Problems with 1999 Dodge Durango SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

When driving at highway speeds the engine will suddenly shut off losing power steering and brakes. after sitting for 10 to 30 minutes it will restart and run for an additional distance until shutting off and repeating the same symptoms again. it will sometimes perform normally for days until once again quitting for no reason. multiple components have been replaced without correcting the problem. dodge denies there being any problems with the vehicle but there are many instances of the same condition being reported on internet sites from around the country. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 dodge durango. while driving 35-40 mph,the contact engaged the brakes but the vehicle would not stop. he crashed into the rear of the vehicle in front but there was no damage and no personal injuries. the failure occurred more frequently and the abs light illuminated intermittently . the vehicle had not been inspected or repaired at the time of the complaint. the failure mileage was approximately 167,000. the current mileage was approximately 168,000.

I bought my 99 durango 3 months ago & the ball joints are popping & something in the rear is squeaking like an old mattress & the brakes already need replaced & the ac doesn't work. my concern is the number of complaints i have seen regarding accidents from the ball joints breaking & not being able to steer. if this has been an on going issue with vehicles that have low mileage there should be a recall & dodge pay for the repairs when peoples lives are in danger. do you really want another toyota issue? *tr

Early generation dodge durango (98-01) has abs problems, causing abs to shut down, leaving the brake pedal very low. i have researched this to be a very common problem and the vehicle was never recalled on this. fix to problem seems to only be a complete brake system rebuild, with aftermarket parts to fix the problem and not have it return again. i have heard that some people have lost their lives due to this problem and i think it should be addressed even though these vehicles are old, they are not safe and need to be recalled for the owners and everyone safety around them. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 dodge durango. while driving less than 5 mph, the brake pedal became very soft and extended to the floorboard. the contact noticed brake fluid leaking from the driver's side of the vehicle. upon further research, he discovered nhtsa campaign id number 99v342000; however, his vin was not included in the recall. the manufacturer refused to assist with any repairs since his vehicle was excluded from the recall. the current and failure mileages were less than 45,000.

1999 dodge durango slt / 4wd / 8 cyl 5.9l - vehicle mileage 53,712 as of 08/31/10; the following oem components / parts are defective / broken / worn prematurely causing other parts / components / systems to fail, brake & should be recalled, serviced, replaced by daimler chrysler, llc at their expense (no wonder they needed bailout $): 6) front brake rotors undersized for gvw causing premature brake failure / replacement & possible accident. vehicle has been maintained w/ all scheduled factory services & oil changes. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 dodge durango. the contact stated that the vehicle had stopping issues. while driving 70 mph, the vehicle stopped without warning. there was a loss of all electrical components, power steering, and abs. she had to pour cold water on the computer in order for the vehicle to restart and was almost struck by a semi-truck in the process. the contact was concerned for her safety and her life. the manufacturer would not assume any liability for the failures. a dodge specialist stated that this was a frequent issue. the current and failure mileages were less than 170,000.

1999 dodge durango rear wheel lock on freeway 5 south of san diego close to palm ave no accident but really close to be one the abs light on my truck came on couple times change couple thing like sensors and problem remains. *tr

We have had a litany of problems with the abs system, the last one being in october 2008. the mechanic replaced a sensor and it was fine until 1/8/2009. while driving the car the abs motor switched on and wouldn't turn off, even with the engine off. dobbs auto had to disconnect the unit and tried to order the new module, but it backordered until january 30,2009. i now have to drive the car without any abs brakes and it will cost over $900 to replace module. since it is backordered the mechanic believes that is an indication of a defect with module and thus i think it should be replaces by dodge, no cost to me. when i notified dodge they told me one of their mechanics would have to look at it. *tr

Brakes failed completely, petal went to the floor. i inspected for cause & discovered that metal hydraulic brake lines had massive leaks just below power steering pump & just forward of rear drivers side wheel. failure appears to be due to corrosion. problem occurred while parking car, no injuries or damage involved. i am discarding vehicle but feel obliged to report this incident since i cannot imagine a more serious safety failure and hope appropriate action will be taken to save lives and prevent injuries & damage. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 dodge durango. while driving approximately 40 mph in rainy weather conditions, the vehicle did not stop when the brake pedal was depressed and he crashed into a vehicle. the vehicle would not stop even after the contact repeatedly applied pressure to the brakes. he stated that if the braking unit was functioning normally he would have had ample time to avoid a crash. after close inspection of the vehicle, he noticed that the brake assembly pin that connects the master cylinder to the braking unit had severe corrosion on the inside, which caused it to fracture. the vehicle failed and was completely destroyed. the manufacturer sent an investigator to inspect the vehicle and it was discovered that there was no recall for that component; therefore, they could not assume any financial responsibility. the contact has pictures of the failed component. the failure and current mileages were 106,599. updated 11/12/08 *bf the tow truck driver found a half inch thick piece of steel on the floor below the brake pedal. as it turned out, a half inch thick piece of steel pin that connected the brake pedal to the master cylinder had sheared off. updated 11/13/08. *jb

