Problems with 2000 Dodge Durango SUSPENSION

There was a recall on the ball joints of the vehicle i own but i was told that the recall is closed. i believe that it should be covered for repair because i wasn't made aware of any recalls when i obtained the vehicle. the upper ball joints are bad and a mechanic told me it could break off.

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 dodge durango. while driving 45 mph, the front driver side of the vehicle lowered to the ground and smoke began to emit from the vehicle. in addition, the front upper and lower ball joints bent inward and needed to be replaced. on two separate occasions, the radiator failed to operate and caused the cooling system to fail. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the wheel hub bearing, front upper and lower ball joints, and cold air intake system were replaced. the manufacturer was notified of the failures and stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign numbers: 04v596000 (suspension), 06e024000 (engine and engine cooling) or 08e064000 (suspension). the failure mileage was 125,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 dodge durango. the contact stated that while driving 60 mph, the hub unit fractured in half. the manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact that the vin was not included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number: 08e064000 (suspension:front:hub). the dealer denied any assistance with repaired to the vehicle. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 185,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 dodge durango. the contact stated that the vehicle would vibrate while driving approximately 60 mph. the contact also stated that the inner and outer edges of the tires were wearing unevenly. the vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number 04v596000 (suspension:front:control arm:upper ball joint). the failure mileage was 120,000.

I was pulling out of my circular driveway steering left and the wheel base wouldn't turn. so i backed up and continue to go around the curve, once i reached about 200 ft off my driveway, my car come to a complete stop on it's own. i backed into my driveway dragging my passenger side front wheel sideways. once i got out to check what was going on, my tie rod end had become completely stripped off the rack and pinion. after further inspections, somehow the groves on the rack and pinion had wore down so much it allowed the tie rod to strip and release. i was so glad i hadn't been driving with my children on the highway, this would have caused my vehicle to flip and probably kill us. i know have to replace my rack and pinion and tie rod and just replacing the ball joints on this vehicle not a couple months ago. i am very frightened to drive it now in fear this will happen again.

Vehicles has been making front noise of axel is about to come off - sometime in the summer i had the bearing replaced as they had cracked then the noise in front of vehicle suspension started again. i think that this may be a recall problem. *tr

2/18/2009 mechanic fixed wheel bearing-front suspension hub and bearing left side 1 yr ago same thing was done to right side. i paid out of pocket both times. he told me to check into recall on dodge durango. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 dodge durango. while driving various speeds over hills or bumps, the vehicle would vibrate abnormally. the vehicle was taken to a repair shop and the technician stated that it was unsafe to drive because the ball joints were severely corroded. the contact called an authorized dealer in reference to nhtsa campaign id number 04v596000 (suspension:front:control arm:upper ball joint) and was informed that his vin was not included in the recall. the contact would be responsible for the repair costs. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure and current mileages were 90,000.

I was told that the upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced. i have owned many vehicles and never have had so many front end issues on one vehicle than this one. i was wondering if there has been any recalls on the 2 wheel drive dodge durango, rear wheel drive. 5.2l engine this vehicle did have a recall issued on the rack and pinion steering. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 dodge durango. the contact heard a clunking noise in the front suspension while driving 5 mph. she called the dealer in reference to nhtsa campaign id number 04v596000 (suspension:front:control arm:upper ball joint). the technician stated that because her vehicle was 2 wheel drive, her vin was excluded from the recall. the contact would be responsible for the recall repair. she is in the process of having the vehicle repaired. the manufacturer was unable to assist. the failure and current mileages were 120,882.

2000 dodge durango, when my car had 70,000 miles on it, there was a recall of the ball joints. my durango now has 100,000+ miles and it is making the same popping noise in the front end. my mechanic says that it needs new ball joints again. i feel dodge replaced the ball joints with the same defective parts as the original parts. this is a safety issue. when i contacted dodge i was told via e-mail that warranty was only until 10 years or 100,000 miles. they did not count on owners keeping this vehicle. this is a safety issue that i feel dodge should stand behind. *jb

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 dodge durango. in august of 2007, the contact heard an unfamiliar noise coming from the front passenger side of the vehicle. she noticed that the front passenger side tire was wearing faster than normal and had to be replaced twice. between september of 2007 and august of 2008, the noise intensified. the dealer stated that the front passenger side ball joint was the cause of the failure. the manufacturer stated that her vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number 04v596000 (suspension:front:control arm:upper ball joint). the failure mileage was 100,000 and current mileage was 118,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 dodge durango. while driving 35 mph the vehicle pulled to the right. she stated that the vehicle has had several wheel alignments. she received a recall notice (recall#04v596000) for the front upper ball joints. the dealer inspected the vehicle and stated that the upper ball joints did not need to be replaced; however the problem continued to occur. the current mileage was 142,000 and the failure mileage was 99,200. updated 01/07/08.*lj updated 12/12/07

