2001 DODGE DAKOTA Suspension Problems

The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, there was a wobble coming from the front passenger’s side tire. The contact was able to pull over and had the vehicle towed to a local mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ball joints needed to be replaced however, the vehicle was not repaired. There was no warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 300,000.

Mileage: 300,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINT WAS WORN. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINTS NEED TO BE REPLACED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,647.

Mileage: 73,647

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINT WAS WORN. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINTS NEED TO BE REPLACED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,647.

Mileage: 73,647

I STARTED NOTICING A "LURCH OR LATERAL SHIFT" OF THE FRONT END DURING TIGHT LEFT AND RIGHT TURNS AT LOW SPEED (35 MPH OR LESS). DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ON STRAIGHT ROADS DID NOT INDICATE ANY PROBLEMS. RECENTLY, DURING A BRAKE SYSTEM INSPECTION, SIGNIFICANT "SLOP / FREE MOVEMENT" AT THE UPPER BALL JOINT & WHEEL KNUCKLE ASSEMBLY CONNECTION WAS NOTED (> 0.5"). I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM AND DISCOVERED THE NHTSA ISSUED RECALL FOR "UPPER BALL JOINT FAILURES ON 2000-2003 DODGE DAKOTAS" AS WELL AS THE DODGE ISSUED TSB FOR THE SAME DEFECT. I TOOK MY 2001 DAKOTA IN TO A DODGE DEALER FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DODGE DEALER AND CHRYSLER BOTH CONVENIENTLY TOOK THE POSITION THAT MY VIN WAS NOT PART OF THIS RECALL, THEREFORE THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING THE REPAIR. MY VEHICLE HAS THE SAME FAILURE MODE DESCRIBED IN THE NHTSA RECALL AND THE DODGE ISSUED TSB. THE NHTSA SHOULD FORCE DODGE TO EXPAND THE SCOPE OF VIN'S COVERED BY THE RECALL TO INCLUDE ALL 2000-2003 DAKOTAS THAT EXPERIENCE PREMATURE BALL JOINT FAILURES. A SAFETY RELATED SUSPENSION COMPONENT SHOULD NOT FAIL AT 50,000 MILES. TO ARBITRARILY EXCLUDE SOME VEHICLE VIN'S FROM THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH THEY HAVE THE SAME DEFECTS IS DISHONEST AND NOT IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE TRAVELING PUBLIC. I URGE THE NHTSA TO FORCE DODGE/CHRYSLER TO REPAIR THIS DEFECT ON ALL 2000-2003 DAKOTAS. *TR

Mileage: 50,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING OUT OF A PARKING LOT, HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND WAS UNABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIE ROD BROKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED HOME, WHERE THE TIE ROD AND LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 169,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

Mileage: 169,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE UPPER BALL JOINTS ARM SEPARATED FROM THE WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING REPAIRS. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Mileage: 142,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE PREVIOUSLY HAD REPAIRS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V596000 (SUSPENSION, FRONT CONTROL ARM, UPPER BALL JOINT). HE WAS EXPERIENCING AN ABNORMALLY LOUD SQUEAKING AND CLANKING SOUND WHILE HE WAS DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IDENTICAL FAILURE RECURRED AFTER THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 94,000.

Mileage: 90,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A BANGING NOISE COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRE. HE STATED THAT THE STEERING WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN. UPON INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE DISENGAGED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE LOWER BALL JOINTS NOT BEING LUBED. IN ADDITION, THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE RUBBING AGAINST THE UPPER BALL JOINTS. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE FRONT LOWER AND UPPER BALL JOINTS. THERE HAD BEEN NO FURTHER OCCURRENCES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,689 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 66,471.

Mileage: 65,689

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A BANGING NOISE COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRE. HE STATED THAT THE STEERING WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN. UPON INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE DISENGAGED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE LOWER BALL JOINTS NOT BEING LUBED. IN ADDITION, THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE RUBBING AGAINST THE UPPER BALL JOINTS. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE FRONT LOWER AND UPPER BALL JOINTS. THERE HAD BEEN NO FURTHER OCCURRENCES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,689 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 66,471.

Mileage: 65,689

I HAVE A 2001 DAKOTA QUAD CAB 4X4 PURCHASED NEW AND THE INSIDE OF THE FRONT ROTORS WEAR OUT EXTREMELY FAST. THEY BECOME DAMAGED ON THE INSIDE OF THE ROTOR APPEARING EXTREMELY RUSTED AND AS IF MAYBE THEY OVERHEATED ON THE INSIDE. 64,000 AND THIS HAS HAPPENED 2 TIMES. DEALERS DENY THIS IS COMMON , MY BROTHER HAS A 2002 (PURCHASED NEW) AND HAS HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. BALL JOINTS FAILED ON BOTH TRUCKS , STEERING RACK AND REAR DIFFERENTIAL LEAKS ON BOTH . *TR

Mileage: 64,000

BALL JOINT PROBLEM ON 4X2 DODGE DAKOTA. POPPING GRATING SOUND AND LACK OF CONTROL IN THE UPPER BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES. THESE USE THE SAME UPPER BALL JOINT ASSY. AS THE 4X4 UNITS THAT HAVE BEEN RECALLED. THESE CAUSE THE SAME PROBLEMS AND DANGEROUS SAFETY ISSUES. *TR

Mileage: 87,500

I BOUGHT A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA 4WD A MONTH AGO. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE LOWER BALL JOINTS, CATALYTIC CONVERTER, TIMING CHAIN, WATER PUMP AND NOW THE TRANSFER CASE HAS GONE BAD. THE TRUCK ONLY HAS 55000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE ONLY MADE ONE PAYMENT ON THE TRUCK AND HAVE PAID THE REPAIR SHOP OVER $1500 IN REPAIR COSTS. THEY ONLY TIME THAT I HAVE GOT TO DRIVE THE TRUCK IS TO THE REPAIR SHOP EXCEPT WHEN I BOUGHT IT. THIS IS RIDICULOUS, A TRUCK WITH LOW MILES LIKE THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE THIS MANY PROBLEMS. THE DEALER SAID THAT THEY WOULD LOOK AT IT THIS TIME PUT THEY COULDN'T MAKE ANY PROMISES. WE PAID FOR EVERYTHING ELSE TO GET FIXED AND I REFUSE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING ELSE. I PAID $10,000 FOR A TRUCK THAT I CAN'T EVEN DRIVE, I'M ACTUALLY SCARED TO DRIVE IT BECAUSE WHO KNOWS WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT. APPARENTLY DODGES ARE PIECES OF CRAP TO PUT IT POLITELY. *JB

Mileage: 55,000

I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY ONLY THE UPPER BALL JOINTS ON THE 2000-2004 DAKOTAS IS COVERED IN THE RECALL AS THE LOWER BALL JOINT ARE THE SAME DESIGN WHERE THERE IS NO WAY TO GREASE UP THE LOWER BALL JOINTS AND IT WOULD LEAD TO THE SAME PROBLEM AS THE UPPER BALL JOINTS? *NM

Mileage: 59,822

1. NORMAL DRIVING CIRCUMSTANCES. FRONT END SUSPENSION STARTED MAKING CLUNKING/POPPING NOISES AND STEERING BECAME ERRATIC. TRUCK HAS 85,000 MILES. 2. COULD NOT SAFELY DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE STEERING WAS TOO RISKY. I ALSO NOTICED WHILE THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER WAS PULLING THE VEHICLE ONTO THE TRUCK THAT THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL WAS LEANING OVER AT ABOUT 30 DEGREE ANGLE. 3. MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINTS HAS BASICALLY RUSTED AND DETERIORATED. LOWER JOINTS WERE ALSO ON THEIR WAY TO FAILURE. ADDITIONAL RESEARCH HAS SHOWN THAT THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE MODELS WERE RECALLED. WHY WEREN'T THE 2 WHEEL DRIVES. THIS PROBLEM MIRRORS THE ISSUE THAT THEY HAD. *NM

Mileage: 88,000

1. NORMAL DRIVING CIRCUMSTANCES. FRONT END SUSPENSION STARTED MAKING CLUNKING/POPPING NOISES AND STEERING BECAME ERRATIC. TRUCK HAS 85,000 MILES. 2. COULD NOT SAFELY DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE STEERING WAS TOO RISKY. I ALSO NOTICED WHILE THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER WAS PULLING THE VEHICLE ONTO THE TRUCK THAT THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL WAS LEANING OVER AT ABOUT 30 DEGREE ANGLE. 3. MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINTS HAS BASICALLY RUSTED AND DETERIORATED. LOWER JOINTS WERE ALSO ON THEIR WAY TO FAILURE. ADDITIONAL RESEARCH HAS SHOWN THAT THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE MODELS WERE RECALLED. WHY WEREN'T THE 2 WHEEL DRIVES. THIS PROBLEM MIRRORS THE ISSUE THAT THEY HAD. *NM

Mileage: 88,000

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH THE BALL JOINTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SHOP FOR REPAIR ON THE UPPER FRONT RIGHT BALL JOINTS. A RECALL LETTER WAS RECEIVED PERTAINING TO THE BALL JOINTS AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE UPPER FRONT LEFT BALL JOINTS UNDER THE RECALL AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO SEND THE MANUFACTURER COPIES OF THE PRIOR REPAIR WORK PERFORMED ON THE BALL JOINTS. AFTER SENDING THE MANUFACTURER A LETTER WITH INVOICE, A LETTER WAS RECEIVED FROM THE MANUFACTURER DENYING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE COSTS OF THE PREVIOUS REPAIRS.

Mileage: 52,000

2001 DODGE DAKOTA EXTENDED CAB 4X4. RATTLING IN FRONT END WHEN GOING OVER SMALL BUMPS SUCH AS MAN HOLES AND WASHBOARD. SOUNDS SIMILAR TO A LOOSE HUB CAP. WAS TOLD THE LOWER FRONT BALL JOINTS WERE BAD AND DAIMLER/CHRYSLER HAS A BULLETIN PUBLISHED INTERNALLY ON HOW TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND MAY CAUSE THE WHEEL TO FALL OFF. SOUNDS LIKE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT TO ME THAT THEY SHOULD REPLACE. *NM

Mileage: 48,000

RIGHT FRONT LOWER SHOCK BOLT SHEARED OFF WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING SHOCK TO BREAK LOOSE FROM LOWER CONTROL ARM. *NM

Mileage: 45,410

OWN 2001 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB. NOTICE THE SAME PROBLEM HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED WITH FRONT STEERING BALL JOINT HAVING PROBLEMS. OUR TRUCK IS SUFFERING SAME PROBLEM WITH LOAD POPPING NOISE WHEN WE MAKE A HARD LEFT HAND TURN. HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES FOR PAST 9 MONTHS...BUT NOW GETTING MORE FREQUENT. *NM

DT: THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V596000 CONCERNING THE UPPER BALL JOINTS. THEY HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN REPAIRED, AS WELL AS THE LOWER BALL JOINTS. WHEN CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER TO BE REIMBURSED, THEY WOULD NOT REIMBURSE HIM FOR THE LOWER BALL JOINTS. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE UPPER BALL JOINTS WORE OUT THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WORE OUT AS WELL. *AK

DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE HAD TO SWERVE TO MISS AN ONCOMING VEHICLE. THE LOWER BALL JOIN BROKE AT THIS TIME. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WENT INTO A CREEK. THE INJURIES TO THE OCCUPANTS OF THE VEHICLE WERE STILL BEING DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING INSPECTED. *AK

Mileage: 99,680

DT: CONSUMER OWNS A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA. THE UPPER BALL JOINTS HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 31,915 MILES. THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED AT 37,556 MILES. THE SERVICE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH THIS YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. HE DID NOT NOTICE IF THERE WAS ANY PLAY IN THE STEERING UNTIL THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED. SINCE THE REPLACEMENT IT HAS A TIGHTER STEERING CONTROL. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE UPPER BALL JOINTS, BUT THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL ON THE LOWER BALL JOINTS. *AK *MR *JB

Mileage: 31,915

DT: CONSUMER OWNS A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA. THE UPPER BALL JOINTS HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 31,915 MILES. THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED AT 37,556 MILES. THE SERVICE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH THIS YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. HE DID NOT NOTICE IF THERE WAS ANY PLAY IN THE STEERING UNTIL THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED. SINCE THE REPLACEMENT IT HAS A TIGHTER STEERING CONTROL. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE UPPER BALL JOINTS, BUT THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL ON THE LOWER BALL JOINTS. *AK *MR *JB

Mileage: 31,915

MY 2001 DODGE DAKOTA HAS HAD UPPER FRONT BALL JOINTS REPLACED DUE TO POPPING IN FRONT END, THE POPPING IS STILL THERE. FRONT ROTORS HAVE BEEN CHANGED BECAUSE OF BEING WARPED CAUSING VIBRATION IN STEERING AND ROUGH BRAKING. THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARING AND HUB HAS WENT OUT CAUSING LOUD SQUEEKING NOISE WHEN GOING DOWN THE ROAD THERE IS A CONSTANT SQUEEKING NOISE NOW FROM FRONT END. THE BLOWER FAN HAS STOPPED WORKING DUE TO WIRING PROBLEMS. THE REAR END HAS A POPPING NOISE WHEN PUTTING IN PARK DODGE HOUSE SAYS THATS NORMAL (I HAVE NEVER HAD A TRUCK DO THAT BEFORE) AND U JOINTS ARE GOOD, AND I REPORTED IT TO THEM WHEN MY WARRANTY WAS GOOD AND NOW MY WARRANTY IS OUT AND I HAVE ALL THESE REPAIRS THAT I CANNOT AFFORD !!

Mileage: 75,000

1. CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF MY TRUCK. 2. UPPER BALL JOING WEAR AT A DANGEROUS LEVEL. 3. I HAD TO HAVE THE PARTS REPLACED, AND I STILL HAVE THE OLD PART. THIS PART WAS RECALLED UNDER THE 4X4 VEHICLES, AND MINE IS 2WD SO I HAD TO PAY FOR REPAIRS. I BELIEVE MY SAFETY WAS AT RISK, AND IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE FACT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT A 4WD.

Mileage: 111,000

APPROX. 2 MONTHS AGO I HAD UPPER BALLS JOINTS REPLACED UNDER RECALL, THE DEALSHIP NOTED THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINTS AND TIERODS WERE WORN AS WELL, WAS QUTOED APPROX. $700.00 TO BE FIXED. TODAY MY DAIUGHTER WAS STARTING TO PULL OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY WITH HER 3 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER, THE TIEROD FELL OUT OF PLACE CAUSING THE TRUCK TO STOP. LUCKLY MY DAUGHTER WASN'T DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN THIS HAPPENED BECAUSE THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A VERY BAD ACCIDENT ON A VERY BUSY STREET!!! I WANT TO KNOW WHY THERE IS A RECALL ON THE UPPER BALL JOINTS BUT NOT THE LOWER BALL JOINTS AND TIERODS, IT IS A FACT THAT THERE ARE SERIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THESE PARTS, ARE THEY WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO BE KILLED BECAUSE OF THESE DEFECTIVE PARTS?? THIS WILL BE THE LAST TIME I PURCHASE A CHRYSLER PRODUCT IF THESE MATTERS ARE NOT DEALT WITH WHEN PROBLEMS WITH DEFECTIVE PARTS ARE PRESENTED!!

THE CONSUMER STATED THE LOWER BALL JOINT WAS LOOSE AND THE WHEELS COULD ACTUALLY FALL OFF.

WHEN I RECENTLY TOOK MY 1991 DODGE DAKOTA IN TO HAVE THE UPPER BALL JOINTS REPLACED, I WAS TOLD THE LOWER ONES WERE SHOT, ALSO. THE TRUCK ONLY HAS 36,000 MILES ON IT. I ONLY DRIVE ON THE ROAD AND NEVER OVERLOAD MY TRUCK. WHY WOULD THE UPPER BALL JOINTS BE RECALLED AND NOT THE LOWER? THIS CONTINUES TO BE AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN.*AK

WHEN I RECENTLY TOOK MY 1991 DODGE DAKOTA IN TO HAVE THE UPPER BALL JOINTS REPLACED, I WAS TOLD THE LOWER ONES WERE SHOT, ALSO. THE TRUCK ONLY HAS 36,000 MILES ON IT. I ONLY DRIVE ON THE ROAD AND NEVER OVERLOAD MY TRUCK. WHY WOULD THE UPPER BALL JOINTS BE RECALLED AND NOT THE LOWER? THIS CONTINUES TO BE AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN.*AK

ANNUAL VEHICLE INSPECTION OF MY 2001 DODGE DAKOTA SPORT 2WD VERHICLE (54,000 MILES), PERFORMED ON 03/05/05, NECESSITATED THE REPLACEMENT OF DETATCHED BALL JOINT. *AK

Mileage: 54,011

DODGE DAKOTA 2001, CONSUMER REPLACED BALL JOINTS. *BF THE CONSUMER HAD TO PAY FOR A 2 WHEEL ALIGNMENT AFTER THE BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER FEELS THE ALIGNMENT SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE REPLACEMENT. *NM

REPAIRS TO THE UPPER BALL JOINT WAS COMPLETED BY THE CONSUMER PRIOR TO RECEIVING A RECALL NOTICE. CONSUMER WISHED TO HAVE THE LOWER BALL JOINTS REPAIRED SINCE THEY WERE DEFECTIVE. CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY MANUFACTURER AND DEALER THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *AK

Mileage: 83,000

NO PARTS FOR RECALL#04596000 BALL JOINTS. EDDIE DODGE 803-359-2501. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. *JB

Mileage: 54,000

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED DRIVER HEARD A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT. VEHICLE VIBRATED UNCONTROLLABLY. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION,BUT CAUSE HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED AT THIS TIME. *AK

'RECALL CAMPAIGN' CONCERNING UPPER BALL JOINT WEAR. DRIVING ON TIRES THAT ARE WORN OUT UNEVENLY. *BF THE CONSUMER COULD NOT GET THE TIRE ALIGNED AND HAD BEEN DRIVING ON THE TIRES THAT ARE WORN OUT UNEVENLY. THE ALIGNMENT READING WAS TOTALLY OFF DUE TO THE FAILING BALL JOINTS AND THE SHOP WOULD NOT ROTATE THE TIRES. *SC

CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V596000 CONCERNING BALL JOINT WEAR. HOWEVER, CONSUMER WAS WAITING FOR AWHILE AND WAS TOLD THERE WERE NO PARTS AVAILABLE. *AK

SINCE THE BEGINNING OF JANUARY DEALER HAD NO PARTS FOR DEFECT. NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V596000 CONCERNING UPPER BALL JOINTS.*AK

UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED. RECENTLY, THE UPPER BALL JOINTS FOR THIS VEHICLE WERE RECALLED ,AND THE OWNER CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP. AGAIN HAD THE BALL JOINTS REPLACED, BUT THEY DID NOT DO AN ALIGNMENT. CURRENTLY, THE TIRE IS PULLING TO THE LEFT, AND THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT MAKE ANY ADJUSTMENTS. *AK

Mileage: 61,829

RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V596000 WAS ISSUED. CONSUMER STATED THE UPPER BALL JOINTS WORE OUT PREMATURELY. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK

Mileage: 127,000

CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT UPPER BALL JOINT/TIE RODS WERER WORN OUT. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO PULL TO THE RIGHT. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Mileage: 60,000

THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE FOR A SAFETY INSPECTION. HE WAS THEN INFORMED THE BALL JOINTS WERE WORN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *JB

Mileage: 42,000

THE UPPER BALL JOINT IS MAKING A CLICKING NOISE AND CAUSING THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL TO WOBBLE, ESPECIALLY DOWN HILL AT LOWER SPEEDS. CONSUMER WILL INFORM THE DEALER. *AK *NM

Mileage: 57,000

THE CONSUMER WAS ASKED TO CALL BACK WITHIN A WEEK BECAUSE THE PARTS WERE STILL UNAVAILABLE. WHEN THE CONSUMER CALLED BACK, THE DEALER TOLD HIM THAT THEY AGAIN DID NOT HAVE PARTS AND THEY WOULD CONTACT HIM WHEN THEY DID. *JB

WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE DRIVER HEARD A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT. SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED UNCONTROLLABLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE FRONT RIGHT UPPER BALL JOINT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.

