10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
69,279 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.

2002 Dodge Durango suspension problems

suspension problem

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2002 Dodge Durango Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #23

Jul 092018

Durango

  • 165,000 miles

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

The hub unit broke while driving the car did not want to go it took a long time to move forward and the steering was off. There was a pound clanking noise right after I started to make a left turn and then it broke.

- Rialto, CA, USA

problem #22

Jan 202006

Durango

  • 58,000 miles
When I shift automatic transmission into gear it makes a ticking noise and also when I turn they're always kind of a thump feel to the entire vehicle. I also can take my key out of ignition no matter if its in drive, par, reverse etc...

- Oak Hill, FL, USA

problem #21

Jan 022017

Durango

  • 208,453 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Durango. While driving approximately 35 mph, the upper ball joint fractured and impacted the front passenger side wheel. The contact was able to coast the vehicle cautiously home. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact was not informed of NHTSA campaign number: 04V596000 (suspension) until after experiencing the failure. The parts for the repair were unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 208,453. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Newark, DE, USA

problem #20

Jun 242016

Durango

  • 198,000 miles

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

Heavy rust buildup on frame behind upper control arm mounts. After removing rust, frame metal is very thin with holes throughout. Possibly leading to flexing & cracking. Definitely reducing crash abilities.

- Duncannon, PA, USA

problem #19

May 062015

Durango

  • 153,500 miles
During breaking, steering, and turning, I hear a "clacking" sound and there is a feeling of something sticking. When the SUV is parked on my drive way, I release the hand break and I can hear a strong "clack" sound. I had times where the breaking system was difficult to press. I took the SUV to pep boys and their evaluation shows that it needs upper and lower ball joints, front brakes, and shock and struts. Steering: Terrible and extremely difficult to turn (super hard to steer). Some parts where changed by pep boys in an "urgent" situation. The steering "bearings" ?(a part that goes from the steering wheel down to the motor) was changed. (I have a copy of the work done).

- Sicklerville, NJ, USA

problem #18

Feb 122014

Durango 8-cyl

  • 95,278 miles
While driving a highway speeds and going over a bump in the road the rear of the vehicle will jump sideways which could cause loss of control of the vehicle and cause an accident.

- Altoona, WI, USA

problem #17

Oct 152012

Durango

  • 215,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph, the vehicle vibrated excessively. Also, when the brakes were applied the vehicle would skid and jerk forward. The failure was recurring. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id numbers: 07V555000(power train) and 08E064000(suspension) but was advised by the dealer that all recall for the vehicle had been satisfied. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 215,000. Updated 06/10/14 MA the consumer stated when she attempted to stop, the vehicle locked up and skidded forwarded.

- Folsom, CA, USA

problem #16

Dec 272013

Durango 4WD 8-cyl

  • miles
The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while making a right turn, the front passenger's side lower control arm became fractured. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer, who stated that the upper control arm, lower control arm and the ball joints needed to be repaired. The contact did not have the vehicle repaired. The vehicle was previously remedied under NHTSA campaign I.D. number: 08E064000 (suspension). The failure mileage was not available. Updated 2/27/14 the owner of the vehicle requires a spanish response. Updated 3/6/2014

- Muscatine , IA, USA

problem #15

May 082012

Durango

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Durango 4X4. While driving approximately 55 mph, the contact heard a loud noise outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was driven with caution to the contact's residence. The vehicle was repaired by a certified mechanic, who replaced the front driver's side upper ball joint which separated from the vehicle. There was a recall related to the same defect under NHTSA campaign id number 04V596000 (suspension:front:control arm:upper ball joint); however the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

- Endicott, NY, USA

problem #14

Oct 312011

Durango 8-cyl

  • 102,463 miles
Started hearing noises under my gas, brake pedals. Big knocking noises. Found out about a recall that my truck needed regarding the ball joints that could cause them to brake and lose the tires. When to the dealership and was told that I had passed the mileage of 100,000, and would have to pay out of pocket. It was only 2463 miles over. I thought recalls don't have a time limit to get fixed" so now I had to find a car shop to fix both balljoints, on both sides. To top it off the right side needed a new hub accessory replaced also that I again had to pay on my own. Why are so many things going wrong now" and by reading online I'm not the only one with these same issues.

