2003 Dodge Durango: pulls to one side

Filed Mar 18, 2008 · Suspension · 50,000 miles · TX

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 dodge durango. The contact noticed that her tires were wearing unevenly. She took the vehicle to a mechanic and was informed that the upper control arms and ball joints needed to be replaced. She had them replaced. Two years after the replacement, the contact felt the vehicle pulling to one side. She took the vehicle back to the mechanic and was informed that the upper control arms and ball joints needed to be replaced again. She has not gotten them replaced and believes there to be a manufacturer defect because ball joints last 100,000 miles or more. The VIN, engine size, and number of cylinders were unknown. The current mileage was 110,000 and failure mileage was 50,000. Updated 4/2/08 *cn updated 04/02/08

Filed Sep 28, 2005 · Engine, Locks · 30,000 miles · 00

Front suspension - drive train - locks - axle - power steering pump vehicle has had consistent front end grinding noise since 30,000 km's. Ball joints have been replaced, front axle spyder gears have been replaced. Previous 1998 durango had same problem - fix was front wheel bearings. 2003 durango - dealer says that it doesn't require replacement. Noise and grinding only happen at slow speed turns left or right. From stop to light acceleration to hard left or right turn, new noise from rear axle - limited slip unit now getting louder. Axle oil and limited slip additive have been replaced with factory chrysler oil additive. Indicative of same problem with 1998 durango that I had, when rear axle pinion bearing was heavily scored. In that incident the same maintenance was done, but repair was out of warranty by 3,000 km's and chrysler only paid 50% of repair of $700.00. Oil changes on complete drivetrain was $590.00 (4x4 with skid plates). This appears to be a metal fatigue problem in combination with engineering specifications that are too wide in tolerances, which allows failure of components to compound problems and create longer term damaging results. Ever since dodge trucks went to maintenance free front axle bearings (you can't pack bearings with grease), poor limited slip tolerances in rear axle, and transfer case that's electronically operated, the drivetrain and front suspension components have excessive loads and poor quality components. Both durangos that I've owned have had 5 wheel alignments (constant pulling to the left) and no off road driving. Strictly highway and city driving. I purchased factory extended warranty on 2003 durango which I highly recommend. So far, out of pocket expenses have been minimal, but durango spends too much time in the shop and is very inconvenient to have serviced constantly. Never had issues with warranty parts or dealer not doing warranty recall work.

Filed Feb 22, 2005 · Suspension · IL

While driving at high speeds driver heard a loud knocking noise coming from the front. Suddenly, the vehicle pulled to the right. The cause has not been determined at this time.

Filed Oct 11, 2004 · Suspension · 17,000 miles · MA · crash

My wife was driving on the highway, and noticed that our 2003 dodge durango was pulling to the right. 10 minutes later, the lower ball joint completely separated, the upper ball joint snapped off, the axle separated and the wheel fell off while making a low speed right hand turn. The durango then continued to steer to the right and into a parked car, totaling the parked vehicle. The durango pushed the parked car into a wall. So far, nothing has been done to fix the failure, and my dodge dealer is giving me a hard time about warranting the part and subsequent damage.

Filed Aug 27, 2004 · Suspension · 12,000 miles · AR

While driving vehicle pulled to the left. The steering was loose. Took vehicle to the dealer, and was told that the vehicle needed a front end alignment. However, the problem recurred.

Filed Aug 12, 2003 · Suspension · FL · crash

On the 2003 dodge durango on highway drive it pulls to the right when you go past 65 MPH. It shakes and pulls to either side. My rental went to the right other durangos on the high way went to the left.

Filed Jul 23, 2003 · Suspension · 200 miles · NY

While driving driving at any speed and when brakes are depressed vehicle will pull to the right or left. Also, vehicle needs constant realignment.