Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Dodge Durango owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I have had several problems with my 98 Durango. I am the original owner, and the vehicle has 31,000 miles. The current problem, and the one for which I filed the complaint, deals with the electric windows not unctioning. The left rear window went out last year. Within the past two months, the passenger window went out, and the right rear has begun to operate inconsistently. As for repairs, a local Chrysler dealer said they believe the problem are the window regulators. As to cost, I am currently working with Chrysler corp.(national customer service center) as to what they will do to fix. My own investigation indicates that this is a common problem on this year Durango. Just today Chrysler has asked me to have the problem re-diagnosed at the local dealership (at my cost). They will then determine if and what they will do. …
Dt: owner complained about several vehicle problems. . On all four windows the regulator has had to be replaced more than once. Driver's side having to be replaced the most. Also, lower ball joints / left upper ball joint, and steering column has been replaced twice in less than one year time. Currently the upper right ball joint had to be replaced. These has been ongoing issues with this vehicle since consumer owned it. Consumer dealt with dealership and manufacturer, but Chrysler refused to help since there was no recall. Chrysler was very rude and hung up on the consumer.
Tl contact owns a 1998 Dodge Durango. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact noticed that the steering was looser than normal. He took the vehicle to a local mechanic on February 21, 2008 and both upper and lower ball joints as well as the steering box were replaced. The repair cost $1,001.24. The failure mileage was 59,298 and current mileage was 59,598. Updated 05/05/08 the consumer stated on April 10, 2003 had to replace both rear window regulators. Updated 05/05/08
My 1998 Dodge Durango continues to show problems with steering and front. There are only 57000 miles on this vehicle and the miles have been easy miles, (all on road and easy driving). I've replaced the power steering box, and the lower ball joints plus the front wheel bearing and drum. All of this has cost $550 the first time and $880 the second time. This cost come in addition to replacement a head gasket and rear windows that don't work.
While vehicle being inspected upper ball joints fell off. No injuries reported. Brakes were pulsating when vehicle trying to stop. It was found that rotors were out of round. Dealer replaced rotors. Vehicle doesn't start occasionally after being driven for a short time. No faults on test found; therefore, dealer couldn't duplicate problem. In addition, molding on windows, doors, and bumper.
While driving in neighborhood another vehicle pulled out in front. Consumer slammed on brakes and front wheels locked up, vehicle skidded and slammed into the vehiclein front. Contacted dealer who said that brake pads never touched the drums. Also, rear arm actuator power windows will not go up or down.
Window regulator that controls windows has had 8 failures and replacements in as many years with minimal usage. I have no children and live in arizona so windows are in up position 80% of the time. No reason for failures other than defective placement and parts as stated by Dodge service advisor.
Upper and lower ball joints had to be replaced due to wear. The consumer believes this vehicle should be included in the recall and request reimbursement. Three of the four power window motors have been replaced because they burned out.
The problems we had with the windows, going down by itself and then not being able to get them up was reported to the dealer (tomkinson Dodge) twice. The first time , they said they fixed it, but it wasn't. The second time , the window went down by itself , we couldn't get it up. Reported to dealer (tomkin Dodge), they told us to take door panel off and pull window up until they could get to it. The inside window cable was so badless twisted and tangled, it was about to broke. They worked on it, again saying it was fixed. Window again went down (I don't remember the time span after being "fixed". So this time we took it to evans chrsler-Plymouth-ddoge in kendallville to be fixed. They replaced all the window regulators, and have had no problems with the windows since. …
Electrical system suddenly went out all gauges radio etc front area. Checked all fuses and nothing was burnt out. Restarted engine four times before reset and then was OK. Have had recurring locking of brakes and grinding lose of control at low speeds and on wet roads. Disc brakes have no wear indicators on pads and it resulted in being worn down and ate into the front rotors before I was aware that the pads were shot. I had to buy new rotors and pads and the replacement pads also did not have indicators. The dealer stated that was the way that they were manufatured and I then stated that this was a severe and potentially dangerous and deadly oversight and that it should be corrected. I contacted Chrysler and they stated that they had no recall on this and that they had no technical problems or bulletins on this. …
Window & Wiper complaints in other Durango years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1998 Dodge Durango?
NHTSA has 47 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1998 Dodge Durango, 5% of the model year's 965 complaints. The component named most often is power window devices and controls (37 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Dodge Durango window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for the 1998 Dodge Durango, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1998 Dodge Durango window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 59,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to windows, wipers & sunroof problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.