Front Suspension Lower Ball Joint problems of the 2001 Dodge Durango - part 1

Tl- the contact owns a 2001 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the front passenger's side tire was becoming prematurely worn due to defective tie rods. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic, who inspected the vehicle and advised that there was excessive wear in the upper and lower ball joints that had separated from the tie rod. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue, who stated there was a recall for the failure but the contact's the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 04v596000 (suspension). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 124,127. Kmj.

My vehicle is 6 years old, about 2 months ago I noticed my car began vibrating really badly and my tires were wearing flat on the drivers side. I took my Durango to the 76 service station and they inspected my vehicle and I was told that my right front wheel bearing was worn, my front ball joints were worn and the sway bar bushings were worn very badly as well as the upper control arms were bad. I have only seen recalls on the vehicles with 4x4 but I think the 4x2 models need to also be inspected. This is not normal wear for a vehicle only being 6 years old and driven only 14,280 a year. I cant afford to pay the 1500 dollars that was quoted to have it fixed, so now it sits unless it has to be used, because I am afraid that my front tire is going to fall off.

The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Durango. The contact received a recall notice in March of 2007 for the front ball joints. She immediately had the vehicle repaired. When she took her vehicle to the dealer for an alignment, they stated that the upper and lower ball joints (which were repaired less than a year ago under recall) needed to be repaired again. She feels that her vehicle was repaired with the same defected component. The vehicle was repaired. The recall number was unknown. The current mileage was 126,000 and failure mileage was 80,000.

The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Durango SUV. There was a loud clicking noise in the front end and the steering wheel pulled. The dealer stated that there was a recall on the ball joints. However, it didn't apply to this vehicle. Also, the front and lower arm ball joints were worn out and could be repaired at cost to the contact. The contact was aware of the safety risk involved and observed related complaints. The current and failure mileage were 50,000.

The consumer was complaining that after recall #04v596000 was fixed. The vehicle had to be realigned. Consumer was upset that he had to pay for alignment. The manufacturer should have paid for this, and it should be included in the recall expenses. The recall was on the upper ball joints on both sides of the front suspension. The owner had the recall fixed on 7-27-05. The consumer did not have enough money to pay the extra charge. He will have this fixed and go back to a mechanic for another realigned. The consumer was going to do this at a later date. Called the manufacturer, and they said that the realignment wasn't something that they were concering. They were only concerned with the recall.

Adhering to the recall notice we received on our 2001 Dodge Durango, we took it in to have the upper ball joints replaced. Three months later we took the car back for its routine oil change. At that time we were told the lower ball joints were now in need of repair. Given the recall on the upper ball joints and the many complaints that have been placed on this subject, we find it hard to believe that this is an unrelated problem. The recall should be modified to include the lower ball joints as well.

While driving a loud clanking noise came from the rear of the vehicle. Driver took vehicle to dealer, and mechanic determined that left and right rear lower ball joints needed to be replaced due to corrosion.

While the vehicle was being sericed for the upper ball joints on the NHTSA recall, the lower ball joints were were defective.

While the upper ball joints were being replaced under a manufacturer's recall dealer informed the consumer that both lower ball joints needed to be replaced.

Brought vehicle to dealer for upper ball joint recall and was informed that the lower ball joints were also bad. Dealer said they could replace them at a considerable cost to vehicle owner. Obviously equally as defective as the upper ball joints and should also be covered by a recall.

Nhtsa recall campaign 04v596000; daimler Chrysler issued an upper ball joint recall. This vehicle was included in the recall, but when taken to dealer for inspection it was found that the lower ball joints needed to be replaced, otherwise the wheels could fall off.

The lower ball joints wear out prematurely. Dealer has already replaced the upper ball joints under the recall that was issued.

The hubs also became defective once the ball joints were defective. This should be brought to the manufacturer's attention. Recall campaign . Nhtsa campaign id number : 04v596000 front:control arm:upper ball joint.

During a recent state inspection on my 2001 Dodge Durango it was found that one of my upper and both lower ball joints were worn extensively and that the vehicle failed inspection. I was scheduled for a recall replacement for the uppers as per the recal, however after contacting Dodge, I was told that the lower ball joint damage are unrelated to the recall. I feel that the failure and defect in the upper ball joints are the proximate cause of the lower ball joint failure, and that the recall should be modified to include both the upper and lower ball joints.

Nhtsa campaign 04v596000; daimler Chrysler issued an upper ball joint recall. This vehicle is included in the recall, but when taken in for repair, results showed that the lower ball joints need to be replaced as well. Dealer will repair at owner's expense.

During a routine inspection, the dealership informed the consumer of the loose upper/lower ball joints. The dealership did not resolve the problem. Please provide more information.

Consumer received recall 04v596000 concerning ball joint wear. However, consumer has been waiting for sometime, almost one month, and was being told there were no parts.