i have a 1999 dodge durango and the "brakes" doesn't work. when i was driving i would hear a rumble sound then all of a sudden when i try to brake the "brakes" wouldn't work or it would take a sec to kick in. i have read a couple of consumers issues with this and it sounds like it all lead back to the abs system. shouldn't this be a recall not just a service bulletin? *tr

Abs controller module on vehicle is faulty. this causes random failure of abs system resulting in unsafe braking conditions. it also causes back brakes to lock up and not release causing unstable driving conditions. dealer indicated that design is faulty and that dodge does not make parts, but can replace the whole unit with a new design for $2,000.00. if the design is faulty then it should be a recall in my opinion. *tr

1999 dodge durango 4x4 bought in sept. 07, within two weeks lost of oil pressure during highway driving just over 150 miles, oil pressure goes to zero and engine light comes on. had to put 4.5 qts of oil. later on during the trip the speedometer quit working unless going above 50 mph. also at the same time the abs light and brake light illuminated and stays on. going to start with replacing the speed sensor on the transmission. hopefully this solves the abs and brake light problem. *tr

The abs and brake dash lights come on intermittently. took to shop immediately. they reported that an internal relay in the cab (controller anti-lock brake) had failed as well as the failure of the left front wheel speed sensor. cost for repairs $581.00. *jb

I stepped on the brake and my brake line blew. upon further inspection, all of the break lines on my 1999 dodge durango were rusted and needed to be replaced. *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

I have a 1999 dodge durango that the brakes and abs dash lights stay on all the time. brakes have been replaced on all four wheels, technician said the problem with the dash lights is most likely a sensor. i have talked to others that own dodge durangos, and this is a common complaint. talked to the dealer, since it is not under warranty, estimated cost to repair was about $1,200 (and they would still not guarantee that it would correct the problem. it seems to me that this is clearly a safety defect, and the manufacturer should be held responsible to make the corrections at their cost. *tr

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 30 mph in the rain, the abs light on the dash illuminated intermittently, and the vehicle swerved from side to side. the vehicle ultimately collided with a concrete barrier in the center of the highway, and struck one person, who suffered two broken legs. a police report was taken at the scene of the crash. the vehicle was towed to a junkyard, and declared a total loss.

Dt: while driving the brake line disintegrated. the brake light came on after the brakes failed. there was brake fluid leaking underneath the vehicle. this happened on september 20, 2005. had not contacted the dealer. back on october 19, 2004 they changed rear brake sensor. *ak updated 11/02/05. *jb

Dt: on july 31, 2005 the check engine light came on. she took vehicle to dealer and had it fixed. the next day the light was still on. vehicle was taken back to the dealer. currently, the check engine light, abs light and a brake light were on. vehicle had been to the dealer 4 times and still couldn't find the cause of the problem. manufacturer had not been contacted . she has paid for all the trips to the dealer and they haven't fixed it yet. she could not afford to continue paying for all repairs. *ak

Dt:consumer noticed that vehicle started riding rough. consumer replaced shocks, but the front end still seemed to ride rough enough to feel all bumps in road. consumer had brake pads changed and the mechanic showed consumer that ball joints were bad. mechanic checked both top and bottom ball joint on driver's side. ball joints showed lots of wear. then, mechanic checked passenger side to find that more slack was in passenger side than driver side. mechanic told consumer that there were stories of wheels coming off of same type of vehicle. consumer says that vehicle is not used for off road use. vehicle is used for highway and city driving. consumer is scared to drive vehicle. consumer is aware of recall on newer models. feels that same problem exists with this vehicle. consumer has not yet replaced ball joints. vehicle is serviced regularly about every 4500 miles at a quick lube. *ak

Dt: consumer was driving at 25 mph, when she was getting ready to go under an overpass, she applied the brakes for a red light and the brake pedal went to the floorboard. consumer was applying the brakes suddenly and hard for a quick stop. however, the abs brakes did not activate. there were no skid marks on the road. consumer hit another vehicle on the side because the vehicle would not stop. consumer stated that when she first purchased the vehicle there was noise under the hood and the dealer told her the abs brakes were trying to test themselves. after the accident consumer could hear a grinding noise under hood when vehicle was started. the noise was on the driver's side and only lasted for a couple seconds.*ak

