2002 Dodge Durango suspension problems

144 complaints (34% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 44,500. 7 crashes reported.

owner complaints: 144
of this car's complaints: 34%
typical mileage: 44,500
crashes: 7
recalls: 1

Which part fails

Front: control arm: upper ball joint
76
Front: control arm: lower ball joint
30
Front
17
Rear
6
Front: wheel bearing
2
Front: shock absorber
2
Front: control arm: upper arm
2
Rear: springs: leaf spring assembly: leaf
1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k

25k-50k

50k-75k

75k-100k

100k-125k

125k-150k

150k-175k

175k-200k

200k+

Dodge Durango suspension problems in other years

Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 Dodge Durango suspension

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Ball joint 117

Related recalls

Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball jointReported December 21, 2004 · 592,707 vehicles affected

What is wrong: On certain sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks equipped with four-wheel drive (4x4), if moisture leaks into the front suspension upper ball joint, evacuation of the lubricant and corrosion of the joint may cause the joint to wear over an extended period of time. This could cause a clunking noise in the front suspension, which may not always be heard by the vehicle occupants.
Risk: Excessive wear in the upper ball joint may allow it to separate, which could result in loss of control of the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front suspension upper ball joints. This safety improvement campaign began on december 21, 2004. Owners can contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 04V596000 · Recall details

Related investigations

Upper ball joint separationOpened November 19, 2003, closed February 11, 2005

Daimlerchrysler corporation (dcc) is recalling the target population of approximately 600,000 my 2000 through 2003 durango and dakota vehicles with four-wheel drive to replace the front suspension upper ball joints with redesigned parts that do not have the joint integrity concerns and have substantially improved joint retention capacity (the federal safety agency recall no. 04v‑596).though dcc does not admit to a safety-defect in the subject components, odi believes that the facts in this investigation show otherwise.because of the low rates of separation incidents in the remaining subject vehicles, a safety-related defect has not been identified in those populations and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that no safety-related defect exists in those vehicles.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.for additional information, see the attached closing report.

EA03023

Front susp. Upper ball joint failureOpened July 16, 2003, closed November 19, 2003

In july 2003, odi opened pe03-032 based on 4 consumer complaints alleging separation of an upper ball joint.complaints alleged an unexpected collapse in the front end and in some occasions the ball joint separation is alleged to have resulted in the wheel, brake rotor, and steering knuckle separating from the vehicle.since opening the pe, odi has received 23 additional complaints related to ball joint separation. Daimlerchrysler has identified a wearout concern in the subject ball joints that is believed to occur after water intrusion evacuates the joint lubricant.daimlerchrysler does not believe the condition poses an unreasonable risk to safety because the suspension design in the subject vehicles significantly reduces the likelihood of joint separation.over 99 percent of the failures are related to worn ball joints (e.g., noise complaints).daimlerchrysler revised the repair procedure in august 2003 to allow the upper ball joints to be serviced separately from the upper control arm and reduce repair costs. Daimlerchrysler changed the supplier of the subject ball joints from trw to new castle machining & forge for my 2000 vehicles.my 2000 durango vehicles account for 25 of the 37 separation complaints.the upper ball joint was redesigned in my 2003.this investigation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis to further assess the alleged defect in my 2000-02 durango vehicles.

PE03032

What 2002 Dodge Durango owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 23, 2025 · Suspension · TN

I have had my front wheel hub replaced 12 times yet my car isn't part of any recall

Filed Jan 3, 2025 · Suspension · TN

The hub on my 02 Durango has had to be replaced 8 times since I bought it in 2018 but everyone says my car isn't part of recall.

Filed Jul 19, 2018 · Suspension · 165,000 miles · CA

The hub unit broke while driving the car did not want to go it took a long time to move forward and the steering was off. There was a pound clanking noise right after I started to make a left turn and then it broke.

Filed Mar 3, 2017 · Suspension, Transmission · 58,000 miles · FL

When I shift automatic transmission into gear it makes a ticking noise and also when I turn they're always kind of a thump feel to the entire vehicle. I also can take my key out of ignition no matter if its in drive, par, reverse etc...

Filed Jan 10, 2017 · Suspension · 208,453 miles · DE

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge durango. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the upper ball joint fractured and impacted the front passenger side wheel. The contact was able to coast the vehicle cautiously home. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact was not informed of the federal safety agency campaign number: 04v596000 (suspension) until after experiencing the failure. The parts for the repair were unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 208,453. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Jun 24, 2016 · Steering, Suspension · 198,000 miles · PA

Heavy rust buildup on frame behind upper control arm mounts. After removing rust, frame metal is very thin with holes throughout. Possibly leading to flexing & cracking. Definitely reducing crash abilities.

Filed May 12, 2015 · Brakes, Steering · 153,500 miles · NJ

During breaking, steering, and turning, I hear a "clacking" sound and there is a feeling of something sticking. When the SUV is parked on my drive way, I release the hand break and I can hear a strong "clack" sound. I had times where the breaking system was difficult to press. I took the SUV to pep boys and their evaluation shows that it needs upper and lower ball joints, front brakes, and shock and struts. Steering: terrible and extremely difficult to turn (super hard to steer). Some parts where changed by pep boys in an "urgent" situation. The steering "bearings" ?(a part that goes from the steering wheel down to the motor) was changed. (I have a copy of the work done).

Filed Dec 2, 2014 · Brakes, Suspension · AL

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge durango. While driving 75 MPH, the rear driver side tire vibrated, accompanied by a grinding noise and loud sound. The contact exited the vehicle and discovered the whole tire was missing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician diagnosed that the rear axle and drum needed to be replaced. No repairs were made to the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Aug 25, 2014 · Suspension · 95,278 miles · WI

While driving a highway speeds and going over a bump in the road the rear of the vehicle will jump sideways which could cause loss of control of the vehicle and cause an accident.

Filed Mar 19, 2014 · Suspension, Transmission · 215,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge durango. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle vibrated excessively. Also, when the brakes were applied the vehicle would skid and jerk forward. The failure was recurring. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign id numbers: 07v555000(power train) and 08e064000(suspension) but was advised by the dealer that all recall for the vehicle had been satisfied. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 215,000. Updated 06/10/14 ma the consumer stated when she attempted to stop, the vehicle locked up and skidded forwarded.

Questions about the 2002 Dodge Durango suspension

Does the 2002 Dodge Durango have suspension problems?

Owners have filed 144 complaints about the suspension of the 2002 Dodge Durango, 34% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2002 Dodge Durango suspension problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 44,500 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2002 Dodge Durango suspension?

Yes, 1 recall: 04V596000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Dodge Durango have bad suspension?

The Dodge Durango model years with the most suspension complaints are 1999 (1,102 complaints), 1998 (540 complaints) and 2000 (507 complaints).