Our 1998 dodge durango made a lot of creaking noises in the front when we drove it. We replaced the brakes (through goodyear not dodge) with no improvement. Finally we paid to replace the front ball joints through dodge. A few weeks ago we saw a tv report about durango front ball joint failures, we feel very lucky that we did not have a failure, but feel that dodge was not honest to us that there was a known problem, especially one that could cause safety prolems. The goodyear store certainly did not know about the ball joint issue!*ak we hope for a recall to prevent anyone from getting hurt.
1998 Dodge Durango suspension complaints
Page 8 of 19: complaints 191 to 220 of 540, newest first, as owners wrote them.
While driving at high speeds vehicle shook, causing the driver to slow down. Consumer contacted dealership, and mechanic determined that the upper ball joints wore out prematurely.
Rotors and pads were replaced every 13.000 miles. The last time vehicle was repaired the rotors/pads were replaced. Consumer stated brakes were replaced four times. Also, upper ball joints were replaced at 50.000 miles.
Repeated starter replacement. *ph the starter was defective and was replaced. The ball joints also had to be replaced.
I am the original owner of a 1998 dodge durango with 69000 miles. My passenger side front wheel is making a clicking sound anytime that I turn the vehicle. I have discussed this with a local mechanic. He in formed that he has had this complaint before and has determined it to be the upper ball joints. I have called plaza dodge in holiday florida in which they informed me that there is no recall on this issue. I will be getting this looked into further to have it repaired by my mechanic. I have read many reports since being informed of this problem and I am concerned for all owners of this vehicle and the dakota. This problem could become life threatening if not corrected.
1998 dodge durango slt v-8, front tire just about fell off while driving, ball joint problem of course. We have 5 children and I thank god they were not in the car. I have seen so many of these complaints, what is the problem , why is there no recall yet. Does there have to be death involved before something is done. These u.s .car dealers want our business but they wont stand behind their product, its no wonder everyone seems to be buying imports. There repair parts may cost alittle more, but these cars seem to be more reliable. I have owned an import and had great luck with it. In fact it still runs and its a 1992. Obviously chrysler needs to start doing something about these complaints, please we trusted this company enough to buy this $$$$$$ truck , and would buy another, but not if you wont stand behind the product. Maybe we should try a ford, alot of people seem to like them.
While vehicle being inspected upper ball joints fell off. No injuries reported. *ak brakes were pulsating when vehicle trying to stop. It was found that rotors were out of round. Dealer replaced rotors. Vehicle doesn't start occasionally after being driven for a short time. No faults on test found; therefore, dealer couldn't duplicate problem. In addition, molding on windows, doors, and bumper.
The consumer drove the vehicle to the dealer for inspection and the mechanic placed the vehicle on a diagnostic machine for analysis. The mechanic determined that the upper and lower ball joints needed replacing. *ak the consumer had taken the vehicle in for repairs in light of the national publicity concerning the defective ball joints. There was excessive play in the front shocks which leaked oil. The control arms and the ball joints were replaced. *sc
While driving 55 MPH a loud knocking noise was heard coming from the passenger side wheel. Consumer was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that both upper and lower ball joints needed replacing.*ak ball joints failed on both front and rear suspension. *la
While driving at 55 MPH, the consumer heard a roaring sound coming from the front. Also, when turning corners, there was a clicking sound coming from the front wheel hub. The dealer examined the vehicle, but was unable to resolve the problem. *ak *sc
Consumer complained about a transmission problem. Vehicle hesitated when driving. *ak the front differential pin failed and seized to the pinion shaft the upper and lower ball joints were replaced.
An independent mechanic replaced the upper and lower ball joints and the wheel bearings due to failure. *jb mechanic said that the ball joints failed prematurely. The failure of the wheel bearings occurred three weeks after replacement of ball joints. Tires were destroyed due to the failure of wheel bearings.
Consumer stated that vehicle was driving as if it needed an alignment. But when she took vehicle to dealer, and mechanic determined that suspension system malfunctioned. Also, ball joints cracked in half. Consumer was told that if she hit a hard bump front tires would have fallen off. Consumer never received recall or any warning.
I had my 1998 dodge durango checked by my mechanic after a friend had told me of the new story regarding ball joint failure. Indeed the mechanic said both ball joints were in terrible condition and required replacement. The mechanic stated that it was very unusual to have to replace this part at such a low mileage, 72,000 miles, but that it is very dangerous to be driving the vehicle in the condition the parts are in. I feel this should be a recall item as there appears to be numerous incidences of this part failing prematurely.
