Front Suspension Control Arm Problems of Dodge Durango - part 1

While reversing turning the steering wheel, the lower control arm broke causing the tire to come off and causing a collision.

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Heavy rust buildup on frame behind upper control arm mounts. After removing rust, frame metal is very thin with holes throughout. Possibly leading to flexing & cracking. Definitely reducing crash abilities.

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I have had my front end replaced 3 times and my truck is still not working right, need to have control arms replaced.

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Play in both upper and lower front ball joints needing new control arms. Caused cupping on good tires and also an alignment.

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The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while making a right turn, the front passenger's side lower control arm became fractured. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer, who stated that the upper control arm, lower control arm and the ball joints needed to be repaired. The contact did not have the vehicle repaired. The vehicle was previously remedied under NHTSA campaign I. D. Number: 08e064000 (suspension). The failure mileage was not available. Updated 2/27/cn the owner of the vehicle requires a spanish response. Updated 3/6/2014.

The ball joints failed on my 1999 Dodge Durango with the same clunking noise that the ball joints failed on the 2000 - 2003 Dodge Durango's. Your NHTSA campaign number: 04v596000 clearly states this problem. Since you didn't include the 1999 Dodge Durango's in the recall I replaced the ball joints myself. Using the appropriate steps I replaced the bad squeaky, clunking ball joints with new moog ball joints. After about 3 months the front end of my Durango sounded as if it were going to fall off. I took my car to mieneke in spring , texas to get it evaluated. The manager at this outlet informed me that the ball joints had wallowed out the holes on the upper control arm where the bolts go through ball joint and the upper control arm. He then charged me $1400. 00 to replace the upper control arms on the right and left side and install new ball joints. My Dodge Durango began making noise again about 2 months later. The exact same problem. I called him back and let him know the problem was happening again. He said he would do some research and get back in touch with me. A day or two later he called me and informed me there was a service bulletin out that said you should not replace just the ball joint but you should replace the whole upper control arm that has a new ball joint riveted on to it. He said the metal on the control arm is to weak an malleable. How in the world can Dodge get away with using such cheap metal and parts and why don't all of the parts houses and repair shops know about this problem? only Dodge makes a replacement upper control arm with an attached ball joint for the 2 wheel drive Durango. It cost approximately $400 for each side.

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1998 Dodge Durango ball joints & control arm upper and lower they were first replaced in 2000 then in 2004 and now need to be replaced in 2005 continuously fails safety inspection VIN no. 1b4h528y8wf104760.

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(1) eighteen months prior to the accident, the upper and lower control arm assemblies were replaced by the dealer. (2) while driving, the right front wheel assembly collapsed causing a loss of control. Vehicle left the road, went through a utility pole, rolled twice causing a total loss of the vehicle. Police report indicates "it appears the accident was caused by mechanical failure. " witness supports accuracy of accident report. (3) dealer suggested complaint to chrylser. After investigation, daimler chrylser responds they "are not convinced that a manufacturing responsibility is associated with this incident. " they also "declined any responsibility associated with this incident. " digital photos of vehicle, suspension and separated wheel assembly at the accident scene are available.

Relating to NHTSA action number : ea03023: I own a 1998 Durango with the exact same conditions. I have spent $1000 to fix one side of the front end (hub assembly, ball joints, control arms, tie rod ends - it all had to be replaced) and need to come up with another $1000 to fix everything on the other side. Why is the recall only for 2000-2003 model years? the problem is reported for model years 98 and 99 - my search on the NHTSA website was for 1998 model year issues and this issue is listed as a problem for 1998, although most complaints seem to come from my 2000-2003 owners, that's not a reason to not fix the same exact problem that affects my model year.

I have had to recently replace the whole front suspension on my 2000 Dodge Durango not limited to the ball joints. All ball joints, both upper and lower, plus the control arms, and front shocks had to be replaced. The total repair bill was $1200. 00 to repair this problem, and due to this I will probably never buy a Dodge product again.

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I purchase my 1998 Dodge Durango in February of 2004. After two months problems with brakes and upper and lower ball joints began (both front tires) with the driver side being the worst. I heard clicking when I would turn the steering wheel to the left and thought it could be the cv joint. I too k the vehicle to brauning automotive and they found the problem and gave an estimate of $1500. 00 in repair costs. I purchased the parts myself and my father replaced both the upper and lower ball joints the following day. ( I am doubtful he still has the old parts - but I will ask) this was back in April 2004 and I am hearing the clicking yet again. When my father worked on my car he told me there was a bolt that was partial screwed in and the theads had actually been stripped off. He had to change the bolt as well. The clicking sound is almost sounds like two pieces of metal are slamming together. This does not happen when I am driving staight . I only hear it when I turn. I have 3 children and don't have the money to repair this problem. I heard on the radio a little bit about this. I don;t know if this is an actual recall or if it may become a recall. I don't want to have an accident like the others before something is done about this.

151 old farm rd. Leominster, MA 01453 March 26, 2004 daimler-Chrysler corporation po box 610207 port huron, mi 48061-0207 dear sirs: my father always told me, never buy a Chrysler product. however, a couple of years ago when looking for a mid-size SUV with a third row I was tempted by the Dodge Durango. However, I kept hearing my fathers voice, never buy&. . but I thought, that was the 1950s. You dont see blue smoke pouring from the exhaust pipe of Chrysler products anymore. Surely in the 21st century Chrysler products can compete with anything on the market. Right? so I relented and bought my first Chrysler producta well-styled Dodge Durango. I would prove my father wrong. Well-----? after only 60,000 miles and a $2,000 repair bill I am now telling my sons, never buy a Chrysler product. what happened? at 60,000 miles I took my Durango into my dealer for routine service and a state inspection. Please try to imagine my shock when I got a phone call from the service manager informing me that the ball joints on my car were so dangerously worn, the car would not pass inspection. If I did not get it repaired they would have to red-flag the car because it was too dangerous to have on the highway. Now really, who would want to drive a car that unsafe? I was relieved that the mechanic discovered it and possibly prevented a horrible accident. I had it fixed. Totally worn out ball joints at only 60,000 miles? and that is when I heard my fathers voice again, never buy a Chrysler product. sincerely, ian bothwell national highway traffic safety administration.

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Suspension:front:control arm.

Our 1998 Dodge Durango made a lot of creaking noises in the front when we drove it. We replaced the brakes (through goodyear not Dodge) with no improvement. Finally we paid to replace the front ball joints through Dodge. A few weeks ago we saw a tv report about Durango front ball joint failures, we feel very lucky that we did not have a failure, but feel that Dodge was not honest to us that there was a known problem, especially one that could cause safety prolems. The goodyear store certainly did not know about the ball joint issue! we hope for a recall to prevent anyone from getting hurt.

Had to have upper ball joint and control arm bushing replaced.

Bll joints neede to be replaced at only 60,000 miles.

Excessive wear on the upper and lower control arm bushings and ball joints on the front suspension.

1998 Dodge Durango. Upper/lower ball joint suspension replacement.

Brought my vehicle in for repair at the Dodge dealership service dept. And they pointed out the the both ball joint (upper and lower) and control arm where loose and needed replace. I took my 99 Durango in do to the "check engine" light was on. I was told that they are getting a lot Durango's in with the same loose ball joint problem. I was advised by the service dealer that this was a safety issue. My vehicle only has 67k miles. Thanks.

Driver's side control arm replaced at 13,802 miles. Both control arms replaced at 25,700 miles. Had to have tires replaced due to excessive wear.

Right upper control arm came loose causing popping, binding and steering control problems. Also, upper and lower right ball joints were worn out. Had to have the right front suspension repaired at 73,600 miles. Now two weeks after, the left front is doing the same and needs repairing. Also, having other squeaking and grinding somewhere in the suspension that has not yet been determined what is causing it. It is a dangerous situation and it sounds like a wreck.

Front end of vehicle making a creaking sound. Greenville Chrysler Dodge Jeep in greenville, texas replaced right lower, left upper and left lower control arms and performed front end alignment. Total cost $1492. 30.

Clunking, rattles and squeaks from the front suspension during sharp turns or bumps. Vehicle has 18,100 miles on it. Dealer replaced the left front upper and lower control arms and ball joints. This appears to be a premature failure as referenced in NHTSA action number pe03032.

I have a 1999 Dodge Durango that I purchased about seven months ago, it had 69,000 miles . About a month later the front ball joints, upper & lower,were bad also the control arm bushings are bad. I believe this is a manufacturer defect. I tried to find these parts to repair my vehicle, but there are no replacement parts available at our local autostores. I believe these parts should be recalled. . . Thank you very much. . . Steve kennett.

The front ball joints are loose causing the tires to wear out unreasonalbe sooner. The front upper ball joints need to be replaced and can become dangerous. The front end makes noises and feels unsecured at times. I have asked the dealer to exam the front end after purchasing the vehicle. The machanic said everything was normal.

While driving the vehicle I heard a load pop, at whcih point steering became difficult and it felt like something was rubbing or hanging in the front suspension. I took the vehicle to a Dodge dealership in columbus and was told that the right and left control arms need to be replaced, the left and right tie rods, and the right and left wheel bearings all must be replaced. Total repair cost to be $1,900. I have owned the truck 3 years and have put approximately 35,000 miles on the vehicle during the time period. We have had regular maintanence during this time period. It appears that the damage to the front suspension system is highly unusual for such a short time to have owned the vehicle.

I was told in may 2003 that my 2000 Dodge Durango needed upper ball joints replaced. I then took it to the dealership where I purchased it and they told me the same thing. They told me they couldn't get the replacement parts for at least a month. When I took the Durango to them in July, they then told me I need the control arms replaced as well. I was very upset because my vehicle only had 41,799 miles on it. I researched this and found that ball joints should last at least 100,000 miles. I expressed my anger toward the dealership and the manager then told me I wouldn't have to pay for the control arm, that Chrysler would eat that cost for me. At that point I had no choice but to have the work done, for fear that I might get into an accident. I spent 2 1/2 long months trying to resolve this issue and spent $490. 00 to replace the ball joints. I hope this reaches you and you can get this resolved for everyone involved with these similar problems. Thank you. Elaina dow.

