Steering Tie Rod Assembly problems of the 2004 Dodge Durango

The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the vehicle rapidly and abnormally accelerated when the accelerator pedal was engaged. The contact inspected the vehicle and found that engine oil was leaking from the vehicle and the tie rod was fractured. In addition, smoke and a small fire erupted from under the hood. The contact was able to contain the fire. The vehicle was inspected by a local mechanic , who advised that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileage was 109,000.

The outer passenger side tie rod end on our 2004 Dodge Durango came apart due to extreme corrosion. The ball completely separated from the housing. The rubber boot was still in place, but clearly had failed somehow. The result was the immediate loss of steering and vehicle control. Thankfully it was in a neighborhood and at low speed. The truck ground to a halt in the middle of the road. It was towed and ultimately repaired with a new tie rod end. I kept the old corroded tie rod hoping someone would care to see it. The should not have occurred in a vehicle 3x its age. The defective part is so badly corroded it looks like its been on the bottom of the ocean for 20 years.

The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Durango. While turning the steering wheel, the contact heard a loud noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. The failure occurred whenever the engine was operating at relatively warm temperatures. There were no warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer on two separate occasions for identical failures, but they were unable to locate the cause of the failures. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection and the contact was informed that the inner tie rods failed. The entire tie rod system required replacement. The authorized dealer stated that the part for the repair was unavailable due to a massive back order. The repair part has been modified six times. The vehicle is not being driven due to the safety hazard. The failure mileage was 73,000 and current mileage was 76,000.

See first complaint 10237419. I'm having continued front end steering/suspension problems. Had the lower ball joint replaced on 09/28/07. By February of this year I'm experiencing what seems to be the same problems. . . Clunking sound (metal to metal) that starts when engine area is hot. After 45 minutes of driving. Vibration can be felt in the steering and floor boards. The noise is getting progressively louder and I fear that safety may become a issue. The Durango makes a sound something like the tire and rim is going to vibrate right off the vehicle. I'm now on my third mechanic. . . . Richmond, CA. Hilltop Dodge, who test drove my Durango and heard the sound on 08/12/08. They inspected the front ball joints, tie rods, and assured that each area was tight . They deemed that the vehicle is safe to drive, but weren't sure of the problem. They think it may be looseness in the lower steering shaft. Dealer/mechanic said the problem needed to be more consistent to isolate the noise. Inspection charge $124. 95. Problem has not been identified or resolved, but sounds similar to what has been investigated for potential recall in the past.