Problems with 2002 Dodge Durango SUSPENSION

The hub unit broke while driving the car did not want to go it took a long time to move forward and the steering was off. there was a pound clanking noise right after i started to make a left turn and then it broke.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge durango. while driving approximately 35 mph, the upper ball joint fractured and impacted the front passenger side wheel. the contact was able to coast the vehicle cautiously home. the vehicle was towed to the dealer. the contact was not informed of nhtsa campaign number: 04v596000 (suspension) until after experiencing the failure. the parts for the repair were unavailable. the approximate failure mileage was 208,453. parts distribution disconnect.

Heavy rust buildup on frame behind upper control arm mounts. after removing rust, frame metal is very thin with holes throughout. possibly leading to flexing & cracking. definitely reducing crash abilities.

During breaking, steering, and turning, i hear a "clacking" sound and there is a feeling of something sticking. when the suv is parked on my drive way, i release the hand break and i can hear a strong "clack" sound. i had times where the breaking system was difficult to press. i took the suv to pep boys and their evaluation shows that it needs upper and lower ball joints, front brakes, and shock and struts. steering: terrible and extremely difficult to turn (super hard to steer). some parts where changed by pep boys in an "urgent" situation. the steering "bearings" ?(a part that goes from the steering wheel down to the motor) was changed. (i have a copy of the work done).

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge durango. while driving 75 mph, the rear driver side tire vibrated, accompanied by a grinding noise and loud sound. the contact exited the vehicle and discovered the whole tire was missing. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician diagnosed that the rear axle and drum needed to be replaced. no repairs were made to the vehicle. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was unknown.

While driving a highway speeds and going over a bump in the road the rear of the vehicle will jump sideways which could cause loss of control of the vehicle and cause an accident. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge durango. the contact stated that while making a right turn, the front passenger's side lower control arm became fractured. the contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer, who stated that the upper control arm, lower control arm and the ball joints needed to be repaired. the contact did not have the vehicle repaired. the vehicle was previously remedied under nhtsa campaign i.d. number: 08e064000 (suspension). the failure mileage was not available. updated 2/27/14*cn the owner of the vehicle requires a spanish response. updated 3/6/2014 *js

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge durango. the contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph, the vehicle vibrated excessively. also, when the brakes were applied the vehicle would skid and jerk forward. the failure was recurring. the contact referenced nhtsa campaign id numbers: 07v555000(power train) and 08e064000(suspension) but was advised by the dealer that all recall for the vehicle had been satisfied. the manufacturer was notified of the failures. the approximate failure mileage was 215,000. updated 06/10/14 ma the consumer stated when she attempted to stop, the vehicle locked up and skidded forwarded.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge durango 4x4. while driving approximately 55 mph, the contact heard a loud noise outside of the vehicle. the vehicle was driven with caution to the contact's residence. the vehicle was repaired by a certified mechanic, who replaced the front driver's side upper ball joint which separated from the vehicle. there was a recall related to the same defect under nhtsa campaign id number 04v596000 (suspension:front:control arm:upper ball joint); however the vin was not included in the recall. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

Started hearing noises under my gas, brake pedals. big knocking noises. found out about a recall that my truck needed regarding the ball joints that could cause them to brake and lose the tires. when to the dealership and was told that i had passed the mileage of 100,000, and would have to pay out of pocket. it was only 2463 miles over. i thought recalls don't have a time limit to get fixed? so now i had to find a car shop to fix both balljoints, on both sides. to top it off the right side needed a new hub accessory replaced also that i again had to pay on my own. why are so many things going wrong now? and by reading online i'm not the only one with these same issues. *tr