LEFT WHEEL STARTED TO MAKE NOISE WHEN TURNING TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT. TOOK IT TO THE DODGE DEALER AND WAS CHARGED $747.00 TO REPLACE "FAILED BALL JOINTS" MY VIN NUMBER IS INCLUDED IN THE RANGE COVERED ABY THE RECENT DODGE RECALL - BUT THEY SAY IT ONLY APPLIES TO 4 WHEEL DRIVE,,,,REGARDLESS THESE BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED AS FAILURES. *JB

Mileage: 71,323

2001 DODGE DAKOTA FRONT WHEEL FELL OFF, WHICH CAUSED DAMAGE TO FRONT END OF VEHICLE. *BF THE CONSUMER WONDERED IF THE WHEEL FALLING OFF COULD HAVE BEEN THE RESULT OF THE UPPER BALL JOINTS BEING DEFECTIVE. *JB

DODGE DAKOTA FAILURE OF FRONT BALL JOINTS, REPLACED BALL JOINT. *BF *JB

RE: DODGE RECALL: I OWN A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA, IT FEELS LIKE THE WHEELS WOBBLE. *BF

NHTSA CAMPAIGN 04V596000; DAIMLER CHRYSLER ISSUED AN UPPER BALL JOINT RECALL. THIS VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, BUT WHEN TAKEN IN FOR REPAIR, RESULTS SHOWED THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AS WELL.*AK ALSO, INNER TIE ROD WORE OUT, FAILED STATE INSPECTION DUE TO EXCESSIVE WEAR. SIDETO SIDE PLAY IN TIRE WHEN JOCKE DUP. DEALERSHIP STATED THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA CAMPAIGN 04V596000; DAIMLER CHRYSLER ISSUED AN UPPER BALL JOINT RECALL. THIS VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, BUT WHEN TAKEN IN FOR REPAIR, RESULTS SHOWED THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AS WELL.*AK ALSO, INNER TIE ROD WORE OUT, FAILED STATE INSPECTION DUE TO EXCESSIVE WEAR. SIDETO SIDE PLAY IN TIRE WHEN JOCKE DUP. DEALERSHIP STATED THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM. *AK

2001 DODGE DAKOTA WAS RECALLED TO REPLACE UPPER BALL JOINTS. DURING REPAIR LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE ALSO FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE. HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR THEM TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE OF THE UPPER BALL JOINTS COULD ALSO LEAD TO THE FAILURE OF THE LOWER, AND THIS SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *AK

2001 DODGE DAKOTA WAS RECALLED TO REPLACE UPPER BALL JOINTS. DURING REPAIR LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE ALSO FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE. HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR THEM TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE OF THE UPPER BALL JOINTS COULD ALSO LEAD TO THE FAILURE OF THE LOWER, AND THIS SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *AK

THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HAVE THE UPPER BALL JOINTS REPAIRED UNDER RECALL. IT WAS ALSO DISCOVERED THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE HAD 40,000 MILES ON IT. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND RECEIVED NO ASSISTANCE. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB

Mileage: 30,000

THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HAVE THE UPPER BALL JOINTS REPAIRED UNDER RECALL. IT WAS ALSO DISCOVERED THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE HAD 40,000 MILES ON IT. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND RECEIVED NO ASSISTANCE. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB

Mileage: 30,000

DEALERSHIP WAS NOT PERFORMING THE UPPER BALL JOINT WEAR RECALL 04V596000 REPAIRS WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME. THE NEXT AVAILABLE APPOINTMENT DATE IS APRIL 5TH 2005.*AK......THE SAFETY RECALL STATES THAT CONSUMER CAN LOOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND CRASH. HE IS AFRAID TO DRIVE IT, ESPECIALLY ON LONG TRIPS. DODG EHAS NOT HELPED CONSUMER. *AK

I HAVE A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA 4X4 - RECALLED WITH CAMPAIGN ID #4V596000. WHILE THE GARAGE HAD MY PICKUP APART THEY CALLED AND SAID MY LOWER BALL JOINT HAD "EXCESSIVE WEAR" -QUOTED $440 TO REPAIR. AT 38000 MILES AND TO HAVE EXCESSIVE WEAR ON LOWER BALL JOINTS IS A PRODUCT DEFECT. I DECLIINED TO HAVE THEN REPAIR DUE TO EXTREME COST WHILE THE TRUCK WAS APART TO REPAIR THE UPPER BALL JOINTS.*AK

RECALL 04V596000 CONCERNING BALL JOINT WEAR: CONSUMER RECEIVED THIS RECALL NOTICE, AND CONTACTED HIS LOCAL DEALER, WHO INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT NO PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE UNTIL MARCH 2005.*AK

RECALL 04V596000 CONCERNING BALL JOINT WEAR: CONSUMER RECEIVED THIS RECALL NOTICE, AND CONTACTED HIS LOCAL DEALER, WHO INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT NO PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE UNTIL MARCH 2005.*AK

THE CONTROL ARM AND UPPER BALL JOINTS, WHEN IS THE RECALL GOING TO HAPPEN?? MY TRUCK IS REALLY REALLY BAD. THE FRONT END ALIGNMENT I GOT IS NO GOOD AND MY NEW TIRES ARE BEING EATEN UP BY THIS. I NEED MY TRUCK FOR WORK AND THIS IS SO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE IN THIS CONDITION. *NM

THE DEALERSHIP IS REFUSING TO PERFORM THE UPPER BALL JOINT WEAR RECALL 04V596000 BECAUSE THE CONSUMER DIDN'T PURCHASE THE VEHICLE FROM THEM. *JB

THE CONSUMER STATES THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE WORN. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

Mileage: 43,000

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO RESTART VEHICLE, AND DRIVE IT TO THE DEALER. AFTER A KNOCKING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT VEHICLE WAS PLACED ON DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE, BUT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED FOR STALLING. HOWEVER, MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE LEFT AND RIGHT CONTROL ARMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO CORROSION. *AK

WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH FRONT BALL JOINT PUNCTURED THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE. THIS FORCED THE VEHICLE INTO A DITCH. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. DEALERSHIP INFORMED THE CONSUMER OF THE BALL JOINT FAILURE AND REPAIRED IT. *AK

Mileage: 60,000

I HAVE A 2001 DODGE, DAKOTA, QUAD CAB, 4X4. SHORTLY AFTER THE WARRENTY EXPIRED(36000MI.), I DEVELOPED A POPING NOISE IN THE FRONT END WHEN TURNING OVER BUMPS. SENSE THEN IT HAS PROGRESSIVELY GOTTEN WORSE. I HAD IT INSPECTED AND WAS TOLD IT WAS OK, JUST TYPICAL TRUCK NOISE DUE TO BUMPS. AFTER HEARING ABOUT THE PROBLEM WITH THE BALLJOINTS, I HAD IT RE-INSPECTED (MANY MILES LATER) ONLY TO FIND THAT I AM LUCKY THAT A WHEEL HAS NOT CAME OFF (BAD JOINTS). ALSO, IF THE TRUCK SETS OVERNIGHT (OR 1 OR MORE DAYS)WHEN YOU FIRST CRANK THE TRUCK AND PUT IN GEAR(REVERSE) THE TRANSMITION WILL SLIP. TOOK TO THE DEALER WHILE STILL UNDER WARRENTY THEY SAID IT WAS TYPICAL THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER WOULD DRAIN DOWN AND THAT YOU HAD TO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL FOR A FEW SECONDS TO LET THE CONVERTER FILL BEFORE PUTTING IN GEAR. I STILL HAVE THE PROBLEM!*AK

WITHOUT WARNING VEHICLE LOST CONTROL WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE FRONT HUB ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AK.....*AK

Mileage: 46,719

I HAVE A 2001 DAKOTA 2 WHEEL DRIVE WITH A BAD FRONT SUSPENSION. IT ONLY 54000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE HAD THE BUSHING REPLACED THREE TIMES AND NOW THEY TELL ME I NEED UPPER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS, BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS, AND A R/F HUB BEARING. UPPER BALL JOINTS ARE VERY LOOSE. I WAS WONDERING WHY I AM ALWAYS FIXING THE FRONT SUSPENSION AND IF THERE IS ANYTHING I CAN DO TO GET THIS PROBLEM SOLVED. I HEARD THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE DAKOTA'S, BUT NOT THE TWO WHEEL DRIVE. COULD YOU PLEASE HELP ME FIGURE OUT WHAT TO DO/ THANKS, STEPHEN. *AK

I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED BUT IT HAD NEW BRAKES. I HAD IT FOR A MONTH AND DROVE APPROX. 1000 MILES AND THE BRAKE ROTORS BECAME WARPED. I HAD THEM TURNED AND THEY WERE FINE. I DROVE THE VEHICLE FOR APPROX. 5 MORE MONTHS AND 6000 MILES AND THE ROTORS BECAME WARPED AGAIN. THE VIBRATIONS OCCUR VERY BADLY WHEN BRAKING FROM 50 MPH-40 MPH. WHEN BRAKING FROM A HIGHER OR LOWER SPEED THAN 40-50 THERE ARE ONLY MINOR VIBRATIONS. I ALSO HAVE NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE SUSPENSION WHEN TURNING AT SLOW SPEEDS AND GOING OVER A BUMP/CURB(SUCH AS TO ENTER/LEAVE A DRIVEWAY). *JB

Mileage: 29,000

MY HUSBAND AND I OWN A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB, FOR ABOUT 2 1/2 YEARS WE ARE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT END. NOW A RECALL ON THE BALL JOINTS HAS COME IN AND DODGE WILL NOT EVEN LOOK AT OUR VEHICLE UNTIL THE RECALLS GO IN THE MAIL. I HAVE BROUGHT TO THEIR ATTENTION HOW MANY TIMES I HAVE CALLED WITH THIS COMPLAINT, I AM SCARED SOMETHING IS GOING TO HAPPEN TO ME AND MY FAMILY BUT DODGE JUST TELLS ME TO STOP DRIVING THE VEHICLE. HOW CAN I DO THAT WHEN IT IS MY ONLY ONE AND I CANT GET TO WORK OR MY KIDS TO SCHOOL.. PLEASE HELP IN THIS. MY HUSBAND CAN GIVE MORE INFO IF NEEDED PLEASE CALL HIM AT 707-689-2333 IF YOU NEED MORE INFO. *JB

Mileage: 50,000

FRONT UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS WORE OUT PREMATURELY. *AK THE FAULTY BALL JOINTS CAUSED ABNORMAL WEAR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED ANY ASSISTANCE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. *NM

Mileage: 66,000

FRONT UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS WORE OUT PREMATURELY. *AK THE FAULTY BALL JOINTS CAUSED ABNORMAL WEAR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED ANY ASSISTANCE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. *NM

Mileage: 66,000

2001 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB WAS SERVICED ON SIX SEPARATE OCCASIONS FOR CLUNKING IN THE FRONT END WHILE GOING OVER BUMPS AND DURING TURNS. SEVERAL PARTS WERE REPLACED WHILE UNDER WARRANTY BUT DEALERSHIP INSISTED THAT BALL JOINTS AND CV JOINTS WERE FINE. THEY ALSO STATED THAT NO OTHER COMPLAINTS HAD BEEN FILED AND THAT THERE WAS NOT A SERVICE BULLETIN REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM BECAME APPARENT WITHIN THE FIRST 17,000 MILES AND CONTINUES TO PERSIST.*AK

Mileage: 17,305

2001 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB WAS SERVICED ON SIX SEPARATE OCCASIONS FOR CLUNKING IN THE FRONT END WHILE GOING OVER BUMPS AND DURING TURNS. SEVERAL PARTS WERE REPLACED WHILE UNDER WARRANTY BUT DEALERSHIP INSISTED THAT BALL JOINTS AND CV JOINTS WERE FINE. THEY ALSO STATED THAT NO OTHER COMPLAINTS HAD BEEN FILED AND THAT THERE WAS NOT A SERVICE BULLETIN REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM BECAME APPARENT WITHIN THE FIRST 17,000 MILES AND CONTINUES TO PERSIST.*AK

Mileage: 17,305

ON APRIL 16, 2004 I WAS DRIVING MY 2001 DODGE DAKOTA "SPORT" 4X4, AT APPROXIMATELY 15-20 MPH WHEN IT APPEARED MY HAD "FALLEN OFF", BUT WAS STILL SOMEHOW ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE. THE WHEEL COLLAPSED INSIDE THE WHEEL WELL WITH THE TOP OF THE WHEEL TOWARDS THE ENGINE. THE BRAKE LINE WAS RIPPED OUT AND I LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HAD NO BRAKE POWER. THE VEHICLE SLID TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND EVENTUALLY STOPPED. THE RESULT WAS THE UPPER BALL JOINT SEPARATED IN THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE CAUSING THE SUSPENSION TO COLLAPSE, THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL FALLING OFF, THE BRAKE LINE BEING RIPPED OUT AND LOSING BRAKING ABILITY, AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. TO CORRECT THE FAILURE, THE TRUCK HAD TO BE TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP, REPLACED THE UPPER FRONT RIGHT BALL JOINT, BRAKE LINE WORK, AND THE COST OF LABOR. THE TOWING COST $45, THE BALL JOINT COST $56.80, AND THE LABOR COST $75 FOR A TOTAL OF $187.41. *JB

Mileage: 69,059

THIS COMPLAINT IS ABOUT THE FACT THAT ONLY THE 4X4 DODGE DAKOTAS HAVE BEEN RECALLED ABOUT THE BALL JOINTS. THE FACT IS THAT THEY ALL USE THE SAME BALL JOINTS AND WELL HOW DO WE KNOW THAT THE 4X2 ARE NOT GOING TO GO. WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO WAIT UNTIL SOMEONE GET HURT BEFORE THEY RECALL THE 4X2? I DON'T THINK THAT IS RIGHT THAT THEY ONLY RECALL THE 4X4 THEY SHOULD RECALL ALL THE DAKOTAS AND DURANGOS OF THOSE YEARS. I AM NOT ONE FOR THAT I BUY A TRUCK AND THE MANUFACTURE HAS DON'T WRONG BY GIVING FAULTY PARTS AND I WOULD HAVE TO SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCE. THAT JUST IS NOT RIGHT IF THEY ALREADY KNOW THAT THEY HAVE FAULTY PARTS ON THE TRUCKS. SO THIS IS A COMPLAINT THAT THEY SHOULD RECALL ALL THE DAKOTAS IF NOT ALL THEN ALSO THE 4X2.. THERE WAS NO INCIDENT AS OF DECEMBER 11, 2004 BUT THE COMPLAINT REQUIRED THAT I PUT A DATE IN BUT THERE WAS NO INCIDENT. THIS IS JUST A COMPLAINT. *JB

RECENTLY THE BALL JOINTS WERE RECALLED FOR DODGE DAKOTAS/DURANGOS 2000-2003, BUT ONLY FOR 4 WHEEL DRIVE. MY 2001, DODGE DAKOTA NEEDS NEW BALL JOINTS. IT ALSO USES THE SAME BAL JOINT AS THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE. IF THERE'S ARE BAD, WHY ISN'T MINE? *JB

