My 1998 dodge durango VIN [xxx], now needs a third ball joint replacement. Why was not the 1998 model year recalled for this problem like the 2000-2003 model years? Certainly three failures of this component in 72,000 miles is a safety defect and should be included in a recall. Please review 1998 model years for inclusion in the recall.*ak updated 07/24/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)
1998 Dodge Durango suspension complaints
Page 5 of 19: complaints 101 to 130 of 540, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I own a 98 durangos has same problem as 2000-2003, ball joints problems.consumer wants to know why did the recall exclude the 1998-99? *bf the consumer stated that this will be the second time replacing the ball joints in this vehicle in 80000 miles.
I am filing this complaint after hearing of all the ball joint failures on durangos and the recall on 2000-2003 model vehicles. My durango is a 1998 model and I am about to replace the ball joints for a second time at 80,000 miles as I am getting the dreaded clunking noise again. I use my durango for normal driving and have never seen this type of failure in a vehicle. I was raised in detroit and know something about cars. I also don't understand why the recent recall does not go back to the original model year as the same parts and failure modes appear to be prevalent in 1998 and 1999 models. I'm hoping something will be done as I cannot afford to be changing ball joints more often than my tires and brakes, not to mention the safety risk.
Ball joint failure.
The consumer heard a clicking noise coming from the front of the vehicle while making a turn. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer and results showed that the upper ball joints needed to be replaced.
A recall (04v596000) for the upper ball joints has been issued for dodge durango models 2000 -2003, however the consumer has the 1998 model and is experiencing the same defect. Please provide additional information.
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
Wheel fell off durango, due to defective ball joints.
Noticed suspension noise in front. Dealer identified damaged upper ball joints and replaced them both.
Consumer complained about a steering problem. He took vehicle to dealer for service, and it was determined that the ball joints wore out and loosened.
Suspension; left and right upper and lower ball joints required replacement. Worn so badly that garage unable to complete front end alignment. Vehicle mileage 132,848.
No injuries yet, but the ball joints went bad 3 years after purchase in 1998. Have complained many times and recall has been issued starting for 2000 models, however, mine is 1998.
Consumer complained about a steering problem. She went to get the car inspected, and a steering problem was determined due to the ball joints.
When I had my 1998 dodge durango inspected this past summer they informed me that my wheels were about to come off in the front of my truck. They told me that to pass the inspection and for also due to the fact that the wheels would probably fall off within a month, that I have my front upper ball joints replaced. I waited until now to file this complaint because the dodge dealership that a recall was in the process for the ball joints. I was pleased to hear about the recall from dodge, however enraged when I heard that they are only for 2000-04 models, how it makes any sence besides trying to be cost effective is beyond me. The ball joints as I was told by the dodge dealership and by my local mechanic are the exact same in my 98 dodge durango as they are in the 2000 models.
Upper and lower ball joints worn and needed to be replaced. Luckily this was found by a mechanic and they were replaced before they failed. However, this was done after the warranty period at considerable cost to myself.
A loud knocking was heard coming from rear. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer, and mechanic determined that both front d upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced due to corrosion.
Consumer stated vehicle experienced the same problem as mentioned in the recall regarding the ball joints. Consumer contacted dodge three to five months ago. However she was told the recall was for the 2000-2003 1/2 models.
The upper and lower ball joints were replaced twice. There was a recall on the dodge durango. Consumer contacted the dealer and manufacturer. Consumer stated they will not do anything to help.
At very low speeds, such as pulling in or out of driveway, can feel and hear popping noises through the floor boards. Also, the steering wheel would be very loose; it takes about two inches before steering wheel is actually able to be turned. Have taken vehicle to mechanic and was informed that upper and lower ball joints, on all wheels, are worn out and need to be replaced.
1998 dodge durango with left turn steering problems. Shop greased the cv joints but now is telling me because of bad design that is the same as what is happening with 2000-2003 I have to spend $1,150 on new upper and lower ball joints.
I own an 1998 durango that required all the ball joints to be replaced at relatively low mileage. The mechanic felt they were ready to collapse. According to chrysler the ball joints are the same design as those currently being recalled on later models. Why aren't 98 and 99 model year durangos being recalled?
Dodge dealer reported that ball joints on 1998 dodge durango have excessive wear and require replacement. The quote to replace exceeded $2000 and I was told at the time that the recall was pending. I am the original owner, vehicle mileage is 76,898. Vin is [xxx]. I see that the recall is for 2000 through 2003 and that warranty on 2000 thru 2003 models was extended to 100,000 miles for ball joints. Is there any recourse? Isn't this the same suspension design as the 2000 model? I also replaced the rear axle in 2003 following a total failure resulting in rear locking up and shearing the u-joint and dropping the drive shaft while driving. Replacement cost exceeded $3000 and I was told at the time that this is a known problem with durango's as well. *jb updated 07/24/2012* js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)
Consumer heard a knocking noise coming from the front. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that both driver's side and passenger's side upper ball joints needed to be replaced. Consumer informed the dealer that this problem occurred more than once, and had not been resolved.
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.
Upper ball joints were making grinding noise when the vehicle turned at low speeds causing the tires to shake. Dealer repaired vehicle twice, but consumer will wait for repairs for the third time.
Vehicle was making noise from the front and performing inadequately was taken to the mechanic, who determined that ball joints were defective.
For about 1 1/2 years I have noticed a popping sound coming form my front end when I am going slow or turning. I have had it checked out and have been told that it is my upper ball joints. I looked and I could see that the rubber bushing has worn out around the ball joint. The condition seems to be getting worse, with my front end vibrating and the popping and cracking sound increasing. I know about the recall for years 2000+ dodge durango's, and now I think that mine should be included also.
I bought a new set of tires at a local tire store, and was informed by the front end alighnment mechanic that I had (3) ball joints that were bad. The upper right side was at the point of seperation at any time. He suggested I take it to the dodge dealership, which I did and they said that all (4) balljoints were bad. I asked if it was a recall, they said it was under investigation the cost to repair was to be $ 825.00, and to hold the bill for possible reimburment. I could not afford for them to do the repairs, I went back to the tire store and had the repairs made by them. See now that the 1998 up durangos are in question, mine is a 1998 year model. I expect to be repaid the $$$ spent for these repairs.*ak thank you, larry isley
The federal safety agency recently advised daimlerchrysler to issue a recall on 2000-2003 dodge durangos and dakotas concerning the ball joint(s) separating, resulting in the wheel falling off. Please consider expanding this suggested recall to include earlier models. I own a 1998 durango that had the exact same problem, although I caught it before something horrible happened. To say that the ball joints were bad would be the understatement of the year - I have worked on vehicles for years, pickup trucks in particular. I have never seen anything like this - the ball joint fell out of the housing.
1) ABS and brake lights came on, whining noise from front end 2) dealer determined ball joints in front and wheel bearings in serious shaped, laughed at how I was just driving on the highway since the likelihood of the wheels falling off was so high.*ak 3. Dealer installed 2 hub brakes, bearings in front ($1025.30 cost) and overhauled rear differential, bearings worn and excessive movement in pinion ($924.48). * now I hear the federal safety agency has discovered this on 00-03 durangos (mine is a 98) and wants chrysler to recall them. I paid all this money to correct a problem even the federal government says is chrysler's fault. They should give me at least a credit for future repairs.
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