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.
Upon inspection by the servce dept of hansen(Chrysler dealer in nashville, tn.), the upper ball joints on my 1998 Dodge Durango were deemed to be defective and dangerous. Chrysler Corp would not pay for the replacement/repair. I personally paid the bill(($1004.54).
The consumer stated the vehicle made a loud clanking noise while backing out of the driveway. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer/mechanic and was told the ball joints failed and the vehicle had a cracked front disc rotor. Both lower and right upper ball joints were replaced.
1998 Dodge Durango front upper ball joints wore out at 40000 miles, prematurely causing tires to also wear prematurely. I was told that bad ball joints could cause the suspension to break or a wheel to come off while driving causing a life threatening accident to my wife and children.
PE 03-032 front susp. Upper ball joint failure: The consumer has had the lower ball joints replaced twice and the upper replaced once. The dealer is aware of the problem, but the manufacturer is not.
- Pinetop, AZ, USA
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The consumer saw a news report about the ball joints on Dodge Durangos and took his vehicle to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic determined that the upper and lower ball joints were in "bad shape" and needed to be replaced.
Based on a tv story I had the ball joints on my 1998 Dodge Durango checked and they are bad. At this time I have not had them fixed because of cost. The Durango has 62000 miles on it.
Upper and lower ball joints worn out prematurely. My Durango has 59,000 miles on it and the upper and lower ball joints have to be replaced. The cost is $1,300.
2 independent diagnosis of ball joint problems. I had noticed bad tread wear on front tires. Two facilities both diagnosed the same problem. Ball joint failure on upper and lower front ball joints. Both recommended replacement with linkage. Car is a '98 model with 58,000 miles. Thank goodness the wheels had not come off.
The truck experienced uneven front tire tread wear. Upon the dealership performing a front end alignment, they noticed that 3 out of the 4 ball joints were bad.
While performing an oil change, the dealership noticed that all four ball joints were failing. Both rear ball joints were bad. The cause has yet to be determined.
I own a 1998-Dodge Durango slt. Last July 2002 I took my vehicle in to an area dealership for routine maintenance. I was told that the ball joints were cracked and needed immediate attention or there could be a nasty accident. I was told that this problem should not be happening. I made several inquires at other dealerships about this and was told basically the same thing. I contacted the Chrysler corporation after I had heard a local news station give a consumer alert on the Durango. Chrysler said that there was no problem with the ball joint and that the Durango was not being recalled for any factory related repairs. I have since had the joints fixed but I feel that it is the manufacturer's responsibility since so many other Durango drivers have had the same experience.
Upper and lower ball joints on 1998 Dodge Durango had to be replaced at approx 47,000 miles allong with the outer tie rod ends. These were diagnosed by 2 different tire shops in boise. I have never had a vehicle that needed ball joints at less than 100,000 miles. Since the vehicle only had 27,000 miles on it last year when I bought it, I did not purchase the extended warranty. Now I am making payments on the $1200 repair. Where is the Dodge toughness and durablity in this. I believe these ball joints to be a factory defect that should be fixed by Dodge.
We experienced handling problems with our 1998 Dodge Durango while on the highway last week. I took it to our local Dodge dealership to determine the problem. They indicated both the upper and lower ball joints were worn out and needed to be replaced immediatelly for safety reasons. When I asked them if they felt they wore out prematurely considering the mileage of the vehicle, the guy told me he couldn't comment but to hold on to my repair receipt in case there was a recall. This is a one owner vehicle with 41,000 miles driven by a soccer mom.
Unstable steering of Dodge Durango 1998 due to defective front ball joints. Mechanic who assessed failure warned me of potential of an accident at speeds higher than 55 mph.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Nashville, TN, USA