1998 Dodge Durango Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 90about this part
- Share
- 9%of 965 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 64,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 90 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Dodge Durango, 9% of the 965 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 64,500 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My 1998 Dodge Durango 4x4 is in need of replacement of the following front end parts: driver's side upper and lower ball joints, and outer tie rod, passenger side upper and lower balljoints, and inner tie rod. The SUV is very difficult to handle because of this and I feel extremely dangerous putting my life in jeopardy on several occasions on highways.”
NHTSA complaint #10080572, filed 2004-07, 42,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10251860, filed 2008-12, 123,000 miles“My 98 Durango makes a squeaking noise (front end) every time I drive over a bump. In addition to the noise, the vehicle's steering is also very loose. Vehicle tracks well, but there's a couple/few inches of play in the steering wheel. Very noticeable when driving at higher speeds. Suspect upper/lower ball joints. Awaiting outcome of investigation for repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #10045502, filed 2003-11, 40,000 miles“Daimler chrysler issued a recall (04v596000) for ball joint and extended warranty to 10 yr / 100000 miles for 2000 - 2003 durangos. My question is why the '98 durangos were not included since my 98 Durango had the same failure and the current mileage is only 69,000”
NHTSA complaint #10152951, filed 2006-03, 69,100 miles“I have a 1998 Dodge Durango with 78,000 miles on it, having problems with upper and lower ball joints they all need to be replaced because of this, tire wear is uneven and horrendous, I have also had to replace the drivers side front wheel bearing twice in the last six months and because it is a closed bearing you replace the entire hub. I expect normal wear and don't expect a vehicle to never cause expenses, but this is extremely excessive.”
NHTSA complaint #10066022, filed 2004-04, 60,000 milesSteering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 7% |
| 2022 | 1 | 2% |
| 2021 | 4 | 2% |
| 2020 | 3 | 5% |
| 2019 | 6 | 4% |
| 2018 | 3 | 1% |
| 2017 | 11 | 5% |
| 2016 | 3 | 2% |
| 2015 | 3 | 1% |
| 2014 | 12 | 2% |
| 2013 | 24 | 4% |
| 2012 | 42 | 7% |
| 2011 | 27 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 8% |
| 2008 | 8 | 8% |
| 2007 | 10 | 5% |
| 2006 | 23 | 3% |
| 2005 | 70 | 4% |
| 2004 | 31 | 3% |
| 2003 | 20 | 6% |
| 2002 | 28 | 7% |
| 2001 | 48 | 7% |
| 2000 | 83 | 8% |
| 1999 | 170 | 9% |
| 1998 | 90 | 9% |
Other parts of the 1998 Dodge Durango
540 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
103 complaintsBrakes
94 complaintsEngine cooling
66 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
50 complaintsSeats
43 complaintsElectrical system
34 complaintsAir bags
30 complaintsEquipment
27 complaintsSeat belts
27 complaintsOther or unknown
21 complaintsTires
19 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Dodge Durango
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology