Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
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).
Accident, airbags did not deploy, seat belts didn't work proper. Loss of of control from steering problems. Steering problems on wet roads. Transmission problems, doesn't shift proper, no air condition, can not drive with windows down in back, very hard to control. Car is parked because I am afraid to drive it. Been back to dealer with problem after problem.
We bought a 98' Durango w/ 123K miles & after driving it less than 500 miles I began to notice a loud-repeating noise "thud...thud.." coming from the front passenger wheel wall. Then I began to notice extreme steering problems so I stopped the vehicle and inspected it further. I jacked up the vehicle and observed a lot of "play" in the front tire. I was actually able to "wobble' back and forth and the lug nuts were still secured. I contacted a very reputable mechanic (3rd generation race car driver too!) and he advised that there have been massive problems with the ball joints failing on the Durango's , but they only will fix back to 2000' model year. …
Front brakes (replaced 3x's in one year) keep failing on Dodge Durango causing uneven tire wear and alignment to shift. I've had to replace the front tires 4 times and the rear tires twice since I bought this vehicle January 2,2000. All tires wear at an angle with several bald spots in different places. I also replaced the water pump and radiator February 2003. Now the air conditioner is not working. The transmission went out a couple of months after I purchased the vehicle. It was still under warranty, but I still had to pay 300.00 out of pocket for whatever reason.
I would like to report 2 safty defects with my 1998 Dodge Durango. First is the poor quality wheel studs. During various tire rotations at a qualified service center, six studs have broken (twice at the dealer). I'm really worried that at some point a wheel May come off while I'm driving. Second, the drivers power adjust seat rocks back and forth during braking & acceleration. This is annoying and I'm afraid that eventually, it's going to break all the way loose.
My mechanic notice unable to keep tires. While driving with my 2 kids noticed extremely loose action while driving, car unable to stay on road. Mechanic checked and upper and lower ball joints defective. I have research and noticed no recall with these vehicles. Lots of complaints something needs to be done. We should not have to suffer for there lack of making a safe vehicle.
Popping noise in suspension at 41000 miles, bad ball joints blamed. Vehicle was parked until I replaced the worn ball joints and tires (feathering to two sets of goodyears). And the tire store was able to finally complete the alignment. OEM replacement parts failed again at 100000. Replaced with non OEM brand this tire.
1998 Dodge Durango front upper ball joints wore out at 40000 miles, prematurely causing tires to also wear prematurely. I was told that bad ball joints could cause the suspension to break or a wheel to come off while driving causing a life threatening accident to my wife and children.
While driving at 50 MPH and with no warning rear passenger tire tread separated, causing damage to the bumper, and cracked the tail light. Consumer had to pull over. Dayton, model timberland, size 31x10-50r15lt, dot# unknown.
When driving on wet pavement at 30 MPH rear tires broke. Rear of vehicle went into a spin sideways, causing vehicle to go into a ditch. Consumer has contacted the dealer. Please provide any further details.
I just watched with horror, a news article on cbs evening news about the front wheel of Dodge durangos falling off. I can't believe that something hasn't been done already. I have just sent this same concern to Dodge/Chrysler. I now won't be able to drive my 1998 Dodge Durango (except at slow speeds on surface streets) until I heard something definitive from you and Dodge. Didn't our country, and Ford and Firestone just go through such a tragedy with blown tires on Ford explorers. How many deaths must occur before something will be done about this problem? A front wheel falling off must be as hazardous as a blowout. On a separate note, I just looked up the recall information on my vehicle, and found 4 different recall notices on the 1998 Dodge Durango. I don't remember having received any of these recalls from Dodge; and I am the original owner.
Wheel & Tire complaints in other Durango years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 1998 Dodge Durango?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 1998 Dodge Durango, 3% of the model year's 965 complaints. The component named most often is lugs/nuts/bolts/studs (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Dodge Durango wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires 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 wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to wheels & tires 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.