There are popping and clicking sounds coming from my steering column and there is too much play in the steering. I brought it to my local dealer and they said it needed to be replaced. With only 55,000 miles on my vehicle chrysler said they would not replace the steering column. The steering shouldn't have these problems with such low mileage. There is no preventative maintenance available for steering so I don't see how this problem could have been avoided. I will continue to pressure chrysler to do the right thing, which is to take care of their customers and the defective parts on the vehicles they've sold.
1998 Dodge Durango steering complaints
Page 2 of 4: complaints 11 to 40 of 90, newest first, as owners wrote them.
The consumers 1998 durango needed both front and rear upper and lower ball joint replacement . *bf the consumer experienced a spin out accident due to front end instability and bad tie rod ends. The consumer suggested that the front tires wore out in one year.
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.
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
While driving approximately 5-10 MPH the right front wheel shook. Would hear noises every time steering wheel was turned, stopping or even braking. Took vehicle to mechanic, who determined that upper ball joints separated. Also, the steering knuckle separated, and the suspension moved. Mechanic indicated that this was causing the shaking problem. Vehicle would need to be lubricated every 2-3 months.*ak after having the vehicle serviced the consumer stated that the left side began having the same problem.
All of the vehicle's ball joints had to be replaced. *nm the consumer stated that there was a problem in the front end of the vehicle. The recall did not include the consumers vehicle. The consumer would like to be reimbursed for the amount she paid for service. The ABS and brake light came on . The right inner tie rod assembly was replaced. *tc
1998 durangos should be recalled also they all have the same ball joints as the others in the recall
Intermittently vehicle made a clanking noise while driving under normal conditions . Vehicle was taken to a dealership for inspection, who indicated that the upper ball joints were bad and needed to be replaced, and they were replaced. Three months later, the outer and inner tie rod ends needed to be replaced.
Noise in steering column, sounds like something is loose or broken! Durango has been to dodge dealer twice for correction, not repaired!
1998 dodge durango slt ball joints have worn out twice. Loose steering, drifting in lane, difficult not to over steer. Diagnosed by dodge dealer 12/27/2001 at 71,000 miles and had been bad for a long time. Replaced upper, lower, and tie rod ends on 4/23/02 not at dodge dealership. Diagnosed again by dodge on 9/23/2004 at 103,000 miles and replaced lower ball joints again, at the dealership.
I purchased a 1998 dodge durango in march of 1998. The car was brand new with 3 miles on it. The car was excellent until about 52,000 miles. 1st repair, water pump. At about 56,000 transmission rebuild. At about 61,000 heater core, and power steering fluid leaking. At 77,000 transmission rebuild again. At about 80,000 miles, steering wheel started to stiffen up and very difficult to turn wheel they told me I needed a new rack and pinion. Durangos do not have rack and pinions, they have gear boxes. At about 94,000 transmission rebuild. At 106,000 trasnmission rebuild and installed a transmission cooler this time around along with an aftermarket transmission gauge which tells me the temp of the trans(price was $125.00 for gauge and wiring). Called dodge was like talking to my dog, they said that it wasn't their problem. I swore to all my friends and relatives that the day I buy another chrysler is the day I eat s**t!!! Dodge cars and trucks suck, their customer service is crap and I had to spend money $$$ out of my own pocket for repairs alone almost $9,500.00, out of which chrysler kept saying its not our problem. You know when its their problem, when they screw with someone who isn't just joe schmoe walking in to buy a car. Someone with a degree in law so that they can royally ge smacked in the face and help all the other unfortunate ones who are stuck with dodge sucks (trucks). Whoever wants to buy a dodge, be prepared for a rude awakening. They are going to rape you!
Tie rod ends and driver side balljoint remature wearing of front tires due to failure of tierod ends both sides and the upper ball joint is going out last tire almost blew out due to the type of wear. The tire only had 15,000 miles on it the inner portion was down to the steelbelt the only way I saw it was because I was under the truck replaceing the tierods turns out the upper ball joint is bad also.I think five sets of tires due to poor manufactureing of a suspention is quite over kill. Speaking of the last one may have killed me if I didnt happen to be under the truck. Replaced the tie rod ends because I was told that was the reason for the tire wear. It turns out thats not the only reason.yes the old parts are available for your inspection.
Consumer has a concern that a second tie rod needs to be replaced with less then 11,000 miles of wear. Dealer was not notified. Please provide any further information.