Front upper ball joints. *ak

Front ball joints failed. *ak

Tl* - the contact called regarding a 2000 dodge durango. the contact stated that the right front wheel came off the vehicle. while traveling at 25 mph. the road conditions were dry. the failure mileage was 73,000. there were no injuries. the tire on the vehicle rolled out into the highway and struck another vehicle causing damage to that vehicle. a police report filed. the vehicle was towed to a chrysler dodge dealer, who was unable to diagnose the problem. also, there was also minor damage to the front bumper .

Make: dodge model: durango year: 2000, i always had problems with the durango since about 13,000, (now have 93,000. replacement of ball joints, brake calipers, and continuous checks for clicking and vibration feeling in the steering column. this has not been right from the start. i believe there is something defective with the steering and front end. each time i take it to the dealer for service they can never duplicate the problem. i have enjoyed the durango, except for these front end problems. the steering makes noises and has a funny response to the turning process. could you please review closer. *ak

tl* - the contact took the car to sears because the vehicle was making a popping noise. the noise occurred since he purchased the vehicle. there were no warning lights indicating service was needed on the vehicle . the contact stated the repair was previously done incorrectly the dealer's district manager denied the repair, although approval was given by the manufacturer . *ak

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 dodge durango. the contact received recall notice number 04v596000 (suspension:front:control arm:upper ball joint). he took the vehicle to a local mechanic and they notified fresno dodge. the dealer refused to perform the recall repair because the vehicle was not experiencing any failures at the time. the dealer also informed the contact that even though he received a recall notice, he would still be responsible for the repair costs. there have been no failures to date. the current mileage was 113,000 and failure mileage was 75,000. the consumer stated does not understand why the dealer would not perform the recall and would not cover the cost of the recall. the consumer stated would like to be reimbursed for recall performed on the vehicle. the consumer provided the recall issued and the repair invoice. updated 09/10/07 *tr

Have had several problems with ball joints and control arm on 2000 dodge durango, they have replaced them twice under warranty and now they are bad again and need changing and dodge will not cover since i am over the 100,000 miles warranty. this should be a major recall since i have had numerous problems with this since right after i purchased the car new. *jb

Lower ball joint failure/wheel bearing failure for 2000 dodge durango. they were replaced in oct 2002 also. the upper ball joints were replaced in dec 04. on june 1 the lowers have to be replaced again and dodge will not do anything. there is only 83k on this car. *jb

Dodge durango 4x2. we have had to have the upper ball joint repaired and now the steering knuckle is out on the vehicle. i have contact dodge dealers and customer care and was told the recall on this only pertained to the 4x4. i am having the same problem with the 2000 4x2 and they state it is not on the recall list. i do see that there were 400,000 4x2 with the same problem. *nm

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 55 mph on normal road conditions, there were problems with the front suspension. the vehicle was taken to the dealership who indicated the recall #04v596000 was performed on one of the ball joints. the recall indicated a remedy repair for both ball joints. the contact expected the dealership to perform the replacement of the affected ball joint.

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 dodge durango. the vehicle was brought to the dealer to perform recall 04v596000 repairs. immediately after the vehicle was repaired the steering assembly shifted and the contact was unable to drive the vehicle forward. the vehicle was involved in collisions prior to it being purchased by the contact, w3hich may have contributed to the failure. the dealer did not correct the failure, and the vehicle has not been driven for a year. the vehicle was towed from the dealer to a relative's home. the contact had not experienced any failures with the vehicle prior to the recall repair. the current and failure mileage were 80,000.*ak

I took my 2000 dodge durango in for its annual state inspection. when the mechanic put the car up on the lift, the tire fell off. the failure was due to an upper ball joint issue. the mechanic replaced the upper and lower ball joints and replaced the damaged tire. dodge claims that they will only pay for the cost of the upper ball joint and will not reimburse for the lower joint, tire, or labor. all parts are available for inspection. *nm

Regular driving. noise from rear end. dealership replaced rear carrier and all bearings/races. *tr

