2002 Dodge Durango: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Feb 16, 2020 · Steering · 102,000 miles · KY

The steering is very loose. Has a lot of play in it. Have replaced tie rod ends. At this time we can not seem to find out what is causing it.

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 Jul 24, 2015 · Steering · PA

I currently am having all 4 of my ball joints replaced on my 2002 dodge durango and I noticed that my upper right ball joint is original. This ball joint was under recall and I contacted dodge about this. They said the recall was replaced in 2005. I assured them that this ball joint is original as it is pressed into the control arm and asked if I could simply bring my car into them and have them check this out. They told me I would have to pay a diagnostic charge of 104.00 and that if it was found to be original, then I would possibly get the 104.00 back. I have been on the phone with dodge customer service twice now and nobody will allow me to quote them that I would get this money back if the recall was found to not have been performed. I don't know how it's fair for me to pay dodge for this diagnostic fee if they lied about doing the recall in the first place. I am disgusted at dodge for not only claiming that they performed this service of changing the upper ball joints in 2005, but for refusing to check the problem for free now. If this dodge dealer claims that they already fixed this recall, and it wasn't really fixed, it makes me wonder what else do they do, when nobody is monitoring them. Ball joints is a huge concern for me, as if they fail, I will crash. I would love for an investigation to be performed at this dodge that claims they fixed my ball joints, because they could be risking other lives as well.

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 Jan 27, 2014 · Suspension · IA

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge durango. The contact stated that while making a right turn, the front passenger's side lower control arm became fractured. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer, who stated that the upper control arm, lower control arm and the ball joints needed to be repaired. The contact did not have the vehicle repaired. The vehicle was previously remedied under the federal safety agency campaign I.d. Number: 08e064000 (suspension). The failure mileage was not available. Updated 2/27/14*cn the owner of the vehicle requires a spanish response. Updated 3/6/2014

Filed Aug 2, 2012 · Suspension · 100,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge durango 4x4. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the contact heard a loud noise outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was driven with caution to the contact's residence. The vehicle was repaired by a certified mechanic, who replaced the front driver's side upper ball joint which separated from the vehicle. There was a recall related to the same defect under the federal safety agency campaign id number 04v596000 (suspension:front:control arm:upper ball joint); however the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Feb 8, 2012 · Suspension · 102,463 miles · CA

Started hearing noises under my gas, brake pedals. Big knocking noises. Found out about a recall that my truck needed regarding the ball joints that could cause them to brake and lose the tires. When to the dealership and was told that I had passed the mileage of 100,000, and would have to pay out of pocket. It was only 2463 miles over. I thought recalls don't have a time limit to get fixed? So now I had to find a car shop to fix both balljoints, on both sides. To top it off the right side needed a new hub accessory replaced also that I again had to pay on my own. Why are so many things going wrong now? And by reading online I'm not the only one with these same issues.

Filed Apr 28, 2011 · Suspension · 30,000 miles · TX

Front end makes a really bad noise backing up and then going forward. Sounds as if there is a popping noise going on and rippling effect such as..example if you put a close pin on a bicycle tire to get it to make noise. I've had it looked at by a dealer and a garage and both seem to cant any thing wrong with it .this has been going on for the last 3 years now....can it be the ball joints?

Filed Feb 10, 2011 · Suspension · 142,299 miles · GA

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge durango. While driving approximately 10 MPH the contact heard a grinding noise. The passenger side of the vehicle dropped to the ground and the tire came off of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the technicians stated that the suspension front control arm upper ball joint had separated. The technicians also stated that the front control arm upper ball joint, sway bar, brake pads, suspension cross bar, wheel, brakes and calipers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated there was a recall the federal safety agency campaign id number: 04v596000 (suspension front:control arm:upper ball joint) but the dealer informed her the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was contacted and stated they would cover a portion of the repairs but they could not cover the entire cost. The approximate failure mileage was 142,299. Updated 02/18/11 *bf photos included updated 12/06/2011

Filed Aug 3, 2010 · Steering, Suspension · 89,443 miles · PA

I was making a right hand turn and then an immediate left at about 10mph I heard a pop on driver's side front wheel and then lost control of my car. I was able to regain control of my car but it would not turn to the left I was able to get the car to side of the road even though steering was extremely difficult. I checked the tire it was fully inflated but the top of tire was tilted out at the top I could not drive the vehicle any more due steering difficulties. I called a tow truck and had the car towed to mechanic. I was told by tow truck operator and the mechanic that the upper ball joint on arm had separated from the arm causing me to lose control of the car. A friend stated that durango had been recalled for this issue. I contacted my mechanic and he in turn contacted dodge. He was informed that there was no recall for my car. I checked your website and saw that other durango had in fact been recalled for this exact issue. I contacted dodge and was also informed that there was nothing they could do because my durango was not a part of the recall. I had my mechanic fix the upper ball joint. I had them checked the upper ball joint on the other side and it was also coming out. I had to pay to have both upper ball joints replaced on the front end of my car.

Filed Jul 22, 2010 · Suspension, Transmission · 103,400 miles · MD

The front suspension is having multiple problems, my 02 durango has been through 2 previous cv joints on the driver's side and 1 previous on the passenger side, and now both have failed once again. Driver's side front hub assembly/bearing has gone bad for 2nd time, also the upper & lower ball joints have gone bad for the 2nd time each. I need 2 new lower back bumpers for the upper control arm (both front). My vehicle now has 103k miles. At approximately 60k miles the front propeller shaft went bad and once replaced, it somehow put a hole in the y - pipe for the exhaust, and that must be replaced as well, I was told the new/aftermarket shaft were slightly larger to accommodate the power, thus which took the space. All of this will be quite expensive. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).