Problems with 1999 Dodge Durango SUSPENSION

Vehicle vibrated while driving 20 mph or more and a knocking noise was heard when turning. vehicle was taken to a repair shop, and mechanic determined that the upper ball joint and the upper control arm on driver's side needed to be replaced. *ak

Premature wear of upper control arms, bushings and balljoints and lower control arm bushings on my 1999 dodge durango at 77,000 miles. squeak was identified as the above problem by a technician named bill blackwood at allen samuels dodge in fort worth, texas on 12/14/04. the cost of repairs was said to be $2,312.54 (an unreasonable amount!). the service representative, mr. terry weber, admitted a problem with these parts, but siad the new recall only goes back to the 2000 models. i believe it shoud be extended to at least include the 1999 models asap.*ak

During inspection, the consumer was informed that the upper/lower ball joints were worn. the dealership repaired the problem. *ak *tt

I have been following the recall requests with diamler-chrysler and the failing ball joints on the dodge durango. it appears that currently only the 2000 to 2003 models are being covered. this is somewhat appalling as the 1998 and 1999 dodge durangos suffer from the same problem. i curremtly own a 1999 model and presently the upper ball joints are failing. why are the 1998 and 1999 models not included in the recall????? *ak

I had the upper and lower ball joints in my 99 durango replaced 7/03 by my servicing dealer. in 5/04 i again needed to replace the upper ball joints, again done by my local dealer. i was driving and heard a loud grinding and squeaking noise in the front end of my vehicle along with vibration. it appears that once again i need new ball joints. this will be the third time in less than 2 years i have to replace the ball joints in my truck. i would like to know if the 1999 durango will be covered in the possible recall concerning defective ball joints. *jb

Upper ball joint manufacturers defect for 1999 dodge durango slt 4x4. recall was recently issued for 2000-2003 dodge dakota's and durango's, but should also include the 1998 and 1999 years. all years of the 1st generation durango's use the same defective ball joints.*jb

While the consumer was replacing the front brakes, he notice that the upper ball joints needed to be replaced. *jb

A loud knocking noise was heard coming from the front. consumer took vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that both front driver's side and passenger side ball joints needed to be replaced due to corrosion. *ak

The front wheels would wobble while driving 55-60 mph. the vehicle was taken to a repair shop. the mechanic informed the consumer that the front upper ball joints needed to be replaced. the dealer informed the consumer that the vehicle was not covered under a recall. *jb

Front end of my 1999 durango, which only has 71,862 miles, is making a clunking noise when turning corners or going through dips in the road. i checked the frontend if the vehicle while on a jack and found that the left front wheel assembly - possibly the ball joints - moved damatically compared the the right side. i feel that there is a potential problem that the front end assembly my break off if the right set of circumstances occur. i read today that duragno's from 2000-2004 are being recalled for the same type of problem with the front end. o you think that my vehicle should be covered for repair under a factory defect also? this vehicle does not have . *ak

The upper ball joints wore out prematurely. a recall for the part was issued, however, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin. *ak

See attached letter to daimler chrysler. the complaint involves the failure of my dodge durango. my car pulled to the right, even though my steering wheel was straight. i have the precise suspension system and ball joints on my automobile, as the recently-recalled 2000 - 2003 dodge durangos. yet the 1998 and 1999 models were not included in the recall. i had my automobile repaired for $1,139.40 to avoid injury to myself and my family and am seeking reimbursement from daimler chrysler. *jb the consumer stated that the vehicle also had a tie rod problem. failure to correct this problem may result in the wheel falling off. the consumer stated that the vehicle door squeaks. door hinge was lubricated. the service dealer stated on the invoice that the vehicle had once been in an accident. *tc

Failure of upper and lower ball joints on my 1999 durango. i was told if i didn't replace the uppers my tires could fall off and if i didn't replace the lowers i could loose my ability to steer.*ak

While having a routine oil change performed, the mechanic noticed that the upper ball joints were corroded and needed to be replaced. the ball joints were replaced. *jb

My wife has a 1999 durango with 48000 miles and had to have all 4 ball joints replaced in the thing since she purchased the vehicle. now the are saying one of the ball joints are no good!!! granted the first 2 were covered under warranty but she had to pay for the other 2 out of her pocket and now looking to pay out of pocket again!!!!*ak

During a routine oil change and inspection, it was determined that the upper and lower ball joints on my 1999 durango are in need of replacement. i have less than 71,000 miles on this vehicle. the recent recall of year models 2000-2003 should also include at least the 1999 and possibly 1998 models that are constructed with the same faulty ball joints. this issue must be addressed by the manufacturer as it is a serious safety concern for anyone riding in one of these vehicles. *ak

Consumer experienced several steering problems. during the last 8 months vehicle was serviced for this problem twice due to the ball joints malfunctioning. consumer was aware of the dodge investigation on durangos and dakotas. *ak. *tc

Uneven tire wear. it was determined that the ball joints needed to be replaced. also have replaced all power windows because they have failed. the rotors have been replaced.*jb

I own a 1999 dodge durango has same problem, ball joints problems. *bf *sc

upper ball joints were defective. consumer was getting an alignment, and was informed that the upper ball joints were loose and an alignment was not possible. *ak

My durango has already had a front tie rod replaced and possibly ball joint(s)? it has always had loose steering issues. recently i brought it in for brake work and it was diagnosed as needing new balls joints and possibly additional tie-rod work? the truck has only 59,000 miles. *jb

I have a 1999 dodge durango, brakes repaired. the vehicle overheated, radiator, air compressor and more problems. *bf the consumer was told that the ball joints were gone and the transmission was sticking. *sc *jb

Upon performing a front end alignment, the dealership noticed that the front upper and lower ball joints were extremely worn and could fail at any time. the dealership replaced the ball joints. *jb

