2000 Dodge Durango SLT from North America - Comments

Need new ball joints and I haven't even been off-road.

I purchased my used 2000 Dodge Durango in December of 2001. Since that time I have had to replace the battery and a bad thermostat. The locking mechanism on the rear hatch does not work properly, and must be locked manually with the key. Just recently, I was told that the ball joints needed to be replaced. I have owned this car for a little over a year, and haven't been off-road once, and the ball joints have to be replaced! I was given a quote from the local Dodge dealership of $703 for parts and labor. It is not covered by the manufacturer's warranty.

Last week I wrote to Dodge using their website and was basically told that, although my comments are greatly appreciated (sure they are), there was nothing that could be done. My reply was that Dodge obviously does not care about customer service, their reputation, nor do they stand behind their product. I also informed them that this was my third Dodge vehicle, and would be my last. I have yet to receive a reply so I can only assume that they do not care. After finding this website today, I e-mailed them again to inform them that I am clearly not the only unhappy customer and I sent them a link to this website, suggesting that the powers-to-be may be interested in reading comments from their unhappy customers. My final comment was that the public should not be stuck with their expensive lemons.

It's unfortunate that Dodge can make a vehicle that looks so nice, provides ample comfort and space, but is put together so poorly.

I own a 1999 Dodge Durango. This morning a friend of mine called to inform me about what he heard on CNN this morning. Apparently there have been several recorded accidents that were a result of bad ball joints on the Durangos involved in each incident. So I proceeded to do my own research on-line and cannot believe what I am reading. I have been bragging to my friends that I have had NO major trouble with my truck, but it is quickly approaching the 70,000 mile mark and I now fear the worst. My minor problems include: replacing the battery, irregular thermostat, unpredictable brakes. My problems seem to be very, very common. And to read that Dodge has not replied to their consumers concerns is unsettling. I am seriously considering selling my truck immediately before it's too late. Thanks for the information, it is greatly appreciated!! This is a wonderfully informative site!

There's at least one class action lawsuit going on:

http://www.texascardoctor.com/recalls-news.html.

The ball joint problem is getting attention...

My Brother asked me to check up on the Durango, as his vehicle only has about 40,000 Km. on it, yet he had to replace the ball joints. He has never driven his truck off-road. He was shocked when he took a tire off and found he could wiggle the rotor. He said the ball joints were the non-serviceable type with no grease fittings. He had to get them ground off (riveted on), and replace them himself with the serviceable type...I'll have to pass the news on to him that he's not alone with. ball-joint problems.

The wifes 1998 Durango.

28,000 miles, the transmission was shot. After the warranty was expired no less. The dealer was nice enough to repair for only 50 dollars.

Now, at 45,304 miles, both upper and lower ball joints need replaced. For a price of 1200 dollars!!! The dealer, nor Chrysler is willing to admit there is a problem. I have owned a lot of vehicles, and never had to replace such major components at such a low odometer reading! I will never buy another Dodge Vehicle!

I purchased a new 2000 Dodge Durango and it now has about

150,000 miles. I have had to replace the Thermostat, Battery, Catalytic Converter, and now my transmission is

shot. I have been talking too many of my friends who also

have Dodge vehicles and they warned me that around 75,000

miles the transmission would need to be replaced. I thought

for a moment that I was lucky, because I made it until

150,000 miles. I have found a number of website that have

stated that the transmissions on Dodges are not great and

that this is a deflect that the manufacture knows about.

I have been asking myself, why would they let this continue.

This was my first Dodge truck and it will surely be my last.

Sincerely.

I have a 2002 Dodge Durango, The vehicle has been nothing, but problems since the day I purchased it new, a month after buying this vehicle the Transmission gave out and had to be replaced,even though I complained in vain to replace it with a new vehicle, they would not, i got a new tranny, but I continue to have premature failure of parts, the brakes have been replaced twice, keep in mind it only has 30,000 miles, one day while driving with my son to his Baseball game I heard a loud sound coming from the rear, as I approached the ballpark the entire rear axle fell off the vehicle, to my total shock, the vehicle violently came to a complete stop.

Thank God we were not in the highway at the time, now today 28-Sept-04 I proceeded to go and get my vehicle inspected, and the mechanic returns to inform me that he will not pass my inspection because my lower and upper Ball joints are shot, again only 30,000 miles on a 2002 Dodge Durango, so off to the Dealer again, what will be next.

I have learned my lesson the hard way, i will be getting rid of this vehicle before I have a serious car accident, I also have researched this and many more have also complained.

Concerned Dodge Durango Owner.