2001 Dodge Durango: rotors or pads wearing out early

Filed Feb 13, 2013 · Suspension · 124,127 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge durango. The contact stated that the front passenger's side tire was becoming prematurely worn due to defective tie rods. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic, who inspected the vehicle and advised that there was excessive wear in the upper and lower ball joints that had separated from the tie rod. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue, who stated there was a recall for the failure but the contact's the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 04v596000 (suspension). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 124,127. Updated 3/13/13

Filed Dec 2, 2004 · Brakes, Suspension · NV

Dodge dealer indicated that both upper and lower ball joints on both front tires needed to be replaced due to premature wear. He stated the car is dangerous to drive because the wheels could fall off. My car has always had problems with its wheels. I have replaced the rotors twice and had to by tires sooner than I should have due to premature and uneven wear even though I had my tires rotated and realigned frequently. When we first purchased the car in made really strange noises at the front wheels. We took it in to the dealership to get fixed. The car jumpy when I go over rough areas of a road. It seems to bounce in all different directions. I have to be very conscious when going over uneven roads or I might loss control of the steering. I feel that dodge should cover the cost of repairing the ball joints. I feel it is a manufacturers defect. None of my other cars have ever had this problem and I have a ford ranger with 210,000 miles on it and it is used for off road driving.

Filed Jun 3, 2004 · Brakes · 8,220 miles · IL

My wife and I own a 2001 dodge durango slt. Great car but very dangerous and remarkably obvious design flaw in the front rotors. We currently have 30,000 miles on or durango and I 'm getting ready to put the third set of rotors on the front end. The first changed set was put on after only 9200 miles. Of course at the dealership you get the blah, blah about how it is a normal wear and tear item. Which I agree it is;however, it is not normal today or yesterday for any rotor on any vehicle to warp so badly after only 8000 miles of use. Rotors warp from excessive heat buildup-> that is a fact. I did further research through various dodge dealerships. Of the five respective dealerships contacted all five agreed that the rotors are undersized and are pre-maturely wearing on all dodge durangos, but they couldn't do anything about. When I changed the rotors after only 8000 miles I was fairly surprised to see almost no wear on the front brake pads. Regardless of this small amount of wear I decided to replace the front pads with new high end ceramic pads which help with reducing heat by helping dissipate heat through the ceramic media. At 17,000 miles warped rotors on the front end again, ceramic pads looked great. I do not pull a boat/ rv or anything else on my vehicle. I live in flat corn country not colorado with excessive mountains that would put strain on the braking system. Brakes are the single most important part on any vehicle, and when they are undersized and don't dissipate heat correctly they will warp everytime. There is no doubt that this is a dangerous situation that is not isolated and is prevalent with every 2001 durango. I hope I'm not wasting my fingers time and that this has some impact on dodge, so that they may right this wrong and get recall performed before someone or more people are killed and injured from this condition.

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 Mar 29, 2004 · Suspension · 57,753 miles · WI

I would like to file a claim regarding my 2001 dodge durango 4x4. I have experienced problems with the upper and lower ball joints on my durango. Both the upper and lower ball joints were so worn out the truck would not go down the highway straight. The ball joints were both located on the passenger side. I have since had them replaced. The truck had only 59,000 miles on it. I feel this is premature wear and is a faulty design. I have seen the investigation on tv and feel this should be a recalled item. It has affected alot of vehicles from 1998-2003, why has no one forced a recall yet? This is clearly a safety issue, if the front wheels fly off, or you cant keep the vehicle going in a straight line, it is a safety issue and dodge should be forced to correct it immediatly.

Filed Mar 24, 2004 · Brakes · 80,000 miles · NY

The vehicle's rotors warped prematurely. As a result the owner had to replace them every 8,000 miles the cause has yet to be determined. Please provide any additional information.

Filed Mar 16, 2004 · Suspension · 40,365 miles · MD

Premature wear on both front ball joints. Right side upper and lower wore prematurely. Left upper wore prematurely. Seals were intact. Vehicle has 40k miles. Dodge durango 2001.

Filed Mar 5, 2004 · Suspension · 39,500 miles · NC

During a vehicle inspection it was found that the upper ball joints on the right side had to be replaced due to premature wear.

Filed Dec 11, 2003 · Steering, Suspension · 70,500 miles · CA

Had to replace upper & lower ball joints in my 2001 durango after replacing prematurely worn out tires, dealer said it would cost close to $1,000 since I am 1,000 miles over my warranty. Also had to replace power steering pump at a cost of $600 don't know if this is a result of the defective ball joints however.

Filed Dec 2, 2003 · Steering, Suspension · 50,000 miles · TX

I own a 2001 dodge durango. In 2002 I had to have the whole power steering rack and pump replaced. N september of this year I was informed the ball joints are bad. Apparently they have prematurely worn out.

Filed Dec 1, 2003 · Suspension · 33,900 miles · VA

Vehicle failed state inspection due to premature wear of upper and lower ball joints. Prior to the inspection, the vehicle was serviced several times for front end noise by the dealership.

Filed Nov 2, 2003 · Steering, Suspension · 47,153 miles · MA

Replacement of left upper ball joint, control arm and left outer tie rod at 47,000 due to premature wear.