2002 DODGE DAKOTA Suspension Problems

FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE AND HUB ASSEMBLY COMPLETELY BROKE FREE FROM THE VEHICLE THIS IS A FOLLOW UP FROM MY FIRST INTIAL REPORT TO CHRYSLER AND ALSO NHTSA PHONE CONVERSATION IN WHICH I DID A REPORT TO BOTH AND PAID 2500.00 WHICH I STILL HAVE RECEIPT OF PAYING TO HAVE FIXED...FATHER HAD A 2000 DODGE DURANGO WHICH HAD THE SAME RECALL THAT MY DIDN'T HAVE AS CHRYSLER STATED...

Mileage: 150,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ENTIRE REAR STEP BUMPER WAS CORRODED. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE PORTION BAR FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,279.

Mileage: 50,279

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE REAR END DIFFERENTIAL FRACTURED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SPIN 90 DEGREES INTO THE RIGHT LANE AND CRASH. THE SPECIFICS OF THE CRASH WERE NOT AVAILABLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

Mileage: 200,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH BOTH FRONT TIRES LOCKED UP AND THE STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE BRAKES AND UPPER BALL JOINTS. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FRONT CALIPERS HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOUR TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000. *TR

Mileage: 20,000

PULLING OUT OF DRIVEWAY AND THE BOTTOM OF THE CONTROL ARM BROKE FREE LETTING THE WHEEL COME FREE FROM THE VEHICLE..... *TR

Mileage: 139,836

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH HE HEARD A CLICKING SOUND NEAR THE FRONT SUSPENSION ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. THE CONTACT NOTICED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V596000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT) AND CALLED THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED DUE TO THE VIN THE VEHICLE WAS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000.

Mileage: 66,000

TRUCK HAS BEEN DRIVING LIKE SOMETHING WAS GRINDING AGAINST MY FRONT RIGHT WHEEL FOR A WEEK OR SO, I DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING OF IT, IT HAD JUST BECOME AN ANNOYANCE. ID LOOK UNDER THE WHEEL AND EVERYTHING LOOKED OKAY AND IN SHAPE, NO DAMAGE WAS BEING DONE. THE OTHER DAY I DROVE A SHORT DISTANCE AND HEARD A POP, LIKE SOMETHING HAD POPPED NEAR THE WHEEL, I PULLED OVER AND COULD SEE NO DAMAGE. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE AND NOTICED THAT THE GRINDING HAD STOPPED AND MY WHEEL SEEMED TO BE FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY. I ARRIVED TO MY DESTINATION WITH NO PROBLEM. WHEN I LEFT THE DESTINATION TO RETURN HOME, I STARTED FEELING HEAVY PULL TO THE RIGHT ON MY STEERING WHEEL, IF I LET GO OF THE STEERING WHEEL I WOULD HAVE GONE INTO A DITCH OR THE WOODS OR ANOTHER CAR. I THEN STARTED NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM MY RIGHT WHEEL, I WAS A FEW BLOCKS AWAY FROM HOME AND FIGURED I COULD MAKE IT, I STARTED NOTICING MY BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING TOO WELL, AND ANYTIME ID PUSH ON THE BRAKES MORE SMOKE WOULD ARISE, I WENT THE 3 STOP SIGNS TO MY HOUSE AND PULLED IN, RAN AROUND AND SAW THAT BEHIND MY WHEEL HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE, TOOK ABOUT 5 MINUTES TO PUT THE FIRE OUT WITH WATER AND SOME CAT LITTER WE HAD LYING AROUND. IT WAS SO HOT THAT IT WOULDN'T COOL DOWN FOR ABOUT 45 MINS TO AN HOUR. WE WOULD THROW WATER ON IT AND IT WOULD SIZZLE. I QUICKLY REMOVED THE TIRE TO PREVENT ANY DAMAGE TO IT. I NOTICED IT HAD STARTED TO MELT THE PLASTIC BOOT COVER ON THE SUSPENSION. WHEN YOU LOOKED AT THE WHEEL YOU COULD SEE IT HAD SNAPPED OFF ON THE BOTTOM HALF, CAUSING THE WHOLE WHEEL TO TILT INWARD WHICH THEN CAUSED A FULL ON GRIND OF THE WHEEL AND THE BRAKEPADS AND WHATEVER ELSE IS DOWN THERE CAUSING SUCH FRICTION THAT IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. I THEN DID RESEARCH ONLINE AND FOUND THAT THEIR HAD BEEN A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE... :( *TR

Mileage: 114,000

I AM A OWNER OF A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA SPORT. ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4X4), IF MOISTURE LEAKS INTO THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINT, EVACUATION OF THE LUBRICANT AND CORROSION OF THE JOINT MAY CAUSE THE JOINT TO WEAR OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. THIS COULD CAUSE A CLUNKING NOISE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION, WHICH MAY NOT ALWAYS BE HEARD BY THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS. EXCESSIVE WEAR IN THE UPPER BALL JOINT MAY ALLOW IT TO SEPARATE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. WHOLE FRONT END IS MESSED UP. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA SPORT. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE REAR END SHACKLES HAD DETERIORATED FAILED. THE LEAF SPRINGS WERE CAUGHT IN THE BED OF THE TRUCK. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN HOME AND PARKED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND CLAIM FILE#19831058 WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED HE HAD TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 11/15/10 UPDATED 11/24/10

Mileage: 90,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE HAVING THE TIRES CHANGED AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE FRONT SUSPENSION COLLAPSED AT THE UPPER BALL BEARING JOINTS AS THE VEHICLE WAS LOWERED WITH THE NEW TIRES INSTALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO BE EXAMINED FOR THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS HAVING THE FRONT SUSPENSION REPLACED BY THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 39,500.

Mileage: 39,500

WE HAVE A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA AND A 2007 DODGE CALIBER THAT BOTH HAVE SEVERE FRONT END PROBLEMS. THE VEHICLES BOTH SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY, ESPECIALLY WHEN HITTING A BUMP OR APPLYING THE BRAKES. WE'VE TRIED TO GET THIS FIXED BUT CHRYSLER SAYS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. A MECHANIC TOLD US ITS OUR ROTORS BUT WE'VE HAD THEM TURNED AND HAVE HAD THE ROTORS ON THE TRUCK REPLACED TWICE. IT AFFECTS THE BRAKING SPEED AND IT IS DIFFICULT TO KEEP CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE BRAKING AND WHILE DRIVING IN THE RAIN. I KNOW OTHERS HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM, IS IT GOING TO TAKE SOMEONE GETTING INJURED OR KILLED TO FIX IT? *TR

Mileage: 30,000

WHILE DRIVING MY 2002 DODGE DAKOTA 55 MILES PER HOUR I WAS THROWN TO THE LEFT PUSHED ON BRAKE PEDAL AND THE TRUCK SHOT RIGHT WHEN I GOT OUT THE FRONT ROTORS WERE RED HOT AND SMOKING TRUCK WOULD NOT MOVE HAD IT TOWED HOME WHERE IT STILL SITS I THANK GOD I WAS NOT KILLED OR HURT OR KILLED SOME ONE ELSE COME TO FIND OUT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS TRUCK AND TO TRY AND REPAIR IT THAT IT WILL ONLY RETURN. *TR

Mileage: 82,885

SINCE I'VE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE, ABOUT SIX MONTHS INTO DRIVING IT, I BEGAN EXPERIENCING FRONT END PROBLEMS WITH THE CONTROL ARMS & BALL JOINTS. I'VE HAD IT BACK TO THE DEALER(BIG VALLEY DODGE) AT LEAST 10 TIMES(@75.00 A VISIT) FOR THEM TO REPAIR/REPLACE THE BALL JOINTS/CONTROL ARM. NOW IT'S NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND WILL COST $1500.00-$2500.00 FROM DIFFERENT QUOTES I RECEIVED. I CAN NO LONGER ENJOYABLY DRIVE THE VEHICLE. AND I CAN'T EVEN DRIVE IT ON THE FREEWAY AS THE WHOLE FRONT-END SHAKES THE ENTIRE TRUCK ABOVE 50MPH. PLEASE HELP ME. I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THE TRUCK OTHERWISE. I JUST WANT DODGE TO BE RESPONSIBLE AND FIX THEIR PROBLEM. THEY MADE A RECALL FOR THE 4X4, WHY NOT THE 2X4 WITH A VERY SIMILAR ISSUE. PLEASE HELP! THIS IS NOT FAIR. OUT OF ALL THE NEW TRUCKS I COULD HAVE BOUGHT, I HAD TO BUY THE ONE WITH A PROBLEM THE MANUFACTURE REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE, EVERYONE I'VE TALKED TO WITH THE SAME TRUCK FROM SIMILAR YEARS (2000-2003) SAYS THEY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE HELP! ALSO, FRONT TIRES BECOME EXCESSIVELY WORN ON THE OUTSIDE TO WHERE I HAVE TO REPLACE AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR WHEN I DRIVE 10000-12000 MILES A YEAR(RIDICULOUS). PLEASE HELP! *TR

Mileage: 7,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT WOULD SPORADICALLY HEAR A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A ROUTINE ALIGNMENT AND TIRE ROTATION. UPON INSPECTION, A TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINTS HAD SEVERE WEAR AND MOVEMENT, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. HE ALSO STATED THAT THE RUBBER GROMMETS SUPPORTING THE TIE RODS FAILED AND CREATED A METAL TO METAL CONDITION, WHICH CREATED A SQUEAKING NOISE. THE COMPONENTS HAVE NOT BEEN REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 128,000. UPDATED 09/10/08 *BF THE UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED AS WELL. UPDATED 09/16/08. *JB

Mileage: 125,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT WOULD SPORADICALLY HEAR A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A ROUTINE ALIGNMENT AND TIRE ROTATION. UPON INSPECTION, A TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINTS HAD SEVERE WEAR AND MOVEMENT, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. HE ALSO STATED THAT THE RUBBER GROMMETS SUPPORTING THE TIE RODS FAILED AND CREATED A METAL TO METAL CONDITION, WHICH CREATED A SQUEAKING NOISE. THE COMPONENTS HAVE NOT BEEN REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 128,000. UPDATED 09/10/08 *BF THE UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED AS WELL. UPDATED 09/16/08. *JB

Mileage: 125,000

2002 DODGE DAKOTA UPPER BALL JOINT FAILURE. IT SEEMS THAT THE RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID #04V596000 ONLY COVERED FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4X4) VEHICLES BUT THE SAME PROBLEM EXIST ON TWO-WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES ALSO. MY VEHICLE HAS 84,000 MILES AND BOTH BALL JOINTS NEED REPLACING. THE REPLACEMENT PART IS THE SAME ON BOTH TWO OR FOUR WHEEL DRIVES. *TR

Mileage: 84,000

THE BALL JOINTS ON THE DAKOTA SERIES P/U ARE A CHRONIC PROBLEM. I BOUGHT AN '02 DAKOTA 4X4 WITH 70K AND IMMEDIATELY NOTICED NOISE AND A LOOSE FEELING FROM THE FRONT END. I VERIFIED THE BALL JOINT RECALL HAD BEEN COMPLETED. WHEN I WENT TO HAVE IT ALIGNED, I LEARNED THAT ALL FOUR OF MY BALL JOINTS ARE BAD, INCLUDING THE TOP TWO THAT HAD BEEN REPLACED ALREADY. WHILE RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM I CAME ACROSS THIS SITE, HTTP://WWW.DODGEDAKOTAS.COM/BOARDS/DEA/140-1.HTML, WHICH IS A DAKOTA FORUM, WITH NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS EXACTLY THE SAME AS MINE. DODGE NEEDS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR ITS FAILURE TO USE QUALITY COMPONENTS. CONSUMERS SHOULD NOT BE SPENDING $600 EVERY YEAR TO KEEP THEIR VEHICLES ALIGNED ON THE ROAD. *NM

Mileage: 73,000

THE BALL JOINTS ON THE DAKOTA SERIES P/U ARE A CHRONIC PROBLEM. I BOUGHT AN '02 DAKOTA 4X4 WITH 70K AND IMMEDIATELY NOTICED NOISE AND A LOOSE FEELING FROM THE FRONT END. I VERIFIED THE BALL JOINT RECALL HAD BEEN COMPLETED. WHEN I WENT TO HAVE IT ALIGNED, I LEARNED THAT ALL FOUR OF MY BALL JOINTS ARE BAD, INCLUDING THE TOP TWO THAT HAD BEEN REPLACED ALREADY. WHILE RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM I CAME ACROSS THIS SITE, HTTP://WWW.DODGEDAKOTAS.COM/BOARDS/DEA/140-1.HTML, WHICH IS A DAKOTA FORUM, WITH NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS EXACTLY THE SAME AS MINE. DODGE NEEDS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR ITS FAILURE TO USE QUALITY COMPONENTS. CONSUMERS SHOULD NOT BE SPENDING $600 EVERY YEAR TO KEEP THEIR VEHICLES ALIGNED ON THE ROAD. *NM

Mileage: 73,000

UPPER BALL JOINTS WORN OUT AT 52,00 MILES. WENT FOR TIRE CHANGE AND FRONT END ALIGNMENT AND FOUND PROBLEM. HAD EXTENDED WARRANTY BUT DID NOT COVER. AM WAITING FOR PART AT THE COST OF ABOUT $600.00 TO REPLACE. *NM

Mileage: 52,000

I HAVE HAD SEVERAL ALARMING FAILURES WITH MY DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB. IT IS A 2002 V6 AUTO TRANSMISSION PW PL. I HAVE HAD THE BALL JOINTS REPLACED BECAUSE OF THE RECALL, MY TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED (TWICE), MY FRONT HUBS & SPINDLES COMPLETELY DISINTEGRATED AND COULD HAVE KILLED MY FAMILY, MY WATER PUMP HAS FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED, THE DRIVER SIDE TAILLIGHT SEEMS TO FAIL OFTEN, THE VACUUM HOSES HAVE ALL HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF THE CHEAP RUBBER USED BY THE MANUFACTURER FAIL BY CRACKING AND CAUSING ALL SORTS OF LEAKS CAUSING ENGINE LIGHTS, LOUD NOISES UNDER THE HOOD, AND HORRIBLE GAS MILEAGE. I HAVE DONE EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO BE PROACTIVE IN MY MAINTENANCE OF THE VEHICLE. I HAVE HAD THE MAJOR REPAIRS DONE PROFESSIONALLY. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW A 2002 VEHICLE CAN HAVE SO MANY POTENTIALLY FATAL PROBLEMS AND BE IGNORED. I HAVE SEARCHED HIGH AND LOW FOR QUALITY BULLETINS BUT CANNOT FIND ANYTHING. MY GAS MILEAGE IS NOW DOWN TO 14 MPG AND THE TRUCK IS FALLING APART. *JB