Nhtsa campaign 04v596000; daimler Chrysler issued an upper ball joint recall. This vehicle was included in the recall, but when taken to the dealer for repairs results showed that the lower ball joints needed to be replaced as well. Dealer will repair at consumer's expense. The consumer has attempted to contact the manufacturer for four days but only gets an answering machine.

The steering in my 2001 Durango has been very loose and difficult to control especially over rough roads since about 30,000 miles. About a year ago when there was approximately 45,000 miles on it, there started to be very loud noises coming from the front wheels. I took it to the dealership and was told I needed new brake pads but nothing was mentioned about the ball joints. I had a mechanic look at the brakes and was told they were fine, but that the upper and lower ball joints seemed unusually worn. When I heard of the recall December 10, 2004 for the upper ball joints, I took my vehicle in to be checked. They verified that the upper ball joints were "almost gone" and replaced them according to the recall. However, they then informed me that the lower ball joints were just as bad and needed to be replaced "very soon". I asked if the vehicle was still just as unsafe as when I brought it in, and was told "yes". My concern and question then is why are the lower ball joints not included in the recall? does it not make sense that when one half of a suspension's moving part fails, that it puts undue stress on the opposing part, causing it to fail as well? also, if the repair of the upper ball joint did not make my vehicle safe, then what is the purpose of the recall?.

I have been hearing about Dodge durrango recalls for years 00-03 and I have a 2001. I have recently on December 2 went to get new tires and an alignment when I was notified that my ball joints on all 4 wheels were bad, along with a lower ball joint on the front passenger side. I don't feel that customers of daimler Chrysler should have to pay for this. I, for one don't have the money to give out to replace this problem right away especially around christmas. Daimler Chrysler should replace them because they have a defective product.

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When we purchased new tires on 11/29/04, we were informed that the front lower ball joints are worn out and ready to break. We were told that these need to be replaced ASAP.

Consumer received a recall notice for the ball joints on the Dodge Durango. However, consumer has contacted the dealer a total of three times, and they have yet to repair the vehicle due to lack of parts.

2nd alignement in 6 months. Mechanic showed deteriorated ball joints and play. Unable to correct alignement issues due to severly worn ball joint components. Worn tires due to condition.

While driving 25 mph, the vehicle would makes a humming noise and the vehicle would pull to the right when braking. Vehicle was taken to a repair shop. The mechanic informed the consumer that both upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified. The dealer informed that their vehicle did not fall under the recall.

When the consumer took the vehicle for a routine maintenance, the mechanic informed the consumer that the lower ball joints needed to be replaced due to corrosion. Please fill in additional information.

Pe 03-032, front suspension/upper ball joints: while getting a front end alignment consumer found that the upper and lower ball joints wore out.

Consumer heard a noise coming from the front while driving at any speed. Upon inspection by the dealership consumer was informed that lower ball joints needed to be replaced.

Pe 03 032/ front suspension upper ball joint failure: while driving 20-25 mph the upper and lower ball joints on the right side broke. The condition caused a vehicle accident in which the vehicle struck a speed sign and a telephone pole. The consumer was transported by ambulance to the local hospital for a concussion and minor bruises. The manufacturer was notified. The manufacturer informed consumer that they were going to send out an investigator concerning these issues.

I have a 2001 Dodge Durango. On Sunday April 4,2004 I hit a small pothole on the road and almost lost control of my vehicle and hit another car. It felt like the front end was going to fall off. I took the car to a Dodge dealer here in provo utah. The upper and lower ball joints had to be replaced. The service department told me they were worn and were in bad shape. I have 48000 miles on my vehicle. This could have caused a serious crash. I won't say accident for both chryler and the government know of the problem and refuse to address the problem. Get off your ass before someone gets killed!.

I saw on t. V. That the Dodge Durango's were having problems with the lower front ball joint. My dealer, nethaway's, checked the ball joint's on my vehicle and they are abnormally worn for a vehicle with 63125 miles. I informed Dodge of this problem, and received no assistance in correcting the same.

While the consumer was driving down the highway, the ball joints broke, making it hard to steer vehicle. The consumer pulled to the shoulder, called a tow truck and had the vehicle towed to the dealer for repairs. The warranty expired and the consumer had to pay $1100. 00 for repairs. The front wheel(s) had come unattached while attempting to make a turn.

At 32120 miles dealership replaced all four ball joints, 10 months later, mechanic determined the need to replace all four ball joints again.

Consumer took vehicle to an independent repair shop for regular maintenance, and mechanic determined that lower and upper ball joints needed to be replaced at consumer's expense.

Premature wear on both front ball joints. Right side upper and lower wore prematurely. Left upper wore prematurely. Seals were intact. Vehicle has 40k miles. Dodge Durango 2001.