1998 Dodge Durango: whining or grinding noise

Filed Dec 10, 2004 · Brakes, Suspension · 73,366 miles · VT

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.

Filed Dec 10, 2003 · Engine · 53,369 miles · KS

While driving 65 MPH vehicle stalled. Driver restarted the vehicle and drove it to the dealer for analysis. The mechanic could not resolve the problem. *ak vehicle was taken to the dealer for seat release failure, whining noise in reverse, and knocking sounds while accelerating. Mechanic test drove the vehicle and noticed a loose and wobbly steering wheel. He replaced upper ball joint and left upper control arm.

Filed Sep 15, 2003 · Transmission · LA

Whining noise coming from rear. Took to dodge dealership. Needs complete rear end rebuild. $1300-$1500 estimate. Only 63k miles. Apparently it's a design defect by dodge.

Filed Jan 31, 2003 · Transmission · 52,000 miles · IN

I have a 1998 dodge durango with 52,000 miles on it. This past week I noticed a high pitched whine from the rear differential. I have taken the vehicle to the original dealer in corydon, indiana. That I have purchased 2 other vehicles from. They are telling me that I am responsible for either all the cost of repairs, or that they might be able to get chrysler to pay half. I think this extremely unfair. I have had rear differential vehicles with well over 100,000 miles that are still moving with no differential failures. When is someone going to make these car companies stand behind there product. Thanks, for your time. Rlc.

Filed Nov 23, 2001 · Transmission · TX

While driving the vehicle, a loud whining sound was heard coming from the rear of the durango. After verifying the tire pressure was correct and attempting to make sure that the 4wd was not engaged, the whining sound became louder. I took the vehicle in for service to a dealer in north richland hills, tx (a suburb of fort worth). The service advisor was sure that the rear differential needed to be changed and all would be fine. After servicing the differential the service advisor contacted me to let me know that the problem still existed. After further investigation the dealer found that the "ring and pinon set, and cup and cones" needed to be replaced ( this is the ring and pinon gear, the pinon seal, and the side bearing that support the differential case). The estimated cost for this repair was $1323.08. I reminded the service advisor that a 1998 dodge durango with 47333 miles should not have this problem and why should I pay for this repair since I believe that the rear differential problem is a manufacture defect. The service advisor told me that there was nothing that he could do and he suggested I call dodge customer service. After speaking to dodge customer service three times, they "reviewed" my situation. Since I did not have any extended warranty, dodge offered to pay half of the repair cost as a "good will gesture". In the end, the rear differential was repaired at a cost to me of $502.28. The total cost of the repair was $1004.56 and with dodge's "good will gesture" the repair cost me out of pocket $502.28. However, after reviewing the numerous complaints listed on this site I feel more strongly that there is a defect in the rear differential of this vechicle.

Filed Nov 16, 2001 · Transmission · NY

A loud howling noise was heard coming from the rear of the vehicle. Took the vehicle to the repair shop where I was told that the rear axle bearings and possibly differential ring and pinion were bad. I was advised by my mechanic to go back to the dealer since this was an original equipment material and workmanship defect obvious by the low (22,000) mileage on the vehicle that looks like the day it came out of the showroom. This vehicle has never been used off-road. I received no satisfaction from the dealer and was told since the vehicle is 9 months out of warranty that I was responsible for repair costs. I strongly disagree. There are several other complaints listed in this section with the same problem I experienced and I've been told by an expert that the rear differential in this vehicle has a serious design defect involving the ring and pinion not being capable of handle the forces imposed by the drivetrain of this vehicle. Repair costs are estimated at $1500 - $2000. Chrysler/dodge should step forward and admit a design flaw exists. I will fight this in court if I have to. Dodge, you should be ashamed of yourself for not fessing up to this.

Filed Sep 17, 2001 · Brakes, Steering · MA

This vehicle has had major component breakdowns since purchase. Initially, immediately after purchase there was a clicking sound in the steering column. The dealer indicated that there was a tsb and replaced steering column. The second problem occurred in february 2000, some three months after purchase. We began to notice a significant pulsing in the brake pedal. The dealer attributed this to ABS brakes. Several months later when the pulsing was significantly greater and the braking was being affected, an independent shop reviewed the brakes and indicated that the rotors were severely warped and causing the pulsing sensation. This was repaired out of pocket. In february, 2001 the temperature began fluctuating, spiking higher temperatures causing the check gauge light to illuminate. It would then reset. Hanover dodge, a different dealer indicated that the thermostat housing seal was leaking and replaced the thermostat and gasket. This was paid out of pocket. Approximately ten days later, the radiator had a major failure requiring replacement. This was paid out of pocket in the amount of $610.33. In may, 2001we were alerted to a problem involving the front end. In bringing the vehicle to the dealer, a leak was noticed from the transmission cooler and also and more critically it was determined that the left upper ball joint required replacement as well as the inner tie rods. These repairs were also paid out of pocket in the amount of $923.45. The latest issue arose several weeks ago when a howling sound was noticed coming from the rear of the vehicle. Through research and independent evaluation it has been determined that the rear differential has a design defect whereby the ring and pinion cannot handle the load of the vehicle. I have noted several of the same complaints being made to your organization in this database. We believe that the vehicle we have is defective. Each problem has involved a major component or system.

Filed Mar 1, 2000 · Brakes · CA

Front brakes lock up on ice. Also, there's a bad howling noise when the brakes are applied in cold weather. Dealer found nothing wrong. *ak