Problems with 2000 Dodge Durango SUSPENSION

There was a loud squeaking and clunking noise coming from front suspension when going over bumps. vehicle also pulled very hard to the right. had it aligned two separate times with no noticeable differences. took to a alignment shop, and was told the upper ball joint was loose. they recommended taking to dealer for warranty work on suspension before alignment. dealership made 'repairs' to front and rear suspension (8-2002) now (7-2003), vehicle is leaning towards the driver side while parked. it is 2" lower on driver side then passenger side. also, now hearing another squeaking sound from front suspension when going over bumps. vehicle also dives hard when it hits a bump at 35-65+ mph. almost lose control of vehicle. i don't feel safe driving it now after hearing about the investigation on the suspension. i have a 2 year old son and a baby girl due august 30th. all of the complaints online sound identical to what my durango is doing!*ak

At 32,000 we had severe shaking while applying brakes . we took our truck in to have it looked at, shop said that front brake rotors were bad and had to be replaced, they could not be turned . had them both replaced with after market rotors . a/c clutch assy replaced at 39000 , at 40000 miles we noticed a groaning and sqeaking noise coming from the drivers front wheel when exiting the vehicle ,and noticed an oily substance on driveway under truck . we had both problems looked at , found 4 bad ball joints 1 needs replacing imediately, also rack and pinion seals are bad . est. $1700.00 to repair joints and rack. ball joints are sealed and cannot be greased , they should last alot longer than 40000 miles .

While driving at 40 mph vehicle suddenly came to a holt. vehicle would not go into reverse or drive. vehicle was towed to dealer. dealer stated it was rear alignment. please provide any further information.*ak

Had to replace rack and pinion power steering unit on 2000 dodge durango when vehicle only had 48,800 miles, also, had to replace upper ball joints, was hard to keep vehicle on the road when hitting any bumps. *la

With reference to a 7/23/03 newspaper article from the nhtsa regarding 81 complaints alleging that the front suspension ball joints are wearing out prematurely on the dodge durangos, i would like to add my vehicle to that count.*ak on 7/16/02 i had the right front upper control arm replaced on my 2000 dodge durango to remedy a noise problem. this was done at the auto dealer at my expense.

While driving driver heard a loud noise coming from the front of the vehicle. consumer took the vehicle to the dealership, and mechanic determined that upper ball joint failed. *ak consumer experienced problem twice. first problem occurred 2 years after purchase the tires uneven and went bald. consumer first thought that it was an alignment problem with the wheels. consumer called dealer after hearing an announcement on tv regarding problems associated with upper ball joints on vehicle. dealer recommended consumer to replace the upper control arm. *la

My upper right ball joint broke and separated the wheel from the vehicle. fortunately, no accident only becauuse of the slow speed of the vehicle. this seems to be quite a week and dangerous link for a 2000 dodge durango with 40000 mile and never was used in off road. ea03-023

Upper ball joints failed at 17,000 miles. *ak

Suspension front control arm upper ball joints on both sides front worn out. mileage at time of incident was 37,655. vehicle was taken in for new tires at a local ntb when the problem was discovered.

Upper ball joint failure at very low mileage. looks like they are bad again at 80,000. *jb

Upper ball joint failure, replaced upper ball joint. *ak

Nar 06/06/2003 *mr while driving the consumer hit a dip in the road and the whole wheel assembly flew off. corroded ball joints. *cb

The upper/lower control arms would squeak while in motion. upon the inspection of the control arm(s) by the dealership, it was determined that the parts were bad and needed replacement. prior to this incident, the upper control arms were replaced 3 times due to the failure. *ak the consumer felt that the control arms would last longer if they were able to be lubricated and that the tires need to be replaced every 7-10 thousand miles due to he control arm failure. the dealership did not complete the alignment when the control arms were replaced. *scc *jb

Safety problems with dodge durango including replacing ball joint twice in 4 years, repalcing front roters twice in 4 years, complaining about problems with brakes and the transmission. this vehicle failed two safety inspections for these problems. these are serious safety concerns and have been down played when i have taken my car in and i have not been notified of the seriousness and that these are reoccuring problems with the durango . yet the dealership and chrysler want to claim no responsibility.*ak