Mileage: 50,000

I HAVE HAD SEVERAL ALARMING FAILURES WITH MY DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB. IT IS A 2002 V6 AUTO TRANSMISSION PW PL. I HAVE HAD THE BALL JOINTS REPLACED BECAUSE OF THE RECALL, MY TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED (TWICE), MY FRONT HUBS & SPINDLES COMPLETELY DISINTEGRATED AND COULD HAVE KILLED MY FAMILY, MY WATER PUMP HAS FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED, THE DRIVER SIDE TAILLIGHT SEEMS TO FAIL OFTEN, THE VACUUM HOSES HAVE ALL HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF THE CHEAP RUBBER USED BY THE MANUFACTURER FAIL BY CRACKING AND CAUSING ALL SORTS OF LEAKS CAUSING ENGINE LIGHTS, LOUD NOISES UNDER THE HOOD, AND HORRIBLE GAS MILEAGE. I HAVE DONE EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO BE PROACTIVE IN MY MAINTENANCE OF THE VEHICLE. I HAVE HAD THE MAJOR REPAIRS DONE PROFESSIONALLY. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW A 2002 VEHICLE CAN HAVE SO MANY POTENTIALLY FATAL PROBLEMS AND BE IGNORED. I HAVE SEARCHED HIGH AND LOW FOR QUALITY BULLETINS BUT CANNOT FIND ANYTHING. MY GAS MILEAGE IS NOW DOWN TO 14 MPG AND THE TRUCK IS FALLING APART. *JB

Mileage: 50,000

2002 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB BOTH UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS FAILED ON BOTH SIDES. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED SHE HEARD A NOISE EVERY TIME SHE WENT OVER BUMP. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL GARAGE, THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. FINALLY, AFTER NOT BEING ABLE TO TAKE THE NOISE ANY LONGER, THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER ESTABLISHMENT WHERE THEY DISCOVERED THE PROBLEM. *JB

Mileage: 43,000

AS A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA OWNER, I HAVE HAD THE UPPER BALL JOINTS REPLACE ONCE OUT OF MY OWN POCKET AND ONCE AT THE DEALERSHIP. I HAVE RECEIVED MY REFUND. MY CHIEF COMPLAINT IS THE FACT THAT WHEN THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED MY UPPER BALL JOINTS THEY FAILED TO INFORM ME THAT MY LOWER BALL JOINTS ALSO HAD EXCESSIVE/UNACCEPTABLE MOVEMENT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE MY ROTORS AND BRAKES FOR THE THIRD TIME AND I ONLY HAVE 72,000 MILES. I DON'T DO ANY OFF-ROADING EITHER. I BELIEVE THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINTS CAUSED MY LOWER BALL JOINTS TO GO BAD AS WELL IN ADDITION TO CAUSING THE REPLACEMENT OF MY ROTORS AND BRAKES. *NM

Mileage: 72,000

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE BACKING UP AT 10 MPH THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT WHEEL DETACHED. THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. THEY DETERMINED IT WAS A LOWER BALL JOINT FAILURE, HOWEVER NO REPAIRS WERE MADE.

Mileage: 69,876

I OWE A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA AND HAD A RECALL FOR UPPER BALL JOINT THAT WAS REPAIRED BY MERRICK DODGE IN MERRICK NY. THE DEALER ADVISED ME THAT THE WAY THEY DO THE RECALL AN ALIGNMENTWAS NOT NECESSARY. I WAS INFORMED BY CHRYSLER THAT A TOE ALIGNMENT WAS REQUIRED. THIS RECAL WAS DONE IN JANUARY 2005. THE NEW TIRES THAT WERE INSTALLED IN NOVEMBER OF 2004 HAVE EXCESSIVE WEAR ON THE INNER EDGES OF BOTH FRONT TIRES EVENLY. THE ALIGNMENT WAS NEVER DONE OR DONE IMPROPERLY AND THE DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO CORRECT OR EVEN ADDRESS SAID ISSUE. ALL I ASK IS A FRONT END ALIGNMENT SO THAT THE TIRES WILL WEAR IN A SAFE AND CORRECT MANNER.*AK

2002 DODGE DAKOTA STARTING MAKING CLUNKING SOUND WHEN TURNING. HAD RECEIVED RECALL LETTER FOR UPPER BALL JOINTS. UPON BRINGING TO DEALER, WAS TOLD BOTH LOWER AND UPPER BALL JOINTS NEEDED REPLACEMENT. SEEMS LIKE THIS IS COMMON BASED ON WHAT I HAVE READ ONLINE. WE HAVE ALSO HAD TRANSMISSION REPLACED AND GOODYEAR TIRES SPLIT. ALL OF THESE COMPLAINTS ARE POSTED ON THIS WEBSITE. 99.9% WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER DODGE. WE NOW HAVE 2. PREVIOUS SERVICE DEPARTMENT INTERACTIONS STOPPED ME FROM BUYING A DODGE IN JUNE OF 2005 SO I PURCHASED A NISSAN. *JB

Mileage: 73,000

2002 DODGE DAKOTA STARTING MAKING CLUNKING SOUND WHEN TURNING. HAD RECEIVED RECALL LETTER FOR UPPER BALL JOINTS. UPON BRINGING TO DEALER, WAS TOLD BOTH LOWER AND UPPER BALL JOINTS NEEDED REPLACEMENT. SEEMS LIKE THIS IS COMMON BASED ON WHAT I HAVE READ ONLINE. WE HAVE ALSO HAD TRANSMISSION REPLACED AND GOODYEAR TIRES SPLIT. ALL OF THESE COMPLAINTS ARE POSTED ON THIS WEBSITE. 99.9% WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER DODGE. WE NOW HAVE 2. PREVIOUS SERVICE DEPARTMENT INTERACTIONS STOPPED ME FROM BUYING A DODGE IN JUNE OF 2005 SO I PURCHASED A NISSAN. *JB

Mileage: 73,000

EVER SINCE THIS TRUCK WAS NEW IT FEELS AS THOUGH SOME COMPONENT IN THE FRONT END SUSPENSION IS LOOSE, I CAN FEEL IT THROUGH THE STEERING COLUMN. FIVE TRIPS TO THE DEALER TO FIND AND CORRECT THE PROBLEM HAVE RESULTED IN: NOTHING OUT OF SPECS ON THE FIRST VISIT; REPLACED THE FRONT SHOCKS ON THE SECOND VISIT; REPLACED THE RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY ON THE THIRD VISIT; REPLACED THE UPPER BALL JOINTS ON THE FOURTH VISIT; AND ALIGNED THE STEERING COLUMN ON THE FIFTH VISIT. LOOKING THOUGH THE CONSUMER COMPLAINT SECTION I FOUND MANY OTHER CONSUMERS WITH THE SAME EXACT COMPLAINT WITH THEIR DAKOTA TRUCKS. *JB

Mileage: 500

DT: THE CONSUMER WAS UPSET THAT AFTER THE RECALL WORK WAS DONE THE DEALER RECOMMENDED A FULL ALIGNMENT, BUT CHRYSLER WILL ONLY PAY FOR ONE THIRD. SPECIALLY, CHRYSLER WILL ONLY PAY FOR THE TOW IN ADJUSTMENT, AFTER BALL JOINT REPLACEMENT. THE RECALL WAS 04V596000. THE TOW IN ADJUSTMENT WAS NOT AFFECTED AS MUCH AS THE OTHER CAMBER AND CASTER. THE RECALL WORK WAS DONE ON THE TRUCK. THE OWNER WAS LOOKING AT A CHARGE OF ABOUT $60.00 THAT SHOULD BE COVERED BY THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE CONTROL ISSUES WITHOUT THE ALIGNMENT, WHICH WOULD BE THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. *AK

Mileage: 27,000

2002 DODGE DAKOTA RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS AND THE HUB NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*MR THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER. HOT SPOT ON THE FRONT ROTORS CAUSED PULSATION WHEN BRAKING. THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION MADE NOISE AND INTERMITTENT DELAYED SHIFTING. THE RIGHT FRONT HUB AND BEARING WERE REPLACED. THE RIGHT FRONT OUTER TIE ROD END WAS REPLACED. THE LEFT FRONT UPPER BALL JOINT WAS REPLACED. *NM

THOUGHT I WOULD "BUY AMERICAN" AND GET THE DODGE DAKOTA 4 DR CREW. LOVE ITS STYLE, COMFORTS, MORE POWER THAN I NEED (4.7L V8) 2WD HAS NO TRACTION IN SNOW OR ICE. VERY EASY TO DRIVE AND COMFORTABLE 6FT.2 220LBS.(2 TRIPS NJ TO CALIF.) GAS MILEAGE STINKS...13-18MPG, NO LOADS. BRAKE ROTORS REPLACED 28K, LEFT TOP BALL JOINT WORN (NO RECALL YET)A/C NEEDED CHARGING, RIGHT FRONT HUB AND BEARINGS REPLACED 49K, REAR LEAF SPRING NOISY, TRANSMISSION HESITATION OCCASIONALLY. GREAT TRUCK TO DRIVE AND HAUL BUT RELIABILITY REALLY IN QUESTION WITH ONLY 49K. PROBABLY BACK TO NISSAN OR TOYOTA.

Mileage: 20,000

THOUGHT I WOULD "BUY AMERICAN" AND GET THE DODGE DAKOTA 4 DR CREW. LOVE ITS STYLE, COMFORTS, MORE POWER THAN I NEED (4.7L V8) 2WD HAS NO TRACTION IN SNOW OR ICE. VERY EASY TO DRIVE AND COMFORTABLE 6FT.2 220LBS.(2 TRIPS NJ TO CALIF.) GAS MILEAGE STINKS...13-18MPG, NO LOADS. BRAKE ROTORS REPLACED 28K, LEFT TOP BALL JOINT WORN (NO RECALL YET)A/C NEEDED CHARGING, RIGHT FRONT HUB AND BEARINGS REPLACED 49K, REAR LEAF SPRING NOISY, TRANSMISSION HESITATION OCCASIONALLY. GREAT TRUCK TO DRIVE AND HAUL BUT RELIABILITY REALLY IN QUESTION WITH ONLY 49K. PROBABLY BACK TO NISSAN OR TOYOTA.

Mileage: 20,000

THOUGHT I WOULD "BUY AMERICAN" AND GET THE DODGE DAKOTA 4 DR CREW. LOVE ITS STYLE, COMFORTS, MORE POWER THAN I NEED (4.7L V8) 2WD HAS NO TRACTION IN SNOW OR ICE. VERY EASY TO DRIVE AND COMFORTABLE 6FT.2 220LBS.(2 TRIPS NJ TO CALIF.) GAS MILEAGE STINKS...13-18MPG, NO LOADS. BRAKE ROTORS REPLACED 28K, LEFT TOP BALL JOINT WORN (NO RECALL YET)A/C NEEDED CHARGING, RIGHT FRONT HUB AND BEARINGS REPLACED 49K, REAR LEAF SPRING NOISY, TRANSMISSION HESITATION OCCASIONALLY. GREAT TRUCK TO DRIVE AND HAUL BUT RELIABILITY REALLY IN QUESTION WITH ONLY 49K. PROBABLY BACK TO NISSAN OR TOYOTA.

Mileage: 20,000

MULTIPLE SUSPENSION COMPONENT FAILURES PLEASE REOPEN INVESTIGATIONS INTO DODGE DAKOTA/DURANGO PRODUCTS. STABILIZER BUSHINGS HAVE BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES, UPPER BALL JOINTS FAILED AND WERE REPLACED, STEERING INPUT SHAFT FAILED AND REPLACED ONCE.

Mileage: 25,572

I LOVE THIS VEHICLE, HOWEVER WILL JOIN THE MASSES REPORTING A FAILED UPPER BALL JOINT AT 55,000 MILES, 3 SETS OF WARPED FRONT BRAKE DISCS AND LACK OF PROPER BRAKING FOR THE ABS SYSTEM.

Mileage: 59,560

DAIMLERCHRYSLER MOTOR CORPORATION P.O. BOX 21-8004 AUBURN HILLS, MI 48321-8004 ATTENTION: QUALITY ASSURANCE MY DODGE PRESENTLY HAS 49,200 MILES. IT HAS BEEN SERVICED AT RECOMMENDED AND REQUIRED INTERVALS AT MANAHAWKIN DODGE APPROXIMATELY EVERY 3,000 MILES. EARLY INTO MY OWNERSHIP I HAD INTERMITTENT TROUBLE WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER AND THEY TRIED TO ASSESS THE PROBLEM. THEY DID A RECHARGE OF THE SYSTEM AND CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD AT 28998 MILES THAT THE "PULSING" WHEN MY BRAKES WERE APPLIED WAS DUE TO "HOT SPOTS" ON MY FRONT ROTORS. WHEN I INQUIRED AS TO HOW THIS COULD HAPPEN TO A RELATIVELY NEW TRUCK THAT IS USED AS A PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION VEHICLE I WAS TOLD THEY REALLY "DID NOT KNOW BUT HAVE HAD TO REPLACE OTHERS." IT IS NOTED THAT I NEVER HAD TO REPLACE ROTORS ON MY PREVIOUS NISSANS. THAT ENDED UP COSTING ME $393. I BEGAN HEARING A NOISE IN THE TRANSMISSION AND INTERMITTENT DELAYED SHIFTING INTO GEAR RESULTING IN THE TRANSMISSION BEING SERVICED WHICH INCLUDED CHANGING FILTERS, LUBRICANT, ETC. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT MY UPPER BALL JOINT WAS WORN AND REPLACED ONE SIDE ONLY. THIS I SUBSEQUENTLY LEARNED HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FOR SOME DODGE VEHICLES AND I HAVE SINCE RECEIVED A LETTER FROM DAIMLERCHRYSLER REGARDING AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE PART. TODAY I WAS TOLD THAT I HAD PLAY IN THE RIGHT FRONT BALL BEARING AND THE HUB NEEDED A TOTAL REPLACEMENT. ALONG WITH THAT A STRUT HAD TO BE REPLACED AND AN ALIGNMENT ONCE IT WAS COMPLETED. WHEN I ASKED HOW AXLE BEARING COULD GO BAD WITH THIS LOW A MILEAGE I WAS TOLD THAT THE HUB IS SEALED AND NO WAY TO LUBRICATE AND THAT IT SHOULD NOT HAVE GONE BAD. IN ADDITION, I HAVE A NOISY LEFT LEAF SPRING THAT NEEDS A PART. THE COST FOR THE FRONT HUB IS OVER $600. I RARELY GET OVER 16 MILES PER GALLON EVEN I THE BEST DRIVING CONDITIONS. SINCERELY, CHARLES W. STAUFFER CC: NHTSA NJ DIVISION CONSUMER AFFAIRS FILE

