The vehicle is making a very noticeable "clunking noise" during turns and over bumps. The vehicle often falls out of alignment and driving feels unsteady as on of the front wheels is loose. Upon inspection it appears this is being caused by premature wear to the upper ball joints. This has also caused excess wear on the vehicle suspension. As of yet no accident or injury has taken place due to this problem; however, it is a very serious safety concern and needs to be addresses promptly.
1998 Dodge Durango: rotors or pads wearing out early
20 of the 965 complaints about the 1998 Dodge Durango describe rotors or pads wearing out early.
- owner complaints
- 20
- of this car's complaints
- 2%
- typical mileage
- 54,620
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 5 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Rotors or pads wearing out early by model year
What owners say
Premature wear on upper and lower ball joints on both sides of vehicle. The separation of these components cause the driver to lose control of the steering and could cause the vehicle to roll over causing serious injury or death. In addition to the ball joints, the wheel bearing assemblies fail prematurely which in combination with the ball joint problem greatly increases loss of control of the vehicle. This vehicle also has a problem with the transmission slipping with less than 70,000 miles on it. This causes slow acceleration which could cause an accident resulting in serious injury or death.
A premature wearout and near seperation of the front ball joints. Upper and lower joints had to be replaced at 35,000 miles. These are the same ball joints involved in 2000-2002 vehicles. I have no clue why model year 1998 was not included.
The consumer had to replace both left and right ball joints and tie rods due to premature wear. *ph a faulty intake gasket caused an oil leak. The consumer notified the manufacturer and requested reimbursement. The consumer was denied reimbursement. *nm *sc
On april 8, 2004, we took our vehicle to the service station for a routine oil change and annual safety inspection. At this time our vechicle had approximately 63,000 miles on it. During the safety inspection, it was noted that all 4 front ball joints were bad. Our mechanic believed this to be premature wear for these parts. As we were leaving on vacation the next day, we took it to the chrysler dealer and paid close to $1,000 to have this defect repaired to protect the safety of our family. Upon further research, we see that there have been other complaints and an investigation into this defect.
Premature wear on passenger side front upper and lower ball joints.
Premature wearing of ball joints on my 98 durango.
Upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced due to premature wear. *ph the consumer complained to the dealer about an unusual intermittent noise which was coming from the joint area. (nar)
The front lower ball joints are prematurely worn on my vehicle last year. I had complained about the noise several times. Each time the dealership found no problem. Prior to my last complaint I had my brother who is a school bus mechanic check the front end and he showed me the excessive play in the lower ball joints. Still again the dealership said they checked it out and found nothing wrong, but "lubed up the front end real good" and sent me away. Here it is now about a year later and I am bringing it in again now with the noise and looseness worse than ever and I learn of a known problem with the upper ball joints. I would really like to see something done about this. (my extended factory warranty has expired last may, and I will seek for this to be covered under warranty anyway.)
Upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced due to premature wear, per dealership.
Pe 03-032, front suspension: upper ball joint: there is a loud clanking sound, and consumer feels that the upper ball joints are prematurely worn.
Premature wear of both upper and lower ball joints on my 1998 dodge durango. The dealership where the vehicle was purchased new and serviced periodically wanted to replace them after 36000 (highway) miles at a cost of $1200.00. Two other dodge dealerships have since reported the same problem.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Inoperative anti-lock brake system (ABS) software reprogramming
- Information regarding front brake caliper mounting to steering knuckle thread repair
- Rattle noise coming from front brake caliper area
- Brake grind or growl sound coming from the front brakes during low speed braking
- Brake dust accumulates causing discoloration of chrome or high luster front wheels
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The rear brake tube can contact an underbody crossmember eventually wearing a hole in the tube.
- Risk
- If the tube were perforated, there would be a reduction in braking from the rear wheels, increasing stopping distances.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a rubber isolator on all vehicles that do not indicate tube contact. Vehicles that show contact and have less than 45,000 miles and no signs of red rust will have the rubber isolator installed with silicone to protect the tube where the coating has worn off. Vehicles that exhibit contact, and have more than 45,000 miles or show signs of red rust, will have the brake tube replaced with the production tube and isolator.
Recall number 99V341000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1998 Dodge Durango premature wear
Is rotors or pads wearing out early a common problem on the 1998 Dodge Durango?
20 of 965 owner complaints about the 1998 Dodge Durango (2%) mention rotors or pads wearing out early. The model year with the most reports is 1999.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1998 Dodge Durango?
There is 1 recall and 5 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1998 Dodge Durango
Ball joint 512Grinding brakes 36ABS 28Knocking 19Power windows 19Engine failure 18No deployment 15Harsh shifting 14Transmission failure 13Brake failure 12Slipping 12Pulling 12Headlights 10Stalling 10Seat belt 9Tire blowout 9Fire or smoke 8Steering noise 8Whining noise 8Check engine light 7Jerking 6Hesitation 5Overheating 5
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