Today I took my 1998 dodge durango (VIN-1bhs28y6wf132671) for the yearly virginia safety inspection. The vehicle was taken to dominion dodge in salem, virginia where I purchased the vehicle new in 1998.shortly after my arrival and notifiing the service manager what I was there for, he came and told me that my right lower ball joint was "bad" and needed replacement, and he was well aware that this facility had replaced 3 of them april 2002. Including this one that needed replacing 2 years later, 11,203 miles since replaced. When these were replaced in april 2002 the same inferior parts were installed as when the vehicle was bought new!! So this vehicle has a total of 41,780 as of today and I am stating to put a second set of ball joints on my dodge durango! When are you people going to do something??
1998 durango premature ball joint failure. My durango required ball joint replacement 13 months after the original purchase of this new vehicle, and for over the last year I have noticed that the problem has returned. I'd like to get the problem fixed, but I'd like to see if you are going to recall them. They really need to be recalled.
Consumer complained about a ball joint problem which was affecting the wear of the tires. *ak consumer seeks reimbursement for repairs on ball joints and replacement of tires.
I have a 1998 dodge durango and was told that I needed new ball joints on the front of the truck. I had heard there is an investigation going on due to so many complaints on the ball joints in the 1998 to 2003 durangos. If I had not taken it in for a routine oil change this would not have been caught and there would have been an accident. The reason it was caught was the service consultant at dodge asked if I had checked the front end alignment lately. I said no and told him to check it. He called back with the ball joint problem that will now cost me $1800.00. It is very strange that they asked to check my front end alignment with an investigation going on.
The dealer replaced upper and lower ball joints on both sides if my 1998 dodge durango in jan 2003. Vehicle had 69572 miles. Cost to repair was $2540.64. This complaint is in reference to the federal safety agency defect investigation of dodge durango front end problems and ball joint separation the federal safety agency action number: pe03032
I had heard about a program aired on t.v. Regarding the upper ball joints going bad prematurely on the dodge durango. I took my vehicle to my regular mechanic to have it checked. I was told that both the upper and lower ball joints were bad. I made an appointment and had them replaced at a dodge dealer. I was told that since there was not an official recall, I would have to pay for it. My life and that of my family were at jeopardy and I believe I should be fully reimbursed for the costs associated with repairing the vehicle.
1998 dodge durango upper and lower ball joints failed, requiring replacement. Vehicle was out of warranty by approximately 10,000 miles. Repairs performed at local non-dealer shop.
During a routine inspection dealerships informed the consumer that upper ball joints wore out. Consumer was not experiencing any problems at this time. The dealership did not resolve the problem. *ak
Consumer has concerns for the numerous repairs and the safety of the vehicle. (nar) *ph the vehicle's left lower ball joint (three times), right inner tie rod (twice), left inner tie rod, left upper ball joint and right upper ball joints had to be replaced. The ball joint and tie rod problems caused steering and suspension problems. The consumer request reimbursement for all the tire rod and ball joint repairs.
Had to replace both upper and lower ball joints in my 1998 dodge durango at my expense, even though dodge knew there was a problem.
I own a 98 dodge durango slt 4x4. Within 1000 miles after I purchased the vehicle at 57,648 miles, a minor popping noise developed in the front of the vehicle, approximately in the area of the front left wheel. The noise recently got so bad that we took it to the dodge dealership to have it diagnosed and fixed (at 80,000 miles). Upper and lower balls joints were blamed. Chrysler volunteered to cover the cost of fixing the lower ball joints, but would not cover the upper ball joints. Due to financial constraints and the refusal of our private warranty company to cover the cost of fixing the upper ball joints, we did not have the upper ball joints replaced. The popping noise is much louder now and my wife and I are very concerned about carrying our family in this vehicle. I have never had a vehicle have ball joints ware out so quickly, even after 100,000 miles.
I have a 1998 dodge durango with 98,000 miles on it and will now have to have the ball joints replaced for the second time. The first time was when the truck had about 45,000 miles on it (august 2000). Then I had to have the bushings on the steering bracket replaced in april 2002. Then the squeaking and popping noises returned in january 2004 and have gotten worse. I finally took it to a dealer here in raleigh, nc and they said the ball joints are bad again. The dealer said that someone actually pierced the boots and tried to lube the ball joints. It is my understanding that these dodge ball joints are the non-greasable kind. What is being done to get dodge to acknowledge this obvious faulty part and begin a recall of it. I'm out over $1,500 because of these faulty ball joints. I would appreciate any information that you have on this issue.
Upper and lower ball joint wore out to soon.
1998 dodge durango with complete upper and lower ball joint failure and control arm failure. Repaired at owner expense at local independent repair shop. Ball joints worn to point of unsafe to drive the vehicle despite only 82,000 miles.
Just had ball joints done *840$ next day shock is blown out @45,454 miles now another 80$ and a stain in my new drivewy.
While driving between 55 to 60 MPH the consumer hears a loud noise then temporarily lost control of the vehicle. The consumer was able to pull out of the road and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The technician determined the lower ball joint separated.
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