Problems with 1999 Dodge Durango SUSPENSION

Bought a 99 durango have 60k miles and have the upper ball joints worn out. front tires are bald on one side and wheel is leaning out. truck rides rough. expensive repair that should not be happening, no off road use, to school and home. travis

Consumer states that upper ball joint is wearing out prematurely. dealer notified.*ak

I was advised that the ball joints on my 1999 dodge durango were quite worn and the upper left was so bad it was a dangerous situation to drive it and the wheel could very easily come off. the garage machanic even required that the estimate to fix the problem reflect that before i could drive it home so as to clear them of any liability. they had called a factory man as they called him and asked if there had been a problem with these ball joint because it was so unusual at 50,000 miles that they all be bad at the same time. he advised them that there had been all kinds of problems with them. i had them replaced after getting several esimates and every garage the machanics were all very concerned that i not drive it do to the very loose wheel on the left front.

I own a dodge durango, i had to spend almost two thousand dollars and replace a ball points. i spoke to my regular mechanic about this, he said that, it wore out prematurely. *nlm

We had to replace both upper and lower front ball joints on a 1999 dodge durango with 43,270 miles on it. we were told that they needed to be replaced due to the saftey hazard that they posses being worn. we were told that if they weren't replaced, eventually, the tire could fall off while we were driving it. we spoke to two different dodge dealer service writers and both acknowledged that this is a known problem with the dodge vehicles.*ak

I own a 1999 durango and was told that my upper and lower ball joints ( left & right ) along with the tie rod ends were worn out after i took it to the dealer because of tire wear and was told it would cost $1,400 to repair. this suv only had 65,000 miles on it and was never taken off-road. i am now aware that this problem is not limited to a few owners. i have been telling every durango owner i see about this safety issue ( many already have had the ball joints replaced ) and encourage them to complain to the nhtsa about this problem. *ak

Upper and lower ball joint, front end, wheel bearing, rotors. *la

Upper balls joints and outer tie rod seem to have worn out prematurely. *ak

Had to replace upper ball joint on 1999 dodge durango due to excessive wear. work was completed by les schwab tire center. cost was $380.00

Premature wear- upper and lower ball joints. both had to be replaced. *nlm

Upper and lower ball joints replaced on my 1999 dodge durango after only 40,000 miles. *jb

Tires worn uneven because of premature wear of the ball joints. *ph the consumer stated the transmission shifted up and down. *jb

Front end trouble with dodge durango. *jb

My 99 dodge durango had both lower ball joints and an inner tie rod(driver side) replaced with the truck having only because 20,000 miles on it this problem made this vehicle very dangerous to drive because you were not able to steer it properly it was always pulling. *nlm

The front upper ball joint failed. while driving between 35-40 mph the steering wheel became difficult to steer. consumer took the vehicle to the dealership, who indicated after inspection that the upper ball joints failed and needed to be replaced. *ak *tc

When i purchased the vehicle in june of 2002. the upper and lower ball joints had to be replaced. the vehicle had 49,000 miles on it. the cost was over $900.00. less than a year later, at 62,000 miles the upper ball joint and tie rod ends and brakes and rotors need replaced. *ph

I have had my vehicle into two places for underbody inspections and m-59 dodge told me my ball joints (upper & lower) and control arms would need to be replaced. i had m-59 dodge replace them once at 44,000 miles on my '99 durango and now at 77,000 they say they need it again? so, i took it into anderson dodge for a second opinion and they said they were fine (good) actually. so, i checked defects off the nhsta website and saw several instances of ball joints failing at every 30,000 miles. so, i called a dodge parts department and asked what the part #s were for ball joints and control arms for a '99 durango and for a '99 dakota (4x4) and guess what they are the same numbers????? let me guess, design the 4x4 dakota and just add all that weight and moment arms of the back of the suv top and lift gate and not expect the equations to change for wear and tear of the front suspension?????? and then i found out that the suspension was modified in the 2000 model year. what a surprise??? i wonder if nhsta would be interested in my findings?????? now i am going to a third dodge dealer for another inspection to see if i really do have a problem with ball joints and control arms. if these ball joints i have now are ok, i want to know if i can tap them and put in a grease fitting in order to extend the life of them. if however, they are not ok, i am going to file a complaint with nhtsa and show them my findings. i believe a design flaw should be a recall. *nlm

The upper and lower arm ball joints were replaced at the owner's expense before the vehicle reached 100000 miles. *nlm *scc *jb

The consumer stated the steering was very unstable. took vehicle in for a front end alignment and the dealer noticed that the front ball joints and tie rod needed replacement. *ak the dealer also removed and replaced both control arms. *ph *nlm the engine light was on. when the vehicle was started the rpm's are high. engine control modulator and injector wire harness was replaced. *tc