Front end makes a really bad noise backing up and then going forward. sounds as if there is a popping noise going on and rippling effect such as..example if you put a close pin on a bicycle tire to get it to make noise. i've had it looked at by a dealer and a garage and both seem to cant any thing wrong with it .this has been going on for the last 3 years now....can it be the ball joints? *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge durango. while driving approximately 10 mph the contact heard a grinding noise. the passenger side of the vehicle dropped to the ground and the tire came off of the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to the dealer where the technicians stated that the suspension front control arm upper ball joint had separated. the technicians also stated that the front control arm upper ball joint, sway bar, brake pads, suspension cross bar, wheel, brakes and calipers needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the contact stated there was a recall nhtsa campaign id number: 04v596000 (suspension front:control arm:upper ball joint) but the dealer informed her the vin was not included. the manufacturer was contacted and stated they would cover a portion of the repairs but they could not cover the entire cost. the approximate failure mileage was 142,299. updated 02/18/11 *bf photos included updated 12/06/2011 *ln

Rear left axel fell off my dodge durango and caused an accident. i was trying to get chrysler to give me a copy of the inspection that was done by a inspector hired by and was denied. this model of suv has had wheel problems in the past and i wanted to be sure it was not a defect. i was told the information is proprietary and i would legal documentation to get the inspectors report. the case #"s are: [xxx] and [xxx]. i also saved all emails regarding this problem. i can email them to you or mail. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge durango. the contact stated that while driving 10-15 mph, he heard a noise. when the vehicle was taken to local repair shop, the clutch pack retaining clip on the rear differential was replaced. the failure mileage was approximately 95,000. updated 1/21/11 *cn the clutch pack retainer failed and had to be replaced as well as the entire rear differential post unit. updated 03/23/11

I was making a right hand turn and then an immediate left at about 10mph i heard a pop on driver's side front wheel and then lost control of my car. i was able to regain control of my car but it would not turn to the left i was able to get the car to side of the road even though steering was extremely difficult. i checked the tire it was fully inflated but the top of tire was tilted out at the top i could not drive the vehicle any more due steering difficulties. i called a tow truck and had the car towed to mechanic. i was told by tow truck operator and the mechanic that the upper ball joint on arm had separated from the arm causing me to lose control of the car. a friend stated that durango had been recalled for this issue. i contacted my mechanic and he in turn contacted dodge. he was informed that there was no recall for my car. i checked your website and saw that other durango had in fact been recalled for this exact issue. i contacted dodge and was also informed that there was nothing they could do because my durango was not a part of the recall. i had my mechanic fix the upper ball joint. i had them checked the upper ball joint on the other side and it was also coming out. i had to pay to have both upper ball joints replaced on the front end of my car. *tr

The front suspension is having multiple problems, my 02 durango has been through 2 previous cv joints on the driver's side and 1 previous on the passenger side, and now both have failed once again. driver's side front hub assembly/bearing has gone bad for 2nd time, also the upper & lower ball joints have gone bad for the 2nd time each. i need 2 new lower back bumpers for the upper control arm (both front). my vehicle now has 103k miles. at approximately 60k miles the front propeller shaft went bad and once replaced, it somehow put a hole in the y - pipe for the exhaust, and that must be replaced as well, i was told the new/aftermarket shaft were slightly larger to accommodate the power, thus which took the space. all of this will be quite expensive. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

I was in an accident because the 2002 dodge durango's brakes did not work and the abs and brake light came on. this was the scariest thing i have ever experienced. i have had it checked by auto zone, dodge dealer, local mechanic...and no answers. the brakes literally went to the floor. i have 3 children and have no other choice but to drive this death trap. i have also had problems with the ball joints/ electrical issues. i had the abs fuse pulled, but not sure if this is a solution. has there been other complaints of brake failure in these vehicles. *tr

I just found out today that i will need to install a completely new set of front wheel bearings, tie rods and ball joints after factory recall. according to repair shop they installed the same faulty components to replace the ones that were recalled. i was told they should have installed the correct units with grease fittings, they did not. going to cost $980.00 to repair. *tr