Mileage: 28,000

DAIMLERCHRYSLER MOTOR CORPORATION P.O. BOX 21-8004 AUBURN HILLS, MI 48321-8004 ATTENTION: QUALITY ASSURANCE MY DODGE PRESENTLY HAS 49,200 MILES. IT HAS BEEN SERVICED AT RECOMMENDED AND REQUIRED INTERVALS AT MANAHAWKIN DODGE APPROXIMATELY EVERY 3,000 MILES. EARLY INTO MY OWNERSHIP I HAD INTERMITTENT TROUBLE WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER AND THEY TRIED TO ASSESS THE PROBLEM. THEY DID A RECHARGE OF THE SYSTEM AND CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD AT 28998 MILES THAT THE "PULSING" WHEN MY BRAKES WERE APPLIED WAS DUE TO "HOT SPOTS" ON MY FRONT ROTORS. WHEN I INQUIRED AS TO HOW THIS COULD HAPPEN TO A RELATIVELY NEW TRUCK THAT IS USED AS A PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION VEHICLE I WAS TOLD THEY REALLY "DID NOT KNOW BUT HAVE HAD TO REPLACE OTHERS." IT IS NOTED THAT I NEVER HAD TO REPLACE ROTORS ON MY PREVIOUS NISSANS. THAT ENDED UP COSTING ME $393. I BEGAN HEARING A NOISE IN THE TRANSMISSION AND INTERMITTENT DELAYED SHIFTING INTO GEAR RESULTING IN THE TRANSMISSION BEING SERVICED WHICH INCLUDED CHANGING FILTERS, LUBRICANT, ETC. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT MY UPPER BALL JOINT WAS WORN AND REPLACED ONE SIDE ONLY. THIS I SUBSEQUENTLY LEARNED HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FOR SOME DODGE VEHICLES AND I HAVE SINCE RECEIVED A LETTER FROM DAIMLERCHRYSLER REGARDING AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE PART. TODAY I WAS TOLD THAT I HAD PLAY IN THE RIGHT FRONT BALL BEARING AND THE HUB NEEDED A TOTAL REPLACEMENT. ALONG WITH THAT A STRUT HAD TO BE REPLACED AND AN ALIGNMENT ONCE IT WAS COMPLETED. WHEN I ASKED HOW AXLE BEARING COULD GO BAD WITH THIS LOW A MILEAGE I WAS TOLD THAT THE HUB IS SEALED AND NO WAY TO LUBRICATE AND THAT IT SHOULD NOT HAVE GONE BAD. IN ADDITION, I HAVE A NOISY LEFT LEAF SPRING THAT NEEDS A PART. THE COST FOR THE FRONT HUB IS OVER $600. I RARELY GET OVER 16 MILES PER GALLON EVEN I THE BEST DRIVING CONDITIONS. SINCERELY, CHARLES W. STAUFFER CC: NHTSA NJ DIVISION CONSUMER AFFAIRS FILE

Mileage: 28,000

DAIMLERCHRYSLER MOTOR CORPORATION P.O. BOX 21-8004 AUBURN HILLS, MI 48321-8004 ATTENTION: QUALITY ASSURANCE MY DODGE PRESENTLY HAS 49,200 MILES. IT HAS BEEN SERVICED AT RECOMMENDED AND REQUIRED INTERVALS AT MANAHAWKIN DODGE APPROXIMATELY EVERY 3,000 MILES. EARLY INTO MY OWNERSHIP I HAD INTERMITTENT TROUBLE WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER AND THEY TRIED TO ASSESS THE PROBLEM. THEY DID A RECHARGE OF THE SYSTEM AND CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD AT 28998 MILES THAT THE "PULSING" WHEN MY BRAKES WERE APPLIED WAS DUE TO "HOT SPOTS" ON MY FRONT ROTORS. WHEN I INQUIRED AS TO HOW THIS COULD HAPPEN TO A RELATIVELY NEW TRUCK THAT IS USED AS A PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION VEHICLE I WAS TOLD THEY REALLY "DID NOT KNOW BUT HAVE HAD TO REPLACE OTHERS." IT IS NOTED THAT I NEVER HAD TO REPLACE ROTORS ON MY PREVIOUS NISSANS. THAT ENDED UP COSTING ME $393. I BEGAN HEARING A NOISE IN THE TRANSMISSION AND INTERMITTENT DELAYED SHIFTING INTO GEAR RESULTING IN THE TRANSMISSION BEING SERVICED WHICH INCLUDED CHANGING FILTERS, LUBRICANT, ETC. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT MY UPPER BALL JOINT WAS WORN AND REPLACED ONE SIDE ONLY. THIS I SUBSEQUENTLY LEARNED HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FOR SOME DODGE VEHICLES AND I HAVE SINCE RECEIVED A LETTER FROM DAIMLERCHRYSLER REGARDING AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE PART. TODAY I WAS TOLD THAT I HAD PLAY IN THE RIGHT FRONT BALL BEARING AND THE HUB NEEDED A TOTAL REPLACEMENT. ALONG WITH THAT A STRUT HAD TO BE REPLACED AND AN ALIGNMENT ONCE IT WAS COMPLETED. WHEN I ASKED HOW AXLE BEARING COULD GO BAD WITH THIS LOW A MILEAGE I WAS TOLD THAT THE HUB IS SEALED AND NO WAY TO LUBRICATE AND THAT IT SHOULD NOT HAVE GONE BAD. IN ADDITION, I HAVE A NOISY LEFT LEAF SPRING THAT NEEDS A PART. THE COST FOR THE FRONT HUB IS OVER $600. I RARELY GET OVER 16 MILES PER GALLON EVEN I THE BEST DRIVING CONDITIONS. SINCERELY, CHARLES W. STAUFFER CC: NHTSA NJ DIVISION CONSUMER AFFAIRS FILE

Mileage: 28,000

MECHANIC DETECTED FAILING BALL JOINT, FRONT RIGHT I WAS INFORMED CONDITION COULD FAIL, AND VEHICLE COULD BE DANGEROUS TO DRIVE HAD MECHANIC REPAIR DEFETIVE BALL JOINT. CHRYSLER REFUSED WARENTEE, AS THEIR DEALERSHIP DID NOT REPAIR DEFECT.

Mileage: 40,590

CONSUMER RECEIVED A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL NOTICE D47 FOR UPPER BALL JOINTS .*AK THE DEALER HAD THE PARTS BUT REFUSED TO DO THE WORK STATING THEY COULD ONLY DO 1 OR 2 REPAIRS A DAY AND WERE BOOKED UNTIL END OF JUNE. *BF *NM

WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE UPPER BALL JOINTS FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE FRONT END COLLAPSED, OWNER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO HIS HOME. A RECALL WAS ISSUED, AND CONSUMER STATED HE HAS BEEN WAITING FOR TWO MONTHS FOR REPAIR. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

Mileage: 57,000

REAR LEAF SPRINGS DETERIORATED. CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE LEAF SPRING COULD FALL APART, AND THE REAR END WILL LOSE CONTROL. DEALER STATED THERE WAS NO SOLUTION AT THIS TIME. *AK

Mileage: 12,000

CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 04V596000 CONCERNING UPPER BALL JOINTS. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH SUDDENLY THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL CAME OFF, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STRIKE THE GROUND. VEHICLE SUSTAINED FRONT END DAMAGE. THE POLICE ARRIVED, AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHERE THE CONSUMER MADE CONTACT WITH HIS INSURANCE COMPANY. IT WAS DISCOVERED LATER THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE UPPER BALL JOINTS. CURRENTLY, THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS NOT FILING THE CONSUMER'S CLAIM. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, WHO SENT AN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR TO EXAMINE THE VEHICLE, AND CONSUMER HEARD NOTHING FROM THE MANUFACTURER SINCE THEN. *AK

Mileage: 51,000

RECALL CAMPAIG 04V596000 WAS RECEIVED FOR THE UPPER BALL JOINT WEAR. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR THE REPAIRS, AND DISCOVERED THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE ALSO DEFECTIVE. *AK

Mileage: 39,000

RECALL CAMPAIG 04V596000 WAS RECEIVED FOR THE UPPER BALL JOINT WEAR. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR THE REPAIRS, AND DISCOVERED THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE ALSO DEFECTIVE. *AK

Mileage: 39,000

NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE FOR RECALL D47 CONCERNING BALL JOINTS. *AK AS OF 2/20/05 THE DEALER STILL HAD NO PARTS AND WAS UNABLE TO TELL THE CONSUMER WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. *NM

Mileage: 56,000

NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE FOR RECALL D47 CONCERNING BALL JOINTS. *AK AS OF 2/20/05 THE DEALER STILL HAD NO PARTS AND WAS UNABLE TO TELL THE CONSUMER WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. *NM

Mileage: 56,000

THE RECALL FOR THE UPPER BALL JOINTS HAVE BEEN ISSUED, HOWEVER THE DEALER STATES THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN WAITING SINCE DECEMBER. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

Mileage: 40,000

RE 2002 DODGE DAKOTA TRUCK THAT MAKES A NOISE IN THE FRONT BECAUSE OF DEFECTIVE BALL JOINTS. CONSUMER INQUIRING WHY SHE HAVE NOT REC'D A RECALL LETTER. *BF *NM

RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V596000 CONCERNING BALL JOINT WEAR. OWNER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION FROM THE MANUFACTURER IN JANUARY 4, 2005. OWNER CONTACTED THE DEALER, AND WAS TOLD THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE, AND THERE WAS NO INDICATION AS TO WHEN THE PARTS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE. ALSO, CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, AND THEY TOO WERE UNABLE TO GIVE A DARE AS TO WHEN PARTS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SWAYS FROM SIDE TO SIDE. *TC

Mileage: 17,000

NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V596000; DAIMLER CHRYSLER ISSUED AN UPPER BALL JOINT RECALL. THIS VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, BUT THERE WERE NO AVAILABLE PARTS IN ORDER TO DO RECALL REPAIRS. THIS WAS DANGEROUS BECAUSE THE WHEELS COULD FALL OFF.*AK

NHTSA CAMPAIGN 04V596000; DAIMLER CHRYSLER ISSUED AN FRONT UPPER BALL JOINT RECALL. THIS VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, BUT WHEN TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE, OWNER WAS INFORMED THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINTS NEED TO BE REPLACED AS WELL. OWNER WAS INFORMED THAT THE WHEELS CAN FALL OFF IF NOT REPLACED.

CONSUMER COULD HEAR A CLICKING NOISE WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT BOTH FRONT UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK *JB

Mileage: 42,000

CONSUMER COULD HEAR A CLICKING NOISE WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT BOTH FRONT UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK *JB

Mileage: 42,000

THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THE VEHICLE'S FRONT BALL JOINTS ARE LOOSE. *NM *JB

NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V596000 CONCERNING FRONT BALL JOINTS. THIS VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, BUT THERE WERE NO APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE UNTIL MAY, WHICH COULD BE DANGEROUS BECAUSE THE WHEELS COULD FALL OFF.*AK

VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR THE UPPER BALL JOINT RECALL. DEALER TOLD CONSUMER THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WORE OUT AS WELL, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. MANUFACTURER STATED NO RECALL.*AK RECALL CAMPAIGN; NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 04V596000 DEALING WITH UPPER BALL JOINTS. THE RECALL DID NOT INCLUDE THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WITH THE SAME DEFECT. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 04V216000; DEALING WITH THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR WAS SERVICED AND HAD AT LEAST ONE FAILURE SINCE THE REPAIR. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 03V389000 DEALING WITH THE DASH WIRING HARNESS REPAIRED BY THE DEALER. *TC

Mileage: 43,500

VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR THE UPPER BALL JOINT RECALL. DEALER TOLD CONSUMER THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WORE OUT AS WELL, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. MANUFACTURER STATED NO RECALL.*AK RECALL CAMPAIGN; NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 04V596000 DEALING WITH UPPER BALL JOINTS. THE RECALL DID NOT INCLUDE THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WITH THE SAME DEFECT. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 04V216000; DEALING WITH THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR WAS SERVICED AND HAD AT LEAST ONE FAILURE SINCE THE REPAIR. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 03V389000 DEALING WITH THE DASH WIRING HARNESS REPAIRED BY THE DEALER. *TC

Mileage: 43,500

NHTSA CAMPAIGN 04V596000; DAIMLER CHRYLSER ISSUED AN UPPER BALL JOINT RECALL. THIS VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, BUT THERE WERE NO AVAILABLE APPOINTMENTS UNTIL MAY, WHICH COULD BE DANGEROUS BECAUSE THE WHEELS CAN FALL OFF. *JB. CONSUMER STATED NO AVAILABLE APPOINTMENTS UNTIL MAY WAS RIDICULOUS SINCE THIS WAS A SAFETY ISSUE. *AK

RECALL CAMPAIGN: 2002 DODGE DAKOTA HAVE UPPER BALL JOINTS PROBLEMS. REPLACED UPPER BALL JOINTS. *BF RECALL CAMPAIGN; THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE TO HAVE THE UPPER BALL JOINTS REPLACED. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE TIE ROD REPLACEMENT AND FRONT END ALIGNMENT WOULD NOT BE COVERED. *TC THE CONSUMER HAD THE BALL JOINTS REPLACED PRIOR TO RECEIVING THE RECALL NOTICE. *JB

2002 DODGE DAKOTA RECALL.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR CONSUMER RECEIVE WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR UPPER BALL JOINTS. HOWEVER, CONSUMER WANTS TO KNOW WHY THE 2WDS WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL FOR THE UPPER BALL JOINTS. *TT *NM

NHTSA RECALL 04V596000 ON THE BALL JOINT WEAR. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE NEXT AVAILABLE APPOINTMENT IS ON MAY 26, 2005. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB

THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THAT THE SCOPE OF THE BALL JOINT RECALL SHOULD BE EXPANDED. THE BALL JOINTS ON THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE FAILED YET THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE CONSUMERS 100K MILES LIMITED WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION ALSO FAILED. *BF *NM *SC THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE TRANSMISSION STALLS AND GETS STUCK IN LOW GEAR WHEN THE ENGINE IS COLD. *TC