Consumer heard a noise coming from vehicle when turning left. the consumer had a mechanic inspect the vehicle and when he removed the wheel the hub fell in his hand in several pieces. *ts *nm

Popping noize and sensation in rear end previously, today on highway popped and then 3/4 mile later popped and then started vibrating and makjng continuos popping. catastrophic rear end carrier and axle came apart

Dt: the contact stated two weeks ago made an appointment to have recall repair work done. the dealer did not really want to make an appointment because the contact had not bought the car there, but did so. two weeks ago, she took vehicle to the dealer and spoke to an individual who told her that the parts had been there, but they ran out of them again, and the parts had been sent to the original dealer.*ak

Dt: the contact bought a used truck 10 months ago. she had a lot of problems with the vehicle. on 8-15-05 she hit some speed bumps going over a bridge and she could not steer the vehicle. a mechanic told her the left leaf spring broke. she brought it back to the dealer because of electrical problems, and the whole front end squeaked. she went to a dodge dealer, and they told her there was a recall on the ball joints. she did have the ball joints fixed. *ak while doing research the consuemr noticed that there have been numerous recalls for the 2000 dodge durango 5.9l engine. the cosnuerm has experienced problem with her vehicle similar to those recalled on the 5.9l engine durango. the consumer has experienced problem like the suspension making noise, antitheft system cannot be shut off once activated. front a/c fan makes noise, the driver's side power seat seat rattles/clicks in upright position, front axle noise during acceleration, the battery died three times, rear leaf springs made noise. front headlight didn't work due to a corroded 12v wire to the right of the headlight. the brakes, rotos, belt and tensioner had to be replaced. *nm

Dt: contact stated on 8-9-05 received a recall concerning the ball joints on 2000 dodge durango. eight months ago when she heard about the recall she called the garage, and they told her they were out of the parts and would call her back in a few weeks. they went on to say it was not serious and she did not need to be concerned. after one month she called them back, and they said they had the parts but missed consumer's name, and were currently out of the parts again. they would call consumer back when the parts came in. they never called consumer back. consumer called the manufacturer on 8-9-05, and they said to use a different dealership. *ak

i purchased a 2000 dodge durango in june 2003. i have had continuing problems with front suspension, ball joints,right hub assembly. right side hub assembly has been replaced 5 times in the last 6 years and i was just told yesterday that it will need to be replaced again. i was also informed by my mechanic of 18 years, the whole front suspension is bad and the differential will also have to be replaced. i have owned this truck 11 years and have kept it well maintained,in all this time, i have had only one official recall for upper arm ball joints in 2005. i have called chrysler twice to question why i have had to replace the hub assembly so frequently(every year for the last 5 of 6 years) and they insist there is nothing wrong or a specific recall for my vin. i have had enough with replacing the same part over and over every year. something needs to be done about this hub assembly & front suspension. i have noticed the same complaints online as mine.... front end vibration when reaching speeds of 55-60 mph, ball joint issues, hub assembly issues, and front suspension issues. there are currently 2 recalls for 2000 dodge durango front suspension and hub assembly units, and conveniently for chrysler, neither are my vin number durango. surprise, surprise!! i will continue to file complaints with chrysler until some one decides to take action and get these issues repaired once and for all. i am getting a little tired of constantly putting out hundreds of dollars for the same issue year after year!! please help get this issue resolved! *tr

2000 dodge durango developed problems with the upper ball joints.***no answer required***. *mr the consumer was told the lower ball joints were bad and beyond local safety inspection specifications. the mechanic stated the lower ball joints were caused by the upper ball joints being out so badly that the vibration caused excessive wear. *jb

Daimler/chrysler did a recall on the upper ball joints on some dodge durangos. i have had my ball joints replaced two times, the first time was the summer of 2004, before the recall happened, then again in dec 2004 when the recall was announced. to my understanding when you replace ball joints upper & lower should be replace together because they are one component as with the control arms also. as an result of not being replaced at the same time it caused damage to my suv. i am going to dispute this with the makers of the dodge durango, because these components work together,one going bad causes the other ones to go bad also, they should have repaired the unit correctly instead of taking the cheap way out. i was told by an repair shop that when the dealer replaced the ball joints they also should repaired the control arms, which did not happen. the dealer wants to charge me for something that they should have done i the first place. i am very disappointed with the makers of this suv. *jb

Excessive lower ball joint wear i recently had the upper ball joint replaced through a recall with dodge. during the states annual inspection the lower ball joint showed excessive wear and failed the state inspection. the truck only has 62,000 miles on it and nearly all on paved roads. the condition that supposedly caused the recall for the upper ball joint is the same found in the lower ball joint. additionally, there is no grease fitting to allow for grease to be added as necessary.

