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.
Premature upper ball joint failure on 2001 Dodge Durango at approx 25,000 miles. I am a certified master school bus tech and became aware there is an investigation after reading a trade magazine. I thought I should report this. Thank goodness it made a squeaking noise causing me to check the suspension and find the problem. I can see where this failure could be catastrophic to someone who does not pay attention to the warning signs. The vehicle was repaired properly and has been fine since. However, I feel there is a defect in the ball joints and they should be checked for cause of failure so a design / manufacturing upgrade can be implemented. A recall probably would be in order. This is not only an unfair expense for vehicle owners who's warranties have expired, but a safety hazard as well.
I had to prematurely replace the right upper ball joint and control arm on my 2001 Dodge Durango. The vehicle only had 42,000 miles on it when they were replaced. Sounds like it was a good idea that I listened to the rattle and had it fixed before something tragic happened.
We own a 2001 Dodge Durango, no longer undfer warranty; however, it has been in for service for shaking and no one was able to find the problem. I do believe it is the ball joint problem. What is the manufacturer going to do about this to compensate the owners of these premature wearing of the ball joints" is there going to be a recall? also, what risk am I taking driving the Durango the way it is" we have 3 year old son.
Vehicle has been pulling very hard right. I took the vehicle in for front end alignment and was told it couldn't be performed because of bad ball joints. The vehicle has only 44,000 miles on it and it appears there is a major problem with these ball joints as they are on back order all over the country.
- Westminster, MD, USA
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One day while driving with my window down I heard squeaks when driving over small bumps, brought to the dealership and found out that my right front upper ball joint worn out and needs to replace ball joint/upper control arm and align front end ($500). My car was at 37000 mi!!!
Consumer stated the vehicle was taken in for a routine inspection. The mechanic stated the upper ball joints were so bad that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The service dealer (G&G tire) warned the consumer that the upper left ball joint was worn then the consumer informed the dealer who actually replaced the part.
Control arms/ball joints on both sides of the front of the vehicle wore out prematurely. This includes both sets of upper and lower control arms/ball joints.
Noise in front left suspension of our 2001 Durango with only 25,000 miles. Took to dealer, first they said they were replacing tie-rod then they replaced the ball joint. @ weeks after the repair, car making same noise.
Consumer stated that the upper ball joints wore out. Also while driving the vehicle pulls to the right and the faster the vehicle is moving the harder it pulls.
Consumer brought vehicle in for routine oil change service. Mechanic diagnosed excessive wear of the front suspension ball joints. Failure of joints may result in wheel separation.
I have a 2001 Dodge Durango, and over the last few months I have noticed a problem with my front end. Approx. 3-4 weeks ago I brought my truck into ntb for this to be checked. They sold me on new front brakes and rotors, front-end alignment, and tire rotation. This did not fix the issue. So last week, I brought the truck into pep boys, and was told that they thought the rack and pinion steering was bad, but needed to bring it into a Dodge dealer. Today I brought my truck into the local Dodge dealer, and was told that it was my upper and lower ball joints. My vehicle only has 45,000, and every person I have spoken with has told me that this should have lasted for at least 100,000 miles. This should be another testament to an issue with the Durango ball joints. I would also like to add that both the dealer and manufacture were not forthcoming with any information about the pending investigation, and very elusive when questioned.
Front wheel fell (from the ball joints to the tire) off our 2001 Dodge Durango causing the vehicle to crash into a curb. Appeared to be faulty ball joint (area), Chrysler investigated and said it wasn't faulty equipment. This seems to be a cover-up on Chrysler part. People in my family could have died. The air bags did not deploy during this accident. EA03-023
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Hurricane , WV, USA