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: ball joint or control arm failure
66 of the 339 complaints about the 2003 Dodge Durango describe ball joint or control arm failure.
- owner complaints
- 66
- of this car's complaints
- 19%
- typical repair cost reported
- $800
- typical mileage
- 45,000
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 1 service bulletin for this area of the car. See below
Ball joint or control arm failure by model year
What owners say
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 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.
I have notice a clunking sound in the front right of my durango for some approximately six months. I recently brought it to my mechanic who stated it would need to have the upper right ball joint replace. It was brought to my attention that this issue was recalled on other 2003 durango, however, my VIN number was not included in the campaign (04v596000). This issue appears to go beyond the cut off for the recall since review of the complaints indicates numerous other similar issues.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge durango. The contact stated that while exiting from a parking space, the front driver side wheel detached from the vehicle . The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the front ball joint was fractured and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number: 04v596000 (suspension:front:control arm:upper ball joint). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 130,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge durango. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH there was a clanking noise in the front suspension. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who inspected the failure and noticed the ball joints were defective. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who stated there was a failure but his VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number: 04v596000, suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 160,000.
There is a recall for defective ball joints on the 2003 dodge durango, but when I called dodge my VIN is not included. I am having my ball joints replaced by a repair shop today as I was told that they are in very bad shape and I am risking having them separate while driving which could result in the wheel falling off in a high speed situation causing a crash and possible injury or death. I feel that if this recall is only for some of the same year and model of my vehicle then they should at least have them all called in to have the dealer inspect them for safety. It is going to cost almost $1000 for me to have this repair made. But that is small price to pay to ensure the safety of me and my family. I have heard this complaint from many many other owners and repair shops for this vehicle and feel it should be looked into.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge durango. While driving approximately 55 MPH he struck a pothole . Shortly afterwards he heard a peculiar noise coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection. The technician stated that the front upper ball joints failed. The four tires were replaced on the vehicle. His vehicle identification number was excluded from recall campaign id number 04596000 (suspension:front:control arm:upper ball joint). The failure mileage was 69,000. The current mileage was 74,000.
Front ball joint making a clicking sound. In 2005 got a recall letter. Called dealer and they said the recall didn;t effect my vehicle. Called several times in the next year to see if the recall was on my vehicle yet. The dealer told me no. Vehicle kept making clunking noise. At 100,00 miles I pulled in my driveway and the wheel feel of at the right ball joint. Tow truck couldn't tow the vehicle due to being all wheel drive. I called chrysler and they told me it wasn;t their problem. I had to hire a mechanic to replace the ball joints in my driveway. Tires have worn terrible and truck kept coming out of alignment. I kept good rotation on the tires but couldn't keep the inside from wearing. I do have the defective ball joints.
The passenger side upper ball joint started coming apart at just 47,000 miles. I was lucky to catch it as it could have resulted in the whole wheel coming off the vehicle and a serious accident if at speed. Typically ball joints wear before they fail and that is usually only after a hundred or a few hundreds thousand miles. To have a complete failure of the ball joint at just 47,000 miles is alarming. I discovered there was an issue and a silent recall of 2000-2003 durango's for this problem. I called dodge about the repair but they refused to fix it saying that even though my vehicle is a 2003, my VIN was not included in the recall. My vehicle is the same year and same extraordinary and dangerous problem.
Service bulletins that may apply
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
Questions about the 2003 Dodge Durango ball joint
Is ball joint or control arm failure a common problem on the 2003 Dodge Durango?
66 of 339 owner complaints about the 2003 Dodge Durango (19%) mention ball joint or control arm failure. The model year with the most reports is 1999.
How much does it cost to fix ball joint or control arm failure on the 2003 Dodge Durango?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $800 (median of 8 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2003 Dodge Durango?
There is 1 recall and 1 service bulletin for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2003 Dodge Durango
Headlights 43Stalling 18Wipers 17Check engine light 12Grinding brakes 9Fire or smoke 8No deployment 7Door locks 7Harsh shifting 7Pulling 7Engine failure 6Key fob 5Overheating 5Tire blowout 5Won't start 5
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