Problems with 2002 Dodge Durango SUSPENSION

Consumer received nhtsa recall 04v596000 concerning ball joint wear. consumer contacted the dealer for an appointment, and mechanic informed the consumer that the next available appointment would be march 31, 2004. *ak

Consumer received recall 04v596000 concerning upper ball joint wear. no parts were available. service manager bob. *ak

Nhtsa recall campaign 04v596000; daimler chrysler issued an upper ball joint recall. this vehicle was included in the recall, but the dealer had no parts available in order to repair, which could be dangerous because the wheels could fall off.*ak consumer received recall notice on 2 durangos and have been trying to get them repaired for several weeks. chrysler has no time frame when they will be shipped. *bf *nm

While driving 65 mph, the front of the vehicle became unstable. the consumer got out of the vehicle and discovered that the outside wall of the passenger side front tire was noticeably warned. the owner contacted the manufacturer who instructed the owner to have the vehicle towed to the nearest dodge dealer. the dealer refused to tow the vehicle to the dealership and would not render any further assistance. provide further details. *jb

The upper ball joint is making a clicking noise, causing the vehicle to have difficult control especially when making turns. consumer will take vehicle to dealer for repairs for the second time.*ak

The front left side ball joint was making a grinding noise causing the wheel to shake and maintain control. consumer took vehicle to dealer for repairs for the second time in a month.*ak

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

On october 22nd 2004 i took my 2002 dodge durango in for routine service, an oil change, tire rotation etc. it had been riding rougher than normal and i had noticed that the tires were wearing unevenly so i asked them to look it over and see if there was anything wrong. upon examining the vehicle the mechanic found that both upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced along with the control arm. my vehicle has only 38316 miles and had to put nearly $1000 for something that should not have worn out that quickly. had i not gone in for routine maintenance at that time something far more serious could have happened and to make matters worse i now need to replace my tires.*ak

When driving any speed, the consumer would hear a knocking noise coming from the upper/lower ball joint. the dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. the cause was not determined. please provide more information. *nm

Both ball joints on my 2002 durango vin [xxx] miles 47000 [approx]. *jb september 04 marietta dodge scoot the service manager said they should not be bad on a 2 year old vehicle with average miles. but i am told that my vehicle is not covered under the recall. it is extrmely clear it should be. updated 07/24/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Noise and knocking sound coming from front end while driving, could also feel the knocking thru steering wheel. took vehicle to goodyear to have tires rotated and was told by them that all ball joints were worn and would probably fail soon, possibly causing and accident. called dealer and they said they would replace the parts under warranty (only 28,000 miles on vehicle), but couldn't guarantee that they wouldn't have to be replaced again in 30,000 miles. contacted dodge and found out there was no recall on this problem and "there was not enough evidence of a problem to support a recall at this time", but that is not what i read on the internet.

Consumer stated that in january 2004 she heard a noise coming from the rear end of the vehicle. she took the vehicle to the dealer, who repaired the vehicle. then, again while taking a long drive, the consumer heard the same kind of noise. she took the vehicle back to the dealer, who told her that they could not find anything wrong. but the noise kept getting louder and louder. the consumer took it back a third time. dealer kept the vehicle three weeks, rebuilding the front end. this was in may 2004. currently, the consumer heard the same kind of noise. but this time the consumer was advised they could not solve the problem. *ak *jb

I'd like to add my vehicle to the list of durango's that have had the upper ball joint replaced. my durango is a 2002 with 38,000 mi. very disappointing that my dealer never mentioned the ongoing problem. i have my vehicle in every 3 months for an oil change and not once did they inspect it. now i am 2,000 mi over the warranty and no offers from dodge or the dealer to fix it so i had a local mechanic fix it for me.*ak

