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Dodge Durango steering noise problems

45 of the 13,795 owner complaints about the Dodge Durango describe clunking or noise when steering, most of them for the 1999 model year.

owner complaints
45
worst model year
1999
typical repair cost reported
$777
typical mileage
55,000
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed May 25, 2018 · Transmission · 188,000 miles · MS

The vehicle began making a clicking sound after turning the key off and removing the key. It sounded like it was trying to lock into 4-wheel drive mode. I stuck my key back in and turned it to just before starting engine to see if any dash lights come in and the svc light flashed once. When I've turned the ignition on but let it in park I hear the same clicking sound. I've turned the knob that changes mode from 4lo, 4x4, and awd but this changed nothing. I was told the sound comes from the transfer case motor but none of the local dealerships can find anything wrong. Please investigate several of the on-line forums are full of these same type of issues with the same make, model, and year as mine; and even with the same dealership act of ignorance issues I experienced.

Filed May 4, 2018 · Brakes, Steering · 7,000 miles · TX

Wild shield wipers are not effective during heavy rain. Steering wheel makes noise while turning. Breaks are not good quality.

Filed Mar 22, 2018 · Steering · 171,000 miles · PA

The steering column contains a universal joint which clicks whenever making a turn and causes the steering wheel to bind and then release suddenly which causes a degree of confusion and if not repaired could cause a major accident through the complete loss of controll or the vehicle by separation of the steering column. This clicking, binding and sudden release with a degree of confusion happens at all speeds including while sitting still!

Filed May 24, 2014 · Transmission · CA

I have a 2005 dodge durango 4x4 that is suddenly kicking in on its own, vehicle parked key out still clicking and turning on and off. So the service 4 wheel drive came on as I was driving, then the vehicle switched in to 4 wheel drive and stuck. We towed this vehicle home then took to the transmission shop where are vehicle still sits 5 days later, can not find the issue, also when you click the alarm unlock and lock you can hear the transfer case engaging and disengaging, we have read lots of peoples reports of their vehicle doing the same thing on years 2004 & 2005 with the hemi motor, please if anyone finds out what is going on with theirs or if find any other suggestions then please write a post about it,, I think our next step is to go to dodge and make them take this pos back.... Or fix....

Filed Dec 22, 2013 · Transmission · 89,402 miles · NC

I have a 2005 dodge durango 4x4 that is suddenly kicking in on its own, vehicle parked key out still clicking and turning on and off. This happens enough some nights that in the morning the battery is dead. I read the forums and thousands of people are saying the same thing and no real answer. Many complaints filed to chrysler with no answer. Kicks into 4 wheel drive while in motion at 65 MPH on the highway.

Filed May 31, 2013 · Lights, Steering · 75 miles · KY

Traded in 2005 town and country in nov 2010 to 2010 town and country numerous problems also had major brake issues nearly causing accident at four way interchange. Traded it in taking neg.equity to 2011 durango in oct 2011 it has numerous issue including up and down idle bulbs blowing when washed thru auto wash AC probs. Power steering begining whine noise had brakes repaired hard shifting computer flashed dealer cant figure out problems called corporation waiting for reply.

Filed Apr 17, 2010 · Steering, Suspension · 159,000 miles · GA

Control arms upper defective on dodge durango 4x4 makes loud popping sound loss of steering control, had to replace both upper control arms left and right and replace all ball joints due to what looks like shredding and shearing.

Filed Aug 13, 2008 · Steering, Suspension · 60,577 miles · CA

See first complaint 10237419. I'm having continued front end steering/suspension problems. Had the lower ball joint replaced on 09/28/07. By february of this year I'm experiencing what seems to be the same problems... Clunking sound (metal to metal) that starts when engine area is hot. After 45 minutes of driving. Vibration can be felt in the steering and floor boards. The noise is getting progressively louder and I fear that safety may become a issue. The durango makes a sound something like the tire and rim is going to vibrate right off the vehicle. I'm now on my third mechanic....richmond, ca. Hilltop dodge, who test drove my durango and heard the sound on 08/12/08. They inspected the front ball joints, tie rods, and assured that each area was tight . They deemed that the vehicle is safe to drive, but weren't sure of the problem. They think it may be looseness in the lower steering shaft. Dealer/mechanic said the problem needed to be more consistent to isolate the noise. Inspection charge $124.95. Problem has not been identified or resolved, but sounds similar to what has been investigated for potential recall in the past.

Filed Apr 18, 2007 · Suspension · 13,000 miles · VA

Make: dodge model: durango year: 2000, I always had problems with the durango since about 13,000, (now have 93,000. Replacement of ball joints, brake calipers, and continuous checks for clicking and vibration feeling in the steering column. This has not been right from the start. I believe there is something defective with the steering and front end. Each time I take it to the dealer for service they can never duplicate the problem. I have enjoyed the durango, except for these front end problems. The steering makes noises and has a funny response to the turning process. Could you please review closer.

Filed Feb 11, 2007 · Transmission · 42,000 miles · PA · fire

My wife had our 2003 durango in to the local dodge dealer for service one morning a few weeks ago, since it would not come out of 4 wheel drive and was steering funny and vibrating/clunking. They told her it was still under waranty and a part would have to be ordered (transfer module) for the control of it but it was ok to drive till it came in and could be replaced. None were available and cleveland showeded them on back-order. My wife drove to oil city, pa to pick up parts for me and it caught fire on the way ( she had talked to the dealer a few minutes earlier on her cell phone as the problem was getting worse and they assured her it was ok). She had to pull over and call 911. The fire and police were quick in responding and the fire was put out after a total loss of the vehicle. Now the dealer won't do anything about it. My wife could have easily been killed.

Related recalls

Steering: rack and pinionReported March 14, 2022 · 931 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Dodge Durango and 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The steering gear rack bar may have been insufficiently hardened during manufacturing, possibly allowing it to bind within the steering rack, and resulting in difficulty steering or a loss of steering control.
Risk
Difficulty steering, or a loss of steering control, can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the steering gear assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 12, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑852‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z18.

Recall number 22V154000 · Recall details

SteeringReported October 11, 2006 · 6,644 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain vehicles, the right front steering knuckle may have been improperly manufactured. Because of a broken cooling line, parts cast in tool cavity #63 on july 18 and july 19, 2006, may have a cold shut condition and could fracture.
Risk
This could cause a loss of steering control and result in a crash without warning.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the recalled vehicles to identify the defective parts and replace if they are within that lot. The recall began on november 8, 2006. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 06V386000 · Recall details

Questions about the Dodge Durango steering noise

Which Dodge Durango years have clunking or noise when steering problems?

The model years with the most reports are 1999 (11 complaints), 2000 (11 complaints) and 1998 (8 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix clunking or noise when steering on the Dodge Durango?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $777 (median of 7 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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