Problems with 1999 Dodge Durango SUSPENSION

Tl* - the contact has a 1999 dodge durango and complained about two ball joint failures. at 50013 miles contact had to take the vehicle to his local dealership who replaced the lower right ball joint. at 92000 contact took vehicle to zrubek's for a front end alignment and the repair shop stated to the contact that they had to replace the two upper ball joints, and two inner tie rods. *ak updated 1/29/2007 - *nm

I have a 1999 dodge durango and i am having crazy steering problems. ball joints and tie rods are gone. i have seen recall on 2000- but why no 1999. same truck, same problem and i know i am not the only one. *nm

I have been reading the existing complaints, and would like to add mine. i just had a failed wheel bearing on the driver's side of my 1999 dodge durango repaired. the service manager stated that he didn't know if or when the right hand side one would fail, but also that both lower ball joints were defective. the cost of just the wheel bearing repair was expensive, but the ball joint repair would be nearly double that. our problem is that we just cannot afford the repairs on this vehicle. in the past six months, we have had to replace a faulty transmission sensor and the wheel bearing. we now have learned of the ball joint failure, as well as the failure of the air conditioning system, plus a rear wheel abs sensor that failed. all told, we are now facing over $2000 in repairs, this after spending $1500 for the prior ones. i have seen over 500 complaints about the ball joints on this year of car. please force a recall before someone gets seriously injured. thank you. *jb

We bought our durango used in feb 06. feb 20th took it to dealership because front brakes were locking up ( replaced pads and had rotors resurfaced - $381.00). on sep. 9,06 took it in because the front end was vibrating terribly and was told that the upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced. at that time, the vehicle had 95,328 mi. we had over $891.83 in repairs and alignment and had to turn around and have the tires replaced because of excessive wear due to the defective ball joints ( another $800+). *tr

I noticed a loud clunking sound coming from the front end of my 1999 dodge durango. upon having it inspected, i was advised that the upper and lower ball joints on both sides were no good, due to a lack of lubrication caused by faulty seals. the mechanic advised me that while other years of the durango had been recalled for the same problem, mine did not have a recall. however, i was advised that the damaged ball joints are subject to failure, which could cause the entire front wheel assembly to come off the car. in researching this problem, i found that the problem is just as common in the 1999 model years as other (recalled) years. apparently, there have not yet been enough injuries or deaths yet from 1999 year vehicles. sure hope i'm not one of the stats that finally forces a recall. *jb

99 dodge durango was running good. started hearing a knocking noise when going over bumps. found mounting to rear sway bar on driver side separated from bar. defective part available if needed. *jb

I recently put new tires on my 1999 dodge durango, then i went to have the front end aligned only to be told they can't do it because the ball joints are bad. i notice there is a recall on 2000-2003 durangos,yet i have the same problem. this is a family car and my children are not safe. there should be a recall for this problem on all dodge durangos as it is more widespread than the chrysler corp. realizes. please do some thing to fix this immediately. *jb

Having noticed excessive front tire wear & poor steering performance i took my 1999 dodge durango (78000 miles) in for alignment/tire balance. was told that the problem was that the upper & lower ball joints were shot. was forced to replace the ball joints & tires (less than 25k on the tires) to the tune of $1200.00. *nm

Dt*: the contact stated there was a noise coming from the front end of the vehicle at various speeds. the vehicle was seen by an independent repair shop. upon initial inspection, the upper control arm ball joint were loose and needed to be replaced. there is a nhtsa recall campaign id # 04v596000 regarding the upper ball joints. the vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall. however it is not included in the recall due to the vin. updated 05/16/2006. *ak

Front end began vibrating. took to dealer and was told both the upper and lower ball joints are worn out and need replaced. if not replaced, entire suspension is in danger. repair to exceed $700. i called chrysler for help in paying for repairs as i've been a loyal chrysler consumer for 16 years - having purchased 4 chrysler vehicles. ball joint failure on these vehicles is a well documented problem. chrsyler refused to help because i bought the vehicle from a bank and not the dealer - the first chrysler vehicle i've purchased that did not come direct for the dealer. *jb