RECALL CAMPAIGN#04V596000: THE VEHICLE'S BALL JOINTS FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTIFICATION. *NM THE BALL JOINTS HAD WORN OUT. THE CONSUMER REQESTED REIMBURSEMENT. *SC *JB

RECALL CAMPAIGN#04V596000: THE VEHICLE'S BALL JOINTS FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTIFICATION. *NM THE BALL JOINTS HAD WORN OUT. THE CONSUMER REQESTED REIMBURSEMENT. *SC *JB

RECALL 04V596000 CONCERNING BALL JOINT WEAR. CONSUMER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION FROM THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE RECALL ON BALL JOINT WEAR. CONSUMER NOTIFIED THE DEALERSHIP AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT. WHEN THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE NOT AVAILABLE AND THERE IS NO DATE OF EXPECTATION EITHER. *AK......*AK

Mileage: 33,000

RECALL 04V596000 CONCERNING BALL JOINT WEAR. CONSUMER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION FROM THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE RECALL ON BALL JOINT WEAR. CONSUMER NOTIFIED THE DEALERSHIP AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT. WHEN THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE NOT AVAILABLE AND THERE IS NO DATE OF EXPECTATION EITHER. *AK......*AK

Mileage: 33,000

CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT UPPER BALL JOINTS PROBLEM. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES. DEALER INSPECTED IT, GAVE IT A WHEEL ALIGNMENT, AND THEN SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. CURRENTLY, MANUFACTURER IS RECALLING THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE IS A TWO WHEEL DRIVE. *AK

Mileage: 62,000

NHTSA CAMPAIGN 04V596000; DAIMLER CHRYSLER ISSUED AN UPPER BALL JOINT RECALL. THIS VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, BUT THERE WERE NO APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE UNTIL LATE MARCH 2005. *AK

VEHICLE IS 2002 DODGE DAKOTA SPORT PLUS QUAD CAB 4X4, WITH 58,000 MILES ON IT. WHEN I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A BRAKE REPAIR SHOP FOR ROTOR / DRUM RESURFACING, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE BALL JOINTS IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION OF THE VEHICLE HAVE WORN OUT, ARE LOOSE, AND NEED TO BE REPLACED, AT A COST IN EXCESS OF $850. I HAVE NOT REPLACED THE BALL JOINTS YET, BUT WILL HAVE TO SOON. I FEEL THE BALL JOINTS SHOULD HAVE LASTED LONGER THAN 58,000 MILES.*AK

Mileage: 58,000

VEHICLE IS 2002 DODGE DAKOTA SPORT PLUS QUAD CAB 4X4, WITH 58,000 MILES ON IT. WHEN I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A BRAKE REPAIR SHOP FOR ROTOR / DRUM RESURFACING, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE BALL JOINTS IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION OF THE VEHICLE HAVE WORN OUT, ARE LOOSE, AND NEED TO BE REPLACED, AT A COST IN EXCESS OF $850. I HAVE NOT REPLACED THE BALL JOINTS YET, BUT WILL HAVE TO SOON. I FEEL THE BALL JOINTS SHOULD HAVE LASTED LONGER THAN 58,000 MILES.*AK

Mileage: 58,000

RECALL CAMPAIGN: 2002 DODGE DAKOTA HAVE UPPER BALL JOINTS PROBLEMS. *BF RECALL CAMPAIGN: THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL ON HIS VEHICLE DEALING WITH THE UPPER BALL JOINTS. THE DEALER TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE BAD BUT NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED INFORMATION ON WHY ONLY TO REPLACE THE UPPER BALL JOINTS IF THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE STILL BAD AND WHAT RECOURSE HE HAS OTHER THAN CONTACTING CHRYSLER. *TC

RECALL CAMPAIGN: 2002 DODGE DAKOTA HAVE UPPER BALL JOINTS PROBLEMS. *BF RECALL CAMPAIGN: THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL ON HIS VEHICLE DEALING WITH THE UPPER BALL JOINTS. THE DEALER TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE BAD BUT NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED INFORMATION ON WHY ONLY TO REPLACE THE UPPER BALL JOINTS IF THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE STILL BAD AND WHAT RECOURSE HE HAS OTHER THAN CONTACTING CHRYSLER. *TC

UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS REQUIRED REPLACEMENT AFTER 2,000 MILES OF OWNERSHIP. THIS WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALERS ATTENTION. THE DEALER WOULD NOT FIX THE PROBLEM, STATING IT WAS A WEAR ITEM. IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN CAUGHT AND FIXED BEFORE OFFERING THE VEHICLE FOR SALE, BUT THEY CLAIM OTHERWISE. I WAS FORCED TO REPLACE BOTH SETS OF BALL JOINTS ON MY OWN. SINCE THEN, DC HAS RECALLED THE UPPER JOINTS. THE UPPER JOINTS CREATED A SITUATION CAUSING THE LOWER JOINTS TO FAIL ALSO AND SHOULD BE COVERED IN THEIR RECALL. THEY ALSO DO NOT SPECIFY COVERING THE ALIGNMENT NEEDED AFTER JOINTS ARE REPLACED. THE RECALL SHOULD BE REISSUED COVERING UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS ALONG WITH ALIGNMENT TO REMEDY THE SITUATION IN THIS RECALL FAILURE. *JB

Mileage: 37,000

UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS REQUIRED REPLACEMENT AFTER 2,000 MILES OF OWNERSHIP. THIS WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALERS ATTENTION. THE DEALER WOULD NOT FIX THE PROBLEM, STATING IT WAS A WEAR ITEM. IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN CAUGHT AND FIXED BEFORE OFFERING THE VEHICLE FOR SALE, BUT THEY CLAIM OTHERWISE. I WAS FORCED TO REPLACE BOTH SETS OF BALL JOINTS ON MY OWN. SINCE THEN, DC HAS RECALLED THE UPPER JOINTS. THE UPPER JOINTS CREATED A SITUATION CAUSING THE LOWER JOINTS TO FAIL ALSO AND SHOULD BE COVERED IN THEIR RECALL. THEY ALSO DO NOT SPECIFY COVERING THE ALIGNMENT NEEDED AFTER JOINTS ARE REPLACED. THE RECALL SHOULD BE REISSUED COVERING UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS ALONG WITH ALIGNMENT TO REMEDY THE SITUATION IN THIS RECALL FAILURE. *JB

Mileage: 37,000

CONSUMER RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL 04V596000 CONCERNING BALL JOINT WEAR. DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR THE RECALL BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT PURCHASED AT THAT PARTICULAR DEALERSHIP. *AK

CONSUMER RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL 04V596000 CONCERNING BALL JOINT WEAR. DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR THE RECALL BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT PURCHASED AT THAT PARTICULAR DEALERSHIP. *AK

FRONT END OF TRUCK WOULD MAKE NOISE WHEN HITTING BUMPS THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE VIOLENTLY. OTH BALL JOINTS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WERE DEFECTIVE. THE UPPER HAD NEARLY 1/4" OF UP AND DOWN TRAVEL AND THE BOTTOM WAS COMPLETELY BROKEN. IT IS AMAZING THAT THE WHEEL DIDN'T FALL OFF COMPLETELY. REPLACED BOTH PASSENGER SIDE BALL JOINTS. HAD TO PURCHASE THEM FROM AN AFTERMARKET VENDOR DO TO CHRYSLER HAVING THEM ON NATIONAL BACKORDER. THE ONLY PART THAT THEY HAD AVAILABLE WAS A COMPLETE A ARM ASSEMBLY AT A PRICE OF $250 EACH VERSUS THE $50 FOR THE BALL JOINT ITSELF. I FIND IT SOMEWHAT STRANGE THAT 2WD VERSIONS OF THE DAKOTA AND DURANGO ARE NOT BEING COVERED UNDER THE RECENTLY ANNOUNCE RECALL. HAVING MANAGED AUTO PARTS STORES FOR SEVERAL YEARS, ARE CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS AND SALES ARE JUST AS HIGH ON THE 2WD PARTS AS THE 4WD.*AK

Mileage: 73,000

FRONT END OF TRUCK WOULD MAKE NOISE WHEN HITTING BUMPS THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE VIOLENTLY. OTH BALL JOINTS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WERE DEFECTIVE. THE UPPER HAD NEARLY 1/4" OF UP AND DOWN TRAVEL AND THE BOTTOM WAS COMPLETELY BROKEN. IT IS AMAZING THAT THE WHEEL DIDN'T FALL OFF COMPLETELY. REPLACED BOTH PASSENGER SIDE BALL JOINTS. HAD TO PURCHASE THEM FROM AN AFTERMARKET VENDOR DO TO CHRYSLER HAVING THEM ON NATIONAL BACKORDER. THE ONLY PART THAT THEY HAD AVAILABLE WAS A COMPLETE A ARM ASSEMBLY AT A PRICE OF $250 EACH VERSUS THE $50 FOR THE BALL JOINT ITSELF. I FIND IT SOMEWHAT STRANGE THAT 2WD VERSIONS OF THE DAKOTA AND DURANGO ARE NOT BEING COVERED UNDER THE RECENTLY ANNOUNCE RECALL. HAVING MANAGED AUTO PARTS STORES FOR SEVERAL YEARS, ARE CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS AND SALES ARE JUST AS HIGH ON THE 2WD PARTS AS THE 4WD.*AK

Mileage: 73,000

I HAVE A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA 2WD TRUCK. I HAVE JUST BEEN REJECTED A VIRGINIA INSPECTION BECAUSE THE UPPER BALL JOINTS IN MY TRUCK ARE ABOUT TO COME OUT. THE LOCAL DODGE DEALER TOLD ME THAT THE 2WDS ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. IF THE DAKOTAS ARE MADE WITH THE SAME PARTS FOR THE SAME PLACE. ISN'T IT LIKELY THAT ALL THE PARTS ARE FAULTY. NOW I HAVE A TRUCK THAT WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION AND A $400.00 PROBLEM TO FIX ON A TRUCK THAT ONLY HAS 40K MILES.*AK

Mileage: 40,500

I HAVE HEARD NEWS THAT THERE MAY BE A RECALL OF DODGE DAKOTA TRUCKS FOR REASON OF UNSAFE BALL JOINTS. I OWN A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA QUADCAB 4.7L TWO WHEEL DRIVE TRUCK. SINCE I BOUGHT THE TRUCK, I HAVE HEARD A LOUD CLUNK NOISE WHEN I TURN A CORNER OR GO UP A BUMP OR DRIVEWAY. THIS IS NOT A NORMAL NOISE ON CARS OR TRUCKS. FOR A TRUCK THAT CAN HAUL HEAVY WEIGHT, THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. I AM ALWAYS AWARE OF THE NOISE AND KNOW THIS IS UNSAFE. ANYTIME YOU HAVE METAL MAKING RUBBING IN SUCH A MANNER, THERE IS AN OBVIOUS PROBLEM. I DO NOT BELIEVE THESE VEHICLES ARE SAFE WITH PARTS THAT ARE NOT SOUND AND DURABLE FOR THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLES. I ASK THAT THE TWO WHEEL DAKOTA TRUCKS ALSO BE CONSIDERED FOR RECALL FOR MORE DURABLE AND SAFE BALL JOINTS AND SUSPENSION PARTS. I DO A LOT OF HIGHWAY TRAVEL AND WHEN YOU PAY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS, YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE TO FEEL YOUR WHEEL MAY FALL OFF AT ANY TIME. *JB

TOLD BY FOUR PEOPLE AT WORK THAT THEY HAD PROBLEM WITH THERE BALL JOINT AND HAD TO REPLACE THEM ON DODGE DAKOTAS TRUCK, ASK DODGE DEALER THEY SAID THEY GO BAD BECAUSE OF MICHIGAN ROADS, I ASK HIM WHAT ABOUT THE OTHER 49 STATES. *JB

SIR, I READ ABOUT DODGE DAKOTA HAS UPPER JOINT PLM. GATES(CHRYSLER) SAYS, THEY CAN HEAR NOISE FROM JOINT BUT U FORGET ABOUT DEAF PEOPLE HAVE OWN TOO. I AM DEAF AND MY TRUCK IS 2002 4X4 DODGE DAKOTA. THEY SHOULD CONCERNS ABOUT DEAF PEOPLE TOO. PLEASE INFORM ME SOON BEFORE HAPPENS ANYTIME!!! THANKS. *AK

1. PREPARING TO DRIVE FROM CALIFORNIA TO NORTH CAROLINA IB 2002 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB 2WD. HAVING TIRES REPLACED AND FRONT END ALIGNMENT. FRONT END BALL JOINT AND ASSY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO EXTREME WEAR. MECHANIC STATED I WAS LUCKY THE WHEELS DIDN'T FALL OFF. HAD FRONT END BALL ASSY REPLACED.*AK

Mileage: 74,000

1. PREPARING TO DRIVE FROM CALIFORNIA TO NORTH CAROLINA IB 2002 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB 2WD. HAVING TIRES REPLACED AND FRONT END ALIGNMENT. FRONT END BALL JOINT AND ASSY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO EXTREME WEAR. MECHANIC STATED I WAS LUCKY THE WHEELS DIDN'T FALL OFF. HAD FRONT END BALL ASSY REPLACED.*AK

Mileage: 74,000

1. PREPARING TO DRIVE FROM CALIFORNIA TO NORTH CAROLINA IB 2002 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB 2WD. HAVING TIRES REPLACED AND FRONT END ALIGNMENT. FRONT END BALL JOINT AND ASSY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO EXTREME WEAR. MECHANIC STATED I WAS LUCKY THE WHEELS DIDN'T FALL OFF. HAD FRONT END BALL ASSY REPLACED.*AK

Mileage: 74,000

1. PREPARING TO DRIVE FROM CALIFORNIA TO NORTH CAROLINA IB 2002 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB 2WD. HAVING TIRES REPLACED AND FRONT END ALIGNMENT. FRONT END BALL JOINT AND ASSY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO EXTREME WEAR. MECHANIC STATED I WAS LUCKY THE WHEELS DIDN'T FALL OFF. HAD FRONT END BALL ASSY REPLACED.*AK

Mileage: 74,000

1. PREPARING TO DRIVE FROM CALIFORNIA TO NORTH CAROLINA IB 2002 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB 2WD. HAVING TIRES REPLACED AND FRONT END ALIGNMENT. FRONT END BALL JOINT AND ASSY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO EXTREME WEAR. MECHANIC STATED I WAS LUCKY THE WHEELS DIDN'T FALL OFF. HAD FRONT END BALL ASSY REPLACED.*AK

Mileage: 74,000

1. PREPARING TO DRIVE FROM CALIFORNIA TO NORTH CAROLINA IB 2002 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB 2WD. HAVING TIRES REPLACED AND FRONT END ALIGNMENT. FRONT END BALL JOINT AND ASSY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO EXTREME WEAR. MECHANIC STATED I WAS LUCKY THE WHEELS DIDN'T FALL OFF. HAD FRONT END BALL ASSY REPLACED.*AK

Mileage: 74,000

THERE IS A CLICKING NOISE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS MAKING TURNS, CAUSING THE SUSPENSION TO BECOME LOOSE AND MAINTAIN PROPER CONTROL. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR FRONT BALL JOINT REPAIRS FOR THE FOURTH TIME.*AK

1. AFTER DRIVING VEHICLE SEVERAL MILES, AUDIBLE "GROAN" COMES FROM FRONT SUSPENSION OF VEHICLE DURING TURNS. NO PROBLEM WITH STEERING, NO EXCESSIVE PLAY, BUT MAKES THAT MOANING SOUND. SUSPECT BALL JOINTS. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM.*AK 2. AT 46,000 (APPROX) HAD TO REPLACE 1 ROTOR, 1 DRUM ON BRAKES FOR EXCESSIVE VIBRATION DURING STOPS. PROBLEM CLEARED FOR ABOUT 18,000 MILES, NOW DOING SAME THING AGAIN. SUSPECT DODGE'S SUPPLIER OF ROTOR AND DRUMS IS NOT VERY GOOD.

