Differential Unit problems of the 1999 Dodge Durango

At christmastime our transmission began acting up. We believed the harsh winter weather was causing the problem bc once the engine heated up, the vehicle drove just fine. At any rate, we took in to be serviced in March and had the 4x4 rear differentials flushed and serviced and the fluid changed. While it was in for that repair (at a dealership) they called and said the 2 front ball joints needed to be replaced. We knew about the recall, so asked them about it, but it just figures our VIN was not included. So, $1600 later, we went and picked it up and seemed to drive just fine. Well, then 3 wks. Later I was driving to the grocery store. I was stopped a red light, and when it turned green I went to go and it just barely accelerated. Luckily, the red light was right in front of the garage we normally use. I was able to turn the vehicle around and get it to where I was parked in front of the garage. I went in and told the mechanic what happened. The truck was in the shop for 2 wks. It needed a new transmission after having just been serviced! it cost $3300! over the past 2 months we have spent $4600 in repairs on a vehicle that we are still paying for! I am irrate! we even bought the extended warranty when we purchased the vehicle 5 yrs. Ago, but now with 108,000 miles it's not covered any longer (warranty only went to 100,000). 2 yrs. Ago I was involved in an accident with Durango where the front drivers side wheel popped off after another vehicle hit it. We don't believe he could have hit it with enough force for that to happen if it had not been defective to begin with. His wife even spoke to me about this last christmas after the recall came out. I am fed up with this truck and I want Dodge to know it.

I have a 1999 Dodge Durango. In 2/04 I had to replace my transmission (45. 000) miles. In 9/04 (47,000 miles) I now have to repalce my rear differential.

Rear differential pinion gear shaft broke twice. The metal separated at the shoulder on the pinion shaft. The consumer has the second defective pinion shaft in his possession.

I've been complaining of abnormal noises coming from my 1999 Dodge Durango since may of 2003, to 2 different Dodge dealer service departments. The steering is "loose" and the tires wear unevenly no matter how many times I have them rotated. After a very scary road trip where I almost veered off the highway several times, I brought the Durango to a private mechanic. They immediately detected the problem of faulty ball joints and a bad rear axle and differential. When the mechanic called Dodge to order parts, he was told that this is a common problem with Durango's and the parts were in stock. Repairs consisted of new upper and lower ball joints, new front tires (with alignment) repair and rebuild rear axle and differential. This was all paid for by me personally because my extended warranty expired in June 2005. However, I believe it would have been covered under the warranty if in may 2003 the Dodge mechanics would have figured out what the problems were. There was a water leak at the right rear window. Updated 04/10/06.

Pinion shaft snapped off jamming into gear box, causing rear wheels to lock up. Power steering pump failed causing loss of control. Car crashed into curb.

Problem: rear axle pinion bearing fails, causing damage to pinion gear and ring gear. At each repair attempt, bearings, cups and seals are replaced, repairs have lasted about 2000 miles, 500miles and twice at under 100 miles. The problem has been addressed 4 times, once at a Dodge dearlership other than the one where we purchased the vehicle and 3 times at the purchasing dealership. The last repairs included replacing the rearend housing, now though, within 100 miles, the problem has returned. At last tear down of the rearend, the pinion gear's teeth were chipped. This fact is what scares myself and my wife, a complete failure of the pinion gear at highway speeds could be disastrous. We have contacted the manufacture about the numerous repairs and failures through certified mail, my only contact with them is to say they received the notice and then the purchasing dealership's service manager called to voice his hostilities to us as to why we went over his head with this! I feel this problem is a possible safety issue and needs to be addressed, we are having to drive the defective vehicle because we have no other available vehicle. . . . . It is scary.