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 2002 dodge durango. while driving approximately 10 mph the contact heard a grinding noise. the passenger side of the vehicle dropped to the ground and the tire came off of the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to the dealer where the technicians stated that the suspension front control arm upper ball joint had separated. the technicians also stated that the front control arm upper ball joint, sway bar, brake pads, suspension cross bar, wheel, brakes and calipers needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the contact stated there was a recall nhtsa campaign id number: 04v596000 (suspension front:control arm:upper ball joint) but the dealer informed her the vin was not included. the manufacturer was contacted and stated they would cover a portion of the repairs but they could not cover the entire cost. the approximate failure mileage was 142,299. updated 02/18/11 *bf photos included updated 12/06/2011 *ln
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
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.
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 dodge durango. while changing the brakes on the vehicle, the contact noticed that the upper ball joints were loose. the dealer stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number 04v596000 (suspension:front:control arm:upper ball joint). the vehicle has not yet been repaired. the failure and current mileages were 39,000. updated 01/14/09. *lj updated 01/21/09. *jb
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
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
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge durango. while driving at an unknown speed, the contact heard a clunking, whining, and humming sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. he drove to the repair shop and the mechanic stated that both the upper and lower ball joints and a tie rod needed to be replaced. the mechanic performed a wheel alignment. nhtsa campaign id number 04v596000 (suspension:front: control arm:upper ball joint) was referenced. the contact was also informed that the entire cooling system needed to be replaced because the dealer could not locate the cause of the failure. the cooling system has not worked properly since the repair. the switch to operate the blower motor fan only works on high. the failure mileage was 110,000. updated 07/15/08.*lj the brakes were replaced numerous times. updated 07/15/08.
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
For my 1999 dodge durango the ball joints need to be replaced costing $800. i see that dodge recalled the 2000 - 2003 durango's for this issue, or at least the upper ball joints. i don't understand why 1998 and 1999 were not recalled as well. especially since this is a safety issue that could cause loss of vehicle control at high speeds. *tr