The front ball joints wore out. the dealer was notified. *ak *scc *jb

While driving 45 mph consumer heard a loud popping noise, and the vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that both frontal upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced. *ak

Consumer states that upper ball joint is wearing prematurely.dealer notified.*ak

Consumer states that lower ball joints are wearing prematurely. dealer notified.*ak

I have a 1999 dodge durango with 54,000 miles that is already needing new front ball joints. the vehicle has started shaking at various speeds. this problem was diagnosed by a garage mechanic who is not connected to dodge. after checking with the local dodge service manager, who checked the ball joints, i was told the ball joints were within specification and that a new idler arm was needed. i have since replace all 4 tires and shocks but the problem still persists. i'm concerned that i am driving a safety hazard. *ak

The dealer noticed that upper and lower ball joints were worn out at 55,000. *ak. the dealer stated the ball joint wear was normal. consumer disagreed being as though he owned two other chrysler vehicle's with 127,000 and 155,000 miles on them and the ball joints had not worn out. *ph *jb

I've been complaining of abnormal noises coming from my 1999 dodge durango since may of 2003, to 2 different dodge dealer service departments. the steering is "loose" and the tires wear unevenly no matter how many times i have them rotated. after a very scary road trip where i almost veered off the highway several times, i brought the durango to a private mechanic. they immediately detected the problem of faulty ball joints and a bad rear axle and differential. when the mechanic called dodge to order parts, he was told that this is a common problem with durango's and the parts were in stock. repairs consisted of new upper and lower ball joints, new front tires (with alignment) repair and rebuild rear axle and differential. this was all paid for by me personally because my extended warranty expired in june 2005. however, i believe it would have been covered under the warranty if in may 2003 the dodge mechanics would have figured out what the problems were. *nm there was a water leak at the right rear window. updated 04/10/06. *jb

I would like to file a complaint about a defect in the dodge durango ball joints. in usa today, dated: july 22, 2003, there was a article indicating that federal regulators are investigating the dodge durango suv for a defect that could cause the front wheels to separate from the vehicle because the ball joints had worn out and the vehicle suspension to collapse. i have an 1999 durango with roughly 30k miles. in may 03, i took my car in for 30k mile maintenance and because it was running rough. i ended up having to have the ball joint and suspension for the front wheel replaced because i was told that the ball joints had disintegrated and the suspension had subsequently been damaged. i have only driven my durango on the highway and i have never taken it off the road. therefore, i thought this type of problem was very odd at only 30000 miles. after reading the article in usa today, it is clear to me the damage to my vehicle was due to this defect. this complaint is to further collobrate the 81 complaints already filed.*ak

I just read an article in the wsj about reported failures of the ball joins on the front suspension. i just wanted to let you know that in may, 2003, i took my 1999 dodge durango in because it was shaking severely in the front tire area. as it turned out, the ball joint had to be replaced. since you are investigating this problem, i thought i should report it. it was replaced by mac's auto ii in brighton, ny.*ak

Defective upper control arm ball joint. *ak

1999 dodge durango - premature wearing of front tie rods and ball joints.*ak

My 1999 dodge durango, upper and lower balls joints have worn prematurely.

Upon getting vehicle inspected it failed due to worn ball joints. both of the lower ball joints and upper drivers side ball joint must be replaced. after speaking with several mechanics and looking thru your complaints it is obvious that this is a common occurance with this vehicle. please help.

Lower ball joints broke while driving at 25 mph, and vehicle came to a complete stop. mechanic indicated this was due to a factory defect.*ak lower ball joints were replaced by service dealer. also, noise from front of the vehicle. dealer replaced both inner tie rods. *la

Front suspension - numerous components

At 40,000 mi.check up on my dodge durango 1999 it was found to be the boots around my upper ball joints were ripped. at 45,000 miles the rubber boots around the lower ball joints are ripped. these are from the factory and should not be happening for such low mileage. these are permently greased and the damage is unknown when there is rips and dirt, etc is getting up in there. there is several hundred complaints about this and when is the government going to make a recall. it is a shame someone has to be killed before something is done. there is no recall or action being taken up to this point to repair this problem. what do you suggest we do? this is very expensive to fix and the vehicle itself is not cheap. i enjoy driving my durango, but now cannot take it on the highway. please help!*ak

I have a 1999 dodge durango. we recently had the upper and lower balljoints replaced has long as the tierod ends. i foind this unexpectable with a vehical with only 58,000 miles! i had them replaced under extented warnty free of charge except for a $50 detuctable. but i have since found out that these type of balljoints usally go out every 20,000 or so and some people on the club i belong to have had them replaced 3 or more times in 60,000!! this is crazy! i would like a recalle done and for dodge come out with a way better desing for these balljoints so they don't have to get replaced every 20,000. because i'm soon to be out of my warnty and if these balljoints are the same ones that were in there last time i will have to replace them again soon under my cost. and with the recall and better desing of the balljoints i won't have to worry about this. so dodge needs to desing a balljoint that can last 100,000 miles or more.

