Problems with 2003 Dodge Durango SUSPENSION

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge durango. the contact heard a popping sound and felt it through the driveshaft. in addition, the two front tires were worn on the inside tread. the vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic who stated that both upper ball joints needed to be replaced. the contact took the vehicle to lake city chrysler dodge jeep ram (4325 w us hwy 90, lake city, fl 32055, (386) 755-3444) to verify the diagnosis. the manufacturer stated that there were no recalls on the vehicle. the failure mileage was 164,297.

We took the vehicle was to an independent mechanic for a front end alignment. the mechanic stated that the top and bottom ball joints needed to be replaced. in addition, the vehicle was unable to be aligned. the vehicle was not repaired.

Hub or ball joints

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge durango. the contact stated that he heard an abnormal noise coming from the front of the vehicle and the hub was shaking violently. the failure recurred numerous times. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 08e064000 (suspension). the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 104,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge durango. the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for tire replacement and front end alignment. the mechanic stated that the front passengers side hub was loose and needed to be replaced. in addition, the vehicle was unable to be aligned. the mechanic also stated that the ball joint on the front passenger side needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the contact was made aware of nhtsa campaign number: 08e064000 (suspension) however, the vin was not included. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 219,700.

The passenger side upper ball joint failed a mandatory state safety inspection. the ball joint showed excessive wear and was deemed unsafe.

Bags. a police report was not filed and no injuries were reported. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed, however the failure was unable to be determined. the vehicle was repaired. on another occasion, while driving at 35 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver as the brakes were depressed and fail to respond without warning. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the wheel bearings and wheel arms needed to be replaced. the wheel bearing was repaired but the wheel arm wasn't. the vin was not included in the nhtsa campaign number: 08e064000(suspension). the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 180,000. jo

Turning into a parking lot and the front passenger side tire fell off. 1260.00. *tr

I have had these parts replaced twice this will be the third time. dodge has or had a recall. but when i went to have it fixed they told me the recall did not affect this particular vehicle. it's a unsafe vehicle. i am worried because i am a single mom and keep up with all the maintenance on it myself. if it's recalled i believe dodge should honor all recalls on the vehicles. thanks *tr

2003 dodge durango. consumer writes in regards to vehicle front left wheel came off while driving. *smd when the vehicle was put on a flat bed and delivered to the repair shop, he was informed the axle had no way to lubricate the wheel assembly and so when it was dry, it severed itself from the front end.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge durango. the contact stated that smoke emitted from under the dashboard. the contact also stated that the heat and air conditioning failed and the front end of the vehicle made a thumping noise and became louder as vehicle speed increased. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and was informed that the wiring harness emitted the smoke and it along with the front hub unit, needed to be replaced. the failure and current mileages were 113,000....updated 04/25/13 *bf updated 05/16/2013 *js

I was hearing noises coming from the rear of my vehicle. took it to a local dealer that told us the entire rear end needed to be rebuilt. apparently there is a defect in the axles that make the pinioned, differentials and axles to go bad. paid 3500.00 for the repairs to turn around and have the same thing happen just over a year later. *tr

I have notice a clunking sound in the front right of my durango for some approximately six months. i recently brought it to my mechanic who stated it would need to have the upper right ball joint replace. it was brought to my attention that this issue was recalled on other 2003 durango, however, my vin number was not included in the campaign (04v596000). this issue appears to go beyond the cut off for the recall since review of the complaints indicates numerous other similar issues. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge durango. the contact stated that while exiting from a parking space, the front driver side wheel detached from the vehicle . the vehicle was towed to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the front ball joint was fractured and needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign id number: 04v596000 (suspension:front:control arm:upper ball joint). the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and the current mileage was 130,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge durango. the contact stated while driving 55 mph there was a clanking noise in the front suspension. the vehicle was taken to a mechanic who inspected the failure and noticed the ball joints were defective. the vehicle was taken to a dealer who stated there was a failure but his vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number: 04v596000, suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified but offered no assistance. the failure mileage was 160,000.

