1998 Dodge Durango: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Jan 15, 2021 · Acceleration, Steering · 240,000 miles · CA · crash · 2 injuries

Due to to uneven driveway the vehicle stalled, or transmission began to spin and not move, at which the vehicle ignition was shut-off. It was attempted to push the vehicle about 50 feet to a parking place. Another person offers to help, then pushes vehicle 25/50 feet...advises to turn the wheel. The wheel does not want to turn. The vehicle has used a lot of power steering fluid almost daily(has a history of squealing and hard turning at start unless lubricated). So advice to place vehicle in reverse caused the steering wheel to be even harder to turn, if at all. I requested help from the bystander, who at which point comes to the driver side where I was standing outside of the vehicle also. It's unknown if the bystander help turned the ignition on, or if the ignition somehow turned on by itself. The vehicle was occupied by one addition passenger at the time of the crash. The vehicle traveled in reverse gear, without anyone pushing on the accelerator. There were minor to severe injuries, and damage to 2 vehicles and one structure.

Filed Jun 11, 2009 · Suspension · 112,000 miles · MA

I own a 1998 dodge durango and back in march of this year I replaced the upper/lower ball joints due to failure. The vehicle had an awful squeaky noise and when taken to the mechanic I was told that I was lucky to still be alive as the balljoints were extremely worn out due to be an ungreaseable type. The repair cost me $650. It has only been 3months since the repair in which the balljoints were replaced with dealer parts and once again, the squeaky sound is back, I've gone back to the mechanic only to be told that once again, the balljoints have failed!! Another $650 to fix, this is outrageous!! Dodge must become responsible for the fact that these balljoints continuously fail and they must come up with a greaseable type. In this economy it is very difficult to spend $650 every 2-3 months on balljoints!! At this rate, there will come a point where the tires will fall off the vehicle and cause a death being as these joints don't last as long as they should.

Filed Feb 26, 2009 · Brakes, Suspension · 134,000 miles · GA

I bought this car used in the last week of november '08. I had my brakes done by an individual maybe two weeks later. A couple of day later driving home from work I started hearing a real loud iron grinding noise. The next day I had the car towed to aamco, who told me my caliper pins had came out, and I would need a new steering knuckle and a set of caliper pins.the truck was fixed costing me $525 (noting: mechanic used a used steering knuckle.) now 2 months after those repairs I need a wheel spindle, and caliper bolts because the threading have stripped away and something totally unrelated a neutral safety switch. Costing me $580. I was told that by firestone who told me I needed new tie rods and then corrected themselves by telling me I needed a new steering knuckle - who wouldn't even work on my car because of liability told me that it was unsafe to drive because the right front tire could literally fall off due to lack of support and cause a major or serious accident, and that I needed to take it back to aamco. I didn't want to because I felt aamco should have fixed this the first time. But after fighting with them and reading the other complaints maybe they're not in the wrong.

Filed Dec 28, 2006 · Transmission · 99,350 miles · NJ

Tl* - on 3/13/06 the contact took 1998 dodge durango to cottman transmission because the transmission was slipping into first gear. At that time, cottman replaced the valve body. On 3/31/06 the contact took it back to cottman for the same reason, and cottman stated that they would rebuild the whole transmission. When contact picked up the vehicle it was making a loud squeaking noise, and cottman told him to drive it for a few days and the noise would go away. After driving it for a few days contact continued to hear the same squeaking noise, so cottman replaced the transmission. At which point the contact continued to hear the same noise, he took vehicle to at pro transmission and they stated to the contact that the damage was probably internal because they couldn't see anything wrong with the vehicle. On 6/16/06 contact took it back to cottman, and cottman stated that they replaced the transmission; after contact picked it up he continued to hear the same squeaking noise, so contact brought vehicle back to cottman on 12/11/06. Cottman once again replaced the transmission. The contact stated that the transmission is pouring fluid from the pump. Contact will take the vehicle to cottman. *ak updated 2/6/2007 -

Filed Jul 26, 2005 · Brakes, Suspension · VA

Dt: contact stated both lower ball joints were replaced twice on vehicle. Also, both front tires had to be replaced twice. The service dealer stated the tires needed replacement due to the failure of the ball joints. The first replacement occurred when the vehicle's mileage was at 27,280. The second replacement occurred at 43,908 miles. Consumer stated front end was making a squeaking noise and was driving differently. Consumer contacted manufacturer, and was sending the service receipts. There was a recall on different model year for this specific component, but consumer's vehicle was not included in the recall campaign due to VIN. Consumer did not have the complete address for the dealership where the vehicle was purchased.*ak repair receipts attached for ball joints. Windshield sprayer sprays one side. Connector repalced. Front brake pads and rotors machined.