Ball joints need to be replaced. *tc

I own a 99 dodge durango has same problem as 2000-2003, ball joint problems. consumner wants to know can recall be extended to the 99 durango. *bf *jb

The consumer was driving the vehicle when the left front wheel started to wobble. the consumer drove to the mechanic, who determined the upper ball joints needed to be replaced. *jb

I have a 1999 dodge durango trouble with ball joints. do you plan to include it in the recall. *bf all of the ball joint experienced movement and the sway bar bushing(s) were making noises. *sc

1999 dodge durango,4x4, 68,000 miles. front end compnonents (upper and lower ball joints) are worn causing knocking noise and unsafe driving condition. *jb

A couple of weeks ago consumer noticed steering failure. steering wheel became very loose. he then took the vehicle to dealer to get it serviced, and mechanic determined that the failure in steering was due to ball joints. *ak

I have a 1999 dodge durango that my mechanic has told me that i need new ball joints etc. that is the second shop that has told me that. however the recall is only for durango's of 2000-2003. why? i can get you a written estimate from my mechanic if necessary. please advise. can i take my durango in for the recall? i am concerned about our safety. thanks, diane. *jb

The upper ball joints are lose/worn and is causing the front tires to wear. the dealership repaired the problem. please provide more information. *jb

Excessive ball joint wear on 1999 dodge durango. i have been experiencing problems with my durango for nearly 3 years. i took the vehicle to the dealership complaining of "clunking" coming from the front end when the sterring wheel is turned sharply to the left or right when making turns (i.e. parking in a parking spot). the vehicle was still well within the warranty period and the dealership indicated that they could not "replicate" the noise. i have since experienced excessive tire wear that required replacement of all 4 tires under with under17,000 miles on the vehicle. during my last tire rotation (at an independent shop) they indicated that there is excessive wear on the front and rear ball joints and currently my vehicle has 27,580 miles. combining these factors i believe there is no question that the parts are defective, and with numerous other owners experiencing the same type of problems, i believe it is a widespread safety hazard that should be addressed. *ak

During routine inspection dealership informed the consumer that front upper/lower ball joints were worn out. dealership did not resolve the problem. *ak *jb

Premature ball joint wear on my 1999 dodge durango suv. *jb

While driving at any speed front end shimmied. dealership repaired the worn out front upper ball joint twice. however, problem was not resolved. *ak

I had my upper and lower ball joints replaced on my 1999 dodge durango on 11/10/04. all four joints showed unusual wear and the drivers side were very close to failure. *ak

Excessive tire wear, road noise. upper balls joints bad. replaced. now they are shot again, same problem, excessive tire wear and road noise. 62k on first repair. truck is used 90% highway driving, no towing, and no heavy loads. i have also had to replace lower ball-joints, tie rod ends, etc. transmission has gone out twice. front wheel bearings, and on and on. front suspension design is junk!

The upper ball joint is making a clicking noise when the vehicle is making turns, causing the suspension to shake. consumer has conacted dealer for repairs.*ak

My 1999 dodge durango has had many problems. the ball joints have already been replaced but are still making noise when turning a corner. the electrical panel for the windows has been repaired twice and finally replaced. the back passenger window still will not operate. the fuel gauge is not reading accurately either.*ak

In the begining of november i took my 1999 dodge durango into the shop to have a noise checked out. the mechanic discovered that my ball joints were almost completly worn out. they instructed me to not drive it on the highway if i could not afford to get it fixed that day. i drive 30 miles to work on the highway everyday so i had no choice but to have them fixed. i now see that the ntsa has suggested a recall of the 2000-2003 durangos, why isn't the 1999 durango included?*ak

I own a 1999 dodge durango. on 11-2-04 while driving on i-70 at around 7:30a.m. the front axle fell a part.

The vehicle would vibrate while driving at any speed. the vehicle was taken to a repair shop. the mechanic informed the consumer the upper and lower ball joints and the hub bearing needed to be replaced. *jb

While driving at any speed vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. mechanic determined that the upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced due to worn out parts. *ak

Manufacturers defect, problem with ball joints in 1999 dodge durango. *bf *sc

Vehicle was taken to the dealer for a routine inspection, and mechanic determined that both frontal upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced due to worn out parts. *ak

Ball joint failure - your recall didn't go back far enough. there are thousands of complaints and replacements for the 1999 year. *jb

While traveling at 25 mph and heard a loud noise, drove vehicle to a mechanic, who discovered that ball joints/ front end , and lead springs were defective. *ak *nm

I began hearing noise from my front tires and took it in to be serviced at my local dodge garage. they did not hear the problem at first....i directed them to drive outside of town, as the noise was louder at higher speeds. eventually they told me my upper ball joints were bad. since my 1999 durango had less than 40,000 miles on it, i questioned how that could be. that led me to search the internet for known issues, etc. i realized the potential danger and had the joints replaced without the benefit of an actual recall, to the tune of well over $300 (which i can't really afford since i am a widow raising three kids). i called the chrysler customer care line and was treated quite rudely. i was sworn at and told i did not have my "ducks in a row". i am currently in the process of writing a complaint to chrysler on that issue alone, as such comments were not warranted whatsoever. *ak

After hearing noises from the front end of the vehicle. the dealership informed the consumer that the front lower/upper ball joints were loose. please provide more information. *jb

Vehicle front end made a clunking noise and felt loose when driving on rough roads which was determined to be caused by cracked and loose ball joints. dodge dealer repaired same but refused to cover under warranty or recall. dealer also replaced l & r inner tie rod ends and steering gear, which they said were damaged by wheel play due to the bad ball joints. old parts were kept by dealer, availability at this time is unknown.