When i purchased this car i had concerns that it had either been in a accident or a flood. i wrote to the attorney generals office, and asked to cancel my contract because i felt that i had been deceived. i felt that there weren't any other options for me, i was now stuck with a lemon, and i hoped and prayed that the car would last until i could afford to pay for it. when i purchased tires , i was informed that the ball joints had completely shredded the insides of my tires on the front end, and had to be replaced immediately . i contacted a dodge dealership and was informed that the upper ball joints on the front-end were recalled, and replaced in 2004, which was two years before i purchased the car in 2006. i feel that since dodge has had this car on more than two occasion because of the frontend, (the dealership which repaired the car after accident has lost their license to service dodge vehicles) i was regularly using this vehicle to drive my kids to school. i am a single parent, and can't afford to have their defect corrected. i am afraid to drive the durango long distance.. i have written a letter of complaint with the chrysler office in michigan, but have not received a response. i have also attempted to reach the customer service line with no results. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge durango. while driving at an unknown speed, the contact heard a clunking, whining, and humming sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. he drove to the repair shop and the mechanic stated that both the upper and lower ball joints and a tie rod needed to be replaced. the mechanic performed a wheel alignment. nhtsa campaign id number 04v596000 (suspension:front: control arm:upper ball joint) was referenced. the contact was also informed that the entire cooling system needed to be replaced because the dealer could not locate the cause of the failure. the cooling system has not worked properly since the repair. the switch to operate the blower motor fan only works on high. the failure mileage was 110,000. updated 07/15/08.*lj the brakes were replaced numerous times. updated 07/15/08.

I purchased a 2002 dodge durango in jauary of 2007. i have not had any problems with it until i noticed that the truck was pulling to the right. i took the truck to a local service center and they informed me that the upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced. they also informed me that there had been a recall for the upper ball joints for chrysler. when i contacted the local dealer they told me that the recall had been performed on my truck in 2005. when i informed the service center that the recall had been done they were amazed to find that they ball joints had worn so quickly and the problem with the ball joints "still" presents very dangerous situation for dodge durango owners. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge durango. while driving 65 mph, the vehicle rattled, shook, and veered left and right. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for repair and they stated that the tie rod assembly failed. the repairs cost $2,690.47; however, the warranty did not cover all of the repair work. the current mileage was 99,961 and failure mileage was 99,930. updated 03-11-08 *bf the upper ball joints were noisy, the shocks were leaking oil, the power steering lines were leaking. the rear wiper motor failed, the front pinion seal was leaking. the power steering rack and pinion had an internal failure. updated

Vehicle has just over 74,000 miles and a very slight shudder and vibration from front wheels evolved into hard vibration at speeds over 35 mph. i took the vehicle to a repair facility where i was told that both front hubs and bearings had to be replaced because of wear, and the tie rod ends on both sides were worn beyond repair and had to be replaced. the cost of repair to my vehicle is approximately $1024.00. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge durango. while driving 40 mph, the vehicle veered to the right and crashed into the guard rail. the contact sustained leg and arm injuries. a police report was filed. the upper ball joints and tie rods failed and caused the crash. the dealer and manufacturer were unable to explain why this occurred and stated that no recalls were available. in 2005, the vehicle was repaired under recall number 04v596000 (suspension:front:control arm:upper ball joint), in which the tie rods and ball joints were replaced. the vehicle had 46,000 miles at that time. the failure and current mileages were 69,000.

I heard a clunking noise from front of vehicle when braking or turning. when i took it for service, i was told the right front steering control arm was broken and catastrophic consequences were imminent if i drove. the vehicle was repaired by the dodge dealer. i was later advised that nhtsa campaign 04v596000 was associated with this failure. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge durango. the contact stated that the vehicle is making a loud noise. when she makes a turn, the steering wheel fails to return automatically and she must pull hard to get it back in position. the contact stated that there is a recall on her vehicle, however, the dealer stated that her vehicle was excluded. the engine size was unknown. the current and failure mileages were 117,000.