Suspension:front:control arm:upper ball joint excessive wear as in 2000 model year nhtsa campaign id number : 04v596000. this durango has 85561 miles which is below the 100,000 mile cut off for the recall mentioned above for the 2000 model year. the upper ball joints on both sides show excessive wear and will separate just as the upper ball joints on the 2000 model year. i am having them replaced however, the 1999 model year should have been included in the nhtsa campaign id number : 04v596000. *jb

Ball joints. i have been having trouble with my ball joint every since i owned this vehicle. and i believe that my vehicle should have been included in the upper ball joint recall but it wasn't. my upper ball joint don't have any grease fitting so therefore when they dry out it causes them to pop and go bad all over again. *nm

Dt*: the contact stated that the engine malfunctioned in the vehicle as early as june first of 2005. the vehicle was taken to the dealers and left with them for one week to under-go diagnostic testing. the dealer determined through the testing that the problem was pertaining to the fuel pump and replaced the part. the vehicle began to experience more problems concerning stalling and all the warning lights illuminating. the vehicle was taken back to the dealers who replaced the water pump. one week later, the vehicle experienced similar problems including water dripping from the bottom of the motor. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced gasket of the water pump. the vehicle stalled while driving on the highway during morning rush hour traveling at 30 mph. it was towed to the dealer who determined that the #3 cylinder had no compression, the coolant was coming out of the freeze plug, transmission fluid was dripping and the motor was shot. there were no further services done to the vehicle due to the extensive costs.

There was a noise coming from the front end of the vehicle at various speeds and tire wear was abnormal. i took the vehicle to an independent repair shop. upon initial inspection, the upper and lower control arm ball joints were loose and needed to be replaced on both sides. the inner tie rods also had to be changed due to the loose ball joints. the total cost of repairs, even with my military discount was $950. the vehicle had only 65298 miles on the odometer when it was taken to the shop. luckily i noticed the problem before the ball joints separated and caused an accident. this problem put my life and my family's life in harms way. 1999 durangos should have been a part of the recall on ball joints. there is a nhtsa recall campaign id # 04v596000 regarding the upper ball joints. the vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall. however it is not included in the recall due to the vin. [xxx]. *nm updated 07/16/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Dt*: the contact stated there was a squeaking noise coming from the front end of the vehicle at any speed. the dealership determined the upper ball joints needed to be replaced.

Dt*: the contact stated after driving the vehicle for an extended period of time at an average highway speed, it was discovered the right front wheel was loose to the touch and pivoted to the side. the vehicle was seen by an independent repair shop. the repair shop suggested replacing the front upper ball joints. there is a nhtsa recall, # 04v596000, regarding the front suspension. the vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the vin.

Dt*: the contact stated both upper and lower ball joints were replaced in november 2004. prior to having this repair completed, there was vibration in the steering while traveling at 60 mph or more. there is an nhtsa recall, #, 04v596000; suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint. the vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the vin. updated 2/28/2006 - the lower ball joint have been replaced twice. it hasn't been over thirty thousand miles since the were last replacement and they need to be replaced again. *nm

My 1999 dodge durango failed inspection due to failing upper and lower ball joints on both sides of the vehicle. in addition, the failure of the ball joints led to the failure of the outer tie rods on both sides. the inspector advised me to not drive the vehicle until the repairs were made due to their potential to cause a serious accident. *nm

I have a 1999 dodge durango with 107,000 miles on it. the front end has been pulling to the right for some time now,i have taken the truck to the dealerdhip before to get checked and they it was fine.i have recently put the truck in shop for inspection and alignment and the repair shop said that the ball joints are very worn and the right side is loose.i have checked the recall was 2000-2003.the repair shop told me if the truck was made in late 1999 then maybe there is a chance to be recalled.i have called chrylser about it but they will not respond.*ak

Upper ball joints dangerously loose on 99 durango. current recall needs to be extended to the 1999 model year as they have the same problems. these upper ball joints on both sides were close to complete failure which would have caused total loss of control of vehicle had i not been in the habit of checking them because of so many reported failures of ball joints on the durangos. *nm

Unusual tire wear and noise from driver's side tire area for last several months. premature severe failure of driver's side upper ball joint and lesser failure of passenger side upper ball joint. both upper ball joints were replaced and realigned. *jb

