I have a concern about the ball joints on my 1998 dodge durango. I had my vehicle's brakes serviced on or about january 2004 at sears automotive in eastpoint mall. I was made aware that my ball joints were bad on my front end, therefore I was not able to get a front end alignment. Later that day, my wife informed me about a cbs news report speaking about the defectsa in the ball joints of dodge durangos and the dodge pickups and how chrysler was not "up to the challenge" to either extend a recall or either offer for owners of these vehicles to voluntarily bring the vehicles to the dealership for a free inspection of the possible defect. I want to make sure that I do not have to pay up to $1500.00 for a defect that chrysler should be responsible for correcting before anyone gets seriously injured or worse!
1998 Dodge Durango suspension complaints
Page 7 of 19: complaints 161 to 190 of 540, newest first, as owners wrote them.
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.
Extreme squeaky noises coming from the front end of the truck. Mechanic said that upper and lower ball joints wore out and this was a very common problem with these suvs. He said that it was likely that there will be a recall on this soon as well.
When driving at any speed, the consumer heard a knocking noise coming from the front of the vehicle. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealership for inspection and the mechanic determined that the left upper ball joints failed. The consumer will have the mechanic replace the upper ball joints. *ak the upper and lower ball joints were undersized at the time of make. This caused the tie rods to fail due to the undue pressure. *sc
The consumer stated the vehicle made a loud clanking noise while backing out of the driveway. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer/mechanic and was told the ball joints failed and the vehicle had a cracked front disc rotor. *ak both lower and right upper ball joints were replaced. *sc
While driving vehicle was swaying from side to side. Consumer had difficulty handling vehicle on the road. Vehicle was serviced, and technician determined that the lower and upper ball joints were worn out and needed to be replaced.
Consumer took the vehicle to the dealership for inspection, and mechanic determined that both upper ball joints failed. Consumer will have the mechanic replace the upper ball joints.
Thank god, we have no "incident" to report.however,if we did not decide to bring our dodge durango in to get the ball joints checked out we may have had a "horrible incident"!!!*ak the repairman said the ball joints were so loose that they could move them around when pulling on the tires. We have three children that ride in this vehicle daily,the tires could have fallen off at any time!!!!!!! This is unacceptable and dodge must be held accountable for their faulty defects.
Vehicle was taken to the dealer for a routine check up and the mechanic determined that both frontal wheels came off and that the upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced. *ak *sc
Upper ball joints wore out prematurely. *ak the problem recurred but have not failed yet. *sc
State inspector noticed that upper and lower ball joints loose rusted, and needed to be replaced. This occurred during a state inspection. *ak the vehvile went throught pennsylvania state inspection. All four ball joints failed inspection.
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
1. Seatbelts, housing repeatedly fell down. Never replaced, service only pulled it back up and the problem continues 2. All four window regulators replaced prior to recall. Now I have one window that will go down. The rest are stuck in the up posiiton. Of course, my warranty is up. 3. Rear differential went out at 63,000. 3,000 past warranty. 4. All four ball joints are bad. Serviceman says unsafe to drive until replaced. Still waiting on a recall. 5. Passenger front seat cover came apart at seams. Service said not covered by warranty. 6. Hood latch does not release hood. My vehicle is now parked and not being driven at 80,000. I do not have and will never have another chrysler product in my drive. I bought this vehicle new and took very good care of it. It seems to be falling apart around me. Seems I have heard stories about the ball joints, wheels coming off, etc. No one killed yet, but no recall yet either I see.
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.
While replacing the front tires,the dealer noticed that the ball joints needed replacement. The dealer indicated to the consumer that he was unable to do the front alignment due to ball joint problem. *ak *sc
The upper and lower ball joints are worn and loose on my 1998 dodge durango. When I discovered this defect I went to 15 used car lots that also had dodge durangos in their inventory and every one either had the same condition or the ball joints were already replaced.
On april 8, 2004, we took our vehicle to the service station for a routine oil change and annual safety inspection. At this time our vechicle had approximately 63,000 miles on it. During the safety inspection, it was noted that all 4 front ball joints were bad. Our mechanic believed this to be premature wear for these parts. As we were leaving on vacation the next day, we took it to the chrysler dealer and paid close to $1,000 to have this defect repaired to protect the safety of our family. Upon further research, we see that there have been other complaints and an investigation into this defect.
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.
Upon inspection, lower ball joints on 1998 dodge durango were found to be rusted, loose, and had to be replaced. Inspection facility indicated they had 4 or 5 other durangos with similar problems, some which resulted in accidents.
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.
Both upper and lower ball joints must be replaced at 66,000 miles which seems very early for a component of this type. The durange has been careflully maintained.
I was bringing my 4 year old daughter to preschool this morning when I hear a thumping noise so I pulled over and noticed my tires were fine. So after I dropped her off at school I decided to take it to the dealership where I bought the car after seeing the program about bad ball joints in durangos. Well after the mechanics inspected my car they told me that if I had hit another bump or pot hole in the road my tires would have snapped off. That is how bad they were. I had no warning except for this morning. So I called diamel chrysler to get them to cover the cost and they said " in good faith" they would fix the ball joints at no cost but would not cover any other damage done by the ball joints going. I could've gotten killed today with my daughter or I could've killed someone else. There should be an immediate recall on the ball joints before someone gets killed. By the ball joints being bad my tires which were new are shot, my hub on both sides needs to be replaced, both shocks and the bearings on both sides. I have to pay over $1,200.00 in damages because of a ball joint.
I have a 98 dodge durango with 72000 miles on it. The lower ball joint failed on the SUV having to replace upper and lower ball joints.
The dealership noticed that the upper and lower ball joints were worn out, and needed to be replaced while performing a 3000 miles warranty service. *ak the factory back ordered the parts. *sc
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.
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