Mileage: 65,000

MY 2001 DODGE DAKOTA 2WD HAS 45,000 MILES ON IT AND ALREADY NEEDS 3 BALL JOINTS REPLACED.*AK

Mileage: 45,000

MY 2001 DODGE DAKOTA 2WD HAS 45,000 MILES ON IT AND ALREADY NEEDS 3 BALL JOINTS REPLACED.*AK

Mileage: 45,000

PASSENGER SIDE FRONT END BALL JOINT FAILURE. BALL JOINT REPLACED BY LOCAL DODGE DEALER.*AK

Mileage: 72,000

DODGE DAKOTA BALL JOINT PROBLEM. I HAVE ONCE HAD THEM REPLACED AT 30,000 MILES DUE TO AN AWFUL SOUND. THE SOUND IS BACK, THIS IS A PROBLEM DODGE SHOULD BE DEALING WITH. AFTER RESEARCH IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM THAT DODGE DOES NOT WISH TO DEAL WITH, AND THERE HAS BE SERIOUS ACCIDENTS TO WHICH I WANT NO PART OF. I'M GUESSING AT THE DATE OF THE FIRST PROBLEM ON THIS SURVEY.*AK

Mileage: 30,000

DODGE DAKOTA BALL JOINT PROBLEM. I HAVE ONCE HAD THEM REPLACED AT 30,000 MILES DUE TO AN AWFUL SOUND. THE SOUND IS BACK, THIS IS A PROBLEM DODGE SHOULD BE DEALING WITH. AFTER RESEARCH IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM THAT DODGE DOES NOT WISH TO DEAL WITH, AND THERE HAS BE SERIOUS ACCIDENTS TO WHICH I WANT NO PART OF. I'M GUESSING AT THE DATE OF THE FIRST PROBLEM ON THIS SURVEY.*AK

Mileage: 30,000

I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL REPORTS OF THE US GOVERNMENT ASKING DAIMLERCHRYSLER TO RECALL 2000-2004 DODGE DURANGOS AND DAKOTAS, 4 WHEEL DRIVE. THE 2 WHEEL DRIVE DAKOTAS HAVE THE EXACT SAME BALL JOINT AND FAILURE! WILL THESE ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL? MINE HAVE YET TO FAIL BUT MAKE A HORRIBLE POPPING/RUBBING NOISE WHEN I MAKE TURNS AT A SLOW SPEED. THIS IS A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA 2 WHEEL DRIVE WITH 50,000 MILES.*AK

Mileage: 50,000

I JUST REPLACED THE BALL JOINTS ON MY 2001 DAKOTA. THEY WERE VERY LOOSE AND HAD ALOT OF "PLAY". I'M LUCKY I GOT MINE REPAIRED BEFORE IT CAUSED AN ACCIDENT LIKE OTHERS I'VE RECENTLY HEARD ABOUT. I'VE ALSO REPLACED THE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT, REAR U-JOINTS AND REAR DIFFERENTIAL ALL WITHIN THE LAST YEAR. I HAVE TO BELIEVE THAT ALL THIS IS RELATED. I'M PROBABLY UP OVER $3,000 IN REPAIRS FOR THESE THINGS.*AK

Mileage: 54,800

I JUST REPLACED THE BALL JOINTS ON MY 2001 DAKOTA. THEY WERE VERY LOOSE AND HAD ALOT OF "PLAY". I'M LUCKY I GOT MINE REPAIRED BEFORE IT CAUSED AN ACCIDENT LIKE OTHERS I'VE RECENTLY HEARD ABOUT. I'VE ALSO REPLACED THE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT, REAR U-JOINTS AND REAR DIFFERENTIAL ALL WITHIN THE LAST YEAR. I HAVE TO BELIEVE THAT ALL THIS IS RELATED. I'M PROBABLY UP OVER $3,000 IN REPAIRS FOR THESE THINGS.*AK

Mileage: 54,800

2001 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB 4X4, VIN NO. [XXX] - FAILURE OF THE FRONT BALL JOINT AND THE TIE ROD END THAT HAD TO BE REPLACED AT MY COST AND WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE THE OTHER SIDE NEXT YEAR ACCOURDING TO THE DEALER THAT REPLACED THE THE BALL JOINT.. THE FRONT END OF MY TRUCK HAS BEEN MAKING NOISE FROM THE TIME I BOUGHT THE TRUCK WITH 59 MILES FOR THE DEALER AND I WAS TOLD IT WAS BECUASE OF THE GREASELESS BALL JOINT AND THE ONLY WAY TO HAVE IT . *AK UPDATED 07/24/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

2001 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB 4X4, VIN NO. [XXX] - FAILURE OF THE FRONT BALL JOINT AND THE TIE ROD END THAT HAD TO BE REPLACED AT MY COST AND WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE THE OTHER SIDE NEXT YEAR ACCOURDING TO THE DEALER THAT REPLACED THE THE BALL JOINT.. THE FRONT END OF MY TRUCK HAS BEEN MAKING NOISE FROM THE TIME I BOUGHT THE TRUCK WITH 59 MILES FOR THE DEALER AND I WAS TOLD IT WAS BECUASE OF THE GREASELESS BALL JOINT AND THE ONLY WAY TO HAVE IT . *AK UPDATED 07/24/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

TIRES ON THE FRONT END OF MY 2001 DODGE DAKOTA 4WD 3.9L V6 WERE WEARING REALLY UNEVENLY. COME TO FIND OUT THAT I HAD ONE UPPER AND ONE LOWER BALL JOINT ON OPPOSING SIDES THAT WENT BAD. MY TRUCK ONLY HAD 40,000 MILES ON IT AND THEY WERE ALL HIGHWAY. BOTH BALL JOINTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND WAS DONE IN DECEMBER 2003. IT WORE OUT TWO BRAND NEW TIRES.*AK

Mileage: 40,000

TIRES ON THE FRONT END OF MY 2001 DODGE DAKOTA 4WD 3.9L V6 WERE WEARING REALLY UNEVENLY. COME TO FIND OUT THAT I HAD ONE UPPER AND ONE LOWER BALL JOINT ON OPPOSING SIDES THAT WENT BAD. MY TRUCK ONLY HAD 40,000 MILES ON IT AND THEY WERE ALL HIGHWAY. BOTH BALL JOINTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND WAS DONE IN DECEMBER 2003. IT WORE OUT TWO BRAND NEW TIRES.*AK

Mileage: 40,000

I OWN 2 DODGE DAKOTAS ONE 1997 AND ONE 2001. I HAVE NOT REPLACED THE BALL JOINTS, BUT THEY ARE MAKING POPING AND CRACKING NOISES. THE 2001 ONLY HAS 24000 MILES ON IT. WHEN MAKING A HARD TURN BOTH DAKOTAS SEEM TO WOBBLE LIKE SOMTHING IS LOOSE. I HAVE NOT HAD ANY ACCIDENTS YET BUT SOMTHING IS WRONG. ALSO THE FRONT TIRES HAVE WARN UNEVEN ON BOTH TRUCKS. FRONT END ALIGNMENT WAS ALMOST IMPOSSABLE ON THE 2001 MODEL.*AK

Mileage: 24,000

THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS ON MY 2001 DODGE DAKOTA EXTENDED CAB 4X4 PICKUP HAVE HAD MASSIVE DETERIORATION WITH ONLY 17,500 MILES ON THEM. THEY CAUSE TREMENDOUS STEERING AND TRACKING PROBLEMS, AND HAVE CAUSED ME TO NOT BE ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE OF SAFETY CONCERNS. BECAUSE THESE CANNOT BE LUBRICATED OR ADJUSTED, THEY MUST BE REPLACED. I WILL EITHER DO THESE REPAIRS MYSELF IN THE NEAR FUTURE OR HAVE THEN DONE AT A QUALIFIED GARAGE, BUT I WILL SAVE THE DEFECTIVE PARTS. I HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING EXCESSIVE WITH THE VEHICLE SUCH AS OFF-ROADING, TRAILERING, HEAVY LOADS, OR ANY "NON-STANDARD" USE. ALL EQUIPMENT (TIRES INCLUDED) ON THE TRUCK IS FACTORY, I.E. NO AFTERMARKET MODIFICATIONS THAT WOULD CAUSE NON-STANDARD LOADS OR STRESSES. THIS TYPE OF PREMATURE FAILING AT ONLY 17,500 MILES IS NOT ACCEPTABLE, AND FROM MY RESEARCH I UNDERSTAND IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE YEAR AND MODEL OF VEHICLE.*JB

Mileage: 16,000

THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS ON MY 2001 DODGE DAKOTA EXTENDED CAB 4X4 PICKUP HAVE HAD MASSIVE DETERIORATION WITH ONLY 17,500 MILES ON THEM. THEY CAUSE TREMENDOUS STEERING AND TRACKING PROBLEMS, AND HAVE CAUSED ME TO NOT BE ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE OF SAFETY CONCERNS. BECAUSE THESE CANNOT BE LUBRICATED OR ADJUSTED, THEY MUST BE REPLACED. I WILL EITHER DO THESE REPAIRS MYSELF IN THE NEAR FUTURE OR HAVE THEN DONE AT A QUALIFIED GARAGE, BUT I WILL SAVE THE DEFECTIVE PARTS. I HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING EXCESSIVE WITH THE VEHICLE SUCH AS OFF-ROADING, TRAILERING, HEAVY LOADS, OR ANY "NON-STANDARD" USE. ALL EQUIPMENT (TIRES INCLUDED) ON THE TRUCK IS FACTORY, I.E. NO AFTERMARKET MODIFICATIONS THAT WOULD CAUSE NON-STANDARD LOADS OR STRESSES. THIS TYPE OF PREMATURE FAILING AT ONLY 17,500 MILES IS NOT ACCEPTABLE, AND FROM MY RESEARCH I UNDERSTAND IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE YEAR AND MODEL OF VEHICLE.*JB

Mileage: 16,000

I HAVE A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB 4 X 4. THE FRONT SUSPENSION HAS BEEN MAKING A LOUD POPPING NOISE WHEN I GO OVER BUMPS OR MAKE TURNS AT LOW SPEEDS. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO A DODGE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES AND THEY CONTINUE TO SAY THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. WELL NOW MY TRUCK IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST AT 50000 MILES. I HAVE REPLACED ALL FOUR SHOCKS AND THERE STILL IS A PROBLEM WITH POPPING AND CLUNKING. NOW I HAVE RESORTED TO TAKING IT TO FIRESTONE/MASTER CARE AND WITHIN MINUTES OF BEING ON THE HOIST THE TECHNICIAN WAS ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE BALL JOINTS WERE SHOT. HE SAID THIS IS THE FIRST THING HE LOOKED AT BECAUSE HE HAS HAD MORE THAN HIS FAIR SHARE OF DAKOTAS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. DODGE HAS A SERIOUS PROBLEM ON THERE HANDS AND NEEDS TO ADDRESS IT BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT. PLEASE HELP! THANK YOU, RYAN ARCHEY

Mileage: 12,000

WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH UPPER BALL JOINT FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. *AK

Mileage: 56,049

BALL JOINTS MAKE LOUD METALLIC NOISE, WEAR TIRES QUICKLY, REQUIRING EXCESSIVE ALIGNMENT/BALANCING. *JB

Mileage: 43,000

BALL JOINTS MAKE LOUD METALLIC NOISE, WEAR TIRES QUICKLY, REQUIRING EXCESSIVE ALIGNMENT/BALANCING. *JB

Mileage: 43,000

BALL JOINTS ON 2001 DAKOTA NEED REPLACEMENT AT 60,000 MILES. CAUSED UNEVEN TIRE WEAR, SOME DIFFICULTY WITH VEHICLE TRACKING. WILL REPLACE OLD PARTS, AND KEEP PARTS AVAILABLE. *JB

Mileage: 60,000

WHILE DRIVING AND UPON HITTING ANYTHING IN THE ROAD VEHICLE WILL MAKE A CLANKING NOISE. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER TO BE LOOKED AT. CONSUMER HAD THE SHOCKS CHANGED. HOWEVER, IT DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. CONTACTED THE DODGE DEALER, AND WAS TOLD THEY NEEDED THE UPPER CONTROL ARM. *AK

WHILE DRIVING AND UPON HITTING ANYTHING IN THE ROAD VEHICLE WILL MAKE A CLANKING NOISE. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER TO BE LOOKED AT. CONSUMER HAD THE SHOCKS CHANGED. HOWEVER, IT DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. CONTACTED THE DODGE DEALER, AND WAS TOLD THEY NEEDED THE UPPER CONTROL ARM. *AK

2001 DODGE DAKOTA HAD A CLUNK IN THE FRONT END WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPS. IT WAS LATER DETERMINED THAT THE BALL JOINTS HAD FAILED AT LOW MILEAGE. *BF *NM

Mileage: 56,000

2001 DODGE DAKOTA HAD SEVERAL BALL JOINT REPLACEMENTS AT LOW MILES. *BF ALL THE BALL JOINTS WERE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *NM

I BOUGHT THE TRUCK NEW IN 2001. I COMPLAINED ABOUT CLUNKING NOISES COMING FROM THE WHEEL AREA WHEN I MADE TURNS. SLOW AND USUALLY AT INTERSECTIONS. NOW IT IS MORE ADVANCED AND NOISY ON BUMPS.*AK

Mileage: 6,000

I BOUGHT THE TRUCK NEW IN 2001. I COMPLAINED ABOUT CLUNKING NOISES COMING FROM THE WHEEL AREA WHEN I MADE TURNS. SLOW AND USUALLY AT INTERSECTIONS. NOW IT IS MORE ADVANCED AND NOISY ON BUMPS.*AK

Mileage: 6,000

UPPER BALL JOINT FAILED ON THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY ON THE PASSENGER SIDE; ENTIRE WHEEL ASSEMBLY FELL OFF THE DODGE DAKOTA TRUCK. FORTUNATELY MY WIFE WAS ONLY DRIVING AT ABOUT 5 TO 10 MPH WHEN IT HAPPENED. NO ONE WAS INJURED. MY WIFE HAD JUST BEEN ON THE PA TURNPIKE 30 MINUTES EARLIER  SHE WOULD HAVE BEEN KILLED IF THE UPPER BALL JOINT HAD FAILED WHEN SHE WAS ON THE TURNPIKE. 2 001 DODGE DAKOTA 4-WHEEL DRIVE TRUCK, V8 ENGINE. DEALER CAN FIX THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY, WE HAVE YET TO GET THE BILL, THE TRUCK IS STILL IN THE SHOP.*AK

Mileage: 58,000

UPPER AND LOWER BALL WENT BAD AFTER ONLY 40,000 MILES.

UPPER AND LOWER BALL WENT BAD AFTER ONLY 40,000 MILES.

MY FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE FELL OFF MY 2001 DODGE DAKOTA. THIS WAS DUE TO A FAULTY BALL JOINT. AS A RESULT, THE BRAKE LINE AND AXLE ALSO NEEDED REPLACING. I NOTIFIED THE DEALERSHIP AND DODGE. I WAS TOLD THERE IS NOTHING THEY COULD DO, BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, NOR WAS IT RECALLED. *JB

Mileage: 75,800

I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY DODGE HAS NOT RECALLED THE DODGE DAKOTAS FOR DEFECTIVE BALL JOINTS AND DISC ROTORS. I HAVE SCANNED THE INTERNET AND FOUND A LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AS I. MY 2001 DAKOTA WAS PURCHASED IN DECEMBER. OF 01 AND HAS 44,000 MILES . I AM 54 YEARS OLD AND THIS WAS MY FIRST NEW VEHICLE. UNFORTUNATELY IT WAS A DODGE. I WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER DODGE PRODUCT,AND IF ASKED MY OPINION WILL NOT RECOMMEND DODGE TO ANYONE !!!!!!!!! PLEASE SEND THIS TO THE DODGE CORP.*AK

Mileage: 43,500

I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY DODGE HAS NOT RECALLED THE DODGE DAKOTAS FOR DEFECTIVE BALL JOINTS AND DISC ROTORS. I HAVE SCANNED THE INTERNET AND FOUND A LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AS I. MY 2001 DAKOTA WAS PURCHASED IN DECEMBER. OF 01 AND HAS 44,000 MILES . I AM 54 YEARS OLD AND THIS WAS MY FIRST NEW VEHICLE. UNFORTUNATELY IT WAS A DODGE. I WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER DODGE PRODUCT,AND IF ASKED MY OPINION WILL NOT RECOMMEND DODGE TO ANYONE !!!!!!!!! PLEASE SEND THIS TO THE DODGE CORP.*AK

Mileage: 43,500

I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT I NEED TO HAVE THE BALL JOINTS REPLACED ON MY 01 DAKOTA. THE DEALER STATES THAT FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN THE WHEELS FALLING OFF AT ANY TIME. *AK

Mileage: 70,000

THE VEHICLE VIBRATED WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE CONSUMER THOUGHT THAT THE BRAKES WERE BAD WHEN IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT IT WAS NOT THE BRAKES BUT THE BALL JOINTS HAD FAILED. THE CONSUMER HAD TO HAVE THE BALL JOINTS REPLACED AND HAD TO COME OUT OF POCKET TO DO SO. *JB

Mileage: 65,000

THE VEHICLE VIBRATED WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE CONSUMER THOUGHT THAT THE BRAKES WERE BAD WHEN IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT IT WAS NOT THE BRAKES BUT THE BALL JOINTS HAD FAILED. THE CONSUMER HAD TO HAVE THE BALL JOINTS REPLACED AND HAD TO COME OUT OF POCKET TO DO SO. *JB

Mileage: 65,000

DRIVER SIDE FRONT OF P/U STARTED 'KNOCKING' WHEN TRAVERSING BUMPS OR MAKING RIGHT HAND TURNS AT 12000. PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRE BEGAN TO FEATHER AT 30000. AT 37775 WITH NEW SHOCKS AND TIRES, ALLIGNMENT WAS NEEDED TO CORRECT PULLING TO THE RIGHT. WAS DISCOVERED THAT LOWER PASSENGER AND UPPER DRIVER SIDE BALL JOINTS WERE "HORRIBLY SHOT. *AK

DRIVER SIDE FRONT OF P/U STARTED 'KNOCKING' WHEN TRAVERSING BUMPS OR MAKING RIGHT HAND TURNS AT 12000. PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRE BEGAN TO FEATHER AT 30000. AT 37775 WITH NEW SHOCKS AND TIRES, ALLIGNMENT WAS NEEDED TO CORRECT PULLING TO THE RIGHT. WAS DISCOVERED THAT LOWER PASSENGER AND UPPER DRIVER SIDE BALL JOINTS WERE "HORRIBLY SHOT. *AK