Rear leaf spring (driver's side) broke off from the shackle causing the vehicle to wander to the right! *jb

Suspension clunking/popping. *jb

We had an appointment to replace the tires on our 2002 dodge durango, 2x4 sxt. the firestone mechanic came into the waiting room and informed us that the passenger side upper ball joint was very bad and the drivers side showed signs of wear. this vehicle has 43500 miles on it. there is a recall on the 4x4 models of the durango, but not the 2x4 models. while their was no injuries or deaths involved, this is a potentially deadly problem and needs to be addressed for all the durangos. *nm

Dt*: the contact stated while backing out of a drive way at 5 mph, the steering was too hard to operate. no warning lights were illuminated prior to the incident. the vehicle was already subject to a nhtsa recall #04v596000 repair where the upper ball joints were replaced. the contact noticed there were no greasers to maintain the ball joint lubricated. the vehicle was taken to the dealership who determined the ball joint should be replaced again to correct the problem. the manufacturer was contacted who coincided with the dealership. the contact expressed concern because the vehicle had less than 50,000 miles since the recall was performed and another replacement would not guarantee the ball joint's endurance.

Upper ball joint failure. loud noise and decreased steering function. recall on 2002 durango 4x4 but not on 2002 durango without 4x4. perhaps same parts were used in both type 2002 durango. recall should be on both. estimate repair cost $1500. *tr

No specific events lead up to this failure. this is simply a defective, poorly manufacturer's part. i was lucky to avoid a serious incident in this case, others may not be. the main leaf of the rear leaf springs break at the front eye which is where it mounts to the frame. if this happens, the rear end is free to move back and forth as much as the shackle will let it, effectively allowing your rear axle to steer the rear of your vehicle wherever it may choose (read: very dangerous.) i replaced the leaf spring with the issue (the driver's side) with a dodge oem part ($175 for the part, 1.9 labor hours according to the dealership if i were to have them replace it.) i'm a very competent mechanic, so the labor hour inquiry was just for my records. upon completing the correction to the side with the failure, and during the test drive, i experienced literally an identical failure on the opposite side. again, i was lucky to be driving slow and paying attention enough to notice the issue before it turned into a serious incident. i have both defective leaf springs in my possession. they are both off of the same vehicle, a 2002 dodge durango with just 60,000 miles. this vehicle has never been used to tow, haul, or complete any other strenuous activity. this is a very serious safety issue, when just one breaks, the rear end has enough movement to steer into the car next to you. if both were to break, this could very possibly lead to a chain of failures resulting in a serious incident. *nm

2002 dodge durango slt 2wd: ball joints were replaced after recall was issued, however about 6 months after they were replaced, the exact same noises began occurring again. took car to dealer with the complaint and they denied the new ball joints were worn. upon getting new front tires installed at sears (about 3 months after the dealership inspected the joints) they inspected the car without being asked (it is part of their service) and on the report they issued, it said the ball joints were indeed worn. the recall notices i have read about the replacement of the original ball joints state that if the joints fail you can lose control of the vehicle, so obviously i am in fear that my car can fail at any given time. i am writing this to make it aware that i have already had the recall replacement, but fear that the replacements are also defective as indicated by an independent, unsolicited inspection. *nm

When i shift automatic transmission into gear it makes a ticking noise and also when i turn they're always kind of a thump feel to the entire vehicle. i also can take my key out of ignition no matter if its in drive, par, reverse etc...

Dt: the contact's wife had an accident. she lost control while driving around a curve in the road. she heard a popping noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. the vehicle pulled to the right. she went off the road, hitting the side walk, blew the front right tire, and then hit a small embankment. the vehicle was towed to a body shop. the mechanic took the front right tire off, and the ball joint was broken. there was nhtsa recall 04v596000 on the ball joint, and it was replaced about one month ago. *ak

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge durango. the air bag light and the check engine remained illuminated. the vehicle was taken to the dealer several times for the air bag failure. the dealers diagnosis located the failure to the air bag sensor electrical wires. no codes were displayed regarding the check engine light. the vehicle was taken to a tire garage, because the front tires felt unstable while driving. the tire mechanic stated the front hub cap caused the vehicle to feel unstable while driving. the vehicle wasn't repaired. the manufacturer will be contacted. the failure mileage was 21,000 and the current mileage was 73,000.