On 10/24/02, i had to replace the upper and lower ball joints on the driver and passenger side of my 1999 dodge durango because i failed the state inspection and was told by the dealer that my truck was unsafe to drive. there was 46382 miles on the odometer in the vehicle at that time. my truck failed the state inspection on 11/29/05 because the upper and lower ball joints on the driver and passenger side of the durango need to be replaced again! i now have 71508 miles on my odometer. that means i have driven only 25126 miles since the ball joints were replaced and now have to replace them again. apparently this is a very common problem with durango's and is a major safety issue. i see that dodge is recalling all vehicles from 2000 onwards. why are they not being forced to recall the vehicles prior to 2000. there can be many serious consequences if the suspension fails whilst driving the vehicle. are you all waiting for people to die before you act? *jb

Told ball joints very bad in my 1999 durango . chrysler states my durango is not on their list so i'm out of luck even though they know their ball joints are defective. repair costs are mine they aren't responsible. if there is another recall they may reconsider. if they have defective parts should they not be held responsible or do i have to be injured or killed first. *nm

Ball joint failure in 1999 dodge durango. loss of control while driving. *nm

1999 dodge durango would have failed pa safety inspection until ball joints were replaced at less than 40,000 miles. *nm

Dt: the contact stated while driving his girl friend's vehicle there was a loud noise coming from the front driver's side. upon inspection the mechanic determined that the upper and lower ball joints need to be replaced. the mechanic said the ball joints may have already been replaced one time. the mechanic said the replacement was due to defective ball joints. the service dealer said there was no recall. *ak

Dt: the contact took vehicle to dealer for inspection on 10-20-05, and the inspection showed that all four ball joints were bad. he talked to the dealer, and they told him to call daimler/chrysler. however, daimler/chrysler told him that recall 04v596000 only included 2000-2003 models, and urged him to call nhtsa. he felt that it was abnormal for ball joints to malfunction that quickly. also, felt this vehicle should have been included in the recall.*ak

Failure of upper and lower ball joints on both sides of my 1999 dodge durango, 2wd. *nm

I have a 99 durango that is making excessive noise coming from the front ball joints. i have had the car checked, and the problem is definitely from the front ball joints. i have been told my vehicle is not covered by this recall. if dodge is truly concerned about driver safety, why do they limit the recall? if its a safety issue because of defective parts, then why don't they agree to review the vehicle? what recourse do i have? *jb

The vehicle's steering was imprecise at highway speeds and wandered in the lane. an alignment inspection found excessive play in the upper and lower front ball joints on both the driver and passenger side. a local dodge dealer said that the parts were identical to 2000-2003 recalled ball joints, however, there isn't a recall on the 99 durango ball joints. this defies logic, but that's why i'm here to file a complaint. *jb

Dt: 1999 dodge durango. the consumer took the vehicle to get new tires and was informed that the upper and lower ball joints were bad on september 30, 2005. the consumer has not had the problem corrected yet. the consumer contacted daimler/chrysler, and they told her that vehicle was not apart of the recall and there was nothing they could do. file complaint#14116812 was placed on file with chrysler. *sc . *ak updated 11/02/05. *jb

while driving less than 600 from my house in my 1999 green dodge durango 4 door the power steering went out causing an accident with a parked car. i had the car had to be towed to the dodge dealership in warren michigan i was told that the power steering seal blew causing the loss of power assist steering. the loss of this type of failure as you know makes driving harder that a car without power steering at all. i ask the dealership to have dcc look into the cause of this failure which cause the accident without any prior leaks or loss of fluid. the investigation letter stated that a vehicle that was built june 23, 1999 and had 66,006 miles would have these kinds of failures. the vehicle was inspected less than 3000 miles prior when it was taken in for air conditioning core issues. the dealership did an inspection and found other leaks but did not find issue with the power steering pump. i have looked all around the vehicle and operator's manual which does not have this information that steering can be hampered when the vehicle is older than 50k miles. the cost of the work to get he suspension , ball joints, tie rods , control arms, you name it will be just less than $5,000 dollars. does dcc know people could be injured or killed by these kind of problems. i hope this will not go on unfound ears. keep up the good work!!!!! stacy scicluna, warren michigan 586-757-7947 . *nm