WHEN TURNING IN EITHER DIRECTION FRONT END PRODUCED A CRACKING AND SQUEAKING NOISE. DEALERS STATED UPPER BALL JOINTS BROKE. *AK

Mileage: 4,000

NOTICEABLE GRINDING AND STRESS SOUND ESPECIALLY WHEN MAKING A SHARP TURN OVER AN UNEVEN SURFACE, SUCH AS TURNING INTO DRIVEWAY WHILE TRAVERSING A SHALLOW CURB. WHILE GETTING VEHICLE INSPECTED, I WAS INFORMED THAT MY UPPER BALL JOINT WAS IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT BEFORE TOTAL FAILURE. THIS SEEMS RATHER A PREMATURE FAILURE OF SUCH A PART SEEING AS HOW THE TRUCK IS A 2001 WITH THEN AROUND 55,000 MILES ON IT. *AK

WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE UPPER BALL JOINTS. DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THE PROBLEM FOUR TIMES, BUT PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK

Mileage: 58,000

I HAVE A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA AND MY BALL JOINTS ARE ABNORMALLY WORN AND I'M GOING TO HAVE TO REPLACE THEM HERE SOON. I KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM WITH THE BALL JOINTS NOT BEING LUBED AND I'M ASKING THAT YOU GUYS PUSH DAIMLER/CHRYSLER INTO RECALLING THE DODGE DAKOTA 2001 WITH THE DEFECTIVE BALL JOINTS. I KNOW I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE, THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN NOTED WITH DODGE DURANGOS BUT THE DAKOTAS USE THE SAME BALL JOINTS. RECALL PLEASE. I DON'T WANT MY WHEELS TO FALL OFF BECAUSE OF THE BALL JOINTS. RECALL. URGE DAIMLER/CHRYSLER PLEASE, PROTECT US THE CONSUMER. 2001 DODGE DAKOTA CABPLUS 35000 MILES4X4 THANK YOU. *JB

FAILURE OF UPPER BALL JOINT/SOCKET ASSEMBLY. *AK

Mileage: 34,163

WHILE PULLING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT THE FRONT END COLLAPSED. THE DEALER STATED THAT UPPER BALL JOINT FAILED. *AK *NM

Mileage: 61,800

WHEEL AND ASSEMBLY CAME OFF WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY. CV JOINT, BALL JOINTS, BRAKE REMOVED.*AK

Mileage: 69,000

WHEEL AND ASSEMBLY CAME OFF WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY. CV JOINT, BALL JOINTS, BRAKE REMOVED.*AK

Mileage: 69,000

2001 DAKOTA CLUB CAB BALL JOINTS WORN COMPLETELY OUT AT 59K MILES. 1 JOINT HAD 7/8 OF UP AND DOWN MOVEMENT, ALMOST COMPLETELY OUT OF SOCKET. ALL MILES HWY MILES.SEVERAL OTHER PROBLEMS SINCE NEW ALSO. VERY POORLY BUILT. WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER CHRYSLER PRODUCT, NEVER. *JB

Mileage: 59,000

PE 03-032 , FRONT SUSP. UPPER BALL JOINT:THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND THE CONSUMER FOUND THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE WORN. *JB THE VEHICLE'S ROTORS WERE ALSO WARPED. *NM

Mileage: 47,390

WITHIN SEVERAL THOUSAND MILES OF OWNERSHIP VEHICLE EXPERIENCED HEAVY VIBRATION COMING FROM THE FRONT. SEVERAL PARTS WERE REPLACED, EXCEPT THE ORIGINAL BALL JOINTS. VEHICLE WAS BACK AT DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES WITH NO CHANGE IN CONDITION OR REPLACEMENT OF THE ORIGINAL BALL JOINTS. *AK

WITHIN SEVERAL THOUSAND MILES OF OWNERSHIP VEHICLE EXPERIENCED HEAVY VIBRATION COMING FROM THE FRONT. SEVERAL PARTS WERE REPLACED, EXCEPT THE ORIGINAL BALL JOINTS. VEHICLE WAS BACK AT DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES WITH NO CHANGE IN CONDITION OR REPLACEMENT OF THE ORIGINAL BALL JOINTS. *AK

WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, THE INNER TIE ROD END CAME OUT OF THE SOCKET AND THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE TURNED TO THE LEFT. THIS RESULTED IN VEHICLE CRASHING INTO A CONCRETE PHYLUM. THE INNER TIE ROD , FRONT LOWER BALL JOINT, FENDER, BUMPER, BLINKER AND RIM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO WHEN MAKING A SHARP RIGHT TURN DRIVER'S SIDE INSIDE RIM WAS RUBBING AGAINST SOMETHING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP WAS NOT WILLING TO REPLACE ANY COMPONENT UNTIL THEY WERE ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE.*AK

Mileage: 75,000

WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 50 MPH RIGHT UPPER BALL JOINT BROKE APART, CAUSING THE RIM TO PIVOT INTO WHAT WAS REMAINING. IT DESTROYED THE RIM AND BROKE THE BRAKE LINE. LUCKILY, NO OTHER TRAFFIC WAS CLOSE SO NO ACCIDENT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE OCCURED. THE TRUCK WAS HAULED (WRECKER) TO THE DEALER AND A NEW BALL JOINT, RIM, AND BRAKE LINE WERE INSTALLED.*AK

Mileage: 23,816

I OWN A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB 4X4 SLE THAT WE PURCHASED NEW. IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS, AND WITH ONLY 49000 MILES ON THE TRUCK CURRENTLY, THE FOLLOWING FAILURES HAVE OCCURRED: (1) (FROM FEBRUARY 2004 TO PRESENT) THE FACTORY-INSTALLED EXTERNAL WIRING HARNESS (FOR TOWING A TRAILER) MELTED FROM THE INSIDE OUT, SHORTING OUT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. (2) BRAKES WOULD PULSATE ANYTIME BRAKES WERE APPLIED. DEALER ATTRIBUTED THIS TO WARPING OF ROTORS AND REPLACED PADS AND TURNED THE ROTORS. DEALER NOTED A SPRING ON DRIVER-SIDE CALIPER WAS MISSING AND REPLACED IT AS WELL. (3) THE HEATER/AC CONTROLS FAILED. (4) WENT FOR STATE INSPECTION AND INSPECTOR FAILED TRUCK DUE TO FAILURE OF UPPER BALL JOINTS AND BRAKES. THE SAME BRAKES I JUST HAD FIXED IN FEBRUARY. PREMATURE FAILURE OF BALL JOINTS ATTRIBUTED TO "TYPICAL PROBLEM FOR DAKOTAS/DURANGOS". WELL IF IT'S TYPICAL, WHY ISN'T THERE A RECALL?? THE DEALER HAD NO ANSWERS. FAILURE WAS A RESULT OF CALIPERS NOT RELEASING PROPERLY CAUSING THE ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS TO "GLAZE". DEALER OPTED TO PICK UP THE TAB FOR THE NEW ROTORS AND THE NEW PADS, ONLY AT MY REQUEST. THE NEW CALIPERS AND BRAKE LINES STILL COST ME $800. AGAIN I'M WONDERING WHY I'M PAYING FOR SO MUCH ON A TRUCK THAT IS ONLY 3 YEARS OLD WITH ONLY 49000 MILES. (5) UNKNOWN PROBLEM AT STARTUP WHEN ENGINE IS COLD. PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR CAUSES THE ENGINE TO SPUTTER. PROBLEM EXISTS UNTIL ENGINE IS WARM THEN GOES AWAY. TWO DODGE DEALERSHIPS AND NEITHER CAN FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM AS THERE IS NO COMPUTER ERROR CODE COMING UP. ALL ITEMS MENTIONED WERE PAID FOR BY ME UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED. HAD ANY OF THESE ISSUES BEEN A RESULT OF NEGLIGENCE, OR LOTS OF MILEAGE, OR HAD THE DODGE DEALERSHIP(S) OPTED TO PAY FOR ITEMS THAT WERE THE OBVIOUS RESULT OF POOR CRAFTSMANSHIP, I WOULDN'T COMPLAIN. BUT, THE FAILURES RELATING TO THE BRAKES COULD QUITE POSSIBLY HAVE RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT WHICH RISKS MY LIFE AND THAT OF MY WIFE, AND DODGE DOESN'T SEEM TO CARE. *AK

Mileage: 40,687

CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD BANG FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE, AFTER LOADING THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE CONSUMER EXAMINED THE UNDER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE ,AND NOTICED NOTHING WAS WRONG. AFTER A SECOND EXAMINATION OF THE VEHICLE CONSUMER FOUND THAT THE REAR SPRING BROKE IN HALF. DEALER EXAMINED THE PROBLEM, BUT WILL NOT REPAIR IT FOR FREE. *AK *NM

Mileage: 49,808

WHILE DRIVING THROUGH A PARKING LOT AND MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN THE RIGHT UPPER BALL JOINT DISENGAGED. VEHICLE WAS MOVING ABOUT 5 MPH AT TIME OF INCIDENT.*AK

Mileage: 40,000

AT 42,000 MILES THE FRONT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLY FAILED. AS A RESULT, WHILE DRIVING DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE BOUNCED UP AND DOWN. ALSO, A GRINDING NOISE WAS PRODUCED AT SLOW SPEEDS. THE DEALER STATED TIRE LOOSENED ON THE AXLE. *AK

Mileage: 42,000

MY PICK-UP PASSED VIRGINIA STATE VEHICLE SAFETY INSPECTION ON 28 OF MAY 2004. ON JUNE 9, I WAS DRIVING HOME ON A BUMPY ROAD AND THE UPPER RIGHT BALL JOINT SEPARATED. *LA

Mileage: 59,339

2001 DODGE DAKOTA HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH THE DRIVE TRAIN AND BRAKES.*MR THE CONSUMER HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE, REVERSE, ETC. THE REAR TIRE ON THE RIGHT SIDE STUCK OUT FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVESHAFT SEEMED TO HAVE ALOT O SLACK IN IT. THERE WAS A POPPING NOISE IN THE FRONT END WHEN MAKING SHARP SLOW TURNS. THERE WAS A WHINING NOISE IN THE STEERING AND REAR END WHEN TURNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TOT HE DEALER BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEMS. THE BRAKE, ROTORS, CALIPERS HAD TO BE REPLACED BETWEEN 55-8000 MILES. *NM

UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS NEED TO BE REPLACED AT 20,000 MILES. KNOWN ISSUE ON DODGE DURANGOS THAT SHARE THE SAME SUSPENSION COMPONENTS. NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND A DEFINITE SAFETY HAZARD. BALL JOINTS ARE THE ONLY THING HOLDING THE WHEELS IN LINE AND FAILURE COULD RESULT IN A SEVERE ACCIDENT. *NM

Mileage: 20,000

UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS NEED TO BE REPLACED AT 20,000 MILES. KNOWN ISSUE ON DODGE DURANGOS THAT SHARE THE SAME SUSPENSION COMPONENTS. NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND A DEFINITE SAFETY HAZARD. BALL JOINTS ARE THE ONLY THING HOLDING THE WHEELS IN LINE AND FAILURE COULD RESULT IN A SEVERE ACCIDENT. *NM

Mileage: 20,000

PREMATURE BALL JOINT FAILURE. *AK

Mileage: 45,000

2001 DODGE DAKOTA HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH BAD BALL JOINTS. *MR *NM

Mileage: 35,000

FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS FAILED AT 50,000 MILES.*AK THERE WAS A WHINING NOISE WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN ON A TEST DRIVE AND THE NOISE COULD BE HEARD FROM THE LEFT FRONT BEARING. THE TECHNICIAN DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS PLAY IN THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING. THE HUB AND BEARING WERE REPLACED. FOUR MONTHS LATER THERE WAS A HUMMING NOISE WHEN TURNING LEFT. THE TECHNICIAN FOUND PLAY IN THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARING. THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARING. *NM

Mileage: 52,045

WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH CONSUMER HEARD A KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE SERVICED, AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

WHILE MAKING LEFT OR RIGHT TURNS CONSUMER HEARD A POPPING NOISE. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE SERVICED BY A TECHNICIAN, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE FRONT AXLE WAS DEFECTIVE, BUT FAILED TO FIX IT UNTIL IT WOULD BE RECALLED. A FEW MONTHS LATER, WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH CONSUMER HEARD A POPPING SOUND AGAIN. VEHICLE SLID SIDEWAYS AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK

CONSUMER EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE UPPER BALL JOINTS ON IS 2001 DODGE DAKOTA 4X4 QUAD CAB. *PH THE BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED BUT THE FRONT END NOISE RETURNED AFTER A FEW WEEKS. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THAT THE FRONT SUSPENSION IS NOT DESIGNED OR THE EXTRA WEIGHT THAT IT CARRIES OVER THE STANDARD OR EXTRA CAB MODELS. *NM

Mileage: 10,000

WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, A CLANKING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FRONT BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THE PASSENGER SIDE UPPER BALL JOINT NEEDED REPLACING DUE TO WORN OUT PARTS. *AK THE SWAY BAR SQUEAKED. THE BROKEN SEAL CAUSED THE BALL JOINTS TO DRY. *SC *JB

UPPER BALL JOINTS WORE OUT. DEALER STATED THE PARTS WERE ON BACK ORDER AND NOT AVAILABLE. *AK

Mileage: 60,122

BALL JOINTS HAVE FAILED AFTER 29,000 MILES. I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE COMPLAINING OF THE PROBLEM. THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS NOT A PROBLEM AND DID NOT FIX IT. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO ANOTHER MECHANIC HE DETERMINED THAT IT WAS A BALL JOINT ISSUE. THE VEHICAL IS NOW OUT OF WARRANTEE, AND I AM AFFAID THAT THE DEALERSHIP IS GOING TO ASK ME TO PAY FOR THE FIX. I AM WAITING FOR THE DEALERSHIP TO CONTACT ME. *AK

Mileage: 29,000

LOCAL DODGE DEALER SERVICE DEPT INFORMED ME TODAY THAT MOST LIKELY BALL JOINTS ON MY 2001 DODGE DAKOTA PROBALLY NEED TO BE REPLACED. WITH LESS THAN 30000 MILES THIS IS UNBELIEVEABLE. JWK

LOCAL DODGE DEALER SERVICE DEPT INFORMED ME TODAY THAT MOST LIKELY BALL JOINTS ON MY 2001 DODGE DAKOTA PROBALLY NEED TO BE REPLACED. WITH LESS THAN 30000 MILES THIS IS UNBELIEVEABLE. JWK

UPPER BALL JOINT AND LEFT RIGHT TIE ROD END FAILURE. *PH *LA

THE CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED WITH THE UPPER BALL JOINTS INCIDENTS AND HOW TO "FIX" THE PROBLEM. *PH *SC

I TOOK MY 2001 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB TO A DEALER TO CHECK A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE. THEY INFORMED ME THAT MY UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE WEARING DOWN AND THAT I COULD LOOSE THE TIRES ON MY VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. MY COMPLAINT IS BASED ON THE FACT THAT ALL FOUR BALL JOINTS SHOULD NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED ON A VEHICLE UNTIL AT LEAST 100,000 MILES. FROM MY RESEARCH THIS IS AN OBVIOUS PROBLEM THAT NEEDS CORRECTION IN THESE MODELS. *JB

Mileage: 52,000

I TOOK MY 2001 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB TO A DEALER TO CHECK A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE. THEY INFORMED ME THAT MY UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE WEARING DOWN AND THAT I COULD LOOSE THE TIRES ON MY VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. MY COMPLAINT IS BASED ON THE FACT THAT ALL FOUR BALL JOINTS SHOULD NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED ON A VEHICLE UNTIL AT LEAST 100,000 MILES. FROM MY RESEARCH THIS IS AN OBVIOUS PROBLEM THAT NEEDS CORRECTION IN THESE MODELS. *JB

Mileage: 52,000

I HAVE A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB 4X4 AND HAD THE PASSENGER SIDE UPPER BALL JOINT FAIL (LUCKLY I WAS HAVING MY MECHANIC CHANGE THE OIL) WHEN HE SAID THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINT SIMPLY FELL OUT. I THINK THAT DODGE SHOULD HAVE MADE OWNERS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM RATHER THAN CAUSE INJURIES TO CONSUMERS. ALSO WHY IS IT THAT YOU CANNOT PURCHASE A REPLACEMENT BALL JOINT FROM DODGE (YOU MUST PURCHASE THE WHOLE UPPER CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY?)*AK

A CONTINUOUS "CLUNK" IN THE FRONT LEFT SUSPENSION WHICH THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD WAS THE BALL JOINTS. *PH THE LEFT SIDE WAS AT "380 DEGREE" AND THE OE SPECIFIC WAS "0," AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. A NON DEALER TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THE ORIGINAL DESIGN WAS POOR. *SC

WHILE DRIVING, THE FRONT OF THE TRUCK BEGAN TO SHAKE ALONG WITH A NOISE. THE CONSUMER INSPECTED THE FRONT AND NOTICED THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRE HAD COME OFF. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PULL THE ENTIRE TIRE OFF WITH HIS HANDS BECAUSE THE BALL JOINT HAD FAILED. *JB.