1999 dodge durango experienced problems with control arms and ball joint failures.*mr the consumer had all the ball joints replaced in late 2003 after hearing incidents from the media. in late 2004, the consumer was involved in a minor low speed accident and the left control arm assembly including the left ball joint were replaced. (the consumer did not state if there was damage to the vehicle). after the repair the consumes wife started to hear a popping sound, the vehicle was returned to the dealer but no problem was found but they did check all the bolts and tightened to specs. immediately after picking up the vehicle the noise was still there. the consumer inspected the vehicle himself by removing the left front tire and wheel assembly and found the cotter pin installation poorly done on the upper ball joint. the consumer then found the lower control arm assembly which had previously been repaired to be poorly done as well. the brakes squeaked, but the consumer declined the repairs. *jb

1999 dodge durango, bought new, has 53,000 miles, i was driving on a highway on 4/22/05,"check gauges" lit up on dashboard, oil pressure gauge went to zero, car still drivable, pulled over after 3-4 miles into turnpike service area, checked oil stick and it read full, continued additional drive to destination of approx. 5 miles and dropped off at nearby dodge dealership, their diagnosis is sludge in engine and oil pump has to be replaced and the entire engine will have to be replaced, they suspect lousy maintenenace by car owner regarding oil changes, i have documentation that car was well maintained, on a internet search, i found that hundreds of durango owners have experienced the "exact" problems with this type of vehicle. in addition, i have experienced other problems with my vehicle: replaced window moter, replaced leak in cooling system thermostat, replaced switch assembly for a/c heating unit, replaced brakes and rotors on front.*ak

I have had to replace my ball joints on my 1999 dodge durango twice in three years. i also found out today that i needed a new hub assembly. i know there are lot of people experiencing similar problems with this vehicle and want to know if there is anything that can be done to have daimler/chrysler fix this problem. i also, know that there is a recall for 2000-2004 models, but what about 1999 models. it seems as though similar problems exist with premature aging of the ball joints and other front end components. *ak

Dt: the consumer stated that the airbag light kept coming on and off. the abs light also kept coming on and off. then this occurred the rpm gauges would stop working along with the other gauges on the dashboard. the consumer took the truck to the dealership and they said that the truck is not covered under any recall. the owner has talked to manufacturer. they told the consumer to hold on to his repair receipts. the manufacturer also informed the consumer that there was not a recall on his vehicle. *nm

Lower ball joints on both sides of vehicle. *bf the vehicle failed inspection due to worn front upper and lower ball joints. the consumer stated that he is having the same problem with his vehicle as the later year model listed in the recall. the vehicle as a result of the failed ball joints has uneven tire wear , brake problems , oil pressure problems, sludge build up, and speed sensor issues. *tc

Ball joint repairs, tires and brakes. *jb

Uneven tire wear. it was determined that the ball joints needed to be replaced. also have replaced all power windows because they have failed. the rotors have been replaced.*jb

I have a 1999 dodge durango, brakes repaired. the vehicle overheated, radiator, air compressor and more problems. *bf the consumer was told that the ball joints were gone and the transmission was sticking. *sc *jb

Dt: front end suspension worn out. and abs brakes; the brakes work but the anti-lock doesn't work . *ak

While applying the brakes vehicle pulled to right. consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle. abs braking light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. consumer drove vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced. *ak

1999 dodge durango ball joints failed placing out of spec stress on wheel bearing. wheel bearing failed, causing vehicle to have sever control problems at 75 mph fully loaded. bearing failure destroyed antilock system making vehicle very difficult to stop. dealer replaced antilock parts and bearing but did not have balljoints due to high demand. balljoints not replaced due to cost - car not currently driven.*ak

Drove vehicle at 30 mph, driver's side tire started "shuttering", after approximately 1/2 mile the ball joins went bad, causing the knuckle to rub on the tire, blowing out the tire and destroying all of the components. the lower ball joints were replaced in 2002. 2nd complaint: vehicle "turns off" when driving at approximately 30 mph. then forced to stop the vehicle and restart without any other problem. fuel filter and other controls have been checked and cleared. technitians believed it was the computer. 3rd complaint: rear brake problem. rear brakes have unexpectedly stopped and froze. technitian was unable to locate direct problem with braking system.*ak

