Vehicle experienced problems with the upper ball joints. The wheels appeared to be coming off. Owner had the vehicle looked at by an independent mechanic shop, and it was diagnosed as defective ball joints.
1998 Dodge Durango suspension complaints
Page 4 of 19: complaints 71 to 100 of 540, newest first, as owners wrote them.
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.
1998 dodge durango with less than 100,000 miles requires replacement of front ball joints. Same issue as identified previously resulting in recall of 2000-2003 dodge durangos. No failure of the ball joints. Additional incident of ball joint issue on durangos.
Consumer noticed that the vehicle was swaying back and forth. Consumer drove it to dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced due to corrosion. *ak the ball joints caused the tire to wear rapidly.
Vehicle was taken for a routine general maintenance, and the mechanic noticed that left upper ball joints wore out prematurely. *ak
While driving 35 MPH front driver's side wheel fell off. Dealer stated the upper ball joints failed. Driver was able to regain control, and pulled off the road.
1998 dodge durango. Ball joints defective.
While driving at any speed vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. Driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. Mechanic determined that both frontal upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced.
Consumer inquiry as to why dodge durangos were only recalled to the 2000 model for the front end ball joints.****no answer required***. *mr
Dodge durango slt 1998 4x4 driving stability degraded. Electronic diagnostics at repair shop showed front steering out of spec: "value is not within specification. Tier wear, handling and safety problems may result." replacement of front ball joints was required. Vehicle only has 56,000 miles.
Request response from the federal safety agency re a recall for 1998-99 durangos have same problem as 2000-2003. Upper ball joints reply to brookfield dist. Office. *bf the consumer stated he suffered upper and lower ball joint failure on his vehicle, however his vehicle was not included in the recall.
Consumer have a 1998 dodge durango,with ball joints problem and had to replace the whole front end. *bf the consumer believes the older models should also be recalled.
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
1998 dodge durango developed problems with the front hub assembly and the upper and lower ball joints.***no answer required***. *mr in the year 2000 the consumer had the rear differential totally replaced.
While driving 40 MPH, the vehicle jerked and vibrated uncontrollably. The driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle and pulled over. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that both frontal upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced. Please provide further details.
The wheel separated on my 1998 dogde durango due to a ball joint. I had to have 3 ball joints replace because of them being extremely unstable. The accident cause other damage to my vehicle immediately following incident. I wan not hurt and I did not hit anyone but it coasted me thousands to fix all of the damage.
All four of the vehicle's ball joints had to be replaced. *nm the consumer was told his vehicle was not a part of the recall. *jb the consumer stated that his 1998 durango is no different from his wifes 2000 durango. The consumer stated that the 1998-1999 vehicle should be listed in the recall because they have the same problem. *tc
The vehicle's upper and lower ball joints failed. The consumer wants to know why the manufacturer excluded 1998 durangos when it has the same problem as 2000-03 model years. *bf *nm *sc *tc
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.
Dodge durango 1998 upper and lower ball joints failure. Consumer wants to know why wouldn't a recall be issued on the 98 vehicles but only for the 2000-03 models. *bf the consumer had to have the upper and lower ball joints replaced on her vehicle at a cost of 1500.00.
Worn upper ball joints on my 1998 dodge durango. Were replaced by myself because of no recall and now they have a recall for 2000 through 2003. The durango should have been included on this since it wore out at around 60,000 miles. Dodge can only say they are sorry but it is not on the recall.
1998 dodge durango has same problem as 2000-2003 dakotas/durangos, upper and lower ball joints replaced.
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.
1998 dodge durango. Replaces lower ball joints two years ago ($500+). Now after 75000 total miles I have to replace the upper ball joint and tie rods. Dodge did not extend their recall back far enough. The only go back to year 2000 models.
Consumer complained about upper ball joints problem. Consumer took the vehicle to a repair shop to have the wheels aligned, and fond out that the ball joints were very loose in the socket.
There is a popping noise and shaking from the front of the vehicle when making turns. Took vehicle to dealer for check up, and results showed that the upper ball joints needed to be replaced otherwise, the wheels could fall off. Dealer will repair at consumer's expense.
Complaint received via e-mail. I have a 1998 ball joints, and that the car is unsafe. I figured they were just trying to make money for another job. I went directly to my neighborhood shop to see what they said and they agreed. Dodge knew that this is a problem. Also, a cash cow to them at $1500.00. I have driven this vehicle gently and only had high 50000 miles at the time of repair. 1998 durango should be included in this recall.*ak the consumer stated that the oil pump failed and the tranny failed. The intake gasket manifold failed and consumed 1 qt of oil in two days. The vehicle uses excessive anti freez. The crank shaft was replaced as well as connecting rod and bearings. The consumer stated that the vehicle had to many problems and dealer knew of the problems beforehand. Four ball joints have been replaced.
My 1998 odge durango 4x4 sltt was very difficult to keep on the road. It seemed to be driving sideways. I was very alarmed and took it to the goodyear dealership in cedartown, georgia. The goodyear dealership said the balljoints were dangerously worn and must be replaced immmeadiatly. I took it to my personal mechanic and he also said the ball joints and tierod ends had to be replaced bearings were very dangerous and must be replaced because the car was unsafe to drive. He advised me to contact the dodge dealership due to a recall. The dodge dealership said the recall only included 2000-2003 4x4 durangos. I have no choice but to replace the ball joints and tierod ends because it is unsafe to drive. I feel that the dodge chrysler corporation should be responsible for the cost of the parts and service fees as well as labor to fix this dangerous condition on my dodge durango.I would appreciate any help in resolving this matter. This could have been a life threatening condition, and I feel the dodge corporation should be aware of the problem and help to resolve and recall cars of this make and model due to the fact that the 1998 model has similar defects as the 2000-2003 models have which have been already recalled.
1998 dodge durango - I purchased a 1998 dodge durango from branfoird dodge 2 years ago. The dosge had 50,000 miles and now has 71,500 miles. The upper and lower ball joints are bad and the control arms and joints need to be replaced. I have been in contact with dodge since the investigation was in place about this issue. Dodge is telling me that only the 2000-2003 models are covered under the recall and my truck is out of warranty! Why wouldn't the 1998 & 1999 be covered as well seeing that there have been several issues and accidents with pictures due to ball joint failure on the 1999 & 1998 durangos. Who do I call and for assistance on this problem that has a bill of over $1,000 dollars. Please reply with attorneys involved with matters such as this one. Charles t pilotti 15 taylor ave east haven, ct 06512 cell: 203‑623‑1905 dodge ref # 12994028.
Ball joints had to be replaced in my 1998 durango in 2002. I kept hearing popping noises from the front wheels when I turned into a parking space or came to a stop sign.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1998 Dodge Durango?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history