Ball joints wearing out prematurely. had to replace with aftermarket ball joints.*ak

Replaced right front upper balljoint.*ak

1999 durango 4x4upper ball joint replacement at ~25k, 50k, and 7500 miles.lower ball joint replacement at ~5000 miles.*ak

Front end wearing tires and unstable front end, took vehicle to dealer, and i was instructed the front end ball joints were worn out after 3 years, and the vehicle was unsafe to drive. why aren't the 1999 dodge darangos included in the recall. *ak

While driving over bumps, the vehicle would shake, making it very difficult for the driver to control the vehicle. *ak the consumer noticed that the vehicle was to the right. the service dealer stated that the upper/lower ball joints and the inner tie rods were prematurely worn and an alignment would have been of no help. the service dealer recommended a replacement of the worn parts as the problem would only get worse and would become a safety issue. *scc the consumer was informed the vehicle needed brakes. *jb

I am writing to document the front-end repairs made to my 1999 dodge durango and the expenses incurred in 2003. i am asking that daimler chrysler reimburse me in full for these expenses. these repairs were necessary due to premature wear, which has been a documented design defect in numerous other dodge durangos of the model years 1998 _x0013_ 2000. front-end repairs performed in 2003 to my dodge durango: replacement of upper & lower ball joints$769.1804/09/2003 replacement of right & left front hub bearings$1,092.4409/20/2003 replacement of front hub assembly$983.8511/06/2003 total front-end repair costs incurred:$2,845.47

I purchased new tires and asked the tire dealer to check the alignment on my 1999 dodge durango and they told me they could not do it due to the fact the front end ball joints and control arms were bad and had to be replaced with only 52,000 miles. chrysler said at the time this was unheard of and saw no reason for premature failure. they would not cover this under factory warranty. they made me pay for this with my chrysler extended warranty, charging me $50 deductible and i had to pay for a front end alignment that was not required except for the changing of the parts. this should not be required on a vehicle with this age and mileage. cars run for years and over one hundred thousand miles and do not have this problem. this needs to be looked into further. luckily, this was caught before there was an incident while driving the vehicle on vacation in the mountains a few weeks later. *ak

When the brakes were applied, the front end pulled excessively to the right or left. also, when making turns, consumer heard a loud "grinding" coming from the front end. dealer diagnosed that the entire front end needed to be replaced due to ball joint failure. *ak the whining noise was heard when going around curves. the marker lights had become inoperative when pulling out of "int" switch and the head lamp switch was replaced, and upon acceleration, there was a pinging noise in the passing gear. *scc. the tie rods were also replaced.*jb

In july of 2003, i filed a complaint with the nhtsa, odi# 10028924, complaining about my 1999 dodge durango having problems with its ball joints. after about 54,000 miles i was informed by three different places that my ball joints were extemely bad. so, i ended up paying $1300 to get it fixed. my question is why was this recall only for the 2000 to 2003? how can the exclude the 1998/1999 models. how can they be excluding the 1998/1999 models? i believe 1998 was the first year they came out? i have done some research on the internet and found that i'm not the only 1998/1999 with the same issues. what is my recourse on this matter? *ak

1999 durango obviously has ball joint problems what is dodge going to do about it? the dealer is charging a fortune to fix a faulty part. dose someone have to die before dodge owns up to its mistake. lower ball joints on the durango suv vehicles are prone to rapid wear out and looseness. the problem is frequently encountered even if the vehicle is never driven off-road. the o.e. lower ball joints are of a compression loaded, metal-to-metal bearing design. the design has a tendency to allow bearing looseness and load change on the bearing as the suspension moves through its full range of travel. this may easily lead to rapid wear out. *nlm

Upper ball joints on 1999 dodge durango need to be replaced. truck had only 55,000 miles on it.*ak

In march of this year (2003) my upper ball joints and lower ball joints all had to be replaced. i kept taking it back to the dealership (a total of 3 times), since it had not reached the 36,000/3yr end of warranty with the complaint that i kept hearing a popping sound when making sharp turns. they claimed not to be able to duplicate the problem. i then took my vehicle to clear lake auto service and they immediately told me it was worn upper/lower ball joints. by then my 36,000/3yr had expired. luckily, i had purchased an extended warranty and that expensive repair was covered. i was told the joints should not have worn out that quickly, but at any rate it was a problem that should have been found when i took it to the dealership.

Told by dealership that upper control arms are going out on my 1999 dodge durango. vehicle has approximately 97,000 miles. also indicated that rack & pinion was leaking.*ak

Upper lower ball joints, both sides repaired once with vehicle having under 32,000 miles on it at dealership where purchased. right side repaired again at independent mechanic at 49,000, upon failure of safety inspection. left one would soon need to be replaced also. *jb