured. upon examining the bracket they discovered that there was no spot weld on the bracket and the two side welds were only on the frame, but not the bracket itself. the bracket and frame were fractured almost all the way around the frame. according to their service men, and body repair staff, the bracket appears to have never been properly welded at the manufacture. subsequently, i have a vehicle, with that i cannot drive. this seems to be a manufacture defect, which resulted in me having to do numerous repairs over the 5 year period i have owned the vehicle, and put my family in serious danger of a catastrophic front end failure. *nm

Ball joint failure in a 1999 dodge durango. caused severe tire damage. *nm

The ball joints on my 1999 durango are worn to the extent that i am concerned that it will break. i found the problem after momentarily losing control of the vehicle while braking. the brakes started working erratically some time ago under hard braking. i originally thought it was an abs issue. i have parked the suv until it can be repaired. *jb

Upper ball joints severely worn out. (dangerous!) tie rod ends loose. these vehicles (1999 model year) need to be included in the ball joint recall. the suspension/upper ball joints are poorly designed and way to light duty! *nm

1) normal on road car driving city 2) ball joints on 99 durango. car swerving on road and pulling hard to the left when brakes applied. luckily with your warnings about 00-03 durango's i knew it was a serious problem and took it in immediately. consequences could have been grave if i didn't know about the 00-03 recall 3) dealership repair and replace front axle ball joints 558$

Loose upper / lower ball joints on 1999 dodge durango 4x4, 86,000 miles. chrysler has recalled the 2000 thru 2003 durango / dakota 4x4 for replacement of the same ball joints. spoke with dodge/chrysler's customer service on 2-9-05 and they advised me to take it into a dodge on service center for there tech's to analyze. before i could get it in on 2-10-05, they refused to provide any further consideration.*ak

Ball joints of dodge durango 1999 showed excessive play and dealership encouraged consumer to replace because of safety concerns. vehicle has been consistently maintained and has only72715 miles on it. chrysler is accepting no responsibility at this time even though subsequent years have been recalled for the identical problem. *jb

A clicking noise came from the front of the vehicle, and the steering shook at low speeds, making it uneasy to control vehicle. manufacturer was notified by consumer.*ak

There has not been an accident or injury as of yet. the obvious is the dodge recall for defective ball joints. i purchased a new 1999 durango which has only 43000 miles on it. i recently had the front brakes replaced and my mechanic informed that the ball joints were metal to metal. i own another vehicle that i drive daily. i emailed daimlerchrysler and the response was the dealer "was empowered by daimlerchrysler to determine the merits of any goodwill policy consideration for repairs beyond your manufacturer's warranty". i called the dealer and gave them all the pertinent information to that point. they informed the above information was not entirely true and they had to inspect the vehicle and then contact daimlerchrysler to determine a solution. after the inspection i was informed that not only the upper and lower ball joints were bad but also the inner tie rod ends. they offered a 50/50 split for the sum of $725.00. i declined this offer due to the obvious. i feel that the faulty ball joints caused the tie rod ends to wear prematurely and should be categorized under the recall and covered 100%. the vehicle is in excellent condition and has far below the expected mileage. i have copies all emails and invoices available at this time. thank you, joseph maestas. *jb

Consumer noticed excessive wear on the inside of the left front tire. vehicle was taken to the repair shop, and mechanic determined that consumer that the front upper ball joint was loose, and needed to be replaced. *ak

A loud squeaking noise started coming from the front and rear of the vehicle. also, driver noticed that the tires had uneven wear on the inner side. driver took vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that both left and right upper and lower ball joints, and all four tires needed to be replaced. *ak. defective ball joints caused vehicle to wander on its own, and float from side to side. also, replaced both inner tie rods. *ak

Upon trying to get the state inspection performed on the vehicle it failed due to ball joint wear. recall 04v596000 on ball joint wear was issued. *ak....*ak

My tires started to wear in an unusual pattern. after hearing about the 2000-2003 recall of the dodge durango i had my 1999 checked and found out that all four of my ball joints are bad. the same thing that they are recalling the 2000-2003 durangos for. it will cost approx. 650.00 to fix. i think they need to extend the recall to 1999. has anyone else had any failure with the durangos other then the recall years? how do they determine that only the 2000-2003 durangos are the only ones affected by the ball joint failure? apperently the 1999 have the failure too. please let me know if anyone else has had trouble with their 1999 durango. thanks.*ak

While driving and upon backing out of the driveway the tire disengaged. the tie rod, and ball joints failed. consumer had the vehicle repaired. consumer heard of recall campaign 04v596000 concerning ball joint wear. consumer contacted the dealer, and was advised that the 1999 models were not included. *ak

Consumer reported two incidents. first incident involved vehicle experiencing a thumping noise when accelerating from a stop position. vehicle had been to the dealer, and dealer replaced the front wheel bearing. the second incident involved vehicle losing steering control while driving 35 mph. this almost caused a tractor trailer crashing into consumer's vehicle. the vehicle was taken back to the dealer, but problem recurred. *ak

Nhtsa recall campaign 04v596000 concerning ball joint wear. owner took the vehicle in for a tire rotation. owner was informed that because of the defect in the ball joints the tires were prematurly ruined. *ak *nm

Consumer complained about upper ball joint problem. the upper ball joints wore out prematurely, and now it is impossible to do an alignment until the ball joints have been replaced. when driving the vehicle swayed from side to side. *ak in addition there is front end vibration at high speed. vehicle was not included in recall due to vin. *tt

The consumer had to replace all four ball joints due to them being worn. the consumer was aware of dodge's recall for ball joints. nhtsa's recall #04v596000. *jb