FOUND OUT THAT MY FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS ARE BOTH GOING OUT. THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS 42,000 MILES.*AK

Mileage: 41,000

FRONT END FELT LOOSE AND THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK. VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THAT UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE WORN OUT AND MUST BE REPLACED. *AK

FRONT END FELT LOOSE AND THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK. VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THAT UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE WORN OUT AND MUST BE REPLACED. *AK

2001 DODGE DAKOTA HAS NEVER HELD IT'S ALIGHNMENT SINCE IT WAS BOUGHT BRAND NEW. WHEN WE HEARD THE REPORT ON CBS NEWS ABOUT BALL JOINT PROBLEMS ON THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE, AND CHECKED IN INTERNET ABOUT SAME PROBLEM WE BECAME VERY ALARMED. I TOOK THE TRUCK IN AGAIN TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT AND HAD THEM CHECK THE BALL JOINTS JUST IN CASE. THEY SAID IT HAS PROBLEM, AND WE ARE NOT THE ONLY CUSTOMERS WITH THIS PROBLEM ON THIS YEAR OR TYPE OF TRUCK. THE DEALER CAN NOT GET THE BALL JOINTS IN BECAUSE THEY ARE ON BACK ORDER, TOO MUCH DEMAND. THERE IS NOT A RECALL AS OF YET. THIS TRUCK HAS HAD A PROBLEM SINCE WE BOUGHT IT THAT KEEPS IT FROM HOLDING AN ALIGHNMENT. THERE ARE OTHER CASES OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS TYPE OF TRUCK, AND DURANGOS (USE THE SAME BALL JOINT). THE COMPANY DOES NOT WANT TO FACE THE PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THAT AN INVESTAGATION SHOULD BE DONE ON THESE TRUCKS BEFORE SOMEONE IS HURT OR KILLED. I ALSO BELIEVE THAT MANY CASES OF THE PROBLEM WERE NOT REPORTED, THEY WERE PROBLEY JUST FIXED OR TRADED OFF. I AM USEING THE MOST RECENT DATE ONLY TO BE ABLE TO PRECEED.*AK

PREMATURE BALL JOINT DAMAGE @ 32,000 MILES HAD THE BALL JOINT REPLACED BEFORE ANY DAMAGE COULD BE DONE.... THATS TO THE NEWS REPORT ON OTHER DODGE DAKOTA BALL JOINT FAILUERS. *AK

Mileage: 32,000

UPPER BALL JOINT FAILURE ON MY DODGE DAKOTA, AT 18500 MILES. *AK

Mileage: 18,000

I HAVE A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA 2WD. I HAVE A POPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE WHEN MAKING TURNS. I HAD THE LOCAL DODGE DEALERSHIP LOOK INTO THIS FOR ME AND THEY SAY THE SOURCE OF MY PROBLEMS IS THE UPPER CONTROL A-ARMS. SINCE MY WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED, THEY CAN NOT SERVICE MY TRUCK. *AK

Mileage: 60,000

WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 25 AND 30 MPH, CONSUMER HEARD NOISE COMING THROUGH THE FRONT END. DEALERSHIP REPLACED DRIVER SIDE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS. AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE. *AK

WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 25 AND 30 MPH, CONSUMER HEARD NOISE COMING THROUGH THE FRONT END. DEALERSHIP REPLACED DRIVER SIDE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS. AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE. *AK

I OWN A 2001 DODGE 4X4 4.7L QC DAKOTA. MY MECHANIC HAS TOLD ME THE POPPING SOUND IN THE FRONT END IS DUE TO WEAR ON THE BALL JOINTS AND BUSHINGS BEING LOOSE. THE TRUCK ONLY HAS 41000MILES ON IT AND HAS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF.*AK ADD MY COMPLAINT TO YOUR GROWING LIST OF UNSATISFIED OWNERS.

Mileage: 41,000

I OWN A 2001 DODGE 4X4 4.7L QC DAKOTA. MY MECHANIC HAS TOLD ME THE POPPING SOUND IN THE FRONT END IS DUE TO WEAR ON THE BALL JOINTS AND BUSHINGS BEING LOOSE. THE TRUCK ONLY HAS 41000MILES ON IT AND HAS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF.*AK ADD MY COMPLAINT TO YOUR GROWING LIST OF UNSATISFIED OWNERS.

Mileage: 41,000

I OWN A 2001 DODGE 4X4 4.7L QC DAKOTA. MY MECHANIC HAS TOLD ME THE POPPING SOUND IN THE FRONT END IS DUE TO WEAR ON THE BALL JOINTS AND BUSHINGS BEING LOOSE. THE TRUCK ONLY HAS 41000MILES ON IT AND HAS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF.*AK ADD MY COMPLAINT TO YOUR GROWING LIST OF UNSATISFIED OWNERS.

Mileage: 41,000

UPPER BALL JOINTS FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE FRONT WHEELS WOBBLED BACK AND FORTH. *AK

Mileage: 63,000

PREMATURE WEAR OF THE UPPER BALL JOINTS ON 2001 DODGE DAKOTA. DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB 4X4 VIN: [XXX]. BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED BEFORE SEPARATION FAILURE OCCURRED.*AK DILIGENCE BY THE OWNER IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM AND ENSURED REPLACEMENT THEREBY PREVENTING THE POSSIBILITY OF DANGER TO OTHERS. LOWER CONTROL ARM (BALL JOINT) REPLACED [XXX] QTY 2. SEPT 20, 2002 UPPER CONTROL ARM (BALL JOINT) REPLACED - LEFT [XXX] QTY 1. MAR 13, 2003 [XXX] UPDATED 07/26/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Mileage: 35,668

PREMATURE WEAR OF THE UPPER BALL JOINTS ON 2001 DODGE DAKOTA. DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB 4X4 VIN: [XXX]. BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED BEFORE SEPARATION FAILURE OCCURRED.*AK DILIGENCE BY THE OWNER IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM AND ENSURED REPLACEMENT THEREBY PREVENTING THE POSSIBILITY OF DANGER TO OTHERS. LOWER CONTROL ARM (BALL JOINT) REPLACED [XXX] QTY 2. SEPT 20, 2002 UPPER CONTROL ARM (BALL JOINT) REPLACED - LEFT [XXX] QTY 1. MAR 13, 2003 [XXX] UPDATED 07/26/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Mileage: 35,668

UPPER BALL JOINTS FAILED. AS A RESULT, FRONT WHEELS WOBBLED WHILE DRIVING. *AK

Mileage: 77,000

CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE IN THE FRONT END. IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A PROBLEM WITH THE BALL JOINTS. CONSUMER REPLACED THE BALL JOINTS 3 TIMES IN THE PAST 55,000 MILES. CURRENTLY, HE WAS ABOUT TO PUT ON A NEW SET OF BALL JOINTS. *AK

Mileage: 25,000

CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE IN THE FRONT END. IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A PROBLEM WITH THE BALL JOINTS. CONSUMER REPLACED THE BALL JOINTS 3 TIMES IN THE PAST 55,000 MILES. CURRENTLY, HE WAS ABOUT TO PUT ON A NEW SET OF BALL JOINTS. *AK

Mileage: 25,000

2001 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB. LOUD GROANING NOISE FROM FRONT END WHEN MAKING HARD LEFT TURN OVER BUMP (E.G., DRIVEWAY APRON) AT SLOW SPEED. FEAR IT MAY BE A BALL-JOINT PROBLEM. WILL BE INSPECTED AT NEXT SERVICE. 22K000 MILES ON VEHICLE.*AK

UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS DEFECTIVE AND WORN AFTER 60,000 MILES. BALL JOINTS REPLACED BY 3RD PARTY AUTOSHOP FOR LESS THAN 1/3 OF QUOTED PRICE FROM DEALER. *AK

Mileage: 62,000

UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS DEFECTIVE AND WORN AFTER 60,000 MILES. BALL JOINTS REPLACED BY 3RD PARTY AUTOSHOP FOR LESS THAN 1/3 OF QUOTED PRICE FROM DEALER. *AK

Mileage: 62,000

WANT TO CHECK TO SEE HOW MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE AIRBAG CLOCK SPRING ON A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA. ALSO WANT TO NO MORE ABOUT THE BALL JOINT ON THE SAME TRUCK AND WHAT CAUSE THE PROBLEM AND ROUGHLY HOW MANY MILES ON THESE VEHICLE BEFORE THIS OCCURS. THANKS. *JB

I HAD TO HAVE THE DRIVER SIDE UPPER BALL JOINT REPLACED ON MY 2001 DODGE DAKOTA. NOW I BELIEVE THE PASSENGER SIDE MUST BE REPLACED.*AK

I OWN A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA AND NOTICED A LOUD CLUNKING SOUND FROM MY WHEEL WHEN I TURN THE WHEEL AT A HARD ANGLE AND IT IS WORSE WHEN IN 4 WHEEL DRIVE. THE VECHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY SO IT HAS NOT BEEN IN TO GET REPAIRED. I HAVE SAW SEVERAL REPORTS WHERE SIMILAR NOISE RESULTED IN A LOST WHEEL ON THE VECHICLE. DODGE SHOULD RECALL THIS BALL JOINT PROBLEM AND MAKE MY VEHICLE SAFE TO DRIVE. I DRIVE MY VEHICLE FOR WORK SALES PURPOSES AND PUT ON VERY MANY MILES PER YEAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THIS NOISE HAPPENS MOST OF THE TIME AND WHEN COLD OR IN 4 WHEEL DRIVE WORSE WHEN THE WHEEL IS TURNED HARD.

Mileage: 62,670

MY WIFE AND I OWN A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA AND A 2003 DODGE DURANGO. EVER SINCE I BOUGHT MY DAKOTA NEW THERE HAVE BEEN PROBLEMS WITH POPPING NOISES FROM THE FRONT END. AFTER SEEING THE RECENT NEWS STORY ABOUT BAD UPPER BALL JOINTS I AM CONVINCED THIS IS THE PROBLEM. NOW I AM WORRIED WE WILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH OUR DURANGO, AND MY DAKOTA IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. I THINK THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FROM THE SOUNDS OF THIS PROBLEM, AND AFTER DOING SOME MORE RESEARCH ON MY OWN.*AK

AT ANY SPEED WHEN VEHICLE HITS A BUMP A RATTLING SOUND IS HEARD IN THE FRONT END. DEALER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND DID NOT FIND A PROBLEM WITH THE SUSPENSION. *AK

Mileage: 10,000

AT ANY SPEED WHEN VEHICLE HITS A BUMP A RATTLING SOUND IS HEARD IN THE FRONT END. DEALER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND DID NOT FIND A PROBLEM WITH THE SUSPENSION. *AK

Mileage: 10,000

UPPER BALL JOINT FAILURE ON 2001 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB. *AK

Mileage: 64,950

WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER HEARD A POPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. DEALER REPLACED THE FRONT AXLE, BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK

Mileage: 40,000

FRONT END PROBLEMS ARE NUMEROUS ON THIS VEHICLE. ALL BALL JOINTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, SWAY LINKS REPLACED, SWAY BAR BUSHINGS REPLACED, POWER STEERING RACK REPLACED, TIE RODS REPLACED... AND THIS IS ALL BETWEEN 24-60K MILES!! NOW IT IS MAKING ANOTHER FRONT END NOISE THAT THE DEALER CAN'T FIGURE OUT.*AK

AT 53000 THE UPPER BALL JOINTS ON MY 2001 DALOTA QUAD CAB NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FACT I CAUGHT THIS DEFECT EARLY I'M CERTAIN PREVENTED AN ACCIDENT. PERHAPS EVEN A FATALITY. DODGE ENGINEERING SEEMS TO BE SOMEWHAT FAULTY IN THIS CASE COMPUNDED BY THE FACT THAT I'M NOT ALONE WITH THIS PROBLEM.*AK

Mileage: 53,000

2001 DODGE DAKOTA BALL JOINT FAILURE. TOOK TO DEALER TWICE BEFORE WARRANTY EXPIRED COMPLAINING OF NOISE FROM FRONT END. THEY TOLD ME ALL WAS FINE AND NOT TO WORRK AS IT WAS "NORMAL". TWO MONTHS LATER AND 47,000 ON ODOMETER (WARRANTY EXPIRED) ENTIRE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL FELL OFF WHILE TURNING IN PARKING LOT. DEALER WANTED ME TO PAY FOR REPAIR. I CALLED DAIMLER CHRYSLER SEVERAL TIMES AND COMPLAINED TO NO AVAIL. IN THE END, THE DEALER FOUND THAT THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DAKOTA WAS WORN AS WELL AND THAT THEY WANTED TO REPLACE THE BALL JOINTS THERE AS WELL. AFTER A MONTH OF FIGHTING AND COMPLAINING, I FINALLY GOT MY TRUCK BACK (WITH A COMPLETE NEW FRONT END). REPAIRS COST OF $3100 OF WHICH I HAD TO PAY ABOUT $700.00 AS A "GOOD WILL". NOW THAT I HAVE HAD MY TRUCK AND 3000 MILES LATER, THE FRONT END IS STARTING TO MAKE NOISE AGAIN. THIS IS A DEFECT AND DODGE SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE! IRONICALLY, FROM WHAT I SAW ON THE NEWS, THE DURANGO HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS. MY WIFE DRIVES A '99 DURANGO AND IS NOW NERVOUS, AS YOU CAN IMAGINE.*AK

Mileage: 47,000

BALL JOINTS ON MY 2001 DODGE DAKATA QUAD CAB 4X4 NEEDS REPLACING AFTER 50000 MILES.*AK

Mileage: 50,000

BALL JOINTS ON MY 2001 DODGE DAKATA QUAD CAB 4X4 NEEDS REPLACING AFTER 50000 MILES.*AK

Mileage: 50,000

FAULTY BALL JOINTS ON MY 2001 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB. *AK

Mileage: 35,000

FAULTY BALL JOINTS ON MY 2001 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB. *AK

Mileage: 35,000

THE UPPER BALL JOINTS HAVE BECOME LOOSE, CAUSING FRONT END TO PRODUCE A LOUD THUMPING NOISE. *AK *MR

Mileage: 15,456

UPPER BALL JOINTS WORE OUT PREMATURELY. *AK *MR

Mileage: 29,823

UPPER BALL JOINTS ON 2001 DODGE DAKOTA BOTH BALLJOINTS FILLED AT AROUND 100,000 MI. OF HIGHWAY DRIING. *AK

Mileage: 180,000

UPPER BALL JOINTS ON 2001 DODGE DAKOTA BOTH BALLJOINTS FILLED AT AROUND 100,000 MI. OF HIGHWAY DRIING. *AK

Mileage: 180,000

NEAR CRASH DUE TO FAULTY BALL JOINTS ON A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB 4X4. *JB

Mileage: 63,029

NEAR CRASH DUE TO FAULTY BALL JOINTS ON A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB 4X4. *JB

Mileage: 63,029

FRONT UPPER BALL JOINT FAILURE ON 2001 DOSGE DAKOTA WITH 43,980 MILES ON ODOMETER.

Mileage: 43,980

WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH RIGHT UPPER BALL JOINT SEPERATED FROM THE VEHICLE CAUSING DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE SWERVED WILDLY INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC, DUE TO RIGHT FRONT TIRE BEING ON ITS SIDE UNDER THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS FINALLY BROUGHT UNDER CONTROL AND TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD.

Mileage: 27,900

WEBMASTER FOIA REQUEST ALL COMPLAINT/NOTICES/DOCUMENTS OR WARNING BETWEEN NHTSA ND DAIMLER CHRYSLER RE: PROBLEMS MALFUNCTION, FAILURES OF THE UPPER/LOWER BALL JOINTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE DODGE DAKOTA TRUCK FOR MY 2001. (NAR) *PH *CB *JB

WEBMASTER FOIA REQUEST ALL COMPLAINT/NOTICES/DOCUMENTS OR WARNING BETWEEN NHTSA ND DAIMLER CHRYSLER RE: PROBLEMS MALFUNCTION, FAILURES OF THE UPPER/LOWER BALL JOINTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE DODGE DAKOTA TRUCK FOR MY 2001. (NAR) *PH *CB *JB

2001 DODGE DAKOTA PICK UP BALL JOINST WORE OUT AT 54000 MILES, HAD 1998 DAKOTA ALSO BOUGHT NEW , ALL BALL JOINTS WORE OUT AT 40000 MILES, SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM CHRYSLER HASNT FIXED FOR SEVERAL YEARS.*AK

Mileage: 54,000

BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS ARE MAKING NOISE, WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. I ONLY HAVE 29000 MILES ON THE TRUCK. *LA

Mileage: 29,000

HAVE A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB 4WD. LOST THE FRONT WHEEL WHILE DRIVING EARLIER THIS YEAR. BALL JOINT FAILURE WAS THE CAUSE. DODGE DIDN'T SEEM TO THINK IT WAS A PROBLEM, THOUGH AT 60 MPH THE WHOLE WHEEL FLYING OFF SEEMED LIKE ONE TO ME. *AK NOT SURE OF THE EXACT DATE...THOUGH I CAN FIND OUT IF NEEDED FROM POLICE

Mileage: 62,000

HAVE A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB 4WD. LOST THE FRONT WHEEL WHILE DRIVING EARLIER THIS YEAR. BALL JOINT FAILURE WAS THE CAUSE. DODGE DIDN'T SEEM TO THINK IT WAS A PROBLEM, THOUGH AT 60 MPH THE WHOLE WHEEL FLYING OFF SEEMED LIKE ONE TO ME. *AK NOT SURE OF THE EXACT DATE...THOUGH I CAN FIND OUT IF NEEDED FROM POLICE

Mileage: 62,000

BALL JOINTS ARE CHEAP AND DANGEROUS. MY VEHICLE HAS ONLY 35,000 MILES AND THE BALL JOINTS ARE IN BAD SHAPE ON BOTH SIDES AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, LIKE MANY OTHERS AROUND THE COUNTRY!! IM SURE IM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM.*AK

Mileage: 29,000

BALL JOINTS ARE CHEAP AND DANGEROUS. MY VEHICLE HAS ONLY 35,000 MILES AND THE BALL JOINTS ARE IN BAD SHAPE ON BOTH SIDES AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, LIKE MANY OTHERS AROUND THE COUNTRY!! IM SURE IM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM.*AK