I have had repeated problems with my '99 dodge durango that started with the engine light going on in september 27, 2005 and is now the need for a new cpm. the car intermittent stalls while riding down the road at 55mph or after idling at stop light & turning left (power steering goes out and car blocks intersection/traffic) - "no bus" appears on mileage, everything shuts off. seems to happens on days when the environmental temperature exceeds 75 degrees and disappears once car has sat (wherever it stalled) for 20-30minutes. no diagnostic code appears when put the car is put on the computer and i was advised by more then one dealership that the problem had to get worse and produce a code before dealership or anyone else could diagnose the problem. now that the 8 yr federal powertrain warranty has expired for me, it seems the problem is &always was that the powertrain control module (pcm) is malfunctioning &needs to be replaced. this major component is covered thru 8yrs/80,000 mi by federal law but even though problem began prior to 8th year, because this problem was not diagnosed until after my 8 yrs had been exceeded, it is now my $800-$1200 bill to pay (since sept '05, have replaced most components of coolant system, intake manifold pan gasket, head gasket &still have problem with alignment/ball joints& repeated window modulator problems). *tr

1999 dodge durango major front suspension issues - fails state safety check- see numerous discussions on the web is the an engineering analysis underway? bad need repair: both lower ball joints, 1 upper ball joint, both inside tie rods. *jb

Ball joint failure in my 1999 dodge durango. i have to replace ball joints in my 99 durango, why are they not recalled like the 2000 model they have the same exact problem. *jb

In january of 05 had to have both upper and lower ball joints replaced, control arm, front brakes and new tires as a result of bad f/e suspension. now today the speed sensor (and i am hoping that's it) has gone out on the transmission. i have had two window motor failures, a sudden drop in oil pressure causing the truck to stall and there is something wrong with the electrical system. there have been many complaints in regards to these failures and the dodge durango and although they have recalled other dodge trucks for these issues - they have yet to have recalled the 1999. i have contacted dodge since january of this year regarding this issue and they responded telling me that they hadn't had enough complaints to issue a recall. i find this hard to believe seeing all the complaints made to nhtsa and to consumer affairs in regards to this year and model. i also believe that the dodge dealer i bought this truck from (used) sold it to me knowing of these problems - although this i doubt i could ever prove. i am thankful that the front wheels stayed on as long as they did as i have read of the ball joint issue causing wheel separation. this could have been a deadly situation for my family (4 small children - we rely on this as our only transportation) and i hope that the problem is fixed but have serious doubts. *nm

Dt: contact states the ball joints on 1999, dodge, dakota are loose. the right/left sides are very loose. he cited a recall on the 1999 dodge dakota, but this vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin although he it had the same problems as noted in the recall. *ak

Bad ball joints 57k miles. *jb

Dt: consumer complained about an upper and lower ball joint problem. . contacted the dealer, who replaced the ball joints. also spoke with diamler chrysler. they said they were not lubed properly. but kept them there. had problems with the vehicle pulling to the right. there was a recall but this vehicle was not inclded in the recall due to vin. had them replaced on july 27, 2005.*ak

Dt: the vehicle is 1999 dodge durango. the consumer needed the tires replaced and he had an independent mechanic check the ball joints at the same time. the mechanic told him that the front top and bottom ball joints were going bad, this was in 12-2004. the consumer knew there was a recall on similar vehicles. he contacted the manufacturer and they told him that his vehicle was not included in the recall. the consumer had to get the engine replaced because of a sludge problem. the engine blew up because of the oil pressure had failed on the vehicle, on 7-17-05. about 3-4 months prior the consumer had the oil and oil filter changed; and the bearings replaced. on 7-19-05 the engine was replaced. he had them check the ball joints again on 7-20-05. they told him that they would be afraid for him to drive it off the lot. consumer feels that the manufacture should replace this at their expense. *nm