Vehicle has been experiencing a progression of inaccurate steering, poor turning and suspension performance. driver and passenger are noticing a "clunking" in the right passenger and driver's side front end. noted primarily when turning. steering wheel is also noted to be rotated off center to the clockwise position. braking is also poor and causes vehicle to pull to passenger side. most importantly, vehicle is noted to feel unstable and is vibrating while at highway speeds. *tr

There is a recall for defective ball joints on the 2003 dodge durango, but when i called dodge my vin is not included. i am having my ball joints replaced by a repair shop today as i was told that they are in very bad shape and i am risking having them separate while driving which could result in the wheel falling off in a high speed situation causing a crash and possible injury or death. i feel that if this recall is only for some of the same year and model of my vehicle then they should at least have them all called in to have the dealer inspect them for safety. it is going to cost almost $1000 for me to have this repair made. but that is small price to pay to ensure the safety of me and my family. i have heard this complaint from many many other owners and repair shops for this vehicle and feel it should be looked into. *tr

Noise in wheel bearings: had to replace both front wheel hubs due to bad bearings. was worried about safety and wheel locking up. finally got replaced at ~89000 but started ~82000 miles as worried about safety and them locking up/falling off. then was informed by the dealer that the upper and lower joints need replacing. poor quality for american products as vehicle has only been on the road and in the south with good weather. *kb

I have to stop far away from a vehicle fear of running in the back of their vehicle. it doesn't seem to want to stop sometime, this has been happening for awhile now alot recently. it cuts off on me if i get in the highway so embarrassing and when that happens i only can take off slow. which causes me to exit the highway and not get back on. i had bought a car vacuum and it stated smoking on me, i was using the socket in the arm rest. i have alot of problems when i use the a/c or heat it cuts off on me and it stalls to take off,it's scary for me and my kids. it rams by it's self and it acts as if it's gone cut off and most of the time it do. it make this putting sounds when it's going to cut off or even when it stops on me. the dealer replace the cadillac converter and my oxygen sensors. i also got a tune up and two of the fuel injectors replace new parts, that i paid for myself. it feels like my front suspension is messed up i had my brakes checked and they are not bad, but you can feel it when you press on the brakes something is not right. *tr

Front ball joint making a clicking sound. in 2005 got a recall letter. called dealer and they said the recall didn;t effect my vehicle. called several times in the next year to see if the recall was on my vehicle yet. the dealer told me no. vehicle kept making clunking noise. at 100,00 miles i pulled in my driveway and the wheel feel of at the right ball joint. tow truck couldn't tow the vehicle due to being all wheel drive. i called chrysler and they told me it wasn;t their problem. i had to hire a mechanic to replace the ball joints in my driveway. tires have worn terrible and truck kept coming out of alignment. i kept good rotation on the tires but couldn't keep the inside from wearing. i do have the defective ball joints. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge durango. while driving approximately 55 mph he struck a pothole . shortly afterwards he heard a peculiar noise coming from the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection. the technician stated that the front upper ball joints failed. the four tires were replaced on the vehicle. his vehicle identification number was excluded from recall campaign id number 04596000 (suspension:front:control arm:upper ball joint). the failure mileage was 69,000. the current mileage was 74,000.

Power steering rack failed at 73,000 miles. unacceptable that the steering would fail with only 73,000 miles!! paid $900 to have repaired. this was 6 months ago. now they are saying our wheel bearings are failing and are not covered under the recall that was put in place back in 2004. even though the mechanic told us that our wheel would fall off if we didn't have it fixed. that should fall under the category of the recall for the wheel hub. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 dodge durango. while driving approximately 55 mph on normal road conditions, the front driver's side tire blew out without warning. the contact immediately pulled over to the side of the road and replaced the tire. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection and they stated that the front upper ball joint failed. the vehicle has not been repaired. the vin was excluded from nhtsa campaign id number 04v596000 (suspension,front,control arm,upper ball joint), although the failures were identical. he was concerned of the safety risk involved. the failure and current mileages were 70,000. updated 12/15/08.*lj updated 12/15/08. *jb

I noticed my tires were not wearing evenly and i felt and heard a "clunk" noise every time i back out of my parking spot at work. the dealership inspected and said that the upper and lower ball joints of the right and left wheels of my 2003 dodge durango must be replaced. i see there are recalls for all previous year durangos but not the 2003??? the dealership refused to pay for my replacement. i replaced the left side as they were actually broke, my right side still needs to be replaced and are loose and near failure. i request that dodge reimburse me for the repair as well as replace for free the right side. i would also like two new tires as they now need to be replaced due to the uneven wear and tear. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 dodge durango. a local auto body shop mechanic stated that her upper ball joints had 0.10 movement and advised her that they should be replaced. she notified an authorized dealer in reference to recall# 04v596000 for the suspension. a technician stated that her vin was excluded from the recall; therefore, she would liable for the repair. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure mileage was 81,000 and the current mileage was 82,000. updated 09/17/08. *lj updated 09/24/08. *jb