Mileage: 47,000

THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE CAME OFF WHILE DRIVING AT 75 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. VEHICLE WENT INTO THE MEDIAN AND STOPPED. VEHICLE WAS TOWED. IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT BALL JOINTS WERE DEFECTIVE, AND CAUGHT ON FIRE.*AK

Mileage: 54,000

I BROUGHT MY DODGE TRUCK (2002) REG. CAB (NO 4X4) TO THE DEALER BACK IN 01/30/2003 I HAD 6470 MILES ON IT. I COMPLAINED ABOUT A THUMPING NOISE IN THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE WHEN I GO OVER A BUMP. PRYER TO THIS WHEN I WAS GETTING AN INSPECTION A WEEK EARLIER THEY TOLD ME MY BALL JOINT WAS BAD. WHEN THE DEALER TOOK IT IN THEY SAID THAT THE BALL JOINT PLAY WAS WITHIN SPECIFICATION AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG. TO THIS DAY I STILL HAVE THE SAME THUMPING NOISE IN THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE/BALL JOINT. I AM VERY WORRIED THAT THIS IS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM ALL ALONG AND HAS BEEN COVERED UP. WHAT SHOULD I DO NOW. *AK

Mileage: 6,470

HAD TO HAVE THE BALLJOINTS REPLACED AT LESS THAN 50'000 MILES.*AK

Mileage: 52,000

HAD TO HAVE THE BALLJOINTS REPLACED AT LESS THAN 50'000 MILES.*AK

Mileage: 52,000

THERE HAS BEEN NO FAILURE OF MY FRONT END YET, HOWEVER I HAVE NOTICED A RATTLE IN THE FRONT. I HAVE NOT NOTIFIED MY DEALER YET. I DONT BELIEVE THE BALL JOINTS ARE UNDER WARRANTY. JUST WANTED TO EXPRESS MY CONCERN.*AK

THERE HAS BEEN NO FAILURE OF MY FRONT END YET, HOWEVER I HAVE NOTICED A RATTLE IN THE FRONT. I HAVE NOT NOTIFIED MY DEALER YET. I DONT BELIEVE THE BALL JOINTS ARE UNDER WARRANTY. JUST WANTED TO EXPRESS MY CONCERN.*AK

I NOTICED LOUD CRACKING-POPPING NOISES COMING FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION WHEN TURNING OR TRAVELING OVER ROUGH PAVEMENT. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE. I TOLD THEM ABOUT THE NOISES FROM THE SUSPENSION. THEY CHECKED THE VEHICLE AND SAID THAT I WAS IN DANGER OF LOSING A WHEEL IF I HIT A POT HOLE. THEY WANTED OVER $1000.00 TO REPLACE THE UPPER BALL JOINTS. I DECLINED. I REPLACED THE UPPER BALL JOINTS MYSELF. I KNOW I WAS OVER THE 36000 MI. WARRANTY. I THOUGHT IT WAS AN EXCESSIVE AMMOUNT OF MONEY TO REPLACE 2 BALL JOINTS THAT COST $50.00 EACH. I DID NOT KEEP THE OLD PARTS. ONE OF THE BALL JOINTS FELL APART AS I WAS REMOVING IT.*AK

Mileage: 75,000

THE TIRE RETAIL STORE WAS UNABLE TO PERFORM A FRONT END ALIGNMENT AFTER REPLACING THE FRONT TIRES BECAUSE 3 OF THE BALL JOINTS WERE DEFECTIVE, AND THE FOURTH WORE OUT. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE HAS NO LIFT AND NO OVERSIZED TIRES. THE DEFECTIVE TIRES HAVE 20 TO 25% OF THE TREAD STILL ON THEM SHOWING INDICATION OF FAULTY BALL JOINTS. *TC

Mileage: 54,000

THE TIRE RETAIL STORE WAS UNABLE TO PERFORM A FRONT END ALIGNMENT AFTER REPLACING THE FRONT TIRES BECAUSE 3 OF THE BALL JOINTS WERE DEFECTIVE, AND THE FOURTH WORE OUT. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE HAS NO LIFT AND NO OVERSIZED TIRES. THE DEFECTIVE TIRES HAVE 20 TO 25% OF THE TREAD STILL ON THEM SHOWING INDICATION OF FAULTY BALL JOINTS. *TC

Mileage: 54,000

I PURCHASED MY 2002 DODGE DAKOTA QUADCAB 4X4 NEW FROM THE DEALER. AND AT ABOUT 40,000 MILES I NOTICE SUSPENSION NOISE FROM THE FRONT. IT WAS INTERMITTENT AT FIRST THEN AS I APPROACHED 50,000 MILES THE NOISE BECAME A METALLIC CHATTER AT ALL TIMES. I HAD THE PARTS REPLACED BY A LOCAL SHOP AFTER THE DEALER FAILED TO HONOR MY APPOINTMENT TIMES. THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE OUT AND THAT THEY HAD TO BE REPLACED. HE ALSO COMMENTED THAT HE HAS NEVER SEEN A BALL JOINT WEAR OUT IN JUST 50,000 MILES. HE GAVE ME THE OLD PARTS SHOWED THE PLAY IN THE JOINT AND THE ABSENCE OF GREASE IN THE BOOT. HE CLAIMED THAT THE DESIGN MUST BE DEFECTIVE TO WEAR OUT THAT EARLY AND COMPLETELY. I USE THE CAR FOR WORK AND LOSE MONEY WHEN IT IS NOT OPERATIVE. MY MAIN CONCERN WAS SAFETY AND RELIABILITY SINCE I AM REQUIRED TO WORK IN ALL WEATHER CONDITIONS WITH MY CONTRACT TO THE LOCAL UTILITY, PG&E. NOW I AM AT 65,000 MILES AND THEY ARE GIONG OUT AGAIN. IT IS UNDER WARRANTY WITH THE LOCAL SHOP BUT IS IT FAIR FOR THIS BUSINESS TO DEAL WITH A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM? THE DATE OF REPAIR WAS 8/23/04 BUT THE PROBLEM WAS FIRST NOTICED 4/5/04 AND WORSENED TO I FELT I COULDN'T SAFELY DRIVE THE VEHICLE ANYMORE. NOW THE EARLY SIGNS ARE STARTING AGAIN 10,000 MILES AFTER REPAIR. *AK

Mileage: 55,707

I OWN A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA AND HAD TO HAVE THE BALL JOINTS REPLACED AT 24,000 MILES AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I FOUND THAT THIS IS COMMON. MY HOPE IS THAT YOU WOULD INVESTIGATE THIS AND FORCE CHRYSLER TO DO A RE-CALL AND FIX THE PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT OR KILLED. *AK

Mileage: 24,000

I OWN A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA AND HAD TO HAVE THE BALL JOINTS REPLACED AT 24,000 MILES AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I FOUND THAT THIS IS COMMON. MY HOPE IS THAT YOU WOULD INVESTIGATE THIS AND FORCE CHRYSLER TO DO A RE-CALL AND FIX THE PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT OR KILLED. *AK

Mileage: 24,000

WHILE ATTEMPTING TO GET THE FRONT END ALIGNED ON MY 2002 DODGE DAKOTA IT WAS DISCOVERED THE UPPER BALL JOINTS HAVE FAILED AND SEPARATED. THE VEHICLE HAD LESS THAN 30,000 MILES. THE MECHANICE STATES IT IS A DEFECT OF THE PARTS. *AK

Mileage: 30,000

THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL BEARINGS FAILED. *NM DRIVERS SIDE HEATED UP SO MUCH THAT IT BLEW THE TIRE AND THE RIM OFF THE HUB WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. DUE TO THE DAMAGE THE WHEEL BEARING HUB, ROTOR, BRAKE AND TIRE HAD TO BE REPLACED. ONE WEEK LATER THE PASSENGERS SIDE FAILED. *TC *JB

PREMATURE BALL JOINT FAILURE IN 2002 DODGE DAKOTA 4X4. BALL JOINTS WHERE MAKING CLUNKING SOUND AND WERE BAD AT 35000 BUT DEALER REFUSED TO FIX. NOW WHEN I RETURNED AT 79000 AND THEY ARE REALLY REALLY BAD AND UNSAFE THEY ADMIT THAT THEY ARE BAD AND THAT THEY KNOW DODGE HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE BALL JOINTS BUT STILL REFUSED TO FIX UNDER WARRANTY.*AK

Mileage: 35,000

PREMATURE BALL JOINT FAILURE IN 2002 DODGE DAKOTA 4X4. BALL JOINTS WHERE MAKING CLUNKING SOUND AND WERE BAD AT 35000 BUT DEALER REFUSED TO FIX. NOW WHEN I RETURNED AT 79000 AND THEY ARE REALLY REALLY BAD AND UNSAFE THEY ADMIT THAT THEY ARE BAD AND THAT THEY KNOW DODGE HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE BALL JOINTS BUT STILL REFUSED TO FIX UNDER WARRANTY.*AK

Mileage: 35,000

FRONT END VIBRATION AND CREEKING. DEALER STATES BOTH UPPER FRONT BALL JOINTS WORN AND NEED REPLACING. OLD PARTS AVAILABLE.*AK

Mileage: 46,800

BOUGHT 2002 DODGE DAKOTA CLUB CAB SLT+ IN JUNE OF 2002. WITHIN 6,000 MILES, BEGAN TO HEAR AN OCCASIONAL 'SCRUNCH' SOUND WHEN TURNING SHARP (LIKE INTO PARKING SPACES) - MORE PRONOUNCED WHEN HITTING A BUMP WHILE TURNING SHARP (ON MY STREET, THERE'S A SLIGHT - LESS THAN 2 INCH - DROPOFF FROM THE ROAD TO MY DRIVEWAY). GRADUALLY GOT MORE AND MORE NOTICEABLE, AND TOOK LESS AND LESS TO CAUSE THE SOUND, UNTIL I TOOK IT IN AT ABOUT 24,000 MILES. BOTH SIDES, BOTH BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED. TRUCK DROVE GREAT FOR A WHILE, THEN AT ABOUT 30,000 OR SO, STARTED ALL OVER AGAIN. SAME THING. TRUCK NOW HAS 48,000 MILES, AND IS IN THE SHOP AGAIN FOR THE SAME SERVICE.*AK

Mileage: 48,800

DODGE DAKOTA HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS AT LOW MILES, NOTICE SCRUNCH SOUND IN FRONT SUSPENSION WHENEVER CONSUMER PULLED INTO THE DRIVEWAY. *BF *TC

Mileage: 24,000

THIS IS IN REGARDS TO MY 2002 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB 4X4. I BEGAN NOTICING POPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE WHEEL AT APPROXIMATELY 20,000 MILES. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALER WHO CLAIMED NOTHING WAS WRONG. 6,000 MILES LATER IT WAS GETTING WORSE SO I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER. SURE ENOUGH I HAD A BAD UPPER BALL JOINT, WHICH THEY REPLACED UNDER WARRENTY. I NOW HAVE 40,000 MILES ON THIS TRUCK AND THE RIGHT SIDE IS MAKING THE POPPING NOISE. I WISH DODGE WOULD MAKE A RECALL A FIX THE PROBLEM FOR GOOD. I FEEL THAT IF I WAS NOT DILLEGENT IN MY PURSUIT TO HAVE MY TRUCK REPAIRED, THAT I WOULD HAVE BEEN ONE OF THE MANY OTHERS WHO HAVE HAD THERE FRONT WHEEL FALL OFF WHILE DRIVING THEIR DAKOTA OR DURANGO.*AK

Mileage: 34,000

MY 2002 DODGE DAKOTA'S UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS FAILED AT AROUND 48,000 MILES OF REGULAR HIGHWAY DRIVING, AND NOW AT 58,000 IT FEELS AS IF THEY ARE GOING AGAIN. THEY WERE REPLACED WITH DODGE PARTS, AND CHRYSLER TOLD ME THAT THEY ARE NOT RECALLING IT. AFTER ALL THE NEWS I'VE SEEN ON DAKOTA/DURANGO BALL JOINT PROBLEMS, I FIGURED I'D FILE A COMPLAINT WITH YOU GUYS, I'M JUST FED UP I GUESS.THANK YOU . *AK

MY 2002 DODGE DAKOTA'S UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS FAILED AT AROUND 48,000 MILES OF REGULAR HIGHWAY DRIVING, AND NOW AT 58,000 IT FEELS AS IF THEY ARE GOING AGAIN. THEY WERE REPLACED WITH DODGE PARTS, AND CHRYSLER TOLD ME THAT THEY ARE NOT RECALLING IT. AFTER ALL THE NEWS I'VE SEEN ON DAKOTA/DURANGO BALL JOINT PROBLEMS, I FIGURED I'D FILE A COMPLAINT WITH YOU GUYS, I'M JUST FED UP I GUESS.THANK YOU . *AK

DUE TO THE WORN FRONT UPPER BALL JOINTS, THE CONSUMER WOULD HEAR A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN DRIVING. THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. *NM

Mileage: 33,824

THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS CONTINUED TO WEAR PREMATURELY. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMTION. *JB

Mileage: 43,800

THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS CONTINUED TO WEAR PREMATURELY. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMTION. *JB

Mileage: 43,800

REPORTED A POPPING SOUND ON THE RIGHT FRONT OF VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP APPRO. ONE YEAR AGO, INFORMED NOTHING WAS WRONG. UPON A PERSONAL INSPECTION DURING A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE I NOTED THAT THE RIGHT UPPER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT HAD PREMATURELY FAILED. *AK(CURRENT VECHICLE MILEAGE 16,000) PURCHASED REPLACEMENT CONTROL ARM AND INSTALLED PER MANUFACTUERS INSTRUCTIONS. I HAVE SAVED THE OLD PART. MY CONCERN IN THIS MATTER IS, IF THESE SAME PARTS ARE USED ON BOTH DODGE DAKOTAS AND DODGE DURANGOS AND THIS PART IS PRONE TO PREMATURE FAILURE, WHAT WILL BE THE END RESULT?

