10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
43,936 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1998 Dodge Durango suspension problems

suspension problem

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1998 Dodge Durango Owner Comments (Page 4 of 19)

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problem #309

Jul 142003

Durango 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The wheel separated on my 1998 dogde Durango due to a ball joint. I had to have 3 ball joints replace because of them being extremely unstable. The accident cause other damage to my vehicle immediately following incident. I wan not hurt and I did not hit anyone but it coasted me thousands to fix all of the damage.

- Bloomfield Hills, MI, USA

problem #308

Jan 122005

Durango 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles
The consumeris experiencing problems with the ball joints. The consumer is having to replace then every 10,000 mi. Also, the tie rod ends also vibrate and the owner had to replace them, as well. Provide further details.

- Albuquerque, NM, USA

problem #307

Mar 012004

Durango 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Worn upper ball joints on my 1998 Dodge Durango. Were replaced by myself because of no recall and now they have a recall for 2000 through 2003. The Durango should have been included on this since it wore out at around 60,000 miles. Dodge can only say they are sorry but it is not on the recall.

- Summerdale, AL, USA

problem #306

Jan 062005

Durango 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

1998 Dodge Durango. Replaces lower ball joints two years ago ($500+). now after 75000 total miles I have to replace the upper ball joint and tie rods. Dodge did not extend their recall back far enough. The only go back to year 2000 models.

- Middlebury, IN, USA

problem #305

Dec 282004

Durango 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • 84,500 miles
Consumer complained about upper ball joints problem. Consumer took the vehicle to a repair shop to have the wheels aligned, and fond out that the ball joints were very loose in the socket.

- Healdsburg, CA, USA

problem #304

Jan 072003

Durango 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
There is a popping noise and shaking from the front of the vehicle when making turns. Took vehicle to dealer for check up, and results showed that the upper ball joints needed to be replaced otherwise, the wheels could fall off. Dealer will repair at consumer's expense.

- Aurora, CO, USA

problem #303

Jan 032005

Durango 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 77,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The consumer experienced a ball joint problem. The consumer contacted the manufacturer, and was told that only the 2000 through 2003 vehicles were being recalled. The right passenger right side lower and upper ball joints were extremely loose, more than the left side.

- Axton, VA, USA

problem #302

Jan 032005

Durango 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 126,759 miles
My 1998 odge Durango 4X4 sltt was very difficult to keep on the road. It seemed to be driving sideways. I was very alarmed and took it to the Goodyear dealership in cedartown, Georgia. The Goodyear dealership said the balljoints were dangerously worn and must be replaced immmeadiatly. I took it to my personal mechanic and he also said the ball joints and tierod ends had to be replaced bearings were very dangerous and must be replaced because the car was unsafe to drive. He advised me to contact the Dodge dealership due to a recall. The Dodge dealership said the recall only included 2000-2003 4X4 Durangos. I have no choice but to replace the ball joints and tierod ends because it is unsafe to drive. I feel that the Dodge Chrysler corporation should be responsible for the cost of the parts and service fees as well as labor to fix this dangerous condition on my Dodge Durango.I would appreciate any help in resolving this matter. This could have been a life threatening condition, and I feel the Dodge corporation should be aware of the problem and help to resolve and recall cars of this make and model due to the fact that the 1998 model has similar defects as the 2000-2003 models have which have been already recalled.

- Rome, GA, USA

problem #301

Dec 312004

Durango 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • 140,000 miles
While driving at 35 mph a grinding/popping noise came from the front left end of the vehicle. Consumer pulled over to inspect the noise, and noticed the left front tire had came off. The tire was turned outward and hanging. Vehicle was towed to the dealership, who indicated that a bearing was needed. Also, both upper and lower ball joints were defective, and needed to be replaced.

- Wellsburg, WV, USA

problem #300

Dec 312004

Durango 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 73,000 miles
My 1998 Dodge Durango VIN [xxx], now needs a third ball joint replacement. Why was not the 1998 model year recalled for this problem like the 2000-2003 model years? certainly three failures of this component in 72,000 miles is a safety defect and should be included in a recall. Please review 1998 model years for inclusion in the recall. Updated 07/24/2012 information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Patchogue, NY, USA

problem #299

Dec 302004

Durango 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,500 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I am filing this complaint after hearing of all the ball joint failures on Durangos and the recall on 2000-2003 model vehicles. My Durango is a 1998 model and I am about to replace the ball joints for a second time at 80,000 miles as I am getting the dreaded clunking noise again. I use my Durango for normal driving and have never seen this type of failure in a vehicle. I was raised in detroit and know something about cars. I also don't understand why the recent recall does not go back to the original model year as the same parts and failure modes appear to be prevalent in 1998 and 1999 models. I'm hoping something will be done as I cannot afford to be changing ball joints more often than my tires and brakes, not to mention the safety risk.

- Libertyville, ID, USA

problem #298

Dec 152001

Durango 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 56,600 miles
Ball joint failure.

- Libertyville, IL, USA

problem #297

Dec 292003

Durango 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
The consumer heard a clicking noise coming from the front of the vehicle while making a turn. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer and results showed that the upper ball joints needed to be replaced.

- Crystal Falls, MI, USA

problem #296

Nov 062004

Durango

  • Automatic transmission
  • 141,000 miles
A recall (04V596000) for the upper ball joints has been issued for Dodge Durango models 2000 -2003, however the consumer has the 1998 model and is experiencing the same defect. Please provide additional information.

- Shirley, NY, USA

problem #295

Dec 032004

Durango 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 94,635 miles
Wheel fell off Durango, due to defective ball joints.

- Star City, AR, USA

problem #294

Dec 222004

Durango 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 69,625 miles
Noticed suspension noise in front. Dealer identified damaged upper ball joints and replaced them both.

- Corpus Christi, TX, USA

problem #293

Dec 192004

Durango

  • Automatic transmission
  • 64,000 miles
Consumer complained about a steering problem. He took vehicle to dealer for service, and it was determined that the ball joints wore out and loosened.

- Columbus, NE, USA

problem #292

Dec 212004

Durango 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles
No injuries yet, but the ball joints went bad 3 years after purchase in 1998. Have complained many times and recall has been issued starting for 2000 models, however, mine is 1998.

- Milton , WV, USA

problem #291

Dec 072004

Durango

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Consumer complained about a steering problem. She went to get the car inspected, and a steering problem was determined due to the ball joints.

- Midlothian, VA, USA

problem #290

Jul 092004

Durango 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
When I had my 1998 Dodge Durango inspected this past summer they informed me that my wheels were about to come off in the front of my truck. They told me that to pass the inspection and for also due to the fact that the wheels would probably fall off within a month, that I have my front upper ball joints replaced. I waited until now to file this complaint because the Dodge dealership that a recall was in the process for the ball joints. I was pleased to hear about the recall from Dodge, however enraged when I heard that they are only for 2000-04 models, how it makes any sence besides trying to be cost effective is beyond me. The ball joints as I was told by the Dodge dealership and by my local mechanic are the exact same in my 98 Dodge Durango as they are in the 2000 models.

- Falls Church, VA, USA

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