Mileage: 29,000

I PURCHASED MY 2001 DAKOTA ON 11/13/2000. BY APRIL 2001 I HEARD POPPING AND CREAKING NOISE FROM THE FRONT END. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THE HUB WAS LOOSE AND RE-TORQUED THE BOLT. THEN ABOUT 6 TO 9 MONTHS LATER I HEARD THE SAME NOISE AGAIN. TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT IT WAS THE STEER STOP. THEY TOLD ME NOTHING WAS WRONG, JUST NOT TO TURN THE WHEELS ALL THE WAY TO ONE DIRECTION OR THE OTHER. AT 25,000 I REPLACED THE TIRES BECAUSE THEY WENT BALD ON THE OUTER EDGE, BUT HAD PLENTY OF TREAD ON THE INNER EDGE. ON THE NEWS, I HEARD ABLE THE ISSUES WITH THE BALL JOINTS ON DODGE DAKOTAS AND DURANGOS. UPON RESEARCHING THE BALL JOINT ISSUE, I FOUND THAT FAILURE OF THE BALL JOINTS CAN LEAD TO POPPING AND CREAKING NOISES IN THE SUSPENSION, AND PREMATURE TIRE WEAR. I ALSO LEARNED THAT THERE WERE A COUPLE INSTANCES WHERE THE WHEEL ACTUALLY SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. ON 11/13/2003, THE FACTORY WARRANTY EXPIRED...LEAVING ME ON THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE NOISE HAS SINCE GOTTEN LOUDER, SO ON 1/19/2004 I TOOK MY VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE NOISE CHECKED AND TO ENSURE THAT THE VEHICLE IS SAFE TO DRIVE. THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE UPPER RIGHT BALL JOINT IS FAILING AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. MY EXTENDED WARRANTY WILL COVER THE REPAIR, HOWEVER WILL NOT COVER THE ALIGNMENT THAT IS REQUIRED TO MAKE SURE THE VEHICLE IS COMPLETY DRIVEABLE AND SAFE AGAIN. I FEEL THAT THE DEALER WAITED ON THE BALL JOINT ISSUE UNTIL THE FACTORY WARRANTY EXPIRED. I ALSO FEEL THAT THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THE BALL JOINTS FOR THESE VEHICLES. TODAY, MY DAKOTA HAS 25,500 MILES ON IT. BALL JOINTS ARE A SAFETY ISSUE, AND SHOULD LAST OVE 50,000 MILE OR MORE. *AK

RIGHT FRONT BALL JOINT HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF EXCESS WEAR ON TIRES AND LOOSE DRIVING. I NOW HAVE JUST OVER 50K MILES AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT BALL JOINT NEED TO BE REPLACED. TRUCK HAS A TERRIBLE RIDE AND A DODGE DEALER STATED THAT MY PROBLEM WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER ANY BULLITIN OR WARRANTY. COST IS ESTIMATED TO BE OVER $1200.00

Mileage: 47,000

WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPS IN THE ROAD A RATTLING NOISE WAS HEARD. CONSUMER FOUND THE UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE WORN OUT AND LOOSE. *AK

Mileage: 34,000

BALL JOINT FAILURE. I HAVE ALREADY FILED A COMPLAINT IN REGARDS TO UPPER BALL JOINT FAILURE ON MY TRUCK. WHEN I FIRST STARTED CHECKING ON THE PROBLEM THE ONLY REPAIR SOLUTION WAS UPPER CONTROL ARM REPLACEMENT. BY THE TIME OF INVESTIGATING FOR AN AFTER MARKET PRODUCT DODGE HAD RELEASED A BALL JOINT ONLY PART. THIS INDICATES TO ME THAT DODGE SAW THAT THERE WAS A UNUSUAL AMOUNT OF BALL JOINT FAILURES. NOW TO MAKE THINGS WORSE I AM STARTING TO GET THE SAME SYMPTOMS I HAD BEFORE (WITHIN TWO MONTHS OF REPLACING THE UPPERS). WHICH TELLS ME THAT EITHER THE LOWERS ARE GOING OUT NOW OR THE NEW UPPERS WERE DEFECTIVE AS WELL. IT ALSO SEEMS STRANGE THAT ALOT OF THE PROBLEMS ARE HAPPENING JUST AFTER THE WARRANTY PERIOD. I THINK DODGE MAY BE USING PLANNED FAILURE. I ALSO THINK NHTSA OFFICIALS INVESTIGATING THIS PROBLEM SHOULD LOOK AT COMMENTS ON OTHER WEBSITES. NOT EVERYONE KNOWS THAT THEY CAN REPORT A PROBLEM ON THIS WEBSITE. JUST DO A SEARCH FOR DODGE DAKOTA BALL JOINTS AND LOOK AND SEE HOW MANY COMPLAINTS THERE ARE OUT THERE. THE SCARIEST THOUGHT ARE PEOPLE WHO WILL CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND NOT KNOW THAT IT IS THE BALL JOINT AND HOW SERIOUS THE FAILURE COULD BE.

BALL JOINT FAILURE. I HAVE ALREADY FILED A COMPLAINT IN REGARDS TO UPPER BALL JOINT FAILURE ON MY TRUCK. WHEN I FIRST STARTED CHECKING ON THE PROBLEM THE ONLY REPAIR SOLUTION WAS UPPER CONTROL ARM REPLACEMENT. BY THE TIME OF INVESTIGATING FOR AN AFTER MARKET PRODUCT DODGE HAD RELEASED A BALL JOINT ONLY PART. THIS INDICATES TO ME THAT DODGE SAW THAT THERE WAS A UNUSUAL AMOUNT OF BALL JOINT FAILURES. NOW TO MAKE THINGS WORSE I AM STARTING TO GET THE SAME SYMPTOMS I HAD BEFORE (WITHIN TWO MONTHS OF REPLACING THE UPPERS). WHICH TELLS ME THAT EITHER THE LOWERS ARE GOING OUT NOW OR THE NEW UPPERS WERE DEFECTIVE AS WELL. IT ALSO SEEMS STRANGE THAT ALOT OF THE PROBLEMS ARE HAPPENING JUST AFTER THE WARRANTY PERIOD. I THINK DODGE MAY BE USING PLANNED FAILURE. I ALSO THINK NHTSA OFFICIALS INVESTIGATING THIS PROBLEM SHOULD LOOK AT COMMENTS ON OTHER WEBSITES. NOT EVERYONE KNOWS THAT THEY CAN REPORT A PROBLEM ON THIS WEBSITE. JUST DO A SEARCH FOR DODGE DAKOTA BALL JOINTS AND LOOK AND SEE HOW MANY COMPLAINTS THERE ARE OUT THERE. THE SCARIEST THOUGHT ARE PEOPLE WHO WILL CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND NOT KNOW THAT IT IS THE BALL JOINT AND HOW SERIOUS THE FAILURE COULD BE.

FRONT RIGHT BALL JOINT FOR MY 2001 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB EXTREMLY LOOSE AND BROKEN. NEEDED REPLACEMENT. COST $200 FOR PARTS AND LABOR. REPAIR SHOP SAID HE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH HIS '01 DAKOTA AND SO ARE MANY OTHERS.

Mileage: 40,000

SQUEAKING NOISES HEARD EMINATING FROM FRONT SUSPENSION AT 35000 MILES, UNABLE TO LUBRICATE SUSPENSION BECAUSE COMPONENTS LACK SERVICE/GREASE FITTINGS. DURING FOLLOW-UP INSPECTION AND TIRE ROTATION, IDENTIFIED PREMATURE WEAR TO RIGHT SIDE UPPER BALL JOINT CAUSING MISALIGNMENT, UNUSUAL WEAR TO FRONT TIRES AND WEAR TO LEFT WHEEL BEARING. DEALER REPLACED LEFT WHEEL BEARING AND RIGHT SIDE UPPER BALL JOINT AT 37336 MILES. DEALER ALSO RECOMMENDED THE REPLACEMENT OF MOST OF THE OTHER SUSPENSION COMPONENTS BEFORE THEY FAILED. DODGE WAS HELPFUL IN PICKING UP THE COST OF FAILED PARTS, NOT RECOMMENDED REPAIRS. MY COST $100.00, FOR GOING OVER THE WARRANTEE MILAGE AND NOT BEING ABLE TO MAINTAIN A MAINTENANCE FREE SYSTEM. PLUS, I GET TO PAY FOR A RE-ALIGNMENT AFTER THE CURRENT REPAIRS AND MOST LIKELY THE COST OF ANY OTHER PREMATURE FAILURE OF THESE MAINTENANCE FREE PARTS IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

Mileage: 37,256

SQUEAKING NOISES HEARD EMINATING FROM FRONT SUSPENSION AT 35000 MILES, UNABLE TO LUBRICATE SUSPENSION BECAUSE COMPONENTS LACK SERVICE/GREASE FITTINGS. DURING FOLLOW-UP INSPECTION AND TIRE ROTATION, IDENTIFIED PREMATURE WEAR TO RIGHT SIDE UPPER BALL JOINT CAUSING MISALIGNMENT, UNUSUAL WEAR TO FRONT TIRES AND WEAR TO LEFT WHEEL BEARING. DEALER REPLACED LEFT WHEEL BEARING AND RIGHT SIDE UPPER BALL JOINT AT 37336 MILES. DEALER ALSO RECOMMENDED THE REPLACEMENT OF MOST OF THE OTHER SUSPENSION COMPONENTS BEFORE THEY FAILED. DODGE WAS HELPFUL IN PICKING UP THE COST OF FAILED PARTS, NOT RECOMMENDED REPAIRS. MY COST $100.00, FOR GOING OVER THE WARRANTEE MILAGE AND NOT BEING ABLE TO MAINTAIN A MAINTENANCE FREE SYSTEM. PLUS, I GET TO PAY FOR A RE-ALIGNMENT AFTER THE CURRENT REPAIRS AND MOST LIKELY THE COST OF ANY OTHER PREMATURE FAILURE OF THESE MAINTENANCE FREE PARTS IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

Mileage: 37,256

CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A BALL JOINT PROBLEM. BOTH UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS PREMATURELY WORE OUT. *AK

Mileage: 16,600

CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A BALL JOINT PROBLEM. BOTH UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS PREMATURELY WORE OUT. *AK

Mileage: 16,600

WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE BALL JOINTS. THE DEALERSHIP/MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE UPPER FRONT BALL JOINTS WERE WORN OUT. *AK *PH *NM

Mileage: 45,000

WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER HEARD A SQUEAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE FRONT LEFT UPPER BALL JOINT WAS REPLACED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. *AK

Mileage: 36,000

FAULTY BALL JOINTS ON A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA 4X4 WITH 39,000 MILES ON IT. MY OLD HONDA ACCORD SEDAN (1990) AND MY EXISTING 1998 ACCORD HAVE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM AT 150,000 AND 90,000 MILES RESPECTIVELY DESPITE DRIVING ALL THE SAME ROADS. THIS THING IS A TRUCK AND IS OFTEN ADVERTISED AS BEING "TOUGH" AND "RUGGED." IS CHRYSLER KIDDING? TODAY, JANUARY 7, 2004, THEY ARE BEING REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE.*AK

Mileage: 39,070

FAULTY BALL JOINTS ON A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA 4X4 WITH 39,000 MILES ON IT. MY OLD HONDA ACCORD SEDAN (1990) AND MY EXISTING 1998 ACCORD HAVE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM AT 150,000 AND 90,000 MILES RESPECTIVELY DESPITE DRIVING ALL THE SAME ROADS. THIS THING IS A TRUCK AND IS OFTEN ADVERTISED AS BEING "TOUGH" AND "RUGGED." IS CHRYSLER KIDDING? TODAY, JANUARY 7, 2004, THEY ARE BEING REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE.*AK

Mileage: 39,070

FAULTY BALL JOINTS ON A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA 4X4 WITH 39,000 MILES ON IT. MY OLD HONDA ACCORD SEDAN (1990) AND MY EXISTING 1998 ACCORD HAVE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM AT 150,000 AND 90,000 MILES RESPECTIVELY DESPITE DRIVING ALL THE SAME ROADS. THIS THING IS A TRUCK AND IS OFTEN ADVERTISED AS BEING "TOUGH" AND "RUGGED." IS CHRYSLER KIDDING? TODAY, JANUARY 7, 2004, THEY ARE BEING REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE.*AK

Mileage: 39,070

FAULTY BALL JOINTS ON A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA 4X4 WITH 39,000 MILES ON IT. MY OLD HONDA ACCORD SEDAN (1990) AND MY EXISTING 1998 ACCORD HAVE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM AT 150,000 AND 90,000 MILES RESPECTIVELY DESPITE DRIVING ALL THE SAME ROADS. THIS THING IS A TRUCK AND IS OFTEN ADVERTISED AS BEING "TOUGH" AND "RUGGED." IS CHRYSLER KIDDING? TODAY, JANUARY 7, 2004, THEY ARE BEING REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE.*AK

Mileage: 39,070

I HAVE A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA 2WD AND I HAVE A VERY LOUD POPPING NOISE COMING FROM MY LEFT FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM THAT SEEMS TO BE COMING FROM THE BALL JOINT AREA. IT HAPPENS WHEN I TURN SHARP AND HIT A BUMP ALSO. I UNDERSTAND FROM MANY PEOPLE WHO OWN THESE VEHICLES THAT THIS IS THE FIRST SIGN OF A COMMON PROBLEM WITH BALL JOINTS GRINDING AND COMING APART. THIS IS A SAFETY RELATED ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED.*AK

Mileage: 5,000

I HAVE A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA 2WD AND I HAVE A VERY LOUD POPPING NOISE COMING FROM MY LEFT FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM THAT SEEMS TO BE COMING FROM THE BALL JOINT AREA. IT HAPPENS WHEN I TURN SHARP AND HIT A BUMP ALSO. I UNDERSTAND FROM MANY PEOPLE WHO OWN THESE VEHICLES THAT THIS IS THE FIRST SIGN OF A COMMON PROBLEM WITH BALL JOINTS GRINDING AND COMING APART. THIS IS A SAFETY RELATED ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED.*AK

Mileage: 5,000

VEHICLE FAILED GEORGIA STATE INSPECTION. TECHNICIAN INDICATED THE NEED TO REPLACE THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS. *AK *MR

Mileage: 47,408

WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN FROM A COMPLETE STOP FRONT LEFT BALL JOINTS FAILED, CAUSING THE FRONT LEFT TIRE TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. *AK *MR

Mileage: 61,000

WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN FROM A COMPLETE STOP FRONT LEFT BALL JOINTS FAILED, CAUSING THE FRONT LEFT TIRE TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. *AK *MR

Mileage: 61,000

UPPER BALL JOINTS WORN TO THE POINT OF BREAKAGE

Mileage: 47,408

UPPER BALL JOINTS WORN TO THE POINT OF BREAKAGE

Mileage: 47,408

UPPER BALL JOINTS WORN OUT. ONLY 53435 MILES AND FRONT END SHAKES, POPS AND WOBBLES.

Mileage: 48,000

UPPER RIGHT BALL JOINT FAILURE. *AK

Mileage: 33,000

BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS ON MY 2001 DODGE DAKOTA ARE DISPLAYING CHARACTERISTICS OF EXCESSIVE WEAR. GREASE IS LEAKING OUT AROUND THE BALL JOINTS AND A POPPING SOUND COMES FROM THE FRONT LEFT OF THE VEHICLE UNDER HARD BRAKING. IT ALSO "POPS" WHEN I TURN ALL THE WAY TO THE RIGHT. THE BALL JOINTS ARE NOT FITTED WITH GREASE FITTINGS, SO I CANNOT LUBRICATE THEM MYSELF.

Mileage: 42,000

I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT SUSPENSION OF THIS TRUCK SINCE SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED IT NEW IN MARCH 2001. IT HAS BEEN BACK TO THE DEALER 6 TIMES, AND THEY HAVE REPLACED MANY PARTS, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS. THE FRONT END MAKES A LOUD BANGING/POPPING NOISE WHEN TURNING OR GOING OVER BUMPS. IT SOUNDS LIKE THE TIRE IS GOING TO FALL OFF THE TRUCK! MANY OTHERS I KNOW HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THEY NEED TO ISUE A RECALL ON THIS SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE BEFORE SOMEBODY IS EITHER SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED!

