Factory recall question

[DFB]

Hey I just learned I have a bad upper ball joint on the right side of my Dodge Durango I have 108,000 mi. I bought it used 2 1/2 years ago 88,000 mi. Looking on the web the just now pricing the part I learned Chrysler has had a serious issues with ball joints on Durango models made from 1998 and had issued a recall and replacement on some model years which includes my 2002. Question is its already at another garage (I have a bad left side wheel bearing I have to wonder if thats related wear) can I get reimbursed for the ball joint repair if the independent garage does the work or is this only a dealer issue? I guess I'll be calling the dealership later.

 

[DFB]

All right just got off the phone with girl at Chrysler recall hot line. Tracing my vin it was done once in 2005 with the previous owner. She says "the recall repair is only good for 10 years so your times up" :shocked: I says "its only 2013" Then she says " oh well the original issue date was in 2004". "Its only 2013" I tell her again. That got me no where. Her closing statement was to me was "if the dealer wants to do it under warranty they can but the factory is no longer obligated to reimburse them"

 

[DFB]

Well first dealer I called just told me that since my vehicle was a 2002 my in service time was over 10 years I said well the factory said it runs from the recall issue date...oh ya he says well give me vin I will look it up...oh darn my computers not working right now I have to call you back click

Here is a copy of the recall I found posted online

Recall ID # 41410 - SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT

Recall Date:

DEC 21, 2004

Model Affected:

2002 Dodge Durango

Summary:

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.

Consequences:

EXCESSIVE WEAR IN THE UPPER BALL JOINT MAY ALLOW IT TO SEPARATE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.

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.

Potential Units Affected:

592707

Notes:

DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION


Read more: 2002 Dodge Durango Recalls & Problems - Motor Trend Magazine

 

[DFB]

Whoohoo! Local dealer service manager just called me back said had no parts in stock but found them on the shelf at a Boston dealership...he said bring it in tomorrow and would do BOTH upper ball joints under warranty.

Whether or not this repair is still under the letter of the law I have to say I am seriously impressed with the integrity of this dealer right this minute. They actually deal 5 major brands Honda. Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep, Volvo. Chevrolet and Suzuki. I do know with the the economy in this area these guys have been striving for complete customer satisfaction and have taken on most all of the local sales in a good 50 mile radius

 

[wmonroe]

Good to hear they are taking care of you, there are still some good dealerships out there.