Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Dodge Durango. While driving 45 MPH, the front driver side of the vehicle lowered to the ground and smoke began to emit from the vehicle. In addition, the front upper and lower ball joints bent inward and needed to be replaced. On two separate occasions, the radiator failed to operate and caused the cooling system to fail. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the wheel hub bearing, front upper and lower ball joints, and cold air intake system were replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 04V596000 (suspension), 06e024000 (engine and engine cooling) or 08e064000 (suspension). The failure mileage was 125,000.
April l. Ray(spouse), told me of noise coming from the front end of the vehicle, around wheel wells, before I could have this looked into, today(December 19, 2004), my wife was driving down woodrow kay rd. In rockmart ga., as she drove up a slight incline that bared to the left, she noticed the driver side wheel started to wobble, before she could get over the hill, and clear of any traffic, she heard a snap or pop sound, then the driver side wheel bowed out and she lost control of the vehicle. Which in an instant threw her across the opposite lane and into the embankment on the other side of the road. After hitting the embankment the vehicle came to a rest on the driver side bumper, the driver side wheel was completely bowed towards the rear of the vehicle. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Dodge Durango. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 04V596000 (suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact was also informed that the parts would not be available for thirty days. The vehicle was taken to rainier Dodge of olympia (2550 carriage loop sw, olympia, wa 98502; [phone]) where it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the wheel bearings and ball joints needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
While traveling at highway speed, the truck suddenly veered to the right and struck a retaining wall and went into a spin. There were no other cars on the road and the weather was clear. Upon exiting the vehicle the passenger side front wheel and suspension were separated form the truck. Had the tire or wheel or suspension failed prior to the accident or were they damaged after impact with the barrier, I am unable to tell. We have no explanation for the sudden loss of control of the vehicle. The truck is currently in possession of allstate insurance agency and VIN is [redacted]. Ea03-023
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.
While driving at 40 MPH, the wheel bearing snapped and the passenger front wheel came off. As a result, the consumer lost control of the truck, but was able to pull around a corner and come to a complete stop, away from traffic. As a result this caused damage to other components. When the part snapped, the vehicle hit another vehicle, then a vehicle from behind hit the consumer 's vehicle.
While traveling 40 MPH consumer noticed looseness in steering and handling roughly in a situation, consumer tried to avoid hitting an elk, but couldn't due to erratic operation of the steering. Driver lost control and ran off the road, crashing. After the truck was serviced consumer was told the ball bearings needed replacement.
Ea 03 023 & pe 03 032/ ball joint failure: while driving 45-50 MPH upper ball joint broke on the passenger's side. Vehicle went out of control and rolled over twice into an embankment before stopping. Driver and the passenger sustained minor injuries, and were transported to the local hospital by an ambulance.
There was a recall on the ball joints of the vehicle I own but I was told that the recall is closed. I believe that it should be covered for repair because I wasn't made aware of any recalls when I obtained the vehicle. The upper ball joints are bad and a mechanic told me it could break off.
Related recalls
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Upper ball joint
On certain sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks equipped with four-wheel drive (4x4), if moisture leaks into the front suspension upper ball joint, evacuation of the lubricant and corrosion of the joint May cause the joint to wear over an extended period of time.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front suspension upper ball joints. This safety improvement campaign began on December 21, 2004. Owners can contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
NHTSA investigations
Front susp. Upper ball joint failure
In July 2003, odi opened pe03-032 based on 4 consumer complaints alleging separation of an upper ball joint.complaints alleged an unexpected collapse in the front end and in some occasions the ball joint separation is alleged to have resulted in the wheel, brake rotor, and steering knuckle separating from the vehicle.since opening the pe, odi has received 23 additional complaints related to ball joint separation.
Upper ball joint separation
Daimlerchrysler corporation (dcc) is recalling the target population of approximately 600,000 my 2000 through 2003 durango and dakota vehicles with four-wheel drive to replace the front suspension upper ball joints with redesigned parts that do not have the joint integrity concerns and have substantially improved joint retention capacity (NHTSA recall no.
Suspension complaints in other Durango years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2000 Dodge Durango?
NHTSA has 507 complaints about the suspension of the 2000 Dodge Durango, 47% of the model year's 1,075 complaints. The component named most often is front › control arm › upper ball joint (342 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Dodge Durango suspension problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-596 (upper ball joint, Dec 21, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2000 Dodge Durango suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 49,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 18 crashes, 1 fire and 10 injuries and 1 death to suspension 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.