Fatal one vehicle accident occurred on january 25, 2002 involving the 2000 dodge durango rt. consumer lost control of the vehicle and hit a tree.*mr the mother of the deceased received a recall almost three years after the accident on the upper ball joints. she believes that the ball joints in her son's vehicle may have been defected and caused him to lose control of his vehicle. *nm

Consumer states fender fell off drivers side, dealer installed two wheel well fasteners, consumer states that rail dust covers vehicle at rear, consumer states rattling, squeaking, crunching or moaning noise throughout vehicle over bumps, dealer replaced anti rattle clip, and both rear left springs, vehicle lunges forward with brake on at stops, dealer found throttle valve was scored and replaced valve body, transmission hesitates or will not engage when brakes are applied, dealer replaced all seals, clutches, and cleaned and inspected overdrive, shift linkage out of adjustment, on several occasions, engine pings on acceleration, dealer unable to duplicate, concerns with broken rear seat latches and seat not flipping forward, dealer performed clockspring safety recall 01v153000. *tt

Around 30,000 miles, noticed inner treads of front tires were getting low. had alignment done around 20,000 miles and they said it wasn't neccessary. went for another alignment at 44,000 because inner treads were now bald. replaced tires and had alignment done. problem, right ball joint is just about hanging off. boot cover is fully stretched. mechanic can't do alignment. dodge says normal wear and tear (out of warranty). i don't think so, noticed alignment problem from start. seems dodge feels pulling is normal when driving.*ak

September 13, 2001 my husband curtis joyner was killed in a crash in hernando, ms due to poor wheel base structure and poor wheel balance structure of durango's of handling curves, was stated by accident reconstructing crew that's what caused the vehicle to rollover in curves. i hired attorney mcgraw of olivebranch, ms; who later stated he did not have the time to put into this matter, but was certainly a good case. i emailed dateline regarding this matter also. i say one night on their show where they showed how the durango's did not pass the crash in curves or on the road. *nm

Original owner of 2000 durango, have had the vehicle in for servicing on two separate occasions complaining of squeaking noise, neither time was the problem found or fixed, i have now learned to live with the noise as i go about my daily routine. squeak not heard constantly but is heard more than periodically. *ak

While driving at any speed, consumer can hear a clicking sound coming from the front wheels. a mechanic examined the vehicle and found that the ball joints were worn on both sides. the consumer also found out that the clock spring is defective in the vehicle. *la *ts

While consumer was driving on highway and without any notice vehicle started to do 180 degree turn, and then brakes would stop working. has not contacted dealer. *ak

While driving vehicle goes over a small bump and it will slide left or right. consumer has a hard time keeping control of vehicle when this happens. consumer has verified that tires were rotated/ balanced and pressured correctly.*ak

I had heard that there was a known issue with the dodge durango ball joints going out before 60,000 miles. i took the suv to the dealer and they tried to tell me there was nothing wrong. i went to a different dealer and they replaced my entire lower control arms.*ak

I have a 2000 dodge durango with the upper ball joint problem in the suspension. it has been an active problem for about the last 40,000 miles. i do not have the money to fix it, nor do i believe it's my obligation to fix it. there should be a recall, since this is a design issue, and dodge should be responsible for fixing this safety hazard. it is also a nuisance since it creates a very loud sound on turns and bumps. many people stare at my durango when they hear this noise. it doesn't help them sell cars! *jb

When car goes over any bump it make a groaning noise. sounds like my 10 year old pickup. in the shop 2 time. not fixed. *ak

Since ownership of the vehicle two engines were replaced. front end had been realigned on at least two occasions due to excessive wear on the tires. also, fuel pump had been replaced twice. *ak

While driving at highway speeds and going over a bump vehicle loses control. it feels very unsafe to drive, it feels like vehicle is going to crash into next vehicle. took to dealer, and they said its one of the characteristics of the truck. please provide any further information.*ak

