2001 Dodge Durango: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed May 5, 2015 · Suspension · 195,000 miles · UT

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge durango. While driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle shook. When the steering wheel was turned in either direction, there was an abnormal grinding noise coming from the front wheels. The failure recurred continuously. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the front ball joints failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 04v596000 (suspension). The approximate failure mileage was 195,000.

Filed Oct 16, 2014 · Brakes, Suspension · 225,000 miles · CA

Prior to the hub freezing up the SUV was making a squeaky noise in the front end this later turned into a clunking noise and the car would sway when ever there were lane changes especially noticeable at hwy speeds 55 to 65 MPH and driving over the lane marker caps on the freeway. This then developed into a metal to metal grinding noise from the front end prior to the wheel assembly right front passenger side separating inverting underside car chassis.

Filed Nov 14, 2011 · Engine · 127,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge durango. The contact stated that she heard a loud clunking and grinding noise coming from the vehicle and felt vibration when she accelerated. Also, the check engine warning light was illuminated and there was an evap control system leak. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who informed the contact that the drive shaft failed and needed to be replaced. No repairs were performed. The current mileage was 131,000 and the approximate failure mileage was 127,000.

Filed Jul 17, 2008 · Suspension · DE

My car was squeaking for a couple of weeks and then the wheel fell off and the repair shop had to fix the ball joint and said I needed the other side done too. 2 weeks later I had the other side fixed.

Filed Dec 17, 2004 · Suspension · GA

I have a 2001 dodge durango. It was making a squeaking noise around the driver side front tires. I took in to my local dealer. They kept my car for 4 days and replaced the sway bar bushings and the suspension. They then told me that it didn't rectify the problem; therefore, they would keep an open ticket on this and if anything came up similar to my problem they would notify me. Well, the noise has gotten worse, and we have seen numerous things on the news about the upper ball joints. My husband then called them, and they said they had no such problem, and no open tickets or record of my brining in the car. I have 2 children and numerous nieces and nephews who are with me. I am afraid that something might happen. I don't feel this is right when you pay a fortune for a car. I think it should be safe.

Filed Jun 8, 2004 · Suspension · 41,814 miles · IL

Loud squeaking under the front end, and the vehicle would become very unstable after hitting a bump in the road. The vehicle would actually bounce in different directions after hitting a large bump. Turning the wheel there was a popping noise in the wheel and steering wheel. At 41,000 miles, both of the front upper ball joints had to be replaced for "excessive wear". The dealership told me that most ball joints don't look this bad until you've hit well over 100k. We do not go 4-wheeling in our durango, we do not drive recklessly. This vehicle is owned by an amputee who usually only drives it on the highway. This cost us over $1,000 to fix, as chrysler would not help. This is a known issue, and chrysler has not issued a tsb or recall on it because supposedly not enough people have complained.

Filed May 12, 2004 · Suspension · 65,000 miles · UT

A squeaking noise was heard from under the front of the vehicle when turning. While driving on the a bumpy freeway vehicle pulled to the left when it went over a bump. Vehicle was taken to a dealership, who indicated that the front upper ball joints had prematurely worn out which caused the front tires to wear.

Filed Apr 18, 2004 · Electrical, Lights · NY

In march of 2001 I bought a 2001 dodge durango 4x4 the first year was great , then despite the fact that I took my vehicle in evey 3000 mi. For whatever was manufacturer recommended maintenance , and the dealers 27 point inspection, the front brakes were suddenly completely shot and cost in excess of $450 to repair last june I believe , right after getting serviced and a front end alignment ,I drove to work , attempted to shut off vehicle, and it refused the engine sped up , the lights flashed , the gauges went wild, and it finally died. Day after day they cept telling me they didnt know what the problem was ,after a week of being worked on the dealership informed me the starter had "gone" and it would be 24 to 48 hours before they could get one about the same time the front end started to make a strange grinding noise while backing up while turning....they still havent figured out this one.....but im wondering if it is a balljoint issue also after several of the regularly schedueled services I complained that there was fluid left on my driveway. I was told that it was run off from the frame of some of the old oil,....now after it is out of warranty,they finally found the leak....the power steering rack is leaking oh and I almost forgot, when I first got this vehicle, the left rear brake light didnt always work...after 4 or 5 attempts to get it repaired , I had a mechanic friend of mine look it over ...in less than 5 minutes he told me the contacts in the housing were defective ....I got the dealership to check into it and they replaced it and it has been fine ever since this vehicle has always had its manufacturers recommended services at the interval required , it was very expensive to buy , and to maintain, it only has 40,000 mi. On it , and looks great, but appearntly it is a money pitt and death trap all rolled into one!!

Filed Mar 5, 2004 · Suspension · MA

When either turning the steering wheel to the right or left there would be a grinding or crunching noise coming from the front. Noise could be heard when backing up or going forward. Vehicle had not been taken to dealership to be checked out.

Filed Mar 4, 2004 · Suspension · 60,026 miles · VA

While driving on highway the front end started grinding. Two miles down the road the left front wheel locked up and vehicle went into a skid. After safely maneuvering to the emergency lane the driver got out and found that the wheel had completely colapsed and would not turn at all. The vehicle was towed to a dodge dealership and upon inspection, it was found that the bearing had disintegrated. The inner ring of the inside bearing had seized to the spindle. The only thing holding the wheel on was the brake caliper. After replacing the drivers side assembly the dealership checked the passenger side and found it to be loose as well. It would have soon done the same thing. This vehicle only has 60k miles on it and this should not have happened. Fortunately the driver was able to control the vehicle safely off the road, however it could have resulted in a roll over or worse, death.

Filed Mar 4, 2004 · Suspension · 30,000 miles · TX

We noticed a squeaking in the front-end while our 2001 dodge durango was under warranty. Took to dodge dealership in brownfield, texas, and mechanic could not duplicate the sound. Said we probably were hearing vibrations from cd's in the side-door pockets. Car now has 60k miles, and over last 10k miles or so, have noticed four things 1) front end making popping sound, like a joint pop on your ankle or something and 2) when turning sharply, vehicle bounces like the wheel was out of round, 3) uneven wear on front tires, especially on left side, and 4) vehicle less stable when hitting bumps as steering tends to move back and forth. Tried to get a mechanic to check last weekend in lubbock, but could not get vehicle into shop due to their workload. Family member told us that durango's were on the news about what appears to be the same problem. We will be scheduling a visit with a dealership. I hope we don't lose a tire, as we are minimum of 30 miles from a dealership. The consumer took vehicle to a dealership and was informed that the upper and the upper control bushing needed to be replaced because they were worn. The next day after part were replaced there is still a popping and squeaking noise in the front end of the truck.

Filed Feb 24, 2004 · Suspension · 37,500 miles · MI

While driving consumer heard a loud squeaking noise coming from the right rear ball joint. The dealerships mechanic was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak