Suspension Noise problems of the 2012 Dodge Durango

My Durango started making noise in the back end, and seemed unstable at times handling, and even worse when towing. The noise was most pronounced going slow over bumpy roads, like a clunking noise. Upon researching I discovered that these vehicles are known for having problems with the rear self-leveling shocks. These shocks are not a cheap fix, but knowing I had no other choice but to replace them with the same problematic shocks, I replaced them. The Durango was silent for a couple days, then a noise again appeared in the back end of the vehicle. Issues with the rear shocks are described in Chrysler TSB 17-005-13 as well as TSB 17-002-14, but since mine is a 2012 Durango and not called out for the TSB 17-002-14. The shocks that were installed are the new series ah shocks (from aa that was on the vehicle) the ah series purchased came with mounts preinstalled. The vehicle has a tremendous amount of noise in the back end, and clunking going on that is definitely shock related, it may be a different noise then before, but now it is even worse with the new shocks. Since replacing the shocks it is difficult to explain when the noises/clunking will happen ¿ it use to happen consistently when going slow over a bumpy road, no that is not the case ¿ sometimes it happens when going slow, sometimes faster, sometimes just around a corner, there seems to be nothing common about when the shocks are going to start making noise just that they will, and they will make noise often. It just seems that something is wrong, and not safe in the rear suspension.

Chrysler has published a technical service bulletin (TSB) number 17-007-14. I experienced the symptom of this TSB as a clunking sound from the rear of the vehicle. It is caused by the self leveling suspension (sls) shock strut upper mount failing. The sls is a component of the optional tow package. Before I understood what the issue was, I towed a 23' 4,500 lbs trailer over 1,200 miles. I equipped my Durango with a weight distribution and anti-sway hitch assembly rated at 8,000 lbs and ensured both the tow vehicle and trailer were near perfectly level. Additionally I was required by the state of maryland to have the trailer safety inspected which confirmed the axles were properly aligned, wheel bearings were serviceable, and the electronic brake controller was functional and adjusted properly. Despite the fact the trailer was well within the tow vehicle operating limits, the tow vehicle and trailer exhibited unsafe levels of dynamic instability. This dynamic instability manifested as a one-to-one lateral oscillation of the tow vehicle, lateral sway instability of the trailer, and what I would characterize as a dangerous reduced controllability of the tow vehicle and trailer. I ask that the NHTSA examine this issue and that this TSB be elevated to a manufacturer funded recall on all affected vehicles. Vehicle owners may not recognize the significance of the issue or understand the effects on towing stability. This not only puts the tow vehicle at risk, but all other vehicles sharing the road. Additionally, the high cost of mitigating this issue (greater than $1,000) will very likely cause a large number of vehicle owners to delay the repair or even decide not to have it addressed at all. Chrysler and Dodge have an intrinsic responsibility to address this issue with a recall for the safety of their customers as well as all drivers who share the road.