Mileage: 3,000

LEFT/DRIVER SIDE BALL JOINT REPLACEMENT.THE FRONT WAS MAKING A SQUEAKING NOISE. THE BALL JOINT WAS FOUND TO BE BAD WITH ONLY 34000 MILES ON TRUCK.*AK

Mileage: 34

BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE BALL JOINTS HAVE NO WAY TO GREASE THEM SO THEY WILL FAIL. I REPLACED THE UPPER BALL JOINTS WITH A 3 PARTY JOINT THAT HAS A GREASE FITTING SO THAT I WILL BE ABLE TO USE MY TRUCK SAFELY. *AK

Mileage: 52,000

BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE BALL JOINTS HAVE NO WAY TO GREASE THEM SO THEY WILL FAIL. I REPLACED THE UPPER BALL JOINTS WITH A 3 PARTY JOINT THAT HAS A GREASE FITTING SO THAT I WILL BE ABLE TO USE MY TRUCK SAFELY. *AK

Mileage: 52,000

2001 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD-CAB 4X4. I HAD ONE UPPER BALL JOINT REPLACE AT 37,863 MILES. THE REMAINING BALL JOINTS ALSO SEEM TO BE FAILING. THERE IS SIMILAR NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION. AFTER VIEWING A PROGRAM ON CBS NEWS, I FELT IT WOULD BENEFICIAL TO REPORT THIS PROBLEM. *LA

2001 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD-CAB 4X4. I HAD ONE UPPER BALL JOINT REPLACE AT 37,863 MILES. THE REMAINING BALL JOINTS ALSO SEEM TO BE FAILING. THERE IS SIMILAR NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION. AFTER VIEWING A PROGRAM ON CBS NEWS, I FELT IT WOULD BENEFICIAL TO REPORT THIS PROBLEM. *LA

BALL JOINTS. MY 2001 DAKOTA QUAD CAB WAS ONLY ONE YEAR OLD WHEN MY BALL JOINTS STARTED SQUEEKING. NOW TWO YEARS OLD AND THEY ARE COMPLETELY RUSTED AND WORN. *AK

BALL JOINTS ON 2001 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB HAVE GONE OUT.*AK

Mileage: 37,000

BALL JOINTS ON 2001 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB HAVE GONE OUT.*AK

Mileage: 37,000

THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS BOTH WENT OUT AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. *AK

Mileage: 50,000

THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS BOTH WENT OUT AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. *AK

Mileage: 50,000

I HAVE A 2001 DODGE DAKODA QUAD CAB PICKUP THAT HAS ONLY 91,233 MILES ON IT THAT BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS ARE SHOT ALREDY. I AM NOT SURE WHAT YEAR THE DODGE PEOPLE CAME OUT WITH THE BALL JOINTS AND UPPER CONTROL ARMS AS BEING ONE PIECE AND THIS MIGHT HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE PREMATURE FAILURES. MY DAYLY TRAVEL IS ABOUT 75 MILES PER DAY TO WORK AND HOME. THE ROADS ARE ASPHALT AND CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION. THE ROAD WAYS ARE IN GOOD WORKING CONDITION. I DRIVE ABOUT 100 FEET IN MY DRIVE TO GET TO THE HARD ROAD AND NEVER GET OFF THE ROAD OTHER THAN TO MY CARPORT.*AK

Mileage: 85,776

UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS. *AK

Mileage: 40,000

UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS. *AK

Mileage: 40,000

BAD BALL JOINT FAILURE. *AK

Mileage: 38,800

BAD BALL JOINT FAILURE. *AK

Mileage: 38,800

I AM VERY CONCERNED WITH THE NATIONAL NEWS REPORT REGARDING THE UPPER BALL JOINTS SEVERING OFF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. I HAVE VERY RECENTLY AS OF 11/25/03 HAD THE SWAY BAR BUSHINGS REPLACED. I HAD AN ANNOYING PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT END SQUEAKING VERY LOUDLY. REPLACING THE BUSHINGS HAS ALLEVIATED THAT PROBLEM FOR NOW. I HAVE LITTLE OR NO CONFIDENCE IN THE VEHICLE AT THIS TIME A SAFETY ISSUE OF THIS MAGNITUDE SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN LIGHTLY, ULTIMATELY PEOPLE'S LIVES ARE AT STAKE AND THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD TAKE ACTION IMMEDIATELY. THANK YOU. *LA

Mileage: 54,000

THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING FRONT END PROBLEMS WHICH INCLUDED THE BALL JOINTS, FRONT END SUSPENSION AND POOR WHEEL BALANCING. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *NLM

Mileage: 50,000

UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS MALFUNCTIONED. *AK

Mileage: 33,000

UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS MALFUNCTIONED. *AK

Mileage: 33,000

MY 40K '01 DAKOTA QC HAS A VERY LOOSE UPPER LEFT BALL JOINT, A LOOSE LOWER RIGHT BALL JOINT, A LOOSE RIGHT OUTER TIE ROD AND HAS BEEN MAKING A POPPING NOISE/THUNK FOR A NUMBER OF MONTHS. WHEN I CALLED DODGE AND ASKED THEM WHY THEY WOULD NEED TO BE REPAIRED THEY SAID, "JUST WEAR AND TEAR." AS IF IT WAS NO BIG DEAL. THEY DIDN'T MENTION ANY SAFETY CONCERNS. *LA

Mileage: 35,000

MY 40K '01 DAKOTA QC HAS A VERY LOOSE UPPER LEFT BALL JOINT, A LOOSE LOWER RIGHT BALL JOINT, A LOOSE RIGHT OUTER TIE ROD AND HAS BEEN MAKING A POPPING NOISE/THUNK FOR A NUMBER OF MONTHS. WHEN I CALLED DODGE AND ASKED THEM WHY THEY WOULD NEED TO BE REPAIRED THEY SAID, "JUST WEAR AND TEAR." AS IF IT WAS NO BIG DEAL. THEY DIDN'T MENTION ANY SAFETY CONCERNS. *LA

Mileage: 35,000

I HAVE A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA 2X4 WITH 38,000 MILES. BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS ARE BAD. THIS IS THE SAME BALL JOINT THAT IS IN THE DURANGO. I WORK AT A SMALL FAMILY OWNED TIRE STORE. I HAVE REPLACED MANY, MANY, MANY SETS OF DODGE DURANGO/DAKOTA UPPER BALL JOINTS OVER THE LAST YEAR. 90% OF THEM GO BAD BEFORE THE VEHICLE REACHES 100,000 MILES. I HAVE BEEN DISAPPOINTING SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE LAST FEW WEEKS WITH CHRYSLER'S CUSTOMER SERVICE. ALL DISTRIBUTORS ARE BACK ORDERED ON THE PARTS SO I CAN NOT EVEN GET THE PARTS TO REPAIR MY OWN DAKOTA. I HAVE HEARD THROUGH OUR PARTS DISTRIBUTORS THAT THERE IS AN INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY. THESE BALL JOINTS ARE NOT SAFE! THEY DEVELOP EXTENSIVE PLAY IN THE SOCKET PART OF THE JOINT IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. THE ONLY SAVING GRACE IS THAT THEY USUALLY START TO MAKE A LOT OF NOISE (A POPPING OR SQUEAKING SOUND WHEN THE SUSPENSION FLEXES) BEFORE THEY FALL OUT. THE SOUND USUALLY SCARES PEOPLE INTO HAVE IT CHECKED. I BELIEVE THIS IS THE ONLY REASON THAT THEY HAVE NOT HAD MORE FALL APART AND CAUSE A WREAK. WES CAMPBELL. *LA

Mileage: 38,102

DEFECTIVE BALL JOINTS ON 2001 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB. *AK

Mileage: 40,000

DEFECTIVE BALL JOINTS ON 2001 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB. *AK

Mileage: 40,000

THERE IS TERRIBLE NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF MY 2001 DODGE DAKOTA QUADCAB. DEALER GREASED BUSHINGS BUT NOISE IS BACK AND WORSE THAN EVER!!!!!!!!!!!*AK

Mileage: 27,000

LOWER CONTROL ARM PASSENGER SIDE RUBBER BUSHINGS WORN OUT CAUSING LOWER CONTROL ARM AND FRAME MOUNT TO CONTACT EACH OTHER. WHICH CAUSES MISALIGNMENT OF FRONT END AND EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR.*AK

Mileage: 47,500

APPROX 30,000 MILES ROTORS WARPED, DURING STOPPING STEARING WHEEL VIBRATED SO BAD IT WAS HARD TO HANG ON TO IT, THE DEALER TURNED THEM. AT 60,000 ROTORS WARPED AGAIN, HAD THEM REPLACED. AT 70,000 MILES THE FRONT END STARTED MAKING A CREAKING NOISE WHENEVER GOING OVER A SMALL BUMP AND PULLED TO ONE SIDE. HAD IT INSPECTED AND WAS TOLD IT NEEDED TO BE FIXED IMMEDIATELY THAT IT WAS EXTREMELY WARN AND COULD FAIL AT ANY TIME. UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS REPLACED, 4 SWAY BAR BUSHINGS REPLACED. THE DAKOTA AND DURANGO FRONT END COMPONENTS NEED TO BE INVESTIGATED FOR EARLY FAILURE BEFORE THERE IS AN ACCIDENT AND/OR DEATH.*AK

ON SATURDAY NOVEMBER 8 2003 I WAS GOING THROUGH A INTERSECTION AT APPROX. 10 MPH, I HIT A SMALL BUMP IN THE ROAD AND THE NEXT THING I KNOW MY TIRE IS ALMOST LAYING FLAT ON THE GROUND. I CANNOT BELIEVE A VEHICLE WITH 31,900 MILES THE UPPER BALL JOINT WOULD COMPLETELY COME APPART. I CANNOT IMAGINE IF YOU WERE ON THE HIGHWAY AND THIS HAPPENED, DODGE HAS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. *AK

Mileage: 31,900

UPPER BALLJOINT DEFECTIVE 35000 MILES CHRYSLER WOULD NOT REPLACE. THIS FOUND WHEN A ALIGNMENT PERFORMED. I REPLACED BOTH BALLJOINTS. I HAVE ALL BILLS AND DEFECTIVE PARTS.*AK

Mileage: 35,000

UPPER BALLJOINT DEFECTIVE 35000 MILES CHRYSLER WOULD NOT REPLACE. THIS FOUND WHEN A ALIGNMENT PERFORMED. I REPLACED BOTH BALLJOINTS. I HAVE ALL BILLS AND DEFECTIVE PARTS.*AK

Mileage: 35,000

WHILE DRIVING THERE WOULD BE HEAVY VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL. DEALERSHIP/MECHANIC INFORMED CONSUMER THAT FRONT BALL JOINTS WERE WEARING OUT. *AK

Mileage: 64,050

I HAVE A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA WITH THE LEFT SIDE UPPER BALL JOINT WORE OUT. I HAVE ONLY 36400 MILES ON THE TRUCK AND SAW A NEWS REPORT ON TV ABOUT THE BALL JOINTS AND INSPECTED MY TRUCK AND TO MY SHOCK SURE ENOUGH I JACKED THE TIRE UP AND IT HAS LOTS OF PLAY. SO MUCH PLAY IM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. IF I WOULD HAVE NOT SEEN THIS NEWS REPORT I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED IF THIS CAME APART. SO NOW I HAVE TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO GET IT TO THE DEALER TO SEE IF THEY CAN FIX IT. I AM SCARED TO DRIVE MY TRUCK LIKE THIS. I THEN DID SOME MORE INVESTIGATING ON THE INTERNET AND TO MY SUPPRISE THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS. YOU WOULD THINK DODGE WOULD HAVE NOTICED THIS BY NOW. THE THING THAT SCARES ME IS THAT MY 2 YEAR OLD SON HAS RIDDEN IN THE TRUCK WITH ME A LOT. IF THOSE BALL JOINTS WOULD HAVE FAILED GOING DOWN THE ROAD AT 55 MPH WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED TO US. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE BEFORE PEOPLE START GETTING HURT.*AK

Mileage: 36,400

RECENTLY HAD TO REPLACE THE FOLLOWING: DRIVERS SIDE UPPER BALL JOINT AND CONTROL ARM, DRIVERS SIDE SPINDLE RETAINING PLATE AND LOCKING NUT. THE SIMPTOMS WERE, A SLIGHT THUMPING NOISE WHEN GOING OVER SMAL BUT SHARP BUMPS (LIKE ENTERING A DRIVEWAY), AND A SOUND SIMILAR TO A SPRING BEING STRETCHED AND COMPRESSES. THE WORK WAS DONE UNDER WARANTY (29,000 MILES). THE THING THAT BOTHERS ME IS THAT IT TOOK 2 ATTEMPTS AT THE DEALER TO GET IT FIXED, AND THAT ALL THE THINGS I'VE BEEN READING INDICATE PROBLEMS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE! AM I JUST A DISASTER WAITING TO HAPPEN? IS DAIMLER CHRYSTLER GOING TO OWN UP TO DEFECTIVE DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE OR DO A BUNCH OF PEOPLE HAVE TO DIE FIRST?*AK

Mileage: 29,000

FRONT SUSPENSION PROBLEMS IDENTICAL TO THAT OF THE DODGE DURANGO. HAVE HAD BOTH LOWER AND UPPER CONTROL ARMS/BALL JOINTS RELACED WITH LESS THAN 50,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. PARTS WERE REPLACED BY DEALERSHIP WITH SAME DEFECTIVE PARTS AS ORIGINALLY INSTALLED ON VEHICLE. PERSONALLY, NO ACCIDENTS RELATED TO THIS PROBLEM YET. CONCERNED ABOUT OVERALL SAFETY OF DAKOTA OWNERS. WE HAVE A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA.*AK

FRONT SUSPENSION PROBLEMS IDENTICAL TO THAT OF THE DODGE DURANGO. HAVE HAD BOTH LOWER AND UPPER CONTROL ARMS/BALL JOINTS RELACED WITH LESS THAN 50,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. PARTS WERE REPLACED BY DEALERSHIP WITH SAME DEFECTIVE PARTS AS ORIGINALLY INSTALLED ON VEHICLE. PERSONALLY, NO ACCIDENTS RELATED TO THIS PROBLEM YET. CONCERNED ABOUT OVERALL SAFETY OF DAKOTA OWNERS. WE HAVE A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA.*AK

I HAVE A 2001 DAKOTA THAT STARTED KNOCKING ON BUMPS AT APPROX. 25000 MILES. I DETERMINED THAT THIS WAS NOT NORMAL AND TOOK IT TO A 5 STAR DEALER AT APPROX. 34000 AND 37000 MILES AT WHICH BOTH TIMES THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. IT IS VERY OBVIOUS THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE SUSPENSION. MY FATHER OWNS A 1995 DAKOTA THAT HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. ONCE THE BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED, NOT BY A DODGE DEALERSHIP, THE NOISE ISSUE WAS RESOLVED. THERE ARE MANY REVIEWS STATING THIS ISSUE BUT CHRYLER DOES NOTHING TO ADDRESS IT. THE ONLY THING I AM LEFT TO DO IS PAY $800-$1000 TO REPAIR IT. I UNFORTUNATELY CANNOT AFFORD THIS AND RISK HAVING IT BREAK AT ANYTIME. *AK

Mileage: 34,000

I HAVE A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA PICKUP. LAST YEAR IT STARTED MAKING A SQUEAKY NOISE (LIKE AN OLD CAR CREAKING) IN THE FRONT END. I HAVE TAKEN IT INTO DEALMAKER DODGE HERE IN WATERTOWN, NY. THE FIRST TIME TAKING IT IN THEY STATED THAT THE NOISE WAS FROM LOOSE BOLTS IN THE FRONT END AND THAT THEY JUST TIGHTENED THEM UP. THE NOISE PROGRESSIVELY GOT WORSE. I TOOK IT IN AGAIN AND THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS POSSIBLY THE SWAY BARS. THEN THE OCT. 10, 2003 I WAS DRIVING AND WHEN I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD, SOMETHING POPPED IN THE FRONT END, THE FRONT END DROPPED DOWN AND I LOST STEERING OF THE TRUCK. THIS WAS EXTREMELY FRIGHTENING. I IMMEDIATELY DROVE THE TRUCK VERY SLOWLY OVER TO DEALMAKER DODGE AND THEY LOOKED AT IT (NEVER TEST DROVE IT, JUST LOOKED AT IT). THEY STATED THAT THEY ARE NOT SURE WHAT HAPPENED BUT THAT MAYBE THE SWAY BARS GAVE WAY. TIM (SERVICE MGR) STATED THAT THEY WOULD NEED TO ORDER BUSHINGS AND A PART FOR THE STEERING BOX AND THAT UNTIL THEY CAME IN THE TRUCK WOULD BE SAFE TO DRIVE. UNFORTUNATELY, I DID NOT FEEL IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE - WE PARKED THE TRUCK IN OUR DRIVEWAY UNTIL THE PARTS CAME IN. WE ASKED WHY THIS HAPPENED TO A FAIRLY NEW TRUCK AND TIM (SERVICE MGR) COULD NOT ANSWER US, HE DID NOT KNOW. WE TOOK THE TRUCK IN ONCE THE PARTS ARRIVED AND HAD IT WORKED ON. WHEN I WENT TO PICK IT UP, I ASKED TIM (SERVICE MGR) WHAT DID THEY DO TO THE TRUCK (REPAIRS)? HE STATED HE DID NOT KNOW BUT THAT HIS WARRANTY GIRL WAS OUT OF THE OFFICE AND THAT THEY WOULD MAIL ME A COPY OF THE PAPERWORK. UPON RECEIPT OF THIS PAPERWORK, IT NOTED THAT BOTH SWAY BAR BUSHINGS WERE REPLACED AS WELL AS THE COUPLING. THE NOISE SEEMS TO BE GONE IN THE FRONT END, HOWEVER, WHEN I GO OVER BUMPS OR ROUGH ROAD, IT STILL MAKES A POPPING NOISE IN THE FRONT END. AFTER WATCHING THE CBS EVENING NEWS TONIGHT WITH REGARD THE FRONT END SAFETY ISSUES ABOUT DAKOTAS, I AM NOW VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF MYSELF AND THE LIFE OF PASSENGERS WHILE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. *LA

Mileage: 23,558

FRONT UPPER BALL JOINTS ON BOTH SIDES ARE WORN OUT BEFORE 38,612 MILES (MILEAGE AT TIME I AM SENDING THIS EMAIL). TOOK DAKOTA DEALER (RAINIER DODGE, OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON) LAST MONDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2003, AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE AND WOULD ONLY TAKE A FEW DAYS TO GET NEW PARTS. THEY STILL DON'T HAVE THE PARTS TO FIX IT AND WE JUST SAW A NEWS REPORT (ON DURANGOS THAT ALSO MENTIONED DAKOTAS BEING WORSE) SHOWING HOW DANGEROUS IT IS TO DRIVE A VEHICLE WITH BAD UPPER BALL JOINTS (BROKE OFF AND WHEEL AND ALL WENT ACROSS 4 LANES OF TRAFFIC). ON THEIR WORD THAT IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE, WE TOOK AN OUT OF TOWN TRIP THIS WEEKEND. I THANK GOD THAT WE MADE THE TRIP SAFELY! WHEN IS A RECALL GOING TO BE MADE ON BOTH THE DAKOTA AND DURANGO? OUR DODGE DEALER SEEMS TO BE DRAGGING THEIR FEET GETTING THE PARTS TO FIX OURS, AND I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE MY DAKOTA UNTIL IT IS REPAIRED. PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW HOW DANGEROUS THIS CONDITION IS AND DODGE NEEDS TO ACCEPT THE RESPONSIBILITY TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM ASAP! *LA

Mileage: 38,400

THE UPPER BALL JOINTS WORE OUT PREMATURELY. THE CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE THE PART WITHIN FOUR MONTHS. DEALER STATED THERE WAS NO GREASE FITTING IN THE BALL JOINTS AND THE JOINTS BECAME DRY. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

Mileage: 28,000

UPPER BALL JOINT ON BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT SIDE ARE FAILING. VEHICLE ONLY HAS APPROXIMATELY 40000 MILES ON IT. JUST OUT OF WARRANTY. *LA