1998 dodge durango with bad upper and lower ball joints due to the bad ball joints the tierod is now warped.
My 1998 dodge durango 4x4 is in need of replacement of the following front end parts: driver's side upper and lower ball joints, and outer tie rod, passenger side upper and lower balljoints, and inner tie rod. The SUV is very difficult to handle because of this and I feel extremely dangerous putting my life in jeopardy on several occasions on highways.
Upon replacement of the tires dealership was unable to perform a front end alignment. Upper and lower ball joints and the inner tie rod were defective and needed to be replaced. *ak
Ball joints wore out on front steering mechanism. Top and bottom ball joints and tie rods had to be replaced in order to pass state inspection. Over $1,000 for repairs. Told this is probably a manufacturing defect. Dealer informed me that they go out a lot and that a recall could be in the process and to check with dot because they decide on recalls.
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?
Vehicle acquired in july of 2004. All component system failures listed have occurred since that timeframe. Engine overheated due to two (2) freeze plugs that failed between the rear of the engine and the transmission housing. Reverse lights no longer function and cause is still under investigation. Front transaxle assemblies were replaced as were the lower ball joints. Vehicle is currently at a repair facility requiring upper ball joint and tie-rod end replacement.
Tie rod ends and both lower ball joints failed. *ak prior to the ball joint failure the vehicle could not be balanced or aligned properly.
Pe 03-032, front suspension/upper ball joints: consumer took vehicle to dealer for a new light switch and found that the upper and lower ball joints were worn out. Also, the inner tie rods needed to be replaced the dealer refused to replace the ball joints free of charge.
Consumer took vehicle to dealer for an alignment, and was told that an alignment could not be done because vehicle needed upper and lower ball joints. Consumer stated that tie rod in upper left arm was replaced. Consumer had not yet had a problem with vehicle, but was told that the 1999 model was being recalled for ball joints.
During a vehicle inspection dealer determined that the upper ball joints wore out and must be replaced. There was no indication of a problem before the inspection. *ak the dealer also stated the tie rods needed to be replaced.
I have a 1998 dodge durango with 78,000 miles on it, having problems with upper and lower ball joints they all need to be replaced because of this, tire wear is uneven and horrendous, I have also had to replace the drivers side front wheel bearing twice in the last six months and because it is a closed bearing you replace the entire hub. I expect normal wear and don't expect a vehicle to never cause expenses, but this is extremely excessive.
While driving a very loud clicking and popping sound was coming from the front end when making left or right turns. Took vehicle to the dealer. Dealer stated steering column was causing the popping and clicking noise. *ak
We noticed problems with uneven front tire wear on our 1998 dodge durango. Local repair shop determined that upper ball joints are shot and need replaced. Received quote of $800 to replace upper and lower ball joints. Ball joint problem caused tires to wear out prematurely and uneven, steel belts almost showing on inside of one tire.
Consumer complained about ball joints and tie rod problems. While pulling out of the driveway front right wheel came off the vehicle.
I own a dodge durango 1998 and I saw that you are doing an investigation of the durango's. I recently took my durango to a tire specialist to get an alignment done the vehicle has been pulling for some time now. They informed me that the ball joints and the 2 outer and 1 inner tie rods are bad and need to be replaced. If I take the vehicle to the dealership its going to be about a 900 procedure where if I take it to someone else it will be a 700 procedure but in order to be re-imbursed if a recall does come out I was told that I have to take it to the dealer. I am a pregnant woman and I have a 1 year old child. I am really worried that something that other mothers have experienced will also happen to me and my family. I am the one that drives this vehicle day in and day out. Since we bought the durango in 2002 we have had to replace tires, brakes, water pump, radiatior, now the AC is not blowing cold or even cool air and we need the ball joints and tie rods replaced. You have my word that I will never buy another dodge. I know this is being investigated and I wanted to let you know that this is a severe problem and I hope they do something soon before people die.
Upper and lower ball joints were replaced twice. Also control arms, upper arms on booth sides were replaced twice since ownership of the vehicle.*ak replacement of tie rods were also made on vehicle.
With 40,000 miles had to install lower ball joints and right side inner tire rod I installed left inner tie rod and upper ball joints when vehicle was apart, also installed mono-max kyb shocks front and rear and install new bf goodrich tires front and rear had 2 different people check and set alignment and can not get vehicle to stop drifting right andhas chopped wear patten on right front wheel has to install new thermostat gasket.
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