Tires never lasted more than 20k miles since purchasing the car new. Front end shimmy and wander on the highway even after twice yearly alignments. To be repaired soon. I can save old parts.
1998 Dodge Durango: pulls to one side
12 of the 965 complaints about the 1998 Dodge Durango describe pulls to one side.
- owner complaints
- 12
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- typical mileage
- 68,202
- recalls
- 0
Is there a fix? 3 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below
Pulls to one side by model year
What owners say
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.
Vehicle wandered across the road while driving at any speed. Vehicle was taken to a repair shop, and mechanic determined that both front lower ball joints needed to be replaced. The dealer was not notified.
Driving car approximatley 15 MPH down residential road car pulled hard to the right ran off road and hit a street sign then a telephone pole car was totaled and the adjuster stated that the upper ball joint in the steering mechanism failed.
While driving vehicle pulls to the right, and there's a grinding noise in the front end when turning. Dealership inspected the vehicle and noticed that the upper right ball joint was loose.
Noise began in front wheel area and grew very loud within a short period of time. Also experienced steering issues (car shakes and pulls to right). Took vehicle in to check it out - had to replacel front ball joints and tension rods ends. We had to pay over $2000.00 to repair this defect, and car still does not steer properly. Dealer reported to us that this is a common problem for this vehicle.
While driving vehicle pulled to the right. Dealership indicated that lower ball joints were loose.
At 60,000 miles vehicle began pulling to left. Took to have front end aligned was told it would cost at least $700, maybe more depending on how many parts have to be replaced. Why do ball joints, tie rod ends, etc need to be replaced to align front end. Why require replacement at such low miles? These parts should last in excess of 100,000 miles.
My 1998 dodge durango's front suspension requires rebuilding at 72,000 miles. The ball joints are all worn, as is the upper control arm bushing. Vehicle wanders, especially on uneven surfaces. Metallic noises emanate from the front suspension, especially at low speeds. Local chrysler dealer says there will be a recall sometime in the future. Meanwhile I do not consider the vehicle safe!
Consumer took vehicle into the shop, because the vehicle pulled to the left. Took it to dodge, and dodge aligned the vehicle. Later, the problem resurfaced. *ak the ball joints had to be replaced. The consumers mechanic(s) informed him this problem was not normal. The vehicle had constant problems with the front end. Within the first 10 k miles the vehicle had a 3 wheel alignment. *scc
The front end of my durango has had over 3 thousand dollars worth of work, and has never had an accident and only has 60,000 miles on it. Both drivers and passenger side ball joints have been replaced (twice). Tie rod ends,control arm,and front shocks have had to all be replaced.the vehicle pulls to the right (dramtically) especially when braking, and has always done so, no matter what we do. This is an on going problem, the last replacement was done approximately 1 year ago.
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.
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 1998 Dodge Durango pulling
Is pulls to one side a common problem on the 1998 Dodge Durango?
12 of 965 owner complaints about the 1998 Dodge Durango (1%) mention pulls to one side. The model year with the most reports is 1999.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1998 Dodge Durango?
There are 0 recalls and 3 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 28Premature wear 20Knocking 19Power windows 19Engine failure 18No deployment 15Harsh shifting 14Transmission failure 13Brake failure 12Slipping 12Headlights 10Stalling 10Seat belt 9Tire blowout 9Fire or smoke 8Steering noise 8Whining noise 8Check engine light 7Jerking 6Hesitation 5Overheating 5
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