The consumer received recall campaign notice 04v596000 in december 2004 and contacted the dealership. the dealer indicated that there were no parts available from manufacturer for repairs. the dealership was unable to tell the consumer when the parts would become available. *ak *nm

2000 dodge durango safety recall for upper ball joints.***no answer required***. *mr the consumer sent in receipts that totaled 1,336.55, however the manufacturer sent the consumer a check for 319.32. *jb

A loud knocking noise came from the front of the vehicle. the noise would escalate repeatedly while driving. driver took vehicle to the dealer, and mechanic determined that the left and right upper ball joints needed to be replaced due to corrosion. *ak

I have a 2000 dodge durango that had a recall due to upper ball joints. i had replaced one at my own expense at the dealer, and they had charged me for an alignment, which did make sense for this type of repair. after the recall was announced i took the car back to the same dealer, and they did not align the vehicle after replacing the second ball joint (since i did not have to pay i assume they shorted this step to save money). dodge will not reimburse me for the alignment on the first repair that i had paid for. i looked up the recall notice on your website and the saftey recall d47 states that the alignment is required. customer service at dodge stated in an e-mail to me that it is not required and they will not pay for it, nor do it as part of the recall. i am hoping that you could tell me which party is correct here and additionally would ask for your advise on how i can proceed. thank you for your attention and any help you could provide would be greatly appreciated. *ak

Dt: consumer had to have left upper ball joints replaced and paid out of pocket. then, a recall notice as issued for the left and right upper ball joints. dealer reimbursed consumer for the upper ball joints but not for the wheel alignment. after getting the recall had to take it in to have the right side fixed. replaced the parts, but did not do the alignment which was included in the recall. filed a complaint previously on mar 22, 2005 and still hasn't heard anything. odi 10114468. *ak

While driving the consumer's 2000 dodge was unstable in the rear. *nm while making a turn the vehicle felt as if it were going to turn 360 degrees. *nm

Driver took vehicle to the dealer for routine maintenance, and mechanic determined that the left front side lower ball joint needed to be replaced due to corrosion. however, the right front side did not need replacement at this time. *ak

To date the consumer has been unable to get the upper ball joints replaced, since no parts are available through the dealership. upper ball joint nhtsa recall 04v596000. *nm

While driving a loud noise was produced. the dealer stated rear upper ball joints failed, and needed to be replaced. *ak

Recall campaign 04v596000 concerning ball joint wear. owner received notification from the manufacturer in november, 2004. owner contacted the dealer, and scheduled an appointment. since then, parts for this recall are currently unavailable, and according to the manufacturer there is no date as to when the parts needed for this recall will be made available. *ak

Consumer stated that the ball joint problem has damaged all four tie rods. the front end alignment is completely off. also, was told by the dealer that rack and pinion and control arm had to be replaced. consumer is included in the recall 04v596000 concerning lower ball joint wear. *ak

Daimler chrysler has issued a recall notice for all durango 4x4's model year 2000 - 2003 but has only issued an extended warranty for all durango 4x2's models. the recall and the warranty is for the upper ball joint replacement. my complaint is that the recall should cover all durangos whether they are 4x4's or 4x2's. both types use the same exact upper ball joints. the recall covers all 4x4 vehicles regardless of the mileage, whereas the extended warranty on covers vehicles with less then 100,000 miles. i find this rather irresponsible and very frustrating because my durango was purchased with over 100,000 miles and is exhibiting the symptoms of excessive upper ball joint wear. *nm

I have been hearing a popping noise, especially when i am turning. i recently received an upper ball joint extended warranty notice so i took my vehicle to a dodge dealer to have it checked out. i was told that my ball joint and a control arm needed to be replaced badly, but the extended warranty letter that i had just received didn't apply to my vehicle since it's past the 100,000. *nm

Had my 2000 dodge durango upper ball joints inspected and they are near failure. contacted dodge and because my durango is not a 4x4 but a 4x2 it is not subject to recall. it is the same sealed ball joint that is failing on the 4x4 so why not part of recall?

04v596000/ball joint wear. owner received notification from the manufacturer and went to the dealer closes to him. owner was told that the next appointment for the recall repairs won't be until the end of february, 2005. provide further details. *jb