Issue ID | 446105 |
Internal NHTSA # | 10045267 |
Manufacurer | DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION |
Brand | DODGE |
Model | DURANGO |
Model Year | 1998 |
File date | 28/10/03 |
Component | SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT |
Product type code | VEHICLE |
Description of the problem | Ball joint failure -- both upper and lower on both sides. Brought vehicle to dealership for regular maintenance, and mentioned that i heard a small squeak in the chassis. After several hours, they found that my ball joints were so badly worn that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. When i asked how unsafe, they indicated that the wheels could fail in a day, a few days, a week.... That i was very fortunate they hadn't already. The cost of repair was $1,400. If i elected not to get the problem fixed, the dealership representative told me that i would need to sign a waiver before they would allow me to get my vehicle back. I drive car pools, have the safety of my 3 children plus the responsibility for all other drivers on the road, and to have my durango "unsafe to drive" when i have taken good care of my vehicle is extremely upsetting. I have had my maintenance performed by the local dodge dealership (metrolina dodge) and welcome the opportunity to share those records with you in an investigation. Had it not been for this 'after-thought' when i brought the car in, i have no idea what could have happened, but listening to the dealer representative, it could have been deadly. Please investigate and urge a recall. *la |
Vehicle Mileage at Failure | 95500 |
Number of Occurences | 1 |
Source of the issue | NHTSA WEB SITE |
City and State | CHARLOTTE, NC |
VIN pattern | 1B4HS28Y7WFXXXXXX |
Was vehicle invloved in a crash? | N |
Was vehicle involved in a fire? | N |
Was incedent reported to police? | N |
Was medical attention required? | |
Was part original equipment? | |
No. of injured persons | |
No. of fatalities | |
Date of purchase | 01/05/98 |
Was original owner? | Y |
Anti-lock brakes | Y |
Cruise control | Y |
Number of cylinders | |
Drive train type | 4WD |
Transmission type | AUTO |
Vehicle speed | |
DoT tire identifier | |
Tire size | |
Location of tire code | |
Type of tire failure code | |
Was defective tire repaired? | |
Date of manufacture | |
Type of child seat code | |
Type of restraint | |
Dealer's name | METROLINA DODGE |
Dealer's telephone number | 704-553-7900 |
Dealer's city | CHARLOTTE |
Dealer's state code | NC |
Dealer's ZIP code | 28273 |