2000 dodge durango 2 wheel drive. i bought the vehicle new. currently has 39,000 miles on it. ave had to replace both upper ball joints on the vehicle already (approximately 23,000 miles were on the vehicle at the time). now, i am told, i have to replace the right upper again. i also have to replace the right inner tie-rod, and the rack & pinion bushings. i have had constant front tire wear problems since the car was new. i am on my third set of tires for the front end.*ak

I have a 2000 dodge durango and have had to replace the upper ball joint four times in the past three years. there is a constant squeaking noise which becomes louder when hitting a bump or turning the wheel. a dealership had fixed it the first time and then had to replace it again only days later, stating that it was a defect from the manufacturer. it has become a repetitive problem, starting at only 20,000 miles and continuing on. * cb

Winding sound in steering when tuning wheel,horible sound while turning wheels and backing up,door locks are in locked position (can't open to get out of car and loud sound going off when door locks are supposed to self lock at 25 mph)bought car in 2001, after 6 mo took car to dearership to report problems while still under warranty and they said nothing was wrong. still have paperwork to show of the complaints.i have 3 small grandchildren i take care of and transport in the vehicle. hope you people do something about this before someone dies or you will really be out of pocket. i have less that 60,000 miles on suv so this can't be due to wear and tear. ( i marked oem yes if that pertains to original parts on suv). *ak

Clanking grinding noise in front end while making slow left or right turns.*ak

No wreck - first, complained to dodge dealership and they replaced a "belt" saying that's what it was in 2000 after 22397 miles, then i couldn't take the squeeking any more in 2001 and had the whole upper control arm assembly replaced by a local mechanic at 41306 since it was out of warranty by then. this mechanic was shocked that this vehicle had to have this replaced, but found it was the source of my "squeek". continual squeek from about 17000 miles up to when fixed at 41306 miles. seems, it's starting to do it again somewhat (not like original problem though). now, no one will want to purchase this vehicle as a used car, plus the trade-in value will drop dramatically. *ak

Since day one this vehicle has been in and out of dealership, from transmisson problems, steering , noises. i stopped bringing in truck at 30,000 miles when my warranty expired, and know i just have live with it.*ak

No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak

2000 dodge durango right front upper ball joint failure once in july 2002 2nd time june 2003. *ak

I purchased a used 2000 dodge durango at lee automall, saco, maine, on 03-06-03. i was informed a 150 point check had been performed and the brakes were new on used vehicles on their lot. my first maintenance/oil change was 04/03 at lee automall, auburn, me. i provided a concern that the front brakes had been scwell'g at each slow down or stop and that brake dust was accumulat'g on the tire rims. the brakes were checked and i was informed that they were in excellent condition and that the scwell'g sound i was hearing is normal performance due to a new kind of brake pads that used car dealerships install on used vehicles. 2 days after the front brakes began to scwell again and brake dust was appear'g on the tire rims. 2 wks after svc/maintenance i noticed that each time i drove across a bump or cement bridge the durango would jolt from one side to the other. whereby, i had a difficult time control'g the steer'g. i brought the durango in for svc/maintenance on 07/09/03 to lee automall in auburn, me for f/u care. i explained to the service rep that the front brakes cont'd to scwell and that the suspension was not perform'g well. i expressed that it was difficult to maintain control of the steer'g each instance that i drove over a bump or cement bridge. i phoned the service rep on 07/10/03 to receive a status on the vehicle. i was told that all 4 shocks (no good), 2 tires (worn-no tread), and a serpetine belt (cracked) had to be replaced. i owned the durango for 3 months and i'm being told that all 4 shocks have to be replaced. i picked the durango up on 07/12/03 and all was well until 07/13/03. the shocks were replaced, two new tires, and the brakes--i was told that the brakes are in excellent condition, a great amount of padd'g remained and that it is just a character flaw. as of 07/15/03 the front brakes continue to scwell, brake dust collects on the rims and i continue to have a difficult time handl'g the steer'g when i drive over a bump or a cement bridge.*ak

Front left bushing repaired 6 times and still squeaks at every suspension compression. *tr

Problems controlling steering, when hitting very small bumps on the highway. car tends to jump and skip hard to the left or right, causing the driver to be forced to compensate hard on the steering wheel to keep the back end of the car from fishtailing. problem keeps knocking car out of alignment & has now caused damage to both front tires. have been advised by independant mechanics, that the wrong road conditions (rain, snow etc...) could very likely create a fatal outcome if this problem is not corrected.*ak

Rattle under dash that can be heard in backseats. dealer unable to fix problem after 5 tries. *ak

Air conditioning blows out hot air. never has been that cold. rear end has a howling noise between 45 and 55 mph.

