Front Suspension Upper Ball Joint problems of the 2002 Dodge Durango - part 1

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.

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.

The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Durango. While driving approximately 10 mph the contact heard a grinding noise. The passenger side of the vehicle dropped to the ground and the tire came off of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the technicians stated that the suspension front control arm upper ball joint had separated. The technicians also stated that the front control arm upper ball joint, sway bar, brake pads, suspension cross bar, wheel, brakes and calipers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated there was a recall NHTSA campaign id number: 04v596000 (suspension front:control arm:upper ball joint) but the dealer informed her the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was contacted and stated they would cover a portion of the repairs but they could not cover the entire cost. The approximate failure mileage was 142,299. Updated 02/18/11.

When I purchased this car I had concerns that it had either been in a accident or a flood. I wrote to the attorney generals office, and asked to cancel my contract because I felt that I had been deceived. I felt that there weren't any other options for me, I was now stuck with a lemon, and I hoped and prayed that the car would last until I could afford to pay for it. When I purchased tires , I was informed that the ball joints had completely shredded the insides of my tires on the front end, and had to be replaced immediately . I contacted a Dodge dealership and was informed that the upper ball joints on the front-end were recalled, and replaced in 2004, which was two years before I purchased the car in 2006. I feel that since Dodge has had this car on more than two occasion because of the frontend, (the dealership which repaired the car after accident has lost their license to service Dodge vehicles) I was regularly using this vehicle to drive my kids to school. I am a single parent, and can't afford to have their defect corrected. I am afraid to drive the Durango long distance. . I have written a letter of complaint with the Chrysler office in michigan, but have not received a response. I have also attempted to reach the customer service line with no results.

I heard a clunking noise from front of vehicle when braking or turning. When I took it for service, I was told the right front steering control arm was broken and catastrophic consequences were imminent if I drove. The vehicle was repaired by the Dodge dealer. I was later advised that NHTSA campaign 04v596000 was associated with this failure.

We had an appointment to replace the tires on our 2002 Dodge Durango, 2x4 sxt. The firestone mechanic came into the waiting room and informed us that the passenger side upper ball joint was very bad and the drivers side showed signs of wear. This vehicle has 43500 miles on it. There is a recall on the 4x4 models of the Durango, but not the 2x4 models. While their was no injuries or deaths involved, this is a potentially deadly problem and needs to be addressed for all the Durangos.

: the contact stated while backing out of a drive way at 5 mph, the steering was too hard to operate. No warning lights were illuminated prior to the incident. The vehicle was already subject to a NHTSA recall #04v596000 repair where the upper ball joints were replaced. The contact noticed there were no greasers to maintain the ball joint lubricated. The vehicle was taken to the dealership who determined the ball joint should be replaced again to correct the problem. The manufacturer was contacted who coincided with the dealership. The contact expressed concern because the vehicle had less than 50,000 miles since the recall was performed and another replacement would not guarantee the ball joint's endurance.

Upper ball joint failure. Loud noise and decreased steering function. Recall on 2002 Durango 4x4 but not on 2002 Durango without 4x4. Perhaps same parts were used in both type 2002 Durango. Recall should be on both. Estimate repair cost $1500.

The contact's wife had an accident. She lost control while driving around a curve in the road. She heard a popping noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle pulled to the right. She went off the road, hitting the side walk, blew the front right tire, and then hit a small embankment. The vehicle was towed to a body shop. The mechanic took the front right tire off, and the ball joint was broken. There was NHTSA recall 04v596000 on the ball joint, and it was replaced about one month ago.

Nhtsa recall campaign 04596000 concerning upper ball joint wear. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for recall repairs. A few hours later driver contacted the dealer, and was informed that the vehicle was ready, and that recall repairs were performed. Driver picked up the vehicle, and was advised that repairs had not been performed, and to come back another day.

Consumer received NHTSA recall campaign 04v596000 for upper ball joints. When taken vehicle to dealer for service dealer had no parts. Currently, dealer still has no parts available. Called another dealership and they replaced ball joints the next day.

Consumer received recall 04v596000 for the upper ball joints, and to date has not been able to have the vehicle repaired since no parts were available.

Nhtsa campaign 04v59600; daimler Chrysler issued an upper ball joint recall. This vehicle is included in the recall, but there are no available parts in order to repair, which could be dangerous because the wheels could fall off.

Consumer received recall 04v596000 for upper ball joints. When contacting dealer consumer was explained that they would not receive parts for approximately 6-8 weeks.

Consumer received recall campaign 04v596000 concerning ball joint wear. No parts were available. Service manager dennis dzek.

Recall campaign 04v596000 concerning ball joint wear. Consumer had an appointment for March 4, 2005 for recall repairs. Dealer informed the consumer that the parts were available. On March 3, 2005. Consumer was informed by the dealer that the appointment was canceled due to no parts, and that they did not know when the parts would be available.

04v596000/ball joint wear. Owner received notification from the manufacturer in December 2004. Owner contacted the dealer and was informed that parts needed to repair the defect were unavailable. The next available opening for the defect repair will be in may,2005. Provide further details.

