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 2002 Dodge Durango owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Was driving down wayne road when suddenly my car started slowing down everything seem to be working except the gas paddle. I had my feet on gas but it was not responding I quickly pulled to the right as it was hard to turn steering wheel. It was cars behind me and it was scary knowing someone could hit me . I called my husband and he came thought he could just give me a jump but he said its nothing wrong with battery. It looks like im not getting any gas. It wont turn over so he pushed me in the mall. Until I get off from work. I was blessed that it happen to do that on the day he was off because I just started a new job and I didn't need to miss a day as soon as I start working. I also read many similar complaints on this is. This should be taken care of and fast. I thank the lord for watching over me in trial moments.
During breaking, steering, and turning, I hear a "clacking" sound and there is a feeling of something sticking. When the SUV is parked on my drive way, I release the hand break and I can hear a strong "clack" sound. I had times where the breaking system was difficult to press. I took the SUV to pep boys and their evaluation shows that it needs upper and lower ball joints, front brakes, and shock and struts. Steering: terrible and extremely difficult to turn (super hard to steer). Some parts where changed by pep boys in an "urgent" situation. The steering "bearings" ?(a part that goes from the steering wheel down to the motor) was changed. (I have a copy of the work done).
Tl contact owns a 2002 Dodge Durango. While driving 40 MPH, the vehicle veered to the right and crashed into the guard rail. The contact sustained leg and arm injuries. A police report was filed. The upper ball joints and tie rods failed and caused the crash. The dealer and manufacturer were unable to explain why this occurred and stated that no recalls were available. In 2005, the vehicle was repaired under recall number 04V596000 (suspension:front:control arm:upper ball joint), in which the tie rods and ball joints were replaced. The vehicle had 46,000 miles at that time. The failure and current mileages were 69,000.
Automatic transmission, gear shift is locking in park. After starting vehicle and trying to shift into drive, gear shift will not move. Has occurred 3 times in last two weeks. After "playing" with gear shift, trying to get it to move, I hear a click and then it is operative. On the 3 occasions, took from approximately 1 to 3 minutes before hearing click. Looked up on line to see if others were having issue and search LED me to a recall for2002 Dodge Durango issued in December 2007. I never received a recall notice at that time. NHTSA id # 07V555000 related to ignition/park shift interlock system becoming inoperative.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Dodge Durango. While the vehicle was stationary, the steering wheel was positioned in a lopsided manner which made it difficult to steer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000. The VIN was not available.
Heavy rust buildup on frame behind upper control arm mounts. After removing rust, frame metal is very thin with holes throughout. Possibly leading to flexing & cracking. Definitely reducing crash abilities.
I was making a right hand turn and then an immediate left at about 10mph I heard a pop on driver's side front wheel and then lost control of my car. I was able to regain control of my car but it would not turn to the left I was able to get the car to side of the road even though steering was extremely difficult. I checked the tire it was fully inflated but the top of tire was tilted out at the top I could not drive the vehicle any more due steering difficulties. I called a tow truck and had the car towed to mechanic. I was told by tow truck operator and the mechanic that the upper ball joint on arm had separated from the arm causing me to lose control of the car. A friend stated that Durango had been recalled for this issue. I contacted my mechanic and he in turn contacted Dodge. He was informed that there was no recall for my car. …
I currently am having all 4 of my ball joints replaced on my 2002 Dodge Durango and I noticed that my upper right ball joint is original. This ball joint was under recall and I contacted Dodge about this. They said the recall was replaced in 2005. I assured them that this ball joint is original as it is pressed into the control arm and asked if I could simply bring my car into them and have them check this out. They told me I would have to pay a diagnostic charge of 104.00 and that if it was found to be original, then I would possibly get the 104.00 back. I have been on the phone with Dodge customer service twice now and nobody will allow me to quote them that I would get this money back if the recall was found to not have been performed. I don't know how it's fair for me to pay Dodge for this diagnostic fee if they lied about doing the recall in the first place. …
Tl contact owns a 2002 Dodge Durango. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact heard a clunking, whining, and humming sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. He drove to the repair shop and the mechanic stated that both the upper and lower ball joints and a tie rod needed to be replaced. The mechanic performed a wheel alignment. NHTSA campaign id number 04V596000 (suspension:front: control arm:upper ball joint) was referenced. The contact was also informed that the entire cooling system needed to be replaced because the dealer could not locate the cause of the failure. The cooling system has not worked properly since the repair. The switch to operate the blower motor fan only works on high. The failure mileage was 110,000. Updated 07/15/08. The brakes were replaced numerous times. Updated 07/15/08.
2002 Dodge Durango right tie rod broke it was found that the right inner tie rob shaft threads were stripped and th eleft front tie rod loose at 25626 miles. Ball joints checked and they found play in both upper ball joints. Also knocking noise when turning steering wheel the rack and pinion was also found to have to be replaced replaced. We had to pay for a rental car that was not covered even though the car is supposable covered until 36000 miles??? Car was in shop for over a week and parts were just 20 miles away in other dealership. Durango does have a problem with the steering why is nothing being done? Thank goodness nothing happened while we were on the highway or else the car could have flipped.
Steering complaints in other Durango years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2002 Dodge Durango?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the steering of the 2002 Dodge Durango, 7% of the model year's 423 complaints. The component named most often is linkages › tie rod assembly (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Dodge Durango steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2002 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 2002 Dodge Durango steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 89,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 9 injuries 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.