Visited your website to check on reports because we have a 2002 durango r/t which is ommiting a small constant sqeaking noise from both sides at the front of the vehicle and am horrified to read about the problems people have been having with ball joints. i am extremely worried now and want to know if i can get the dealers anything about it at no cost to me or if it is still at the stage where it has not been acknowledged by them and will not be until somebody dies as usual. the issue with the wiper motor i presume i can make an appointment with a local dealer and have this changed free of charge. i look forward to your reply, many thanks neill griffin . *ak

While driving 25 mph vehicle jerked and vibrated uncontrollably. consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. mechanic determined that both front upper ball joints needed to be replaced. *ak *nm

Took vehicle to dealer for a scheduled appointment to have the tires changed. upon having the tires changed machanic determined that the top ball joints broke. *ak

i manage the fleet for the fbi jacksonville division and while servicing one of our vehicles, an 02 2-wd durango, noticed that the front suspension made a creaking noise when i lowered the vehicle back to the ground from our frame lift and inspection of the suspension revealed that the upper ball joints were worn out. they had about 1/4 inch of play and the vehicle only had 30,000 mi. on it. the boots were not torn nor has this vehicle been used under severe conditions. we only have one other 02 durango and it is a 4wd but at 22,000 mi. the upper ball joints are showing some wear/play. after having to actually jack the vehicle up in the dealer service lane and show them the play they replaced the control arms under warranty on the 2wd and i haven't taken the 4wd one in yet. this has to be a defect, either the joints didn't get any lube when manufactured or they have a problem with the materials to cause them to wear so quickly. i didn't get the old parts so i can't say for sure. i have not seen any recall on these, i believe there is one on the later models for a similar problem. when i take the next one in i will see if they will let me have the original control arms but i'm doubtful they will. i consider ourselves lucky to have caught this before it caused an accident.*ak

Upper ball joints are popping and cracking with every turn of my 2002 dodge durango. if they fail, it could mean the life of me, my husband and our 4 children. dodge dealership will not recall this and i don't have the money to fix it. it is clearly a defect in the durango. *ak

Consumer noticed that the right front wheel had a lot of play in it while the vehicle was lifted having an oil change performed. vehicle was taken to a dealership to have the wheel inspected. dealership indicated after inspecting the vehicle that front ball joints, left outer tie rod, and the right front wheel bearing needed to be replaced.*ak

After noticing strange noises from the front suspension of the 2002 durango, i took it to the delaership. thye could not identify any problems. over the next few months the noises have become more pronounced, and now seem to coem from every tire/ corner of the vehilce. took the truck in a second time- nothing could be found, dealer said they test drove the vehicle down the very same road that i hear the noises- like a loose mechanical connecoion, and a few squeaks, and rattles. will tak car in for third time 7/30/04- i hope they can fix the problem on this $35000 truck.*ak

2002 dodge durango upper ball joint excessive wear. *jb

Premature wearing of ball joints . *ak

While the vehicle was parked consumer noticed uneven wear and tear on all four tires. consumer contacted the dealer, and mechanic determined that the upper ball joints needed to be replaced. *ak

The upper balls joints were repaired prior to receiving a recall, and the manufacturer part of the payment. consumer recently went through inspection,and the lower ball joints were found to be defective. no recall for the lower ball joints.*ak

Hear ratling in front suspension. dealer investigation revealed premature wear of ball joints. dealer suggested to wait, as a possible recall may occur.*ak

Consumer complained about a ball joint problem. consumer took the vehicle to an independent tire shop to get the tires balanced and aligned and it was determined that ball joints were defective. *ak the vehicle could not be aligned due to the ball joints. the dodge dealer denied that there was a problem with the ball joints. finally the dealer found play on one side and wanted to replace both upper ball joints. (the dealer rep stated that they were trained to check them a certain way and they would not have found play the way that they were checking them) the transmission would intermittently not upshift, however the dealer was unable to duplicate. *sc *jb

