1998 Dodge Durango steering problems

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 25, 2009 · Steering · 130,000 miles · OH

Bushings on steering shaft bearing made from cheap materials wear quickly causing loss of vehicle control. Chrysler does not currently produce a part to fix the problem and no aftermarket parts are available.

Filed Dec 15, 2008 · Steering, Suspension · 123,000 miles · IL

We bought a 98' durango w/ 123k miles & after driving it less than 500 miles I began to notice a loud-repeating noise "thud...thud.." coming from the front passenger wheel wall. Then I began to notice extreme steering problems so I stopped the vehicle and inspected it further. I jacked up the vehicle and observed a lot of "play" in the front tire. I was actually able to "wobble' back and forth and the lug nuts were still secured. I contacted a very reputable mechanic (3rd generation race car driver too!) and he advised that there have been massive problems with the ball joints failing on the durango's , but they only will fix back to 2000' model year. Well, any reasonable auto company that knows it has a faulty part should take responsibility for the safety of its people....if not, then they are liable for continuing to allow a product that endangers the safety of the driver, its occupants & other motorist's/citizens-who expect their safety to be looked upon, not "investigated internally." I have been in law enforcement for +13 years, and as a result I have worked many vehicle accidents (some causing death) that just didn't make sense-until now! Something needs to be done here...and not just "only 2000' year models and up" thing. Do the right thing, because its the right thing to do!

Filed Apr 24, 2008 · Steering, Suspension · 59,298 miles · NC

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 dodge durango. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact noticed that the steering was looser than normal. He took the vehicle to a local mechanic on february 21, 2008 and both upper and lower ball joints as well as the steering box were replaced. The repair cost $1,001.24. The failure mileage was 59,298 and current mileage was 59,598. Updated 05/05/08 *bf the consumer stated on april 10, 2003 had to replace both rear window regulators. Updated 05/05/08

Filed Jun 20, 2006 · Steering · 107,778 miles · WA

While driving down a paved road the vehicle suddenly jerked to one side as I braked I attempted to correct with the steering but it did not respond. I came to rest approximately 3 feet from a 70 foot embankment. I laid down under the car to see if I could find an apparent problem and noticed that the steering tie rod end was hanging down. Upon further inspection I noticed that all of the threads on the inner tie rod end and on the steering drag link to be completely bare of thread. I am currently pricing the cost of a new tie rod end and drag link which hopefully will repair the problem, however the problem may have caused additional damage to the 4 wheel drive system. After talking to the local tire store and checking on the internet I find that this is a problem that seems to be occurring quite often on this model and could possibly be fatal if the driver panics or doesn't have the strength to hold the wheel.

Filed Mar 17, 2006 · Steering, Suspension · 69,100 miles · UT

Daimler chrysler issued a recall (04v596000) for ball joint and extended warranty to 10 yr / 100000 miles for 2000 - 2003 durangos. My question is why the '98 durangos were not included since my 98 durango had the same failure and the current mileage is only 69,000

Filed Dec 3, 2005 · Steering, Suspension · CA

1998 dodge durango. Upper and lower ball joints. I had thought I needed shocks and an alignment and brought the vehicle to my mechanic who told me that the vehicle needed upper and lower ball joints, tie rod end and idler arm. The vehicle has become unsafe to drive. The vehicle was never abused, and 90% of the miles are highway miles. I have read many accounts of the exact same problem and believe further investigation and recall is necessary.

Filed Aug 10, 2005 · Steering, Suspension · 66,000 miles · KS

My dodge durango started making a clunking noise in the front suspension upon turning or going over rough pavement. I took the car into the shop and there was a failure of both the upper ball joints as well as the tie-rod ends, nearly separated. Per the garage, unusual for a 7 year old car with 66,000 miles. They need to be replaced before the catastrophic failure occurs. Replacement will include both upper and lower ball joints on left and right side and 4 tie rods. Old parts are available. Total cost of repair $1,100.

Filed Jun 17, 2005 · Steering, Suspension · 6,000 miles · GA

Dt: owner complained about several vehicle problems. . On all four windows the regulator has had to be replaced more than once. Driver's side having to be replaced the most. Also, lower ball joints / left upper ball joint, and steering column has been replaced twice in less than one year time. Currently the upper right ball joint had to be replaced. These has been ongoing issues with this vehicle since consumer owned it. Consumer dealt with dealership and manufacturer, but chrysler refused to help since there was no recall. Chrysler was very rude and hung up on the consumer.

Filed Mar 15, 2005 · Steering, Suspension · 95,000 miles · CO · fire

Both upper ball joints had to be replaced due to wear.*ak upper and lower control arms as well as the inner tie rods were worn and were replaced.