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 2002 Dodge Durango owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Rear left axel fell off my Dodge Durango and caused an accident. I was trying to get Chrysler to give me a copy of the inspection that was done by a inspector hired by and was denied. This model of SUV has had wheel problems in the past and I wanted to be sure it was not a defect. I was told the information is proprietary and I would legal documentation to get the inspectors report. The case #"s are: [redacted] and [redacted]. I also saved all emails regarding this problem. I can email them to you or mail.
Dt: the contact's wife had an accident. She lost control while driving around a curve in the road. She heard a popping noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle pulled to the right. She went off the road, hitting the side walk, blew the front right tire, and then hit a small embankment. The vehicle was towed to a body shop. The mechanic took the front right tire off, and the ball joint was broken. There was NHTSA recall 04V596000 on the ball joint, and it was replaced about one month ago.
While stopped in traffic the consumer's vehicle was struck from behind by another vehicle. The consumer's vehicle collided with the vehicle in front of it. Upon impact, air bags did not deploy. Consumer was wearing a seat belt but still suffered injuries to the right knee. A police officer arrived on the scene. Also, NHTSA pe 03-032, front suspension upper ball joint failure: while vehicle was getting repaired mechanic found that upper ball joints were wearing out at an alarming rate.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Dodge Durango. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the upper ball joint fractured and impacted the front passenger side wheel. The contact was able to coast the vehicle cautiously home. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact was not informed of NHTSA campaign number: 04V596000 (suspension) until after experiencing the failure. The parts for the repair were unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 208,453. Parts distribution disconnect.
While driving at 15 MPH, the front passenger side wheel snapped off without any warning. The dealer indicated that the lower ball joint separated from the axle. The vehicle was forced into a parked vehicle. Ea03-023
When I shift automatic transmission into gear it makes a ticking noise and also when I turn they're always kind of a thump feel to the entire vehicle. I also can take my key out of ignition no matter if its in drive, par, reverse etc...
The hub unit broke while driving the car did not want to go it took a long time to move forward and the steering was off. There was a pound clanking noise right after I started to make a left turn and then it broke.
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.
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 2002 Dodge Durango?
NHTSA has 144 complaints about the suspension of the 2002 Dodge Durango, 34% of the model year's 423 complaints. The component named most often is front › control arm › upper ball joint (76 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 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 2002 Dodge Durango suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 43,000 miles, and 23% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 7 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries 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.