November 3, 2003
For at least three years, DaimlerChrysler has been telling customers that it is "investigating" what appears to be a rash of problems with the ball joints on the Dodge Durango SUV and Dakota pickup trucks.
"I called the Dodge Hot Line today and was told that all of these problems are either under investigation for a recall, or are a recall item, as mine is not the only Durango with these exact problems," said Michelle of Austin, Ark., in a May 2, 2000 complaint to ConsumerAffairs.com.
Michelle was complaining about a "popping" sound in her steering as well as other problems with her Durango.
The popping is often a symptom of excessive wear in the ball joints, a critical part of the vehicle's suspension and steering system. Ball joints normally last at least 100,000 miles but have been wearing out as early as 30,000 on Durangos and Dakotas.
If a ball joint fails suddenly, it could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. In extreme cases, the wheel can come off.
In the three and a half years since Michelle's complaint, the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) and assorted Web sites, newspapers and TV news shows have shown interest in the problem but so far nothing's been done to remedy the problem and fix the thousands of vehicles that are at risk.
CBS News spotlighted the problem in a recent broadcast and at least one class action lawsuit has reportedly been filed. However, in many cases, DaimlerChrysler has covered the ball joint repairs under warranty and without monetary damages, it's doubtful a class action suit will result in any significant action.
NHTSA investigators say the upper ball joint complaints from Durango owners far outnumber any other SUV on the road. There have been 395 complaints to NHTSA about upper ball joint problems on the Durango, compared to 12 for the Ford Explorer, 11 for the Chevy Blazer and none for the Grand Cherokee.
Though there have been no reported injuries or deaths, with 900,000 Durangos on the road, many consumer advocates say that DaimlerChrysler should issue an immediate recall.
"They were emphatic that it was my ball joint and that my life had been on the line for months," said Lisa of Penfield, N.Y., after her Dodge dealer finally diagnosed the problem with her Durango.
NHTSA officially opened an investigation into the problem in July 2003 but whether -- or if -- it will order a recall or take some other action is uncertain. The agency usually relies on automakers to identify problems and issue recalls.