Mileage: 16,134

UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINT FAILURE, BOTH SIDES. REPLACEMENT ESTIMATED AT $1100.00.*AK

Mileage: 39,582

UPPER BALL JOINTS OF A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB 4X4 NEEDING REPLACED WITH ONLY 15,153 MILES ON TRUCK. *NM

UPPER CONTROL ARM. *NM

Mileage: 42,000

NOISE IN FRONT END PICKUP MOVES SIDE TO SIDE. *AK

Mileage: 33,824

WORN BALL JOINTS AND RELATED SUSPENSION NOISE. *AK

Mileage: 41,000

WORN BALL JOINTS AND RELATED SUSPENSION NOISE. *AK

Mileage: 41,000

WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH HEARD NOISES COMING FROM THE FRONT. HAD NO DIFFICULTY WITH THE DRIVING. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE RIGHT SIDE LOWER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. DID NOT NEED TO REPLACE BALL JOINTS ON THE LEFT. HAD PREVIOUSLY FILED COMPLAINT #12187283. *AK *NM

Mileage: 18,000

2002 DODGE DAKOTA PICKUP TRUCK EXHIBITS PREMATURE WEAR ON UPPER BALL JOINTS RESULTING IN LOUD POPPING NOISE DURING TURNS AND FRONT IN RATTLE ON UNEVEN PAVEMENT.*AK

Mileage: 56,298

UPON TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL, I WOULD HEAR "POPPING" COMING FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION. BROUGHT IT IN FOR INSPECTION. MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS BAD BALL JOINTS. REPLACED BOTH UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS (LEFT AND RIGHT). THE CONDITION OF THE UPPER BALL JOINTS INDICATED THAT THEY WERE READY TO POP OUT OF THE SOCKET.

UPON TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL, I WOULD HEAR "POPPING" COMING FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION. BROUGHT IT IN FOR INSPECTION. MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS BAD BALL JOINTS. REPLACED BOTH UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS (LEFT AND RIGHT). THE CONDITION OF THE UPPER BALL JOINTS INDICATED THAT THEY WERE READY TO POP OUT OF THE SOCKET.

PREMATURE FAILURE ON LEFT UPPER BALL JOINT FOR 2002 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB 4X4, 36,990 MILES. POPPING SOUNDS COMING FROM FRONT LEFT, SO I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER FOR EVALUATION. I WAS CHARGED FOR THE BALL JOINT CHECK AND DEDUCTABLE ON EXTENDED WARRANTY.*AK

Mileage: 36,990

I HAVE HAD CLUNKING AND SQUEAKING NOISES COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF MY 2002 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB SINCE ABOUT 18,000 MILES. I HAVE MENTIONED IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAY THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT IT IS. AFTER VIEWING THE INTERNET I HAVE REALIZED THAT THERE IS MANY PROBLEMS WITH THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS. I WILL SOON BE RETURING TO THE DEALER WITH THE INFO TO TRY TO GET IT FIXED. *AK

Mileage: 18,000

I HAVE HAD CLUNKING AND SQUEAKING NOISES COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF MY 2002 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB SINCE ABOUT 18,000 MILES. I HAVE MENTIONED IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAY THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT IT IS. AFTER VIEWING THE INTERNET I HAVE REALIZED THAT THERE IS MANY PROBLEMS WITH THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS. I WILL SOON BE RETURING TO THE DEALER WITH THE INFO TO TRY TO GET IT FIXED. *AK

Mileage: 18,000

I HAVE A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB--WITH 49000 ON IT AND IT NEEDS LOWER BALL JOINTS! IS THERE ANY TYPE OF RECALL OR COURSE OF ACTION I CAN TAKE ? THESE BALL-JOINTS SHOULD NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED AT 49000. *JB

BROUGHT 2002 DAKOTA TO DEALER CAUSE OF POPPING NOISES COMING FROM FRONT END ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING. DEALER SAID NO PROBLEM FOUND. TRUCK STILL MAKES NOISES. HEARD THAT THERE MAY BE A PROBLEM WITH BALL JOINTS. *JB

Mileage: 25,000

SAW ON A MESSAGE BOARD THAT THERE IS AN ONGOING INVESTIGATION RE: DODGE DAKOTA BALL JOINTS. I HAVE A 2002 DAKOTA. AT AROUND 10,000 MILES, I STARTED HEARING A NOISE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION. IT WAS VERY INTERMITTENT, SO I DIDN'T PAY ANY ATTENTION. BUT IT GOT MORE AND MORE FREQUENT UNTIL AROUND 20,000 MILES, WHEN I FINALLY HAD IT FIXED. THE DEALER (ANDERSON DODGE IN ROCKFORD, IL) REPLACED BOTH OF THE FRONT BALL JOINTS. NOW, AT 45,000 MILES, IT'S STARTING TO MAKE SOME OF THE SAME SOUNDS - POSSIBLY FAILING AGAIN. *AK

THE UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE WORN OUT AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. WHEN VEHICLE WENT OVER A PUMP IN THE ROAD THERE WAS A CLUCKING OR KNOCKING NOISE FROM THE FRONT END. THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE TRUCKS. *AK

Mileage: 18,000

AFTER APPROXIMATELY 1 YEAR AND ABOUT 15,000 MILES I TOOK MY 2002 DODGE DAKOTA SLT QUAD CAB 4.7L V8 4X2 IN TO THE DEALER FOR A "CLUNKING" NOISE IN THE STEERING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE WORN AND REPLACED THE PARTS UNDER WARRANTY. ON 4 JULY 2004, AFTER HAVING THE TRUCK FOR ABOUT 2 YEARS AND 32,000 MILES, WHILE GOING OVER A SPEED BUMP AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES PER HOUR, A LOUND CRASH WAS HEARD FOLLOWED BY A GRIDING NOISE. IT TURNS OUT THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE JUST SNAPPED AND THE STEERING ARM SLAMMED IN TO THE RIM OF THE WHEEL SCRAPING THE EDGE OF IT BARELY MISSING THE TIRE BY 1-1.5 INCHES. THE VEHICLE IS NOW HAVING THAT SAME "CLUNKING" NOISE WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS AND IT CAN BE FELT IN THE STEERING.*AK

Mileage: 33,000

VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A ROUTINE INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT BOTH UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO WORN OUT PARTS. *AK

VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A ROUTINE INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT BOTH UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO WORN OUT PARTS. *AK

I HAD LOSS OF CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE THIS MORNING WHICH I BELIEVE IS A DIRECT RESULT OF MY STEERING/BALL JOINT / RACK AND PINION FAILURE. IT'S AT THE DEALER NOW BEING LOOKED OVER THOROUGHLY. THE DEALER JUST REPLACED THE INTERMITTENT STEERING SHAFT LAST WEEK.*AK

Mileage: 25,680

I HAD LOSS OF CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE THIS MORNING WHICH I BELIEVE IS A DIRECT RESULT OF MY STEERING/BALL JOINT / RACK AND PINION FAILURE. IT'S AT THE DEALER NOW BEING LOOKED OVER THOROUGHLY. THE DEALER JUST REPLACED THE INTERMITTENT STEERING SHAFT LAST WEEK.*AK

Mileage: 25,680

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WHEN BRAKE WERE DEPRESSED PEDAL PULSATED. VEHICLE WAS SERVICED, AND TECHNICIAN TURNED THE ROTORS AT 34, 000 MILES. *AK VEHICLE HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE BALL JOINT IN THE PAST, WHICH CONCERNED THE CONSUMER. *LA

Mileage: 34,000

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WHEN BRAKE WERE DEPRESSED PEDAL PULSATED. VEHICLE WAS SERVICED, AND TECHNICIAN TURNED THE ROTORS AT 34, 000 MILES. *AK VEHICLE HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE BALL JOINT IN THE PAST, WHICH CONCERNED THE CONSUMER. *LA

Mileage: 34,000

BALL JOINTS AND U-JOINTS ARE IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT AFTER ONLY 26 MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP AND 60,000 MILES PUT ON THE TRUCK. *AK

Mileage: 60,325

BALL JOINTS AND U-JOINTS ARE IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT AFTER ONLY 26 MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP AND 60,000 MILES PUT ON THE TRUCK. *AK

Mileage: 60,325

WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE AND ROTOR SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER FOUR TIMES. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED BROKEN RIBS. *AK SC

Mileage: 15,000

WHILE DRIVING/TURNING OR BRAKING FRONT UPPER BALL JOINTS MADE A POPPING NOISE. UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE BY THE DEALERSHIP, THEY NOTICED THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE DEFECTIVE, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED.*AK ADDITIONALLY THE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND AUGUST 2003, THE DEALER REPLACED THE STEERING GEAR BOX. *NM

Mileage: 43,000

UPPER BALL JOINTS ARE FAILING. *NM

Mileage: 46,000

DODGE DAKOTA 02 WITH JUST 50000 MILES HAS NOISE IN FRONT END, THUD IN FRONT END ON BUMPS AND TURNS, CAMBER SEEMS TO CHANGE AT TIMES WHEN VEIWED WHILE PARKED, CALLED DODGE AT 1-800-992-1997, GOT A RUNAROUND FROM CUSTOMER SERVICE, IF I TAKE TRUCK TO DODGE AND PAY FOR A DIOGNOSTIC ON BALL JOINTS THEY MAY HELP WITH REPAIRS. THIS HAS TO BE EXTREMLY POOR QUALITY PARTS FOR THIS MANY VEHILCLES TO HAVE PROPLEMS.*AK

Mileage: 50,500

PROBLEMS WITH FRONT SUSPENSION AND BRAKES ON 2002 DODGE DAKOTA. *MR THE FRONT SUSPENSION SQUEAKED AND WAS UNABLE TO BE DUPLICATED, THE BRAKES WERE NOISY UPON APPLICATION AND WAS ALSO UNABLE TO BE DUPLICATED, NOISE WOULD COME FROM THE SHOCK ABSORBER WHEN STOPPING AND WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS, NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE LEFT FRONT UPPER BALL JOINTS ON LEFT TURNS AND WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS, THE LEFT CALIPER MADE A STICKING SOUND AND THE WHEEL BEARING WAS REPLACED, THE DRIVE BELT MADE SOUNDS, AND THE BRAKES PULSATED. *SC *JB

THE DEALER'S TECHNICIAN NOTICED THAT THE RIGHT UPPER BALL JOINT HAD EXCESSIVE PLAY. *NM *NM

Mileage: 40,020

UPON INSPECTION OF ROAD WANDER COMPLAINT, VEHICLE WAS FOUND TO HAVE A BAD UPPER BALL JOINT, AND EXCESSIVE WEAR ON ALL OTHER BALL JOINTS FOR MILEAGE NOTED.*AK

Mileage: 37,550

2002 DODGE DAKOTA HAS FRONT END NOISE PROBLEMS.*MR THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE NOISE WAS A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER EVENTUALLY REPLACED THE FRONT END BUT THE NOISE WAS STILL PRESENT. *NM

WHEN DRIVING AND MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN THERE IS A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. *AK

Mileage: 10,000

DODGE DAKOTA 4X4 2002 /HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING FRONT END PROBLEMS WITH TRUCK SINCE PURCHASE. BROUGHT IN NUMEROUS TIMES TO DEALER FOR BRAKE ISSUES[FRONT ROTORS,PADS,REAR DRUMS AND DISCS].TOLD MULTIPLE TIMES THERE IS NO PROBLEM, ITS THE WAY YOU DRIVE. TRUCK HAS NEVER BEEN ABUSED,VERY WELL CARED FOR. AFTER THE 5TH TIME TO DEALER FINNALLY TOLD THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINTS NEED REPLACMENT.THIS WAS AFTER ONE FULL YEAR OF DENIAL.NOTIFIED DEALER OF NOISE AT THE STEERING WHEEL,TOLD THEY COULD NOT VRIFY THE COMPLAINT WOULD PROBABLY GO AWAY AFTER REPLACING UPPER BALL JOINTS.ONE WEEK LATER AFTER REPLACMENT OF UPPER BALL JOINTS ,SAME NOISE REOCCURED [LOUD CLUNKING SOUND AT FRONT END]TOOK BACK TO DEALER ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT THE BOTTOM BALL JOINTS NEED REPLACMENT,NO MENTION ONE WEEK PRIOR ABOUT WEAR ON LOWER AREA.DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE NOISE NOTED COMING FROM STERING WHEEL FROM PREVIOUS COMPLAINTS WAS NOW THOUGHT TO BE AN INTERMIEDIATE SHAFT IN THE STEERING COLUMN,THIS SAME NOISE THAT ONE WEEK EARLIER COULD NOT BE IDENTIFIED.AT 30,000 MILES MY ENTIRE DIFFERENTIAL GEAR ASSEMBBLY NEEDED REPLACMENT.I HAVE BEEN CHARGED MULTIPLE WARRANTY DEDUCTIBLES ON WHAT SEEMS TO ME TO BE, THE SAME PROBLEM AND POSSIBLY A CANIDATE FOR LEMON STATUS.AT WHAT POINT WILL THE CONSUMERS RIGHT'S BE PROTECTED.I AM JOINING A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IN REGARDS TO CHRYSLER/DAIMLER AND SUGGEST TO EVERYONE WHO READS THIS TO DO THE SAME.CHECK OUT WWW.DODGETALK.COM FOR INFO AND LINKS.ALSO I RECCOMEND TO ANYONE WHO HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH THEIR DAELER IN TERMS OF DENIALS/NON REPAIRS/FAULTY WORKMANSHIP/OR ANY RELATED COSTS OUT OF POCKET TO FILE FORMAL COMPLAINTS AND CONTACT A LOCAL LEMON LAW ATTORNEY IN RELATION TO THEIR ACTIONS AND LACK OF PROPER BUSINESS ETHICS.ONLY UNTIL WE MAKE CHANGE HAPPEN CAN WE ACCTUALLY ACHIEVE IT.GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE WHO READS THIS.*AK

CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE IN THE FRONT END WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, WHEN MAKING RIGHT TURNS AND WHEN DOWN HILL. UPON INSPECTION OF THE FRONT END BY A MECHANIC IT WAS DETERMINED THAT FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE AND FRONT UPPER BALL JOINT WERE LOOSE. VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP WHO INDICATED THAT THE BALL JOINTS WERE NOT LOOSE ENOUGH TO BE REPLACED.*AK *NM

Mileage: 21,000

WHILE DRIVING, NOTICED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AND THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE WAS INCORRECT. NOTIFIED DEALER OF THIS ISSUE AND ALSO AN ISSUE WITH GRINDING NOISE WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT. THE DEALER HAS REPLACED THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS ON THE FRONT AND EVEN ADMITTED THAT THEY HAVE SEEN A HIGH FAILURE RATE FOR THIS. ALSO THEY REPLACED THE VACUUM TUBE HARNESS UNDER THE GAS TANK. THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE SENSOR WAS LOOSE AND WAS CORRECTED. *JB

Mileage: 35,305

WHILE DRIVING, NOTICED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AND THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE WAS INCORRECT. NOTIFIED DEALER OF THIS ISSUE AND ALSO AN ISSUE WITH GRINDING NOISE WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT. THE DEALER HAS REPLACED THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS ON THE FRONT AND EVEN ADMITTED THAT THEY HAVE SEEN A HIGH FAILURE RATE FOR THIS. ALSO THEY REPLACED THE VACUUM TUBE HARNESS UNDER THE GAS TANK. THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE SENSOR WAS LOOSE AND WAS CORRECTED. *JB

Mileage: 35,305

MY HUSBAND AND I OWN A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA. WE PURCHASED IT IN MARCH 2002 AND MOVED TO PUERTO RICO IN SEPTEMBER 2002, WHERE WE TOOK OUR DAKOTA TO AN AUTHORIZED DODGE DEALERSHIP WHEN PROBLEMS AROSE. IN APRIL 2003, WE BEGAN TO HEAR UNUSUAL NOISES COMING FROM THE FRONT LEFT TIRE AREA. THE SERVICE TECHS REPORTED PREMATURE WEARING OF THE BALL JOINT AND REPLACED IT, PLUS THE UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS, AS WELL AS THE SWAY ARM AND ALL RELATED BUSHINGS (THEY SHOWED PREMATURE WEAR, TOO). THE FOLLOWING JANUARY (1/23/04), LESS THAN 12 MONTHS LATER, WE BEGAN TO HEAR SIMILAR NOISES FROM THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE AREA. THE SERVICE TECHS AT THE SAME DEALERSHIP AS BEFORE REPLACED THE SAME ITEMS FOR THE SAME REASONS THAT AFFECTED THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE. ALL NEW PARTS, CORRECT? WE THOUGHT SO, BUT AS MY HUSBAND WAS MAKING A U-TURN ONE SUNDAY AFTERNOON IN EARLY APRIL 2004, THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE DISCONNECTED FROM THE VEHICLE (DUE TO DEFECTIVE PARTS--THE VERY ONES THAT THEY REPLACED IN JANUARY 2004. WE VIDEO-TAPED THE DAMAGES TO OUR VEHICLE (BALL JOINT, CV JOINT, CONTROL ARMS, TIRE, RIM, BRAKE LINES, FRONT BUMPER AND FOG LIGHT) AND HAD THE TRUCK TOWED BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WITH WHOM WE PREVIOUSLY DEALT. THE DEALER EVENTUALLY AGREED THAT THE PARTS WERE INDEED DEFECTIVE AND THE CAUSE OF OUR ACCIDENT. THEY REPLACED ALL DAMAGED PARTS. NOW THAT WE HAVE 37000 MILES ON THE TRUCK, RELATIVELY LOW FOR THAT YEAR MODEL, WE ARE CONCERNED THAT THIS PROBLEM WILL OCCUR AGAIN WHEN WE ARE NOT DRIVING AT SUCH A LOW SPEED. *AK

Mileage: 36,800

WHILE BRAKING THE CONSUMER HEARD A POPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT BALL JOINTS. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM

Mileage: 70,000

UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE LOOSE, ONE TO THE POINT OF COMING APART. THERE WAS NO NOTICEABLE FAILURE OF THE PART LEADING UP TO THE POINT WHEN I DISCOVERED THE PROBLEM. WHEN I WENT TO ROTATE MY TIRES I BUMPED THE RIGHT FRONT AND HEARD AN AUDIBLE "CLICK" WHILE IT WAS ON THE JACKSTAND. I HAVE SINCE REPLACED BOTH UPPER JOINTS AS THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *MR

Mileage: 53,000

WHILE DRIVING AT SLOW SPEEDS AND TURNING CORNERS THERE WAS A CLICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT END. *AK *SC *JB

Mileage: 3,000

WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THEN, AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP INDICATED THAT BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THEN, AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP INDICATED THAT BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

WHEN TURNING LEFT, THE DRIVER HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT. THE VEHICLE WAS DUE FOR AN INSPECTION AT 30000 MILES. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINTS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK *SC *JB

Mileage: 30,000

FAILURE IS IN PROGRESS! MY UPPER LEFT BALL JOINT ON MY 2002 DODGE DAKOTA IS LOOSE!! THE DEALER TELLS ME IT IS NOT A WARRANTY ITEM [40,000 MILES ON VEHICLE], THAT THE PART IS ON BACKORDER, AND THEY DON'T KNOW WHEN THEY WILL GET MOTE PARTS. EVERYWHERE I HAVE LOOK, BOTH AUTO PARTS STORES AND ONLINE, IT IS THE SAME STORY..THEY EITHER TELL ME IT IS A DEALER ITEM OR THAT THEY ARE OUT OF STOCK. I DRIVE A MINIMUM OF 60 MILES A DAY, AND I CAN'T BUY THE PART TO REPAIR THIS!! HOW CAN THIS BE? WHO IS GOING TO PAY FOR THE WEAR ON MY TIRES? WHERE AND WHEN CAN I GET A NEW QUAILITY PART?..NOT THE PIECE OF CRAP DODGE PUTS ON !!!

AT 42,000 MILES NOTICED A CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE DURING SHARP TURNS OVER BUMPS AT LOW SPEEDS. BROUGHT VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY INDICATED THAT BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS NEED REPLACEMENT AT A COST OF ~$500. WILL BE HAVING BOTH BALL JOINTS REPLACED AND WILL REQUEST THAT THE DEFECTIVE PARTS BE SAVED.*AK

Mileage: 42,000

CONSUMER HEARD A POPPING NOISE IN THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WHEN TURNING, DRIVING OVER ANY IMPERFECTION IN THE ROAD ,OR ANY FRONT END MOVEMENT. UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE BY THE DEALERSHIP THEY NOTICED THAT THE FRONT UPPER BALL JOINT WORE OUT PREMATURELY, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AK

Mileage: 45,000

2002 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD-CAB 4X4 THE UPPER AND LOWER BALLJOINTS IN THE FRONT END SEEM TO BE LOOSE AND CAUSING EXCESSIVE POPPING NOISES WHEN I HIT DIPS/BUMPS IN THE ROAD OR TURN SHARP. MY TRUCK ONLY HAS 30,000 MILES ON IT.*AK

Mileage: 30,600

2002 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD-CAB 4X4 THE UPPER AND LOWER BALLJOINTS IN THE FRONT END SEEM TO BE LOOSE AND CAUSING EXCESSIVE POPPING NOISES WHEN I HIT DIPS/BUMPS IN THE ROAD OR TURN SHARP. MY TRUCK ONLY HAS 30,000 MILES ON IT.*AK

Mileage: 30,600

WHEN DRIVING AND/OR WHILE TURNING IN EITHER DIRECTION, THE DRIVER HEARD A POPPING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TWICE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE NOISE. AFTER WATCHING A TV REPORT ABOUT THE BALL JOINTS, THE CONSUMER SUSPECTED THE PROBLEM MAY HAVE BEEN THE BALL JOINTS. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN REVERSE, IT DID NOT ENGAGE. THE AIR CONDITION WAS INOPERATIVE. *JB

Mileage: 15,000

CONSUMER SAW AN ADVERTISEMENT CONCERNING BALL JOINTS. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE UPPER BALL JOINTS. *AK *LA

Mileage: 18,400

WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, A RATTLING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC REPLACED BOTH UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS DUE TO CORROSION. *NM CONTROL ARMS WERE REPLACED AS WELL. CONSUMER ALSO STATED THAT PROBLEM IS SIMILAR TO DODGE DURANGO SPORT UTILITY VEHICLE. *LA

WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, A RATTLING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC REPLACED BOTH UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS DUE TO CORROSION. *NM CONTROL ARMS WERE REPLACED AS WELL. CONSUMER ALSO STATED THAT PROBLEM IS SIMILAR TO DODGE DURANGO SPORT UTILITY VEHICLE. *LA

WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, A RATTLING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC REPLACED BOTH UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS DUE TO CORROSION. *NM CONTROL ARMS WERE REPLACED AS WELL. CONSUMER ALSO STATED THAT PROBLEM IS SIMILAR TO DODGE DURANGO SPORT UTILITY VEHICLE. *LA

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WHEN TURNING CORNERS, HIT BUMPS, OR SIMPLY TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL, THERE WAS A DISTINCT CRUNCHING SOUND IN FRONT OF VEHICLE. DEALER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE, AND DETERMINED THAT THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS NEEDED REPLACEMENT.*AK DEALER REPLACED UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS. *LA

Mileage: 18,000

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WHEN TURNING CORNERS, HIT BUMPS, OR SIMPLY TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL, THERE WAS A DISTINCT CRUNCHING SOUND IN FRONT OF VEHICLE. DEALER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE, AND DETERMINED THAT THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS NEEDED REPLACEMENT.*AK DEALER REPLACED UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS. *LA

Mileage: 18,000

FAILED RIGHT UPPER BALL JOINT WITH 42,000 MILES ON VEHICLE. PROBLEM FOUND AFTER VEHICLE EXHIBITED WHEEL BINDING WHILE MAKING HARD RIGHT HAND TURNS, CLUNKING NOISES DURING LEFT HAND TURNS.*AK

WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH THE DRIVER COULD HEAR A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER BOTH UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS NEEDED REPLACING DUE TO WORN PARTS. *MR

VEHICLE HAD EXCESSIVE BRAKE PAD WEAR. THE FRONT PADS HAS BEEN REPLACED 4 TIMES AND THE REAR TWICE WITHIN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. ALSO AT 4,000 WHEN TURNING THERE WAS CLUCKING NOISE IN THE FRONT END OF THE TRUCK. THE FRONT TIRES HAD A QUARTER INCH CUP IN THEM. THE UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE BAD. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE BALL JOINT BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE UPPER BALL JOINT HAD TO BE REPLACE AGAIN. *JB

Mileage: 5,000

WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER HEARD A ROUGH SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHERE THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS ON THE RIGHT SIDE. *AK *LA

Mileage: 54,000

WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER HEARD A ROUGH SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHERE THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS ON THE RIGHT SIDE. *AK *LA

Mileage: 54,000

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED A NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE FRONT END. THE DEALER DETERMINED, THAT THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS HAD TO BE REPLACED.*AK *JB

Mileage: 39,000

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED A NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE FRONT END. THE DEALER DETERMINED, THAT THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS HAD TO BE REPLACED.*AK *JB

Mileage: 39,000

THE BALL JOINTS ON MY 2002 DODGE DAKATO 4X4 HAVE PREMATURELY FAILED. THE TRUCK HAS APPROX. 27000 MILES ON IT. THE INFAMOUS KNOCKING SOUND COMES FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION WHEN I TURN. THE TRUCK HAS BEEN TAKEN TO 2 DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS A GRAND TOTAL OF 5 TIMES FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM. A SERVICE TECH AND A SERVICE MANAGER HAVE BOTH RIDDEN IN THE TRUCK AND AGREE THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM INITIALLY. UPON INSPECTION, I HAVE BEEN REPEATEDLY TOLD THAT THERE IS NO PROBLEM "UNDER NORMAL OPERATING CONDITION." I HAVE CONTACTED DODGE AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THEY ALWAYS FAVOR THE SERVICE DEALERS OVER THE CUSTOMER'S OPINION. THROUGH RESEARCH I FOUND OUT THAT THE BALL JOINTS ON DAKOTAS AND DURANGOS PREMATURELY FAIL. I INFORMED DODGE THAT I KNEW THIS AND THAT I WOULD LIKE THEM TO RETHINK THEIR ORIGINAL DECISION. THEY SAID THAT NOTHING IN MY RESEARCH PROVIDED REASON TO CHANGE THEIR CONCLUSION. MY TRUCK HAS PREMATURELY FAILED BALL JOINTS AND NEITHER DODGE NOR THE DODGE SERVICE DEALER WILL DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT.*AK

UPPER BALL JOINTS ARE BAD, BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT HAND SIDE, WAS TOLD BY A MECHANIC THAT THERE IS NO WAY THAT THEY SHOULD BE BAD IN A '02 TRUCK.*AK

Mileage: 51,000

BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS. *AK

Mileage: 28,500

2002 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB, HAD NOISE IN FRONT END STARTING AT ABOUT 25000 MILES. COMPLAINED TO DEALER AT THE FOLLOWING 2 OIL CHANGES ABOUT FRONT END PULLING TO THE RIGHT AND NOISES IN FRONT END, DIAGNOSED AS "NORMAL". FINALLY, I TOLD DEALER THAT I WOULD PAY FOR A FRONT END ALIGNMENT, AND BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS DIAGNOSED AS BAD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BEFORE THE ALIGNMENT COULD HAPPEN. BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED AFTER A 4 WEEK WAIT FOR THE BALL JOINTS THAT WERE ON "BACK ORDER", 32,000 MILES AT REPLACEMENT TIME.*AK