Front end suspension squeaks horribly. Embarrassing to drive at times. I have been told by the dealer that I need to have both upper and lower control arms/ ball joints replaced on both sides. By viewing the complaints file I see this is common and don't see the sense in replacing them only to have them go bad again. Dodge needs to do something about this problem with this SUV and stop giving their consumers grief. Why wait for fatalities!!.

I was told recently from Dodge dealer that I needed right and left upper control arms and had worn out ball joints that would costs roughly 1500. 00 to fix. I heard on news today that there was an investigation or recall. Im sure there or others with this same problem shelling out hard earned cash to have this fixed,because the mechanic I talked with said that this was a problem that they were having with that model;acted as if it was normal. I have never been off-road with this vehicle and have never had this problem with a car so new. I have been saving money to get this fixed, but noone from Dodge told me that I was in danger if I continued to drive it like that,they did say it would wear my tires out and I would notice it more the longer I drive it like that. Im glad someone is looking out for the consumers!!.

I have had my vehicle into two places for underbody inspections and m-59 Dodge told me my ball joints (upper & lower) and control arms would need to be replaced. I had m-59 Dodge replace them once at 44,000 miles on my '99 Durango and now at 77,000 they say they need it again? so, I took it into anderson Dodge for a second opinion and they said they were fine (good) actually. So, I checked defects off the nhsta website and saw several instances of ball joints failing at every 30,000 miles. So, I called a Dodge parts department and asked what the part #s were for ball joints and control arms for a '99 Durango and for a '99 dakota (4x4) and guess what they are the same numbers????? let me guess, design the 4x4 dakota and just add all that weight and moment arms of the back of the SUV top and lift gate and not expect the equations to change for wear and tear of the front suspension?????? and then I found out that the suspension was modified in the 2000 model year. What a surprise??? I wonder if nhsta would be interested in my findings?????? now I am going to a third Dodge dealer for another inspection to see if I really do have a problem with ball joints and control arms. If these ball joints I have now are ok, I want to know if I can tap them and put in a grease fitting in order to extend the life of them. If however, they are not ok, I am going to file a complaint with NHTSA and show them my findings. I believe a design flaw should be a recall.

I purchased new tires and asked the tire dealer to check the alignment on my 1999 Dodge Durango and they told me they could not do it due to the fact the front end ball joints and control arms were bad and had to be replaced with only 52,000 miles. Chrysler said at the time this was unheard of and saw no reason for premature failure. They would not cover this under factory warranty. They made me pay for this with my Chrysler extended warranty, charging me $50 deductible and I had to pay for a front end alignment that was not required except for the changing of the parts. This should not be required on a vehicle with this age and mileage. Cars run for years and over one hundred thousand miles and do not have this problem. This needs to be looked into further. Luckily, this was caught before there was an incident while driving the vehicle on vacation in the mountains a few weeks later.

Bearings in upper and lower control arms had to be replaced due to deterioration. Dealer stated that they could not find problem on several visits while under warranty. Finally, after numerous alignments and tire replacements a friend mechanic noticed bearings which caused noise from original purchase date. Clicking noise at low speeds and turns turned into loud grind, which is when personal mechanic found problem. One dealership said the problem was front shocks. Replaced them but did not solve problem. Dealerships are avoiding problem hoping warranties run out. I equate car dealerships/service departments with carnival workers. This is their cash cow!!!!!.

I have a 1999 Dodge Durango. The ball joints wre out and I had the driver's side wheel fall off while going down the road. I spent several thousand dollars in repairs at a Dodge dealership. Has there been a recall or other similar incidents? thanks, kenneth lowrie.

The front end has always been loose and rattled. A part of the steering control arm has been replaced but did not resolve the sudden pulling in either direction - toward the right when changing lanes to the right or exiting the freeway, and the same thing when moving to the left, when the left front crosses the protion of the road were the lanes join. The left front rattles bad enough to feel in the steering and floor board, as well as being extreamly audible. The dealership states there is nothing wrong with the vehicle.

On December 27, 2002 I brought my Dodge Durango to just cruisin, inc to have my annual state inspection performed. I was notified that I failed inspection due to out of specification conditions on my front suspension. The vehicle had 62,810 miles at the time of this inspection. They notified me that they believed this to be a premature wearing of the parts. On 1/17/03, the ordered parts had been received, and I had them replaced. Just cruisin removed and replaced both lower ball joints, the left upper ball joint, and both inner tie rod ends. I did not notify Chrysler of this problem yet. Today, I read an article regarding 4 accidents and 81 complaints of premature wear on the front suspension of Dodge Durangos and decided to file this complaint. I also intend to contact Chrysler regarding recoupment of my expenses. Because the parts were replaced w/ factory parts, I probably will still need to replace w/ the redesigned parts when they come out.