No obvious symptoms, just getting an inspection to renew license. mechanic says it failed due to bad upper right ball joint. he showed me the wheel and it would move sideways a full 1" back and forth! this joint is ready to fail completely and i have had no warning, no noise, no loose feeling in the steering, nothing. only 46,000 miles on vehicle, didn't expect a problem like that. thank god that missouri requires an inspection every other year! i will request the mechanic save the part when replaced.*ak

I have a 2002 dodge durango that is experiencing every problem that is known with dodge ball joints and brakes. apr-2004 i have been experiencing while driving, the steering wheel freezing while turning left and the steering locks at 20-25mph. i took the truck to greenfield dodge and informed them of the problems, also the problems with the front brakes. they noted that they "test drove the vehicle found the lower ball joints to have excessive play (.075). the service group informed me that this incident was not covered under my warranty. after several hours they finally decided to replace the part. they informed me that the car would be ready at 7:00pm that evening the car would be ready. after waiting several hours i made arrangements to get to the service shop, where they told me that they never brought the car in because "other things came up". i had no way to get home so i had to rent a car from the dealer ship. the next day i picked up the car and had to pay $30 for the rental and $108 for my deductible. regarding the brakes. i decided to have the brakes fixed at midas because i was not happy with the service at dodge. the mechanic at midas removed the pads and the caliber and informed me that the pins that go into the caliber were stripped. he stated that this is a common thing that they have seen with the dodge trucks. they had to tap and install a heli-coil. i picked up the car and had to pay $30 for the rental and $108 for my deductible. the entire fee for the brake service with the additional parts that included a heli-coil kit and service came to $292.13. the two day experience left a very bad taste in my mouth and wallet.*ak

I want to join the growing list of consumers complaining about the dodge durango upper ball joint problem. on april 15, 2004 i had to pay for replacement upper ball joints at a cost of $468.16 - the truck had about 40,000 miles on it. dodge needs to do something about this problem now. when the mechanic put the truck up on the rack, the right front wheel wobbled very badly. she said "this is very serious." there were no steering problems and no warning noises, i just took the truck in to be checked for my own peace of mind. does the wheel have to fall off as a first warning. *ak

I have a 2002 dodge durango 2 wheel drive that has 45000 miles ,the front end makes loud squeking noise,no matter where or what you are doing with it, just getting in it does this. dodge checked balljoints and said they are fine,not to worry???i have had to have the front end aligned 5 times 3 times under warranty and it still is wearing out tires and pulling to one side or the other, again dodge says there is no problem.i guess when i,die behind the wheel then they wont have a problem!!!!! all i want is for them to fix this, no questions asked they dont have to admit to anything. please help me.*ak

2002 durango ball joints: after numerous attempts by dealer, over one year period, to diagnose and repair "popping sound/front suspension/slow speed/when turning abruptly, vehicle was taken to another dealer for diagnosis. l&r control arms replaced due to bad bushings. svc. mgr. indicated to me integral right upper ball joint loose in it's socket. *nm

While driving 30 mph vehicle hit a pot hole . consumer applied the brakes, lost control of the vehicle, and hit a curb. passenger's side wheel fell off. consumer had the vehicle towed to dealer for inspection, and mechanic replaced both upper and lower ball joints. *ak ea03-023

While driving 45 mph a loud banging noise was heard coming from the driver and passenger side wheels. consumer took the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic replaced both upper and lower ball joints. *ak

While driving at lower speed consumer hear loud noise coming through the front end. dealer has inspected several times, mechanic indicated to the consumer we didn't heard any noise in your car, is fine.

While driving at low speed, and turning the left or right consumer heard loud clunky noise coming from the front end. mechanic, at delusive indicated vehicle is operating as designed.

While driving the vehicle consumer heard a noise coming through the from end. vehicle was taken to the dealership, mechanic indicated need to be replace the ball joints at owner expenses. and consumer don't have the money.