Consumer was traveling 75mph, almost hit another vehicle on the side of bridge. vehicle felt like someone was pulling it left to right. problem was intermittent, but happened alot. manufacturer didn't see it as a problem.*ak

Lose control of the steering, the vehicle is swerving all over the road. we have had it to the dealer many times. they say that this is characteristic of the durango.*ak

Vehicle has severe whining noise from rear diffrential.also has grinding/clicking noise to date, rear differential ring and pinion has been replaced (not fixed); complete rear end assembly installed 05/01/00 (not fixed), dealer contacted me and told me they would "rebuild the new assembly to try to correct the problem, and would not give me the vehicle back until it has been corrected." this is 3 attempts at the same problem, i.e., new gear set; new rear end assembly; currently rebuilding the new rear end assembly (without ever having returned vehicle to me with new rear end installed). *ak

When turning in either direction with minor road imperfections, vehicle jumps and pulls to the opposite direction. also a noise can be heard coming from the rear of vehicle. cause of the problem has not been determined. *ak vehicle would drift dangerously into opposite lanes when slight road bumps are present. consumer stated tire and suspension seem to be bouncing more than normal. tire pressure was changed from 31 psi to 40 psi with no improvement to wheel bounce. *ph *nlm

My 2000 dodge durango was diagnosed with undercarriage problems and in need of ball joint replacement and numerous other parts in both front tires. in addition, i have replaced the cv joints once already because they were worn out and they are in need of replacement again. the ball joints are a critical part of the suspension, steering, and safety of any vehicle, passengers, and others. if the ball joints shall fail, as many have indicated have done on dodge durango's, there would be serious injury, damage, and potential death for those involved. i have also replaced the tires to due uneven ware, which i have been told could be due to the ball joints. with the history of the ball joint problems with dodge durango_x0019_s, there should be no reason dodge doesn't recall them. dodge's liability and consequence for not recalling them will be far more dramatic and financially negative after more ball joints fail causing more accidents, injuries, and deaths resulting in lawsuits. for one would hate to see anyone hurt or killed due to dodge's negligence. estimate to fix is around $1600 for the ball joints in the front end. the cv joints will also need repairing. since this is an obvious defect in the manufacturing of the durango, i do not believe i should pay for it. durango's record for inferior undercarriage should be enough for the auto industry to demand compensation to all owners of the durango. this doesn't take into account the potential property damage and physical injuries or deaths that have been or will be caused by this defect in the dodge durango ball joints.*ak

The vehicle constantly drifts to the left and right while driving, the dealer performed a front wheel alignment but the consumer stated that the problem persisted, the dealer stated that the vehicle is operating as designed. nlm

Vehicle has been in to the shop repeatedly for front end alignment problems. currently working with attorney under california lemon law. vehicle had two front defective tires that were replaced by goodyear. the front end has been confirmed by two different dealerships as being out of aligment five times now. vehicle initially pulled hard to the right at freeway speeds. after supposedly being repaired by the dealership, the vehicle started pulling hard to the left at freeway speeds. i feel that there is a safety issue because you have to significantly compensate "the pull" by holding the steering wheel at an angle. the pull of the vehicle is damaging the front tire that are currently on the vehicle.*ak (tiresize: 31-1050r15)( dot number: tire size: 31-1050r15 )

While driving vehicle would make funny noises in the front differential. also, would pull to the right if steering wheel was let go & brakes not applied. took vehicle to dealership & informed consumer it was a caster adjustment & it was already done. however, problem still existed. took to dealership in arizona, and informed consumer that it was a design flaw, and manufacturer knew about it*ak.

Vehicle sold to consumer with defective rear end suspension which failed shortly after purchase (attorney for consumer). mjs