Filed Mar 25, 2005 · Brakes, Suspension · 103,600 miles · FL

I won a 1998 dodge durango 4x4. I recently had to replace the brakes on my durango. I had one of the pads on the passenger side break loose from the shoe. I had to replace the rotors as well. Costing me $435. The mechanic doing the work wanted to know if I had replaced the rear brakes recently. I informed him that I had not. The front and rear were replace at the same time maybe a year earlier. He said there was next to no wear on my rear brakes. Sincfe having my brakes replaced there is this awful grinding sound in the front of the vehicle. I took it back to the mechaninc and he said all 4 ball joints, upper and lower, needed to be replaced at a cost of $1400. Parts and labor. I know dodge recalled the 2000-2003, but this is rediculous. I have not read alot of complaints about the 2000-2003, I've read more about the 98-99. Also my brakes have failed to engage twice and they locked up on me once on dry pavement.

Filed Mar 2, 2005 · Suspension · 140,000 miles · WV

While driving at 35 MPH a grinding/popping noise came from the front left end of the vehicle. Consumer pulled over to inspect the noise, and noticed the left front tire had came off. The tire was turned outward and hanging. Vehicle was towed to the dealership, who indicated that a bearing was needed. Also, both upper and lower ball joints were defective, and needed to be replaced. *ak

Filed Feb 10, 2005 · Steering, Suspension · 68,202 miles · ID

Events leading up to failure: 1.) noise eminating from the front of the vehicle ? Clunking, squeaking; 2.) loose steering associated with clunking; .) wandering at speed. *ak failure and consequences: 1.) prior to complete failure the vehicle was diagnosed by a local dealer as worn lower ball joints, right inner tie rod end, and sway bar bushings 2.) possible consequences of not determining the problem prior to failure ? Unsafe operation or life threatening accident due to steering failure correction: 1.) replaced lower both lower ball joints, sway bar bushings, and the right inner tie rod end ($777.78 parts and labor) in light of recent recalls regarding ball joints of 2000-2003 dodge dakotas and durangos, we believe investigation into earlier models is warranted. Extremely similar symptoms are evident on the earlier models prior to 2000 leading us to believe the problem existed prior to the 2000 model year. Given this vehicle was rarely placed in extreme conditions (off-road maneuvers, etc.), never in an accident, and with the majority of the time spent on paved roads, failure of ball joints and other suspension components in the 50,000 to 60,000 mile range is premature. We request an investigation into including 1998-1999 dodge durangos into the formal ball joint recall as detailed for the 2000-2003 models.

Filed Dec 10, 2004 · Suspension · NY

Upper ball joints were making grinding noise when the vehicle turned at low speeds causing the tires to shake. Dealer repaired vehicle twice, but consumer will wait for repairs for the third time.

Filed Jul 26, 2004 · Acceleration, Suspension · 90,000 miles · NE

While driving at any speed a squeaking sound was coming from the front end. Dealer checked the vehicle, and found that the upper ball joints were severely worn out. *ak the cruise control never worked. (intermittent problem)

Filed Jul 2, 2004 · Suspension · 80,000 miles · NC

Extreme squeaky noises coming from the front end of the truck. Mechanic said that upper and lower ball joints wore out and this was a very common problem with these suvs. He said that it was likely that there will be a recall on this soon as well.

Filed May 21, 2004 · Brakes, Steering · ID

I purchased my durango in 1998, I have had it in to the dealer because of steering column noise, was told nothing was wrong with it. My front right brake squeals and I get grease on my wheels, had replaced, still makes the noise. My fuel strap was replaced in a previous recall. Now I am going to have to have the ball joints redone, they are separating. Was told vehicle is unsafe to drive, wheel will fall off. I would like to know why there has been no recalls on this problem. We also have a friend that has a 2000 that needs to replace his because of the same situation. Will there be a recall?