I was driving on a local city streetwhen the driver in front of me braked hard because the car in front of him decided to turn into a driveway immediately following an intersection. i of course braked hard and the brake pedal in my 1999 dodge durango broke and went all the way to the floor, as it turns out there is a pin that goes through the brake pedal arm and the head of it (the part that actually applies the the brakes) broke off. i hit the people in front of me damaging their trunk and the front of my durango. there was not extensive damage to either vehicle, although it did puncture my radiator and all of the coolant ran out. so at this point the vehicle can not be driven. still have the broken pin and it's obvious that there was a flaw in it where it broke. *ak

Abs light & brake warning lights come on intermittently while driving, when lights were on brakes were touchy. and forget trying to slow or stop when it's raining. front driver side control arms, ball joints, and bushings replaced. upper and lower a-arm bushings have been replaced several times due to noise in front end. dodge dealer could not diagnose this noise or any problem when we took it to them. after two days of it sitting at the dealer we mysteriously had a badly leaking water pump. when we decided not to have the dealer complete the repair they made us pay them a diagnostic fee of $78.00! two sets of brand new brakes squeaked annoyingly after repeated attempts at lubrication and cleaning, rotors now need replacing. rear passenger, & front driver power window motors replaced, twice for the rear one. bad brakes & bad suspension did not mix well when you're a mother of four very active kids. sometimes i was scared to drive . the cost has become ridiculous and at times unreasonable. *ak

While braking/turning consumer heard a loud popping noise, and steering pulled to the right. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak

We have been told by our local dealership that the ball joints are worn, and are excessively wearing our brand new set of tires. we are very upset that dodge is not doing anything about this obvious problem. we have never had a vehicle with so many issues before, the intake gasket, the abs sensor, the seal on rear axle, a seat belt that wouldn't work, and now this. very unhappy with the vehicle as a whole.*ak

Faulty upper and lower balljoints and poor quality brake caliper mounting pins. *ak

Vehicle was taken to the dealer for service of the brakes. mechanic determined that upper and lower ball joints and tie rod had to be replaced. *ak *mr

I had to replace wheel cylinders,ball joints,and ball bearing on my 99 durango was told my wheel was falling off. i was lucky to be alive. i should be reimbursed for this. i couln't get my vehicle inspected because of this. it has been a hardship on me $1000.00 i had to pay to have this done. i'm disabled and could not afford this.*ak

Anti-lock brake warning light comes on while driving. in accordance with owner's manual immediately took to dealer for repair. dealer unable to identify cause - estimates $1,350.00 in cost to replace main sensor, which he cannot assure will correct. recommends i just drive and ignor warning light. i am able to lock up brakes, indicating anti-lock feature not functioning as it should.

We own a 1999 dodge durango.... wheel, brake rotor and steering knuckle separated from the vehicle.... ball joint separation seems to have been the problem... apparently, this is a continuing issue with these vehicles. *la

When applying brakes vehicle tilted over and slid. *ak

After only 60,000 miles i have had to replace all 4 ball joints and have replaced my rotors twice. i have complained to my dealer about my brakes not long after i purchased my vehicle and have had trouble with them ever since.*ak

I have a 1999 dodge durango with 39000 and the ball joints are bad. also the braking system seems to be failing, it grabs unatrally hard. i have also experienced an engine oil pressure problem.*ak

At 66,510 miles both upper control arms and both inner tire rods had to be replaced. the front brakes were replaced approximately 4 months ago and they too had to be replaced.*ak

1999 dodge durango - lost both upper balls joints @ 55, 870 miles. had numerous repairs on rear abs system, replaced 2 abs sensors and control module.*ak

Without any warning, and on 3 separate occasions my 1999 dodge 4x4, durango completely shutdown while driving. after the first incident, w/the abs and engine light on the vehicle was taken to a dodge dealer for service. it was found that a speed sensor needed replacing, this was done. approximately 4 days later while driving on new york ave. in washington dc, the durango again completely shut down, on this occasion and subsequent ones, no warning lights were shown, no evidence was given that vehicle was about to shut down. on the last occasion sept 17, 2003 it again shutdown while driving approximately 45 mph on leesburg pike in falls church va. unlike the other 2 occasions this time it would not restart, although the engine attempted to turnover. it had to be towed, where it is currently undergoing another diagnosic, currently i am awaiting a call from the service technician. additionally the car has 87,256 miles and 3 years old, the back windows are not working due to a failed power housing unit for the windows. the approximate cost is $500 for repairs.