- La Puente, CA, USA

problem #13

Jul 282010

Durango

  • 89,443 miles

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

I was making a right hand turn and then an immediate left at about 10mph I heard a pop on driver's side front wheel and then lost control of my car. I was able to regain control of my car but it would not turn to the left I was able to get the car to side of the road even though steering was extremely difficult. I checked the tire it was fully inflated but the top of tire was tilted out at the top I could not drive the vehicle any more due steering difficulties. I called a tow truck and had the car towed to mechanic. I was told by tow truck operator and the mechanic that the upper ball joint on arm had separated from the arm causing me to lose control of the car. A friend stated that Durango had been recalled for this issue. I contacted my mechanic and he in turn contacted Dodge. He was informed that there was no recall for my car. I checked your website and saw that other Durango had in fact been recalled for this exact issue. I contacted Dodge and was also informed that there was nothing they could do because my Durango was not a part of the recall. I had my mechanic fix the upper ball joint. I had them checked the upper ball joint on the other side and it was also coming out. I had to pay to have both upper ball joints replaced on the front end of my car.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #12

Apr 172010

Durango

  • miles
I was in an accident because the 2002 Dodge Durango's brakes did not work and the ABS and brake light came on. This was the scariest thing I have ever experienced. I have had it checked by auto zone, Dodge dealer, local mechanic...and no answers. The brakes literally went to the floor. I have 3 children and have no other choice but to drive this death trap. I have also had problems with the ball joints/ electrical issues. I had the ABS fuse pulled, but not sure if this is a solution. Has there been other complaints of brake failure in these vehicles.

- Caledonia, OH, USA

problem #11

Nov 132007

Durango 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 99,930 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Durango. While driving 65 mph, the vehicle rattled, shook, and veered left and right. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for repair and they stated that the tie rod assembly failed. The repairs cost $2,690.47; however, the warranty did not cover all of the repair work. The current mileage was 99,961 and failure mileage was 99,930. Updated 03-11-08 the upper ball joints were noisy, the shocks were leaking oil, the power steering lines were leaking. The rear wiper motor failed, the front pinion seal was leaking. The power steering rack and pinion had an internal failure. Updated

- Rose City, MI, USA

problem #10

Jun 152002

Durango

  • Automatic transmission
  • 43,000 miles
I own a 2002 Dodge Durango and have had the ball joints replaced 3 weeks ago. I also had the car realligned. The car is now out of allign pulling to the right when I brake and making an awful clunking noise when I brake. I was told it was a suspension issue and that is why the vechile will not stay alligned. I have already gone through 3 sets of tires since I bought the car!

- Vero Beach, FL, USA

problem #9

Oct 222004

Durango 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,316 miles
On October 22nd 2004 I took my 2002 Dodge Durango in for routine service, an oil change, tire rotation etc. It had been riding rougher than normal and I had noticed that the tires were wearing unevenly so I asked them to look it over and see if there was anything wrong. Upon examining the vehicle the mechanic found that both upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced along with the control arm. My vehicle has only 38316 miles and had to put nearly $1000 for something that should not have worn out that quickly. Had I not gone in for routine maintenance at that time something far more serious could have happened and to make matters worse I now need to replace my tires.

- Plainfield, IL, USA

problem #8

Mar 152002

Durango

  • Automatic transmission
  • 24 miles
Here is a list that I have sent to Dodge Chrysler customer service and 2 dealerships 1. intermittent or delayed engagement at vehicle start up operation or engagement at 26-56 mph 2. intermittent acceleration and shudder during torque converter. Operation or engagement at 26-56 mph 3. intermittent poor shifting quality".. idle shake, sag or hesitation. Will not always ?downshift" while driving 26-54 mph. 4. intermittent buzz and or clicking in reverse. (warm or cold) 5. intermittent surging while driving 26-54 mph. (warm or cold) 6. intermittent hesitation "idle shake" sag when stepping on accelerator/gas pedal. 7. intermittent harsh engagement of transition (warm or cold) 8. intermittent noisy 3-4 upshifts. (warm or cold) 9. intermittent delayed down shifts (almost like dropping it in 1st while going 35 mph) 10. Intermittent delayed up shifts. (transmission feels like its slipping) 11. Unexpected acceleration (warm or cold) 12. Loud popping noise while turning.. (warm or cold) 13. Transmission fails to hold in park/ park gear fails to hold!

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #7

Apr 062004

(reported on)

Durango 8-cyl

  • miles
Letter reporting the replacement of the front right ball joint assembly at 19K miles. The dealer replaced the ball joint free of charge.

- San Diego, CA, USA

problem #6

Oct 122003

Durango

  • miles
When backing out with steering wheel turned to the right vehicle made a clicking noise. Dealer was contacted.

- Newark, DE, USA

problem #5

Feb 142004

Durango

  • miles
Multiple problems with 2002 Dodge Durango. Power locks intermittently lock and unlock without activating them. Bad creaking noise from front suspension, possible ball joint problems. Check engine light goes on and off intermittently. Brakes really soft, horrible stopping distance. Engine runs really rough in morning for first 10-15 minutes. Only 21000 miles.

- Fredericksburg, VA, USA

problem #4

Oct 102003

Durango 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 27,000 miles
At 27K miles my Dodge Durango needed both the upper and lower ball joints replaced for both the left and right side.

- Dracut, MA, USA

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