The contact owns a 2000 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH the vehicle inadvertently stopped. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic. The contact replaced the battery, fuel pump, shocks, ball joints, and disc brakes, and front rotors however, the failure recurred. The local mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
Dodge Durango ball joint problems
2,403 of the 13,793 owner complaints about the Dodge Durango describe ball joint or control arm failure, most of them for the 1999 model year.
- owner complaints
- 2,403
- worst model year
- 1999
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,000
- typical mileage
- 59,500
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Grinding brakes 113Premature wear 85Pulling 59Knocking 47Harsh shifting 45ABS 23Steering noise 18Engine failure 15
What owners say
The contact owns a 2000 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH, she heard an abnormal noise coming from the front driver’s side tire. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact exited the vehicle and stated that the front driver’s side wheel was detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic, and she was informed that the ball joint, tie rod, and wheel spindle needed to be replaced. Additionally, the vehicle would need a front wheel alignment. The vehicle was repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 240,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 dodge durango. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 04v596000 (suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact was also informed that the parts would not be available for thirty days. The vehicle was taken to rainier dodge of olympia (2550 carriage loop sw, olympia, wa 98502; (360) 754-5550) where it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the wheel bearings and ball joints needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
While reversing turning the steering wheel, the lower control arm broke causing the tire to come off and causing a collision.
I was driving at 55 MPH and the steering became really loose and nearly lost control had to replace the ball joints 3 times and I have no power on the driver side of the vehicle that means the door locks and windows.
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.
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.
There was a recall on the ball joints of the vehicle I own but I was told that the recall is closed. I believe that it should be covered for repair because I wasn't made aware of any recalls when I obtained the vehicle. The upper ball joints are bad and a mechanic told me it could break off.
Tl-the contact owns a 1999 dodge durango. Vehicle lost power. Nearly stranded and concerned about being injured or killed due to vehicle losing electrical power no electrical power in vehicle; engine control module overheated while driving at 55 MPH, without warning the vehicle lost electrical power. The contact stated that the power steering and brakes became inoperable. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after approximately 20 minutes. The vehicle was restarted and driven for approximately one mile before the vehicle lost electrical power once again. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The diagnostic code reader stated no buss. The contact was informed that the engine control module overheated due to its placement in proximity to the exhaust manifold. Additionally, the contact stated that the nut on the steering wheel knuckle was stripped which caused the steering to be difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and several unknown dealers were notified of the failure. The contact was informed by the manufacturer that there would be no assistance offered. The failure mileage was unknown. Piir = y. Ah *bf consumer stated emc brain overheats in the engine compartment. Steering knuckle strips out, tie rod ends, manifold bolts, and ball joints. Check attachment exceeds 2000 characters.
While I love my 2001 dodge durango rt, there are a couple of serious problems / safety issues the vehicle has. Number one is the passenger front seat is very loose and rocks back and forth during acceleration and braking which could cause severe injuries if the vehicle was in a wreck, whiplash etc. In doing my research the average fix that the dealers will do costs between 600-800.00 which is to replace the motor assembly. There are links on various forum for instructions to fix yourself for about 40.00 orovoodmg a better fix that the dealers will not provide, but it is complicated and very labor intensive. My number one concern is to be safe and have safe passengers! To be able to bring this into dodge and get this permanently fixed at no cost to me. There are untold amounts of dodge durango owners out there with this same issue, which dodge currently will not recall. The other two issues are incredibly defective ball joints. Since dodge recalled these trucks for the ball joints many including mine previous to me buying it, we're brought in for recall repair in 2006. Please note the suspension components company called "moog" fixed this dodge engineering problem for this year make and model with their own specially designed ball joint. As far as the brakes go this a very heavy SUV, in which if one needs to stop quickly and the brakes fail or skid the wheels due to lock up this again like the seats is a very important safety issue that dodge needs to correct. I have faith that dodge will take care of more consumer issues than ford ever will.
Related recalls
Suspension: rear
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured June 12, 2015, to June 20, 2015. The affected vehicles may be equipped with rear lower control arms that may have been incorrectly heat treated. This may cause the rear lower control arm to fracture.
- Risk
- If the rear lower control arm fractures it may result in a change in ride height, loss of rear end stability, and reduced braking capabilities, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the lower control arms, free of charge. The recall began July 29, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R38. Note: This supersedes Recall No. 15V‑407.
Recall number 15V469000 · Recall details
Suspension: rear
- What is wrong
- On certain sport utility vehicles, the left rear suspension watts link may have been damaged during vehicle assembly and could fail.
- Risk
- A failed watts link could adversely affect vehicle handling and cause a crash without warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the left rear suspension watts link free of charge. The recall began on july 19, 2006. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 06V240000 · Recall details
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 Dodge Durango ball joint
Which Dodge Durango years have ball joint or control arm failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1999 (1,027 complaints), 1998 (512 complaints) and 2000 (420 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix ball joint or control arm failure on the Dodge Durango?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,000 (median of 251 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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