Consumer took vehicle to be inspected, and mechanic determined that upper ball joints were wearing out prematurely. consumer had the upper ball joints replaced. *ak

Upper ball joints wear out excessively. *ak

While making right hand turns consumer heard a loud noise coming from the front end. dealer informed consumer that problem pertained to front upper ball joint failure. consumer had the vehicle repaired. *ak

Multiple problems with 2002 dodge durango. power locks intermittently lock and unlock without activating them. bad creaking noise from front suspension, possible ball joint problems. check engine light goes on and off intermittently. brakes really soft, horrible stopping distance. engine runs really rough in morning for first 10-15 minutes. only 21000 miles. *ak

2002 dodge durango right tie rod broke it was found that the right inner tie rob shaft threads were stripped and th eleft front tie rod loose at 25626 miles. ball joints checked and they found play in both upper ball joints. also knocking noise when turning steering wheel the rack and pinion was also found to have to be replaced replaced. we had to pay for a rental car that was not covered even though the car is supposable covered until 36000 miles??? car was in shop for over a week and parts were just 20 miles away in other dealership. durango does have a problem with the steering why is nothing being done? thank goodness nothing happened while we were on the highway or else the car could have flipped.*ak

Failed state inspection, upper ball joint. driver side upper ball joint had to be replaced at only 23,300 miles.*ak

Took my vehicle to dealer for routine service. when i went to pick up the vehicle, i was told that the ball joints were in such bad condition that they could not release the vehicle to me without replacing them because of the potential for an accident. they said that the replacement parts were backordered because of so many similar situations and that it might take a week or more until i received my vehicle back. the vehicle had roughly 20,000 miles on it and it was still under warranty. if this is such a common and hazardous problem, why no recall? *ak

Nhtsa campaign 04v596000; daimler chrysler issued a upper ball joint recall. this vehicle is not included in the recall, however the consumer heard a clicking noise and experienced shaking from the upper ball joint. the vin is outside the remedy scope. *jb the consumer was disappointed in the response he received from nhtsa. the consumer replaced both upper control arm assemblies because they were dangerously worn out. *tc

Upper ball joints checked, found over .500 vertical travel in both, retained defective parts. milage at time of repair was 80,000. due to lack of replacement ball joints, both upper control arm assemblies were replaced at a cost of over $1000, paid by me. repair date was 1-24-2004. the defective parts were replaced with exactly the same unit. current milage on my vehicle is approx 106,000. i will need to replace the ball jpint assemblies for a second time within the next 12 months. when is nhtsa going to force chrysler to recall this dangerously defective vehicle and repair them with redesigned ball joints?*ak

Consumer received nhtsa recall 04v596000 concerning ball joint wear. after having the upper ball joints replaced, while driving, vehicle swerved on its own. consumer had difficulty maintaining control of the vehicle. vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic dtermined that vehicle needed an alignment. *ak

While driving there was a squeaking noise in the right front end. dealership inspected vehicle, but could not locate the cause of the squeak. consumer felt the squeak might be due to the upper ball joints. *ak

With just over 16k miles on my 2002 dodge durango, i noticed my front passenger side tire wearing badly on the outer edge. upon jacking the vehicle under the lower control arm, i found that the upper ball joint had excessive looseness when the tire/spindle assembly was shaken. i also found slightly less play on the drivers side. the upper controlarm/ball joint assemblys were replaced under warranty but i am concerned of whether this will happen again in another 16k miles.how can i be assured the dealer replaced the parts with an improved version? the worn tire due to this obvious defect is incidental damage according to the dealer and is not covered under the warranty and so i must replace it myself. i am not happy about this either.*ak

While steering to the right consumer heard a loud knocking noise coming from the front. consumer applied the brake pedal and vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that both frontal upper ball joints needed to be replaced. *ak

My 2002 dodge durango left and right upper ball joints wore out prematurely. they could not be fixed and had to be replaced at $625.82 at a dodge dealership. i understand this is under investigation for defective equipment. *ak