2003 dodge durango was purchased from a local dealership in wickliffe,oh in april of 08. the vehicle has been at the dealership needing to be serviced in excess of 7 times, from the bushings being replaced to the check engine light repeatedly coming on with the dealerships inability to fix it . i have been in a rental car more than i have driven the vehicle that i purchased from the dealership. there was an evap code as they so eloquently stated so they allegedly fixed that only to find that the check engine light still continually comes on. every time that the problem was supposedly resolved, i was back at the dealership within 2 to 3 days with the same problem again. the management there stated and admitted that they simply can't fix the vehicle therefore they are going to get me out of it so they even had me to pick another vehicle which they said would fit perfectly and should not affect the payment that i have in place right now. i have been hearing about getting this replacement vehicle for over 3 months with no result. the vehicle is not safe when driving on the highway and hitting a bump because it feels as if the front end is going in two different directions. my wife wont drive it, we are scared to put our kids into it and i need your help right away. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 dodge durango. when the contact took her vehicle to her local mechanic for an alignment, the mechanic discovered that the upper ball joints on the passenger side caused the failure. the contact was also informed of a possible recall on her year, make, and model vehicle. the dealer stated that her vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign id number 04v596000 (suspension:front:control arm:upper ball joint). the failure and current mileages were 83,000. updated 05/08/08. *lj updated 05/09/08

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 dodge durango. while attempting to make a right turn at 30 mph, the vehicle veered to the right. the contact experienced difficulty controlling the vehicle, but was able to drive to his residence. he took the vehicle to a repair shop the following day and they repaired the vehicle at the cost of $357.64. the failure mileage was 41,725. updated 5/20/08 *cn updated 05/20/08

I am currently experiencing a thumping or throttle on the vehicle when i step on the brakes. it occurs in the front of the vehicle on driver's side. i have had the brakes replaced , but this noise still occurs. i have been advised by r&s strauss mechanic that it appeared to be the ball joint/arm. he has encountered many durangos experiencing this problem and advised to seek dealer for repairs since he wa s aware of the accidents that have occurred. wanted to notify your office and other drivers if experiencing similar problems. it appeared that this defect needed to be recalled.*ak

Tl*- the contact owns a 2003 dodge durango with an odometer reading of 58132 miles. the contact stated that the upper and lower ball joints had been replaced twice. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer, and they told the contact that this vehicle was not covered by recall 04v596000 . the contact stated that the vehicle should be included under the recall because it was having the same failure. *ak the consumer stated the cv joint failed again. updated 03/30/07. *jb

Tl*- the contact owns a 2003 dodge durango with an odometer reading of 14600 miles. the contact stated that while driving under dry conditions at 35 mph the steering locked. the contact's vehicle crashed into another vehicle and contact sustained injuries. the contact called the manufacturer, but they have not responded. the contact had received recall (04v596000 for the upper ball joint, and when he took the vehicle to the dealer for the repair s,they only lubricated the ball joint, but did not replaced it. the contact stated that an upper ball joint failure was the cause for the crash. *ak

Upper ball joints needed to be replacied every six months!!!!! *ak

Front end problems with m 2003 dodge durango. have had steering rack replaced, inner & outer ball joints replaced as well as both upper control arms. steering went out on my wife while making a right hand turn. both inner tie-rod ends snapped out and car lost complete steering control. car ran into parked car causing substantial damage to both vehicles. because of the low speed no injuries occurred, had this happened at highway speed. i could have been killed along with others on the highway. what are you waiting for? for a fatality? does it take the life of human being to save money to have this problem solved? please do something, i will never never buy a dodge automobile again and if i see someone making this mistake or looking at dodge i will advise them of all the problems that dodge has and are not willing to back their product. buy a foreign car!!!! *nm

I hear a popping/grinding noise in the front end of my 2003 dodge durango. i have taken it to the shop under warranty 3 times. twice they have replaced parts but it has not fixed the problem. the tires are wearing out on the outside of the tire. the ball joints appear to be going bad. *jb

Component: suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint defect summary: on my 2003 dodge durango sport utility their is a loud clunking noise in the front suspension. i call daimlerchrysler motors company llc to ask if their was a recall on my suv. they said no, but my upper ball joint is defective. *nm

Clunking noise in front suspension. tires wearing unevenly. inspection by mechanic by finds worn upper ball joints on my 2003 dodge durango. joints have no lubrication and have corrosion because of this. i fear the excessive wear in the upper ball joint might cause it to separate which would result in the loss of control over my vehicle. dodge already has a recall on this defect but my durango was not included. all durangos with this problem should be included. it's a safety thing!!! *nm

Recently took my dodge durango 2003 2wd to a mechanic who says i need an new front ball joints and control arm. *jb