I have 45,000 miles on my dodge durango. ever since i bought the car new i have not been able to keep the vehicle aligned. i have gone through several sets of new tires. i recently had the ball joints replaced. firestone tire dealership told be the wheel was ready to fall of dodge fixed it under warranty but made it sound like no biggie. my car was still making a bad noise when i turned and then it started doing it when i drove straight. i was then told my wheel bearings were completely shot...they were worst on the right side the same side that my ball joints were in the worst shape. i paid to have the wheel bearing replaced. then i took my car to firestone to get it aligned and they told me my upper control arm on the right side was shot and it was not holding the alignment. so no i have to have this replaced. i feel there is more than just ball joint problems with the durango and dakotas and i would like you to look into the whole suspension and front end and see what is going on with these cars... *nm

Dt: the consumer stated the vehicle was taken to repair shop and the mechanic took it for a drive. when the vehicle was driven over a bump the mechanic lost control. the lower ball joints had to be replaced. consumer had trouble controlling the vehicle going over bumps. it had occurred for about a month and kept getting worse. *ak

Dt: the front lower ball joints were loose. they were so loose that the vehicle could not be aligned. they have to be replaced. there was a recall on the upper ball joints, but not for the lower ball joint. *ak *tt

Nhtsa recall campaign 04596000 concerning upper ball joint wear. vehicle was taken to the dealer for recall repairs. a few hours later driver contacted the dealer, and was informed that the vehicle was ready, and that recall repairs were performed. driver picked up the vehicle, and was advised that repairs had not been performed, and to come back another day. *ak

Consumer received nhtsa recall campaign 04v596000 for upper ball joints. when taken vehicle to dealer for service dealer had no parts. currently, dealer still has no parts available.*ak called another dealership and they replaced ball joints the next day. *bf *nm

Consumer received recall 04v596000 for the upper ball joints, and to date has not been able to have the vehicle repaired since no parts were available. *ak

Nhtsa campaign 04v59600; daimler chrysler issued an upper ball joint recall. this vehicle is included in the recall, but there are no available parts in order to repair, which could be dangerous because the wheels could fall off. *jb *nm

Consumer received recall 04v596000 for upper ball joints. when contacting dealer consumer was explained that they would not receive parts for approximately 6-8 weeks. *ak

While driving 40 mph front driver's side tire came off the vehicle, resulting in a collision. vehicle had to be towed. dealership informed the consumer of the front lower ball joint failure. problem was not resolved.*ak

Consumer received recall campaign 04v596000 concerning ball joint wear. no parts were available. service manager dennis dzek. *ak

Recall campaign 04v596000 concerning ball joint wear. consumer had an appointment for march 4, 2005 for recall repairs. dealer informed the consumer that the parts were available. on march 3, 2005. consumer was informed by the dealer that the appointment was canceled due to no parts, and that they did not know when the parts would be available. *ak

04v596000/ball joint wear. owner received notification from the manufacturer in december 2004. owner contacted the dealer and was informed that parts needed to repair the defect were unavailable. the next available opening for the defect repair will be in may,2005. provide further details. *jb

I received a recall notice from daimler chrysler pertaining to the upper ball joints on my 2002 dodge durango. i tried to schedule this 3 times with my dealer. brenner motors 1812-30 paxton st harrisburg pa,17104 717-232-4271. it has been 9 months since my first contact and they keep telling me they are waiting for parts. *nm

Nhtsa recall campaign 04v596000; daimler chrysler issued an upper ball joint recall. this vehicle was included in the recall, but there were no available parts for recall repairs. this was dangerous because the wheels could fall off.*ak