2001 Dodge Durango Suspension Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Apr 1, 2026 · 265 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 265 complaints with NHTSA about suspension problems on the 2001 Dodge Durango, 40% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 48,000 miles. The words owners use most often: “ball joints” (56% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Ball joints: mentioned in 148 of 265 complaints (56%)
  • Front end: mentioned in 50 of 265 complaints (19%)
  • Upper lower: mentioned in 31 of 265 complaints (12%)
  • Control arm: mentioned in 20 of 265 complaints (8%)

How much does it cost to fix?

Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical suspension repair on the 2001 Dodge Durango at $1,250, and half of them between $800 and $1,850.

Based on 11 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2003–2007), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.

At what mileage do suspension problems happen?

Based on 178 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles3 · 2%
10k–25k miles11 · 6%
25k–50k miles80 · 45%
50k–75k miles48 · 27%
75k–100k miles20 · 11%
100k–150k miles10 · 6%
150k+ miles6 · 3%

How serious are the reports?

Of 265 complaints, 15 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 5 an injury.

Dodge Durango suspension complaints by model year

Peak: 1999, with 1,102 complaints
1997: 219971998: 5401999: 1,10219991,1022000: 5072001: 26520012002: 1442003: 9120032004: 182005: 1420052006: 102007: 420072008: 42009: 120092011: 72012: 620122013: 52014: 720142015: 92016: 520162017: 42018: 620182019: 32020: 120202021: 32024: 120242025: 12026: 22026

n = 2,762 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearSuspension complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2026 Durango214%—
2025 Durango113%—
2024 Durango17%—
2021 Durango31%—
2020 Durango12%—
2019 Durango32%3,500
2018 Durango63%11,140
2017 Durango42%26,000
2016 Durango53%37,750
2015 Durango92%30,000
2014 Durango71%25,000
2013 Durango51%1,996
2012 Durango61%55,000
2011 Durango71%39,000
2009 Durango18%—
2008 Durango44%46,500
2007 Durango42%55,000
2006 Durango101%100,000
2005 Durango141%94,212
2004 Durango182%15,350
2003 Durango9127%41,000
2002 Durango14434%42,539
2001 Durango26540%48,000
2000 Durango50747%49,145
1999 Durango1,10256%63,671
1998 Durango54056%68,000
1997 Durango250%—

When owners reported it

Peak: 2004, with 103 complaints
2001: 4200142003: 78782004: 10320041032005: 44442006: 8200682007: 222008: 7200872009: 332010: 2201022011: 112013: 3201332014: 112015: 2201522016: 332017: 1201712018: 222019: 120191

n = 265 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (1)

Suspension:front:control arm:upper ball jointDec 21, 2004 · NHTSA campaign 04V596000 · 592,707 vehicles

Problem: 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. This could cause a clunking noise in the front suspension, which may not always be heard by the vehicle occupants.

Risk: Excessive wear in the upper ball joint may allow it to separate, which could result in loss of control of the vehicle.

Fix: 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.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

While i love my 2001 dodge durango rt, there are a couple of serious problems / safety issues the vehicle has. Number one is the passenger front seat is very loose and rocks back and forth during acceleration and braking which could cause severe injuries if the vehicle was in a wreck, whiplash etc…

Received Mar 3, 2019 · NHTSA complaint 11183811

2001 dodge durango. Consumer writes in regards to ball joint failure during an auto accident. *ld the consumer requested information concerning recalled ball joint failure that may have been the cause of an accident.*js

Received Aug 13, 2018 · NHTSA complaint 11119150

My whole tire came off, literally separated from axle.. Does not pick up speed.. Been in the shop several times. And shakes. I had my 2 year old grandson with me when this happened coming out of drive thru.. After i paid the truck off it was downhill from there.

Received Apr 11, 2018 · NHTSA complaint 11084503
Dodge Durango
Dodge Durango in SoHo, Manhattan. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Kidfly182, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently asked questions

Do all 2001 Dodge Durangos have suspension problems?

No. NHTSA has 265 owner complaints about suspension for the 2001 Dodge Durango (40% of the 665 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.

Was there a recall on the 2001 Dodge Durango suspension?

Yes: 1 safety recall list suspension. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

At what mileage do suspension problems start?

The median reported mileage is 48,000 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.

How much does it cost to fix suspension problems on the 2001 Dodge Durango?

Owners report a typical cost of $1,250 (half paid between $800 and $1,850), from 11 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.

What do owners say about suspension problems on the 2001 Dodge Durango?

The most frequent phrase is “ball joints”, in 148 of 265 complaints, followed by “front end” (50).

Other 2001 Dodge Durango problems

See all 2001 Dodge Durango problems or suspension problems across all Durango years.