The upper and lower ball joints were worn and needed to be replaced at 62,000 miles. This seems to be low mileage for such repairs. Also, the dealer indicated the tie rod ends were wearing as well and recommended replacing them but they posed no immediate danger but they suggested the tie rod ends may fail soon. Repairs were guoted in excess of $1200.00! This seems to be low mileage for these repairs as well. With the number of complaints on file it would seem to be prudent to issue a recall on the front suspension, all components, on the durangos. And to issue reimbursements for those repairs already completed.
1998 Dodge Durango steering complaints
Page 4 of 4: complaints 71 to 90 of 90, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Excessive play and off-centered steering was corrected at 47k miles by dealer- adjustment to the steering box. Problem has resurfaced at 87k miles. Continued problem with off centered steering and now-growing tracking problems with constant corrections needed to keep vehicle in straight line at highway speeds.
Intermediate steering column failure
Consumer states since she has purchased her truck, she has had steering wheel was off set. Mr
While driving on highway and when brakes are applied or vehicle hits a bump in the road vehicle will pull to right or left.driver lost control of steering. Contacted dealer. Also, steering column had totally disengaged. Caused by design flaw.
There is a noise coming from steering column and at times "feels" like something is very loose in this area! Asked dealer about it, and was informed that noise was normal!! It appears to be getting "worse" as time goes on! Thanks.
Pinion shaft broke while driving, causing rear end to lock up. Gear busted, and there was a hole in rear end.*ak the gears broke and put a hole in the bottom of rear end.
Consumer notices a banging noise coming from engine. Vehicle was serviced, and technician noticed no cooling. Engine needed to be replaced. *ak metal chips and sludge were found in the motor after the dealer diagnosis. The bearings for cylinder 1 and 5 spun the crank shaft, dealer replaced the pitman and idler arms.
This vehicle has had major component breakdowns since purchase. Initially, immediately after purchase there was a clicking sound in the steering column. The dealer indicated that there was a tsb and replaced steering column. The second problem occurred in february 2000, some three months after purchase. We began to notice a significant pulsing in the brake pedal. The dealer attributed this to ABS brakes. Several months later when the pulsing was significantly greater and the braking was being affected, an independent shop reviewed the brakes and indicated that the rotors were severely warped and causing the pulsing sensation. This was repaired out of pocket. In february, 2001 the temperature began fluctuating, spiking higher temperatures causing the check gauge light to illuminate. It would then reset. Hanover dodge, a different dealer indicated that the thermostat housing seal was leaking and replaced the thermostat and gasket. This was paid out of pocket. Approximately ten days later, the radiator had a major failure requiring replacement. This was paid out of pocket in the amount of $610.33. In may, 2001we were alerted to a problem involving the front end. In bringing the vehicle to the dealer, a leak was noticed from the transmission cooler and also and more critically it was determined that the left upper ball joint required replacement as well as the inner tie rods. These repairs were also paid out of pocket in the amount of $923.45. The latest issue arose several weeks ago when a howling sound was noticed coming from the rear of the vehicle. Through research and independent evaluation it has been determined that the rear differential has a design defect whereby the ring and pinion cannot handle the load of the vehicle. I have noted several of the same complaints being made to your organization in this database. We believe that the vehicle we have is defective. Each problem has involved a major component or system.
While traveling noticed steering wheel making a poping noise. Dealer was contacted, and replaced steering column and coupling. Please provide further information.
A mounting bolt for power steering pump, located behind power steering pump pulley (where they cannot be seen nor serviced) became loose and detached from mounting bracket. The bolt attempted to exit between the pulley and the bracket causing the engine to lock up. Damage reulted to pulley which caused 2 strands of the serpentine belt to shred. Bolt is still behind pulley and cannot be removed without pulling the assembly off the engine and using a pulley puller to remove the bolt. I know of 3 other people with dodge durango's that have had the exact same thing happen. One of the three's incident happened going approx. 65 MPH on an interstate highway, locking the engine up and causing them to lose control of the steering. I do believe chrysler knows there is a problem, but their customer service depart gave me a cool response to my inquiries. When ordering a new pulley from the dodge dealor parts department, the parts manager told me to expect delays, as there was "some sort of problem" going on and there were backlogs on that particular pulley. He also stated, that it is almost unheard of to have to replace a pulley on a power steering pump, an he also told me the people he had talked to had told them of the bolts becoming loose and trying to eject as mine has done. I think this is a manufacturer's defect that should be repaired by chrysler corp. And is potentially a major safety issue which could or has caused vehicle crashes or loss of control of vehicles. You may call me if you need further information.
Front rt & lt (upper & lower) ball joints & tie rod needed replacement causing improper alignment & excessive & uneven wear on the tires....we have purchased new tires 3 times due to this problem! In april of 2001, we find that we need replacement of the lt upper ball joint and chrysler will not do anything as they say we have too many miles! Almost entire mileage is open road driving & vehicle is well maintained. A vehicle that is 3 years old should not need ball joints repaired/replaced let alone 2 times in less than 10 months!!!
Loss of steering control while driving 30-35 MPH;. Vehicle towed to dealer, and informed consumer of a lower steering shaft failure.
No tire jack was in the vehicle at time of purhase.
Whenever driving on freeway or making turns vehicle would shake violently & make noises. Took to dealership & mechanic changed & balanced. Steering was changed & wheels aligned. But, problem still exists.also, was informed by mechanic that rack & pinion steering needed replacing.
Upper ball joints and upper control arm failed. Nlm
When turning right or left vehicle makes noise. This is due to a faulty steering rack. Dealer says steering rack needs to be replaced.
When making a turn vehicle would feel like it was losing control . Owner took vehicle to the dealer and was advised that the ball joints were bad, the box in the steering column was cracked. Manufacturer has been notified.
After vehicle was running about 10-15 minutes and was shut off, the vehicle started to roll backwards and down a slight incline-, hitting a carport.
Vehicle will not start due to security system alarm failure caused bt defective computer.
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