(1) eighteen months prior to the accident, the upper and lower control arm assemblies were replaced by the dealer. (2) while driving, the right front wheel assembly collapsed causing a loss of control. vehicle left the road, went through a utility pole, rolled twice causing a total loss of the vehicle. police report indicates "it appears the accident was caused by mechanical failure." witness supports accuracy of accident report. (3) dealer suggested complaint to chrylser. after investigation, daimler chrylser responds they "are not convinced that a manufacturing responsibility is associated with this incident." they also "declined any responsibility associated with this incident." digital photos of vehicle, suspension and separated wheel assembly at the accident scene are available.*jb

Took in for routine maintance.found out that upper ball joints were ready to braek at 51,000 miles. this is on my 1999 dodge durango that hasd been well taken care of. caught the problem before failure occured which would have caused steering failure. ball joints and lower control arms needed replaced. yes the old parts are available.

1999 dodge durango front driver's side bearing were bad.***no answer required***.*mr the lower front ball joint also needs to be replaced because it can't be greased.

My 99 dodge durango 4x4 has had vibrations and noise in the front from when i purchased. the dodge dealer earlier told me there were no recalls or hidden warranties on this product, vin# [xxx]. my goodyear dealer, inspected my dodge and showed me that my upper and lower ball joints were bad (( moving over 1/2 in)) he said take it to your dealer, because this is not right. dodge dealer also said that both right and left, upper and lower ball joints were bad and also that the hubs and wheel bearings. were bad, and needed to be replaced for my safety. i called diamler chrysler corp. and asked if they would cover this mfg problem. i was given clam #13756706. the customer service person said they would not cover this problem because my vin # not covered by the upper & lower ball joint recall. i could not believe this would not be covered, because when i looked up my 99 durango on your site on complaints, i saw over 500 similar cases for 99 durango, with ball joint and steering problems. dodge said 99 not part of recall. i think the u.s gov. needs to tell dodge to include in recall all the dodge durango with this problem, please look out for the safety of the amer. people and not alow chrysler corp get away with this safety problem. i feel the amer people should not need to get the courts involved when we have an agency that should protect the amer. people from defective products. i hope this ball joint problem etc. does not became another "ford - firestone" situation. dodge said they need to hear from you before they can do a recall on 1999 dodge durango's, (( with over 500 complaints of similar problems, how many more do you need!!)) i live in the washington, d.c. area and when i drive i-495 beltway i hope you are not their when my front wheels fall off because of bad ball joints. please do your duty and recall all dodge durango 1998 and up for upper & lower ball joints, steering etc. please do your job and protect me and my family.*js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information a

Dt: the contact stated the vehicle was driving really hard. the contact's husband took the vehicle to a local mechanic, who found the upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired at contact's expense. *ak

Dt: consumer had a 1999, dodge, durango. there was a recall for later models, and the same problem was happening with this vehicle. it was inspected on july 25, 2005, and the upper and lower ball joints were defective. the tires were rubbing against the frame. daimler chrysler stated that because the vehicle was not part of the recall they will not pay for repairs. this was noticed approximately a month ago when going around a corner the front end shifted. also, heard a loud clanking noise. when the vehicle was taken home consumer looked and saw the tires rubbed on the frame. *ak

My wife and i purchased a used 1999 dodge durango slt 5.9l in october of 2003. the durango had approximately 55,000 miles. for the past few months we have noticed an odd ticking or clicking sound while turning corners. on 6/25/2005 (with approximately 77,000 miles) we replaced the front tires as they were very unevenly worn. while checking the wheels we noticed that both the upper and lower ball joints had failed on each side of the car. they did not snap but there was far too much play in the ball joints. the upper joints have since been replaced, we kept the old parts as proof if needed. we will keep the old lower ball joints when we are able to replace them. no accidents resulted of this failure, although this being our main vehicle and driven almost everyday it was a shock to find such a failure on parts that are gauranteed for far longer than 80,000 miles.

Replacement of worn front end suspension ball joints and tie rod end was necessary due to defective design. *nm

Dt: contact had to have all four ball joints replaced on 1999, dodge, durango. this vehicle did not fall under the recall campaign. the mechanic that replaced the ball joints stated the replacement was due to poor design of the vehicle. *ak

dt: contact states while driving there was a ticking noise. service dealer stated the left front ball joint needed to be replaced. *ak