I received a recall notice from daimler Chrysler pertaining to the upper ball joints on my 2002 Dodge Durango. I tried to schedule this 3 times with my dealer. Brenner motors 1812-30 paxton st harrisburg PA,17104 717-232-4271. It has been 9 months since my first contact and they keep telling me they are waiting for parts.

Nhtsa recall campaign 04v596000; daimler Chrysler issued an upper ball joint recall. This vehicle was included in the recall, but there were no available parts for recall repairs. This was dangerous because the wheels could fall off.

Consumer received NHTSA recall 04v596000 concerning ball joint wear. Consumer contacted the dealer for an appointment, and mechanic informed the consumer that the next available appointment would be March 31, 2004.

Consumer received recall 04v596000 concerning upper ball joint wear. No parts were available. Service manager bob.

Nhtsa recall campaign 04v596000; daimler Chrysler issued an upper ball joint recall. This vehicle was included in the recall, but the dealer had no parts available in order to repair, which could be dangerous because the wheels could fall off. Consumer received recall notice on 2 Durangos and have been trying to get them repaired for several weeks. Chrysler has no time frame when they will be shipped.

While driving 65 mph, the front of the vehicle became unstable. The consumer got out of the vehicle and discovered that the outside wall of the passenger side front tire was noticeably warned. The owner contacted the manufacturer who instructed the owner to have the vehicle towed to the nearest Dodge dealer. The dealer refused to tow the vehicle to the dealership and would not render any further assistance. Provide further details.

The upper ball joint is making a clicking noise, causing the vehicle to have difficult control especially when making turns. Consumer will take vehicle to dealer for repairs for the second time.

Nhtsa recall campaign 04v596000; daimler Chrysler issued an upper ball joint recall. This vehicle was included in the recall, but there were no parts available in order to repair, which was dangerous because the front wheels could fall off.

The front left side ball joint was making a grinding noise causing the wheel to shake and maintain control. Consumer took vehicle to dealer for repairs for the second time in a month.

Both ball joints on my 2002 Durango VIN 1b4hr58n52f115387 miles 47000 [approx]. September 04 marietta Dodge scoot the service manager said they should not be bad on a 2 year old vehicle with average miles. But I am told that my vehicle is not covered under the recall. It is extrmely clear it should be.

I'd like to add my vehicle to the list of Durango's that have had the upper ball joint replaced. My Durango is a 2002 with 38,000 mi. Very disappointing that my dealer never mentioned the ongoing problem. I have my vehicle in every 3 months for an oil change and not once did they inspect it. Now I am 2,000 mi over the warranty and no offers from Dodge or the dealer to fix it so I had a local mechanic fix it for me.

While driving 25 mph vehicle jerked and vibrated uncontrollably. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. Mechanic determined that both front upper ball joints needed to be replaced.

Took vehicle to dealer for a scheduled appointment to have the tires changed. Upon having the tires changed machanic determined that the top ball joints broke.

I manage the fleet for the fbi jacksonville division and while servicing one of our vehicles, an 02 2-wd Durango, noticed that the front suspension made a creaking noise when I lowered the vehicle back to the ground from our frame lift and inspection of the suspension revealed that the upper ball joints were worn out. They had about 1/4 inch of play and the vehicle only had 30,000 mi. On it. The boots were not torn nor has this vehicle been used under severe conditions. We only have one other 02 Durango and it is a 4wd but at 22,000 mi. The upper ball joints are showing some wear/play. After having to actually jack the vehicle up in the dealer service lane and show them the play they replaced the control arms under warranty on the 2wd and I haven't taken the 4wd one in yet. This has to be a defect, either the joints didn't get any lube when manufactured or they have a problem with the materials to cause them to wear so quickly. I didn't get the old parts so I can't say for sure. I have not seen any recall on these, I believe there is one on the later models for a similar problem. When I take the next one in I will see if they will let me have the original control arms but I'm doubtful they will. I consider ourselves lucky to have caught this before it caused an accident.

Upper ball joints are popping and cracking with every turn of my 2002 Dodge Durango. If they fail, it could mean the life of me, my husband and our 4 children. Dodge dealership will not recall this and I don't have the money to fix it. It is clearly a defect in the Durango.

2002 Dodge Durango upper ball joint excessive wear.

No obvious symptoms, just getting an inspection to renew license. Mechanic says it failed due to bad upper right ball joint. He showed me the wheel and it would move sideways a full 1" back and forth! this joint is ready to fail completely and I have had no warning, no noise, no loose feeling in the steering, nothing. Only 46,000 miles on vehicle, didn't expect a problem like that. Thank god that missouri requires an inspection every other year! I will request the mechanic save the part when replaced.

I want to join the growing list of consumers complaining about the Dodge Durango upper ball joint problem. On April 15, 2004 I had to pay for replacement upper ball joints at a cost of $468. 16 - the truck had about 40,000 miles on it. Dodge needs to do something about this problem now. When the mechanic put the truck up on the rack, the right front wheel wobbled very badly. She said "this is very serious. " there were no steering problems and no warning noises, I just took the truck in to be checked for my own peace of mind. Does the wheel have to fall off as a first warning.