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 dodge durango. the contact noticed that her tires were wearing unevenly. she took the vehicle to a mechanic and was informed that the upper control arms and ball joints needed to be replaced. she had them replaced. two years after the replacement, the contact felt the vehicle pulling to one side. she took the vehicle back to the mechanic and was informed that the upper control arms and ball joints needed to be replaced again. she has not gotten them replaced and believes there to be a manufacturer defect because ball joints last 100,000 miles or more. the vin, engine size, and number of cylinders were unknown. the current mileage was 110,000 and failure mileage was 50,000. updated 4/2/08 *cn updated 04/02/08 *tr

I own a 2003 dodge durango, with 62,501 miles on it. i recently failed state inspection due to bad ball joints. if chrysler knows they have prematurely failing ball joints they should issue a recall. now i will have to try and cover a $800 bill myself. *jb

Front suspension - drive train - locks - axle - power steering pump vehicle has had consistent front end grinding noise since 30,000 km's. ball joints have been replaced, front axle spyder gears have been replaced. previous 1998 durango had same problem - fix was front wheel bearings. 2003 durango - dealer says that it doesn't require replacement. noise and grinding only happen at slow speed turns left or right. from stop to light acceleration to hard left or right turn, new noise from rear axle - limited slip unit now getting louder. axle oil and limited slip additive have been replaced with factory chrysler oil additive. indicative of same problem with 1998 durango that i had, when rear axle pinion bearing was heavily scored. in that incident the same maintenance was done, but repair was out of warranty by 3,000 km's and chrysler only paid 50% of repair of $700.00. oil changes on complete drivetrain was $590.00 (4x4 with skid plates). this appears to be a metal fatigue problem in combination with engineering specifications that are too wide in tolerances, which allows failure of components to compound problems and create longer term damaging results. ever since dodge trucks went to maintenance free front axle bearings (you can't pack bearings with grease), poor limited slip tolerances in rear axle, and transfer case that's electronically operated, the drivetrain and front suspension components have excessive loads and poor quality components. both durangos that i've owned have had 5 wheel alignments (constant pulling to the left) and no off road driving. strictly highway and city driving. i purchased factory extended warranty on 2003 durango which i highly recommend. so far, out of pocket expenses have been minimal, but durango spends too much time in the shop and is very inconvenient to have serviced constantly. never had issues with warranty parts or dealer not doing warranty recall work. *jb

The stabilizer bar on the 2003 dodge durango was coming out causing the vehicle to produce a grinding noise. *mr the grinding noise was coming from the driver side front wheel. the consumer inspected the hub and found that the inner axle had grinding wear on the inside by the rubber boot. the stabilizer bar was coming out about 1/4 inch. the dealer suggested that they didn't hear anything and could not find a problem. currently, the front end still wobbles and grinds when the vehicle is in motion and when stopping. *sc the windshield wiper module was replaced. *jb

Sludge build up occurred in the dodge durango.*mr the dealer informed the consumer that there was sludge in the engine and that it was as a result of neglect which then voided the warranty. the consumer explained that the vehicle oil had been changed numerous time by non-dealer mechanic. the dealer nor manufacturer provided any financial assistance. the consumer had the engine replaced by a local repair facility. the consumer's vehicle was making noise in the front end. *nm

Recall campaign 04v596000 concerning ball joint wear. consumer stated that dealer charged her for the upper ball joint parts. *ak

Independent mechanic noticed that the upper front ball joint in my 2003 dodge durango needed to be replaced due to circumstances surrounding the recall for this problem. both dodge and the local dealership refuse to correct problem stating that my vehicle was not part of the recall. *ak

Ball joint malfunction on dodge durango slt 4x4. my durango is not listed on the recall as 600k others are however the noises, and unnatural movements of the front end during close quarters turning is suspect of being the same problem. my car is also not keeping its alignment and the brakes have softened rapidly, i suspect all are related. no loss of control has occurred but i'm concerned and i want to report my vehicle and plan to have it inspected by my dealer, westboro dodge. *jb

Nhtsa campaign 04v596000. daimler chrysler issued an upper ball joint recall. this vehicle is included in the recall, but there are no parts in order to repair. *jb

The consumer took the vehicle in for routine maintenance. the mechanic informed the consumer that the left and right upper and lower ball joint needed replacement due to corrosion. please fill in additional information. *jb consumer was told lower ball joints were not included in the recall. *tt

Recall campaign 04v596000 concerning ball joint wear. consumer was unable to get the dealer to honor the manufacturer's recall because no parts were available. manufacturer was notified, and informed the consumer that they were unable to advise him when the parts would be available.*ak *bf *nm

2003 dodge durango 27,500 miles-lower ball joints need replacing already-dodge expects me to pay for alingment after ball joints are repleaced. i don't think this is right. ball joints do not normally go bad at this low mileage.*ak

Nhtsa campaign 04v596000; daimelr chrysler issued an upper ball joint recall. this vehicle was included in the recall, but there were no appointments available. *jb