Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Dodge Durango owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2000 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH, she heard an abnormal noise coming from the front driver's side tire. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact exited the vehicle and stated that the front driver's side wheel was detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic, and she was informed that the ball joint, tie rod, and wheel spindle needed to be replaced. Additionally, the vehicle would need a front wheel alignment. The vehicle was repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 240,000.
September 13, 2001 my husband curtis joyner was killed in a crash in hernando, ms due to poor wheel base structure and poor wheel balance structure of Durango's of handling curves, was stated by accident reconstructing crew that's what caused the vehicle to rollover in curves. I hired attorney mcgraw of olivebranch, ms; who later stated he did not have the time to put into this matter, but was certainly a good case. I emailed dateline regarding this matter also. I say one night on their show where they showed how the Durango's did not pass the crash in curves or on the road.
Multiple times the truck has just died. Driving down the road no warning. The vehicle runs just fine and starts right back up. Yesterday this happened on the highway and almost caused a major accident. When it dies you loose all power steering and power brakes. It is dangerous and ive found numerous complaints online from Durango owners with the same problem.
Driver's side upper ball joint and the steering sector broke. As a result, consumer lost control of the vehicle. It then jumped a curb and went into a ditch. This occurred while the consumer was reversing out of the driveway. Dealership replaced both broken parts. Ea03-023
I was driving at 55 MPH and the steering became really loose and nearly lost control had to replace the ball joints 3 times and I have no power on the driver side of the vehicle that means the door locks and windows.
The steering, suspension, and wheels suck!!! On my 2000 Dodge Durango.n feb. 15, 2003 while driving my Durango, it totally lost control, causing me to side swipe one car, then cause damage to a second and third car. I continue to drive a vehicle that I do not feel safe in. With four children I can not afford to purchase another car. If I could get out of my contract with Dodge and trade it in for a safer SUV, I would. When riding I constantly experience my rear wheels sliding to my right; this usually happens whenever I ride over pot holes or bumps in the street, which is practically evey couple dozen feet in the city. My driving experience with my 2000 Dodge Durango is so unsatisfying. Prior to me purchasing my Dodge, I was the owner of not one, but two Toyota camry's. I made the choice not to go back to the Toyota dealer to purchase an SUV. …
Discovered information about defect on the 2000 durrango from the media this morning 3/4/2004 close friend considered family was killed in a head on collision on highway 156 in May of 2002. Entire family still to day was wondering what happened to make his vehicle go into another lane which cause the crash at 3:00 pm. Autopsy report no drugs, no alcohol, no physical evidence of a heart attack or strock. It's been bothering us from that day as to what happened. On the picture of the vehicle front page of the hollister paper the durrango he was driving it's clear as day that the wheel on the driver side is bent and could have snap causing the fatal head on accident that not only killed leonardo marquez upon impact but also killed the women driver of the other vehicle upon impact. …
I was pulling out of my circular driveway steering left and the wheel base wouldn't turn. So I backed up and continue to go around the curve, once I reached about 200 ft off my driveway, my car come to a complete stop on it's own. I backed into my driveway dragging my passenger side front wheel sideways. Once I got out to check what was going on, my tie rod end had become completely stripped off the rack and pinion. After further inspections, somehow the groves on the rack and pinion had wore down so much it allowed the tie rod to strip and release. I was so glad I hadn't been driving with my children on the highway, this would have caused my vehicle to flip and probably kill us. I know have to replace my rack and pinion and tie rod and just replacing the ball joints on this vehicle not a couple months ago. I am very frightened to drive it now in fear this will happen again.
I have always had problems with my Durango since about 12,000 (now have 68,000). Replacement of ball joints, brake calipers, and continuous checks for clicking and vibration feeling in the steering column (mostly when turning left). Now I am told that I must invest $750. For a new power steering rack. I don't mind paying for normal wear and tear, but this has not been right from the start. I believe there is something defective with the steering and front end. Each time it is the left side with the problem. This just does not seem right. I have enjoyed my Durango except for these front end problems. I am now to the point of selling at a loss since I do not feel safe driving my Durango. The steering makes noises and has a funny response to the turning process. Could you please review closer at least for those who will still be owning a Durango.
Winding sound in steering when tuning wheel,horible sound while turning wheels and backing up,door locks are in locked position (can't open to get out of car and loud sound going off when door locks are supposed to self lock at 25 MPH)bought car in 2001, after 6 mo took car to dearership to report problems while still under warranty and they said nothing was wrong. Still have paperwork to show of the complaints.I have 3 small grandchildren I take care of and transport in the vehicle. Hope you people do something about this before someone dies or you will really be out of pocket. I have less that 60,000 miles on SUV so this can't be due to wear and tear. ( I marked OEM yes if that pertains to original parts on SUV).
NHTSA investigations
Steering wheel/shaft spline attachment
This pe was opened based on odi's receipt of one complaint of steering wheel separation on the subject vehicles.allegedly (that is, according to the repairing facility's service manager) the hub nut was never installed on the shaft spline.although the driver lost control of the vehicle, he/she was able to stop without impacting anything.based on our investigation and the manufacturer's response, odi is closing this…
Steering complaints in other Durango years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2000 Dodge Durango?
NHTSA has 83 complaints about the steering of the 2000 Dodge Durango, 8% of the model year's 1,075 complaints. The component named most often is rack and pinion (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Dodge Durango steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2000 Dodge Durango, though it has 2 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 2000 Dodge Durango steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 63,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 9 crashes, 1 fire and 6 injuries and 8 deaths to steering 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.