Mileage: 40,690

TOOK MY 2001 DODGE DAKOTA TO GET ALIGNMENT AT LOCAL DODGE DEALER AND WAS TOLD UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE WORN EXCESSIVELY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TRUCK ONLY HAS 45000 MILES ON IT, THIS IF YOU ASK ME IS UNACCEPTABLE. ALSO THE TRUCK WAS IN THE DEALER 2 TIMES BEFORE THIS BECAUSE OF A NOISE IN THE FRONT END, AND THEY COULD NEVER FIND ANYTHING WRONG, AND I BELIEVE THIS COULD BE RELATED. *PH

Mileage: 46,258

PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE'S ENGINE.*MR WHEN USING THE DEFROST OR A/C, THE ENGINE PUMP DID NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE SEAT BELT WAS INSTALLED IMPROPERLY AND ALSO THE WHEEL BEARING WAS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD A HOSE WOULD BE PLACED ON THE RETAINING BOLT.*TS *JB

Mileage: 36,000

BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS WENT BAD AT ABOUT 40,000 MILES. EVERYONE I TALKED TO SAID THAT WAS MUCH TOO EARLY. HAD TO REPLACE BOTH UPPER CONTROL ARMS. ALSO MADE FOR EARLY TIRE REPLACEMENT BECAUSE OF WEAR. DODGE SHOULD REALLY HAVE A RECALL ON THESE ITEMS. ALOT OF DAKOTA OWNERS HAVE GONE THROUGH THE SAME PROBLEM.*AK

Mileage: 40,000

EARLY FAILURE OF VEHICLE BALL JOINTS. VEHICLE HAS 51000 MILES ON IT, AND BALL JOINTS ARE FAILING.*AK

Mileage: 51,655

EARLY FAILURE OF VEHICLE BALL JOINTS. VEHICLE HAS 51000 MILES ON IT, AND BALL JOINTS ARE FAILING.*AK

Mileage: 51,655

FRONT BRAKES CLUNK WHEN APPLIED,DEALER REPLACED ROTORS. TRANSMISSION WON'T SHIFT PROPERLY,DEALER ORDERED AND REPLACED NEW VALVE BODY. LOWER ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED,BECAUSE OF VALVE TAPPING. A/C HAS BAD ODOR WHEN ON. FRONT END SQUEAKED AROUND BOOTS FRONT END HAS BAD KNOCKING SOUND. 2 GOODYEAR TIRES SLOW LEAK. PROBLEMS STARTED AT 1,254 MILES, AND KEEP GOING AT 26,000 MILES. *AK

Mileage: 1,254

WHILE TRAVELING 25 MPH PULLING INSIDE OF A PARKING LOT, THE RIGHT SIDE WHEEL ASSEMBLY BROKE OFF. *AK WHILE MAKING A TURN INTO A PARKING LOT, THE COMPLETE RIGHT SIDE FRONT WHEEL ASSEMBLY UPPER ARM, AXLES, AND ALL OTHER COMPONENTS OF THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE ASSEMBLY HAD FALLEN OFF, AND CAUSED THE BRAKE LINE TO BREAK OFF. CHRYSLER ACCEPTED NO RESPONSIBILITY. THE MAIN FACTOR WAS FAILURE OF THE UPPER BALL JOINT WHICH WAS A SEALED UNIT. *SCC *JB

Mileage: 79,472

WHILE DRIVING PASSENGER'S FRONT TIRE SEPARATED FROM VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. DEALER DIAGNOSED CAUSE AS DEFECTIVE UPPER BALL JOINT.*AK

I HAVE A 2001 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB 4X4 AND HAD THE PASSENGER SIDE UPPER BALL JOINT FAIL (LUCKLY I WAS PULLING INTO A GAS STATION AT THE TIME). WHY IS IT THAT YOU CANNOT PURCHASE A REPLACEMENT BALL JOINT FROM DODGE (YOU MUST PURCHASE THE WHOLE UPPER CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY?)*AK

Mileage: 53,000

VEHICLE HAS A CLUCKING NOISE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION WHEN MAKING A TURN. THIS IS CAUSED BY THE BALL JOINTS WEARING OUT, AND NEEDING REPLACEMENT.*AK

Mileage: 22,000

VEHICLE HAS A CLUCKING NOISE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION WHEN MAKING A TURN. THIS IS CAUSED BY THE BALL JOINTS WEARING OUT, AND NEEDING REPLACEMENT.*AK

Mileage: 22,000

CONSUMER STATES WHEN THE VEHICLE GOES OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD, THERES IS A BANGING NOISE. TOOK TO DEALER, AND DEALER IS REPLACING THE FRONT UPPER BALL JOINTS. *AK

Mileage: 46,000

MY BALLJOINTS SNAPPED WHILE TURNING IN MY SONS SCHOOL ONE MORNING , RESULTING IN MY FRONT WHEEL AND BRAKE ASSEMBLY FALLING OFF COMPLETELY FROM MY 2001 DODGE DAKOTA 4X4 TRUCK IN DECEMBER 2002. I HAD 1000 MILES PASSED FACTORY WARRENTY

Mileage: 71,342

MY BALLJOINTS SNAPPED WHILE TURNING IN MY SONS SCHOOL ONE MORNING , RESULTING IN MY FRONT WHEEL AND BRAKE ASSEMBLY FALLING OFF COMPLETELY FROM MY 2001 DODGE DAKOTA 4X4 TRUCK IN DECEMBER 2002. I HAD 1000 MILES PASSED FACTORY WARRENTY

Mileage: 71,342

BAD CONTROL ARMS BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY,STEERING WONDERS TO RIGHT,POWER STEERING PUMP REPLACED,STEERING SHAFT REPLACED WAITING FOR NEW STEERING COLUMN,LOWER CONTROL ARM AND BALL JOINT REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY,CHRYSLER ZONE OFFICE KNOWS THEY HAVE A DEFECT IN THE FRONT END OF THE DAKOTA AND DURANGO STATED IT WAS CHEEPER TO REPLACE PARTS.*AK

Mileage: 2,115

BAD CONTROL ARMS BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY,STEERING WONDERS TO RIGHT,POWER STEERING PUMP REPLACED,STEERING SHAFT REPLACED WAITING FOR NEW STEERING COLUMN,LOWER CONTROL ARM AND BALL JOINT REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY,CHRYSLER ZONE OFFICE KNOWS THEY HAVE A DEFECT IN THE FRONT END OF THE DAKOTA AND DURANGO STATED IT WAS CHEEPER TO REPLACE PARTS.*AK

Mileage: 2,115

I HAVE 80000 MILES ON MY 2001 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB AND I HAVE ALREADY CHANGED TIRES AND NOW I NEED TO CHANGE MY UPPER BALL JOINTS. IS IT REALLY TRUE THAT YOU CAN NOT CHANGE JUST THE JOINTS BUIT YOU HAVE TO CHANGE THE UPPER CONTROL ARM ALSO WITH THE NEW JOINTS? *AK

EXCESSIVE BALL JOINT WEAR. MY WIFE (STEPHANIE BALL) FILED A COMPLAINT BACK IN 1999 FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. I THINK HIS NAME WAS STEVE FROM NHTSA CONTACTED US AND KEEP US INFORMED OF THE PROBLEM. SHE HAS HAD THE BALL JOINTS REPLACED FIVE TIMES IN HER DAKOTA. THE LAST CONTACT FROM NHTSA WAS THAT THEY WAS GOING TO MAKE DODGE RECALL THESE VEHICLES FOR THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM. IT HAS BEEN TWO YEARS AND WE HAVE NOT HEARD ANY MORE ON THIS ISSUE. I HELP BY GETTING NAMES OF OTHER PEOPLE THAT WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. I MANAGE AN AUTO PARTS STORE A AUTO OF MADISON WV AND THIS IS NOT JUST AN ISOLATED PROBLEM. I KNOW OF 4 DAKOTA THAT WERE WRECKED AND SUSTAINED SEVERE DAMAGE DUE TO BALL JOINT FAILURE. THE ADJUSTER FROM STATE FARM'S MOTHER HAD A WRECK DUE TO BALL JOINT FAILURE. AND HE SAID THAT HE HAD SEEN SEVERAL THAT HAD WRECKED. I COULD REPLACE THESE BALL JOINTS WITH AFTERMARKET MOOG BRAND AND SOLVE THE PROBLEM. BUT IT SHOULDN'T BE UP TO ME TO SOLVE IT. I WOULD HAVE THOUGHT AFTER THE FIRESTONE EPISODE THAT ISSUES LIKE THIS WOULD BE TAKEN MORE SERIOUSLY. I CONTACTED THE DEALER TODAY BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO CHECK THE BALL JOINTS EVERY COUPLE OF WEEKS. I DON'T WANT TO TAKE A CHANCE ON KILLING SOMEONE BECAUSE OF A PROBLEM THAT HAS EXISTED SINCE 1997. THE DEALER SAID THAT THE BALL JOINTS WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE SO MUCH PLAY FROM THE FACTORY. THE AFTERMARKET ONE I SELL DO NOT. ANYONE WITH COMMON SENSE KNOWS THAT IF A COMPONENT IN A HIGH STRESS AREA THAT TAKES A LOT OF BEATING IS NOT SUPPOSED TO HAVE ANY PLAY. THE LONGER YOU DRIVE IT THE WORSE IT GETS. I RECENTLY TOOK A WV STATE INSPECTION CLASS. THE STATE POLICE HAVE DODGE DURANGO'S. HE SAID TO MAKE SURE AND CHECK THE BALL JOINTS BECAUSE THEY WERE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM I AM . SO I THINK THE TIME HAS COME TO GET THIS PROBLEM CORRECTED, BEFORE SOME ELSE WRECKS OR SOMEONE GETS KILLED. ITS PRETTY EVIDENT WHEN THE TROOPER TEACHING THE INSPECTION CLASS TELLS YOU TO PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THIS PROBLEM! PLEASE NOTIFY ME IF YOU NEED ANYTHING. *NLM

Mileage: 29,367

WHILE DRIVING ON A SIDE ROAD THROUGH A NEIGHBORHOOD, THE FRONT DRIVER-SIDE TIRE, WHEEL, BRAKE, AND ROTOR ARM FELL OFF MY CAR. I BELIEVE THE BEARING FAILED AND DISCONNECTED ITSELF FROM THE AXEL.

Mileage: 33,000

TRANSMISSION CONTINUES TO SHIFT ERRATICALLY, DESPITE BEING SEEN BY TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS. THE TCM SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE. REPROGRAMMING IT DOESN'T SEEM TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE FACTORY TSB HAS BEEN DONE TWICE BUT HAS FAILED TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. VEHICLE WILL SOMETIMES LURCH UP INTO 2ND GEAR AT LOWER SPEEDS WITHOUT WARNING OR DOWN TO 1ST FROM 2ND WITHOUT WARNING DESPITE TRAVELING AT A CONSTANT SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH. AFTER 22500 MILES THE VEHICLE HAS DEVELOPED A MODERATE TO SEVERE PROBLEM WHEN BRAKING. THE VEHICLE SEEMS TO HOP IN THE FRONT END DURING BRAKING AND THE BRAKES SEEM TO LOOSE EFFECTIVENESS MOMENTARILY. CLOSER INVESTIGATION REVEALED BOTH FRONT SHOCKS HAD FAILED. THE FRONT BRAKE SYSTEM SEEMS TO BE IN GOOD WORKING ORDER. NO LEAKS, NORMAL PAD AND ROTOR WEAR, NO GROOVES ON ROTOR, THE FRONT SHOCKS WERE REPLACED BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO HAVE THE BRAKING HOPPING PULSATING PROBLEM. *JB

Mileage: 21,500

BALL JOINTS ON MY 2001 DODGE DAKOTA PICKUP ARE ALREADY BAD AFTER 46K MILES. I HEARD MANY COMPLANTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM FROM OTHER OWNERS.*JB

Mileage: 46,000

2001 DAKOTA QUAD CAB HAS A LOUD KNOCK IN FRONT SUSPENSION. THREE DEALERS UNABLE TO FIX. THE TRUCK HAS HAD MANY FRONT END PARTS REPLACED AND THE FRAME WELDED. FOR A TOTAL OF 10 TIMES TO THE DEALERS WITHIN A 6 MONTH PEROID. STILL UNBLE TO FIX. I AM NOW CONCERNED ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE AND SAFTEY OF VEHICLE. CHYRSLER HAS OFFERED NO SOLUTION AND VERY UNCOOPERATIVE WITH PROBLEM.

Mileage: 24,000

CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE. ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE WHOLE TIRE CAME OFF. DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE WHEEL BEARING WAS BROKEN . TS

THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH (POSSIBLY)THE BALL JOINTS. WHILE HE IS DRIVING THERE IS A CLUNKING SOUND THAT GETS WORSE WHEN TURNING ON CURVES. THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL AND IS UNABLE TO HELP. TS OTHER PROBLEMS ARE AS FOLLOWED: THE VEHICLE WILL SLIDE/SKATE OVER ANY BUMP/UNEVEN SURFACE AND CORNER, NOISE IN FRONT END/PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WHEEL/PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW, THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON-FOUND EVAP LEAK, BAD GAS CAP, REAR BRAKE DRUMS ARE HOPPING, ABS LIGHT ON, INTERNAL MAIL RELAY AND VALVE PLUG SHORTED, AND FRONT INNER BRAKE PAD SPRING CLIPS BENT OUT OF SHAPE. THE CONSUMER REQUESTS THE FOLLOWING: REFUND OF THE PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE, LESSEN THE BANK PAYMENTS FOR THE TIME OF USE, AND APPLY A REFUND TOWARDS THE PURCHASE OF A NEW DODGE RAM. SCC

VEHICLE WILL START TO MOVE TO THE RIGHT WHEN THE CONSUMER APPLIES THE BRAKES WHILE DRIVING. PROBLEM GETS WORSE WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHER SPEEDS. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES, BUT THE REPAIRS DO NOT WORK . CONTACTED DEALER. *AK CONSUMER STATES THE CAIPLERS HAVE BEEN REPLACED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, ALSO THE VEHICLE WAS REALIGNED, ALSO THERE WAS AN OIL AND TRANSMISSIN LEAK.*JB

CONSUMER STATES THAT VEHICLE PULLS TO THE LEFT WHEN DRIVING, ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE HAS JERKED TO THE LEFT IN SUCH A MANNER AS TO TAKE CONTROL AWAY FROM THE DRIVER, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE TIRES HAD NEVER BEEN BALANCED, A FRONT END MECHANIC INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE, CONSUMER STATES THAT NOW THE FRONT TIRES JUMP OR CUP DURING SHARP TURNS TO THE LEFT, THE REAR END WAS ALSO REPLACED. *SLC

CONSUMER STATES THAT VEHICLE PULLS TO THE LEFT WHEN DRIVING, ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE HAS JERKED TO THE LEFT IN SUCH A MANNER AS TO TAKE CONTROL AWAY FROM THE DRIVER, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE TIRES HAD NEVER BEEN BALANCED, A FRONT END MECHANIC INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE, CONSUMER STATES THAT NOW THE FRONT TIRES JUMP OR CUP DURING SHARP TURNS TO THE LEFT, THE REAR END WAS ALSO REPLACED. *SLC

WHILE DRIVING AND COMING TO A STOP VEHICLE WILL START TO FAIL, AND WILL NOT PULL. HAD TO SHUT VEHICLE DOWN AND RESTART. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER STATED DIDN'T KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE FRONT END WAS SLIGHTLY OUT OF ALIGNMENT. THE MOTOR HAS A PROBLEM WHEN THE VEHICLE STOPS FOR A MOMENT AT A LIGHT OR SIGN, IT WILL SHUDDER AND CHOKE . *YH

THE REAR LEFT AXLE FAILED.*JB

THE REAR LEFT AXLE FAILED.*JB

WHEN PRESSING ON BRAKES STEERING WHEEL PULLS TO RIGHT. WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL ON ITS OWN IT MAKES A LOUD POP. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK

JUMP A LITTLE WHEN HITTING ROUGH SPOTS IN THE ROAD. PROBLEM BECAME EVIDENT WHEN TRAVELING ON A LONG GRAVEL ROAD

WHILE DRIVING AROUND 50 MPH LOUD NOISE CAME FROM LEFT REAR WHEEL. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER STATED NO FLUID WAS IN BACK OF TRUCK. *AK

WHILE DRIVING, FRONT END OF VEHICLE PULLS SEVERELY TO THE RIGHT, DEALER CAN NOT IDENTIFY CAUSE OF PROBLEM. *AK CONTROL ARM WAS REPLACED. CALIPERS WERE REPLACED. DEALER FOUND AIR LEAK WITH THE GAS TANK AND REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP, THIS WAS CAUSING THE ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. *SLC

WHILE DRIVING, FRONT END OF VEHICLE PULLS SEVERELY TO THE RIGHT, DEALER CAN NOT IDENTIFY CAUSE OF PROBLEM. *AK CONTROL ARM WAS REPLACED. CALIPERS WERE REPLACED. DEALER FOUND AIR LEAK WITH THE GAS TANK AND REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP, THIS WAS CAUSING THE ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. *SLC

VEHICLE HANDLES POORLY,WANDERS,NO FEEL TO STEERING.HAS BEEN BACK TO DEALER SEVERAL TIMES. DEALER HAS STATED THAT MANUFACTURER IS AWARE OF PROBLEM BUT HASEN'T COME UP WITH A SOLUTION.VEHICLE IS VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE,VERY HARD TO KEEP GOING IN A STRAIGHT LINE,AND TO STAY IN THE RIGHT LANE. I DON'T FEEL THAT DODGE IS DOING ALL THAT IT CAN TO REMEDY THIS SITUATION.I AM PLANNING A TRIP TO ALASKA PULLING A FIFTH WHEEL TRAILER NEXT SUMMER AND DO NOT FEEL THAT IT WOULD BE SAFE TO DO SO WITH THIS VEHICLE.*AK