Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge durango. The contact heard a popping sound and felt it through the driveshaft. In addition, the two front tires were worn on the inside tread. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic who stated that both upper ball joints needed to be replaced. The contact took the vehicle to lake city chrysler dodge jeep ram (4325 w us hwy 90, lake city, fl 32055, (386) 755-3444) to verify the diagnosis. The manufacturer stated that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The failure mileage was 164,297.
2003 Dodge Durango suspension problems
91 complaints (27% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 41,725. 9 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 91
- of this car's complaints
- 27%
- typical mileage
- 41,725
- crashes
- 9
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Front: control arm: upper ball joint47
- Front18
- Front: control arm: lower ball joint13
- Front: wheel bearing2
- Front: springs: torsion bar2
- Front: stabilizer bar1
- Front: hub1
- Front: control arm: upper arm1
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 2003 Dodge Durango suspension
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint
- 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 separation
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 failure
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 2003 Dodge Durango owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Hub or ball joints
We took the vehicle was to an independent mechanic for a front end alignment. The mechanic stated that the top and bottom ball joints needed to be replaced. In addition, the vehicle was unable to be aligned. The vehicle was not repaired.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge durango. The contact stated that he heard an abnormal noise coming from the front of the vehicle and the hub was shaking violently. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 08e064000 (suspension). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 104,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge durango. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for tire replacement and front end alignment. The mechanic stated that the front passengers side hub was loose and needed to be replaced. In addition, the vehicle was unable to be aligned. The mechanic also stated that the ball joint on the front passenger side needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was made aware of the federal safety agency campaign number: 08e064000 (suspension) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 219,700.
The passenger side upper ball joint failed a mandatory state safety inspection. The ball joint showed excessive wear and was deemed unsafe.
Bags. A police report was not filed and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed, however the failure was unable to be determined. The vehicle was repaired. On another occasion, while driving at 35 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver as the brakes were depressed and fail to respond without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the wheel bearings and wheel arms needed to be replaced. The wheel bearing was repaired but the wheel arm wasn't. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 08e064000(suspension). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000. Jo
I have had these parts replaced twice this will be the third time. Dodge has or had a recall. But when I went to have it fixed they told me the recall did not affect this particular vehicle. It's a unsafe vehicle. I am worried because I am a single mom and keep up with all the maintenance on it myself. If it's recalled I believe dodge should honor all recalls on the vehicles. Thanks
Turning into a parking lot and the front passenger side tire fell off. 1260.00.
2003 dodge durango. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle front left wheel came off while driving. *smd when the vehicle was put on a flat bed and delivered to the repair shop, he was informed the axle had no way to lubricate the wheel assembly and so when it was dry, it severed itself from the front end.
Questions about the 2003 Dodge Durango suspension
Does the 2003 Dodge Durango have suspension problems?
Owners have filed 91 complaints about the suspension of the 2003 Dodge Durango, 27% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2003 Dodge Durango suspension problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 41,725 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2003 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).
Other 2003 Dodge Durango problems
Electrical 57Engine 52Lights 39Brakes 33Transmission 24Visibility 24Steering 20Airbags 16Tires 16Wheels 14Seats 10Locks 9Seat belts 8Acceleration 7Fuel system 7Body 6Driver assistance 3
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