2002 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB, HAD NOISE IN FRONT END STARTING AT ABOUT 25000 MILES. COMPLAINED TO DEALER AT THE FOLLOWING 2 OIL CHANGES ABOUT FRONT END PULLING TO THE RIGHT AND NOISES IN FRONT END, DIAGNOSED AS "NORMAL". FINALLY, I TOLD DEALER THAT I WOULD PAY FOR A FRONT END ALIGNMENT, AND BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS DIAGNOSED AS BAD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BEFORE THE ALIGNMENT COULD HAPPEN. BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED AFTER A 4 WEEK WAIT FOR THE BALL JOINTS THAT WERE ON "BACK ORDER", 32,000 MILES AT REPLACEMENT TIME.*AK

DURING A ROUTINE INSPECTION THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE SEVERELY WORN. THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *NM *MR

Mileage: 25,000

UPPER BALL JOINTS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. *AK

Mileage: 38,518

CLUNKING AND EXCESSIVE SQUEAKING COMING FROM THE FRONT-END. SLOW 90 DEGREE OR U - TURNS CONSISTENTLY REVEAL CLUNKING. 18000 MILES CURRENTLY ON DAKOTA QUAD CAB. STEERING SHIMMY INADVERTENTLY APPEARS WHEN DRIVING STRAIGHT DOWN THE ROAD. THESE SYMPTOMS HAVE BEEN HAPPENING FOR 3+ MONTHS. I AM EXPERIENCED WITH FRONT-END WORK, AND RECOGNIZE THESE SYMPTOMS TO BE FAMILIAR WITH UPPER BALL-JOINTS FAILURE. I REFUSE TO HAVE THE SAME PRODUCT INSTALLED. THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A PROBLEM. *JB

Mileage: 13,000

WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER HEARD A CLANKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT BALL JOINTS. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Mileage: 41,678

WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER HEARD A CLANKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT BALL JOINTS. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Mileage: 41,678

FOUR MONTHS AGO WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH CONSUMER HEARD NOISE COMING THROUGH THE FRONT END. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND TECHNICIAN DETERMINED NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. FOUR MONTHS LATER AND WITHOUT WARRANTY DEALERSHIP INDICATED TO THE CONSUMER THE NEED TO REPLACE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS. *AK

Mileage: 40,000

FOUR MONTHS AGO WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH CONSUMER HEARD NOISE COMING THROUGH THE FRONT END. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND TECHNICIAN DETERMINED NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. FOUR MONTHS LATER AND WITHOUT WARRANTY DEALERSHIP INDICATED TO THE CONSUMER THE NEED TO REPLACE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS. *AK

Mileage: 40,000

WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER MORE THAN ONCE, BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK

WHEN TURNING IN EITHER DIRECTION FRONT END PRODUCES A KNOCKING NOISE. *AK

Mileage: 38,300

FRONT END AND WHEEL VIBRATED WHILE DRIVING. UPON INSPECTION BY THE DEALERSHIP THEY INDICATED THAT THE BUSHINGS DETERIORATED, AND ONLY BOLT REMAINED. ALSO, FRONT END WAS LOOSE. *AK

Mileage: 21,000

WHILE DRIVING THERE'S A VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END. VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. *AK

Mileage: 21,000

WHILE MAKING RIGHT HAND TURNS CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Mileage: 24,732

BRAKE ROTORS ARE WARPED. STARTED AT APPROXIMATELY 20,000 MILES. WAY TO EARLY TO BE WARPED. HAVE READ OF MANY OTHERS WITH SAME PROBLEM. ALSO HEARD NOISE FROM FRONT SUSPENSION, THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE BALL JOINT OR SUSPENSION PROBLEM, BUT DEALER STATED THAT IT IS OK. READ QUITE A BIT ABOUT BALL JOINT PROBLEMS ON SAME VEHICLE. *JB

Mileage: 20,000

POPPING NOISE IN THE FRONT BALL JOINTS OF MY 2002 DODGE DAKOTA. I NOTICED THIS THE DAY I BOUGHT THIS UNIT. AND JUST TODAY (3-4-04) I FOUND OUT ON CBS THAT IT IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. AND WOULD LIKE VERY MUCH TO HAVE THE PROBLEM RESOLVED BEFORE SOMETHING BAD DOES HAPPEN ON THE HIGHWAY. *JB

WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER LOST CONTROL. DEALERSHIP INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE PROBLEM PERTAINED TO THE FRONT UPPER BALL JOINTS. *AK

Mileage: 64,000

I OWN A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA PICKUP. AFTER HEARING AND READING CBS NEWS PIECE ON THE DURANGO AND DAKOTA HAVING FAULTY BALL JOINTS, I HAD MY LOCAL DODGE DEALER CHECK THE UPPER BALL JOINTS ON MY TRUCK. ONE UPPER JOINT WAS LOOSE AND THEY RECOMMENDED IT BE REPLACED. THE COST WAS $188. I FEEL SINCE THERE HAVE BEEN OVER 700 COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS, THAT DAIMLER CHRYSLER SHOULD RECALL AFFECTED VEHICLES AND FIX THE PROBLEM. THE FACT THAT DODGE HAS HAD SO MANY COMPLAINTS AND IT TOOK A CBS NEWS REPORT TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC IS TRAGIC. WHAT'S MORE TRAGIC IS THAT IT PUT THE LIFE OF MYSELF AND MY SON IN DANGER. I FEEL THAT DODGE SHOULD REIMBURSE MY $188. *JB

VEHICLE HAS DEFINITIVE CLUNK WHEN CROSSING OVER SMALL BUMPS OR TURNING TIGHTLY. WORN BALL JOINTS ARE TO BLAME. VEHICLE HAS 50,000 MILES.

Mileage: 48,000

VEHICLE HAS DEFINITIVE CLUNK WHEN CROSSING OVER SMALL BUMPS OR TURNING TIGHTLY. WORN BALL JOINTS ARE TO BLAME. VEHICLE HAS 50,000 MILES.

Mileage: 48,000

I BOUGHT MY 2002 DODGE DAKOTA NEW IN MARCH OF 2002. EVER SINCE APPROXIMATELY JULY OF THAT SUMMER, I HEARD THE NOW INFAMOUS CLUNKING NOISE IN MY FRONT END. IT WASN'T UNTIL LAST FALL OF 2003 AND SEVERAL VISITS TO 3 DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS, THAT THEY FINALLY SOMEWHAT FIXED MY VEHICLE. I HAVE SINCE SEEN THE REPORTS BY CBS NEWS IN REGARDS TO THE BALL JOINTS AND THAT HAS PUT FURTHER CONCERN IN THE RELIABILITY OF MY VEHICLE. EVEN THOUGH SEVERAL PARTS, INCLUDING THE BALL JOINTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED BY THE DEALERSHIPS (NONE OF WHOM SAID THEY COULD FIGURE OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS, OR EVEN CLAIMED THAT I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT WHEN I SAID I HEARD THE NOISE), I STILL HEAR THE CLUNKING AND FEEL THAT IT WILL NEVER BE FIXED. I HAVE PUT IN SEVERAL COMPLAINTS AT CHRYSLER, SO MY PROBLEMS SHOULD BE VERY WELL DOCUMENTED, BUT FEEL IT IS CHRYSLERS RESPONSIBILTY IF ANYTHING FUTHER WOULD HAPPEN TO MY VEHICLE, OR ANY OTHER FOR THAT MATTER. PLEASE CONTINUE TO DO YOUR INVESTIGATION INTO THIS MATTER BEFORE SOMEONE DOES GET SERIOUSLY HURT.

Mileage: 2,500

WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN THERE WAS A POPPING NOISE IN THE STEERING. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE STEERING SHAFT SECTOR, RACK AND PINION, AND UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS. *AK

Mileage: 35,000

WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN THERE WAS A POPPING NOISE IN THE STEERING. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE STEERING SHAFT SECTOR, RACK AND PINION, AND UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS. *AK

Mileage: 35,000

VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER 4 TIMES FOR POPPING AND CRACKING SOUND HEARD IN THE FRONT OF VEHICLE WHEN MAKING TURNS. ALSO, CONSUMER HEARD A POPPING AND CRACKING NOISE WHEN DRIVING ON BUMPY ROADS. BALL JOINTS WERE CHANGED. HOWEVER, AFTER 500 MILES THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK

Mileage: 500

VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER 4 TIMES FOR POPPING AND CRACKING SOUND HEARD IN THE FRONT OF VEHICLE WHEN MAKING TURNS. ALSO, CONSUMER HEARD A POPPING AND CRACKING NOISE WHEN DRIVING ON BUMPY ROADS. BALL JOINTS WERE CHANGED. HOWEVER, AFTER 500 MILES THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK

Mileage: 500

ALL FOUR BALL JOINTS BAD AT 21000. HEATER SWITCH BAD AT 21000K AND ALSO CANISTER HOSE CRACKED AT 21000. MY MAIN CONCERN IS FAULTY, FAILING BALL JOINTS. *AK

Mileage: 21,000

ALL FOUR BALL JOINTS BAD AT 21000. HEATER SWITCH BAD AT 21000K AND ALSO CANISTER HOSE CRACKED AT 21000. MY MAIN CONCERN IS FAULTY, FAILING BALL JOINTS. *AK

Mileage: 21,000

NOISY AND UNPREDICTABLE SOUND COMING FROM SUSPENSION. WARNING LIGHT REMAINS ON. STALLS AND SURGES UNPREDITABLEY. REDUCED GAS MILEAGE. ERATIC ELECTRONIC BEHAVIOR, STOPS AND RESTARTS. EVEN HAS ERATIC ALARM RESPONSES.*AK

2002 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB, VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END, TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP MULT TIMES WITH NO LUCK, VIBRATION HAS LASTED SINCE TRUCK WAS NEW, NOW 24000 MILES LATER SAME PROBLEM. TRUCK JERKS IN GEAR 1ST TO 2ND AND POPPING WHEN TURNS, TAKEN IT 2 DIFFERENT DEALERS, 1 SAID BALANCE TIRES (3-4 TIMES) NO HELP, OTHER SAID POWER STEERING PUMP BAD, FIX DID NOT HELP. WHAT CAN I DO 30K+ TRUCK HAS NOT BEEN FIXED SINCE DAY ONE! WHAT DO I DO FROM HERE . *AK

Mileage: 5

MY 2002 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB 4X4 HAS 21,000 MILES AND NOW ALL FOUR UPPER BALL JOINTS ARE BAD.*AK

Mileage: 21,000

MY 2002 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB 4X4 HAS 21,000 MILES AND NOW ALL FOUR UPPER BALL JOINTS ARE BAD.*AK

Mileage: 21,000

VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A FRONT END ALIGNMENT. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE RIGHT UPPER BALL JOINT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

Mileage: 40,000

WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH UPPER BALL JOINTS FELL OUT. *AK

Mileage: 53,000

WITH 23,359 MILES ON MY DODGE DAKOTA THE RIGHT UPPER BALL JOINT EXHIBITED EXCESSIVE PLAY AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. I BELIEVE THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL AND ALL THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS SHOULD BE REPLACED ON ALL DAKOTAS AND DURANGOS. *JB

Mileage: 23,359

CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A BALL JOINT PROBLEM. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER TO HAVE TIRES REPLACED WHEN IT WAS NOTICED THAT THE BALL JOINTS WERE DEFECTIVE. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE GREASE WAS ABLE TO WASH OUT AND THERE WAS NO PLACE TO GREASE THE BALL JOINTS. THE DEALER FAILED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *SC

Mileage: 44,000

CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A BALL JOINT PROBLEM. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER TO HAVE TIRES REPLACED WHEN IT WAS NOTICED THAT THE BALL JOINTS WERE DEFECTIVE. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE GREASE WAS ABLE TO WASH OUT AND THERE WAS NO PLACE TO GREASE THE BALL JOINTS. THE DEALER FAILED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *SC

Mileage: 44,000

WHILE PARKING CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHERE THEY REPLACED THE UPPER BALL JOINT. *AK

Mileage: 36,000

UPPER BALL JOINTS ARE FAILING PREMATURELY. PASSENGER SIDE IS WORSE.*AK

Mileage: 58,000

THE UPPER BALL JOINTS WORE OUT PREMATURELY. *AK *SC *JB

Mileage: 46,605

RIGHT FRONT CONTROL ARM FAILED WHICH CAUSED KNOCKING IN THE FRONT END. *PH *NM

Mileage: 22,076

UPPER BALL JOINTS ARE WORN OUT AND ARE POPPING AND CAUSING FRONT TIRES TO CUP,AND TRUCK WILL NOT DRIVE STRAIGHT.YOU CAN REALLY HEAR POPPING NOISES WHEN TURNING SHARP AND GOING IN A DRIVEWAY.

Mileage: 40,000

MY 2002 DODGE DAKOTA SPORT 4X2 HAS APPROXIMATELY 15,200 MILES ON IT. AT APPROXIMATELY 13,000 MILES I BEGAN TO NOTICE THAT THE FRONT END STARTED TO RATTLE AND SEEM LOOSE WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH AND HAVING SOMEONE LOOK AT IT, I FOUND THAT THE BALL JOINTS ARE FAILING PREMATURELY.

Mileage: 15,200

MY 2002 DODGE DAKOTA SPORT 4X2 HAS APPROXIMATELY 15,200 MILES ON IT. AT APPROXIMATELY 13,000 MILES I BEGAN TO NOTICE THAT THE FRONT END STARTED TO RATTLE AND SEEM LOOSE WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH AND HAVING SOMEONE LOOK AT IT, I FOUND THAT THE BALL JOINTS ARE FAILING PREMATURELY.

Mileage: 15,200

BALLJOINTS BAD ON MY 2002 DODGE DAKOTA 4X4 AT 35,000 MILES.*AK

Mileage: 35,000

BALL JOINT FAILURE AT 25,000 MILES. *AK

Mileage: 25,200

PREMATURE FAILURE AT 34,000 MILES ON BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS ON MY 2002 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB. FRONT-END NOISES (AT TURNING, ROUGH PAVEMENT, SPEED BUMPS) STARTED OCCURRING BEFORE 10,000 MILES AND CONTINUED TO GROW WORSE UNTIL REPLACEMENT.*AK

Mileage: 17

PREMATURE WEAR OF BALL JOINTS ON 2002 DODGE DAKOTA PICKUP. THIS WEAR COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT IF NOT REPAIRED.*AK

Mileage: 35,000

PREMATURE WEAR OF BALL JOINTS ON 2002 DODGE DAKOTA PICKUP. THIS WEAR COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT IF NOT REPAIRED.*AK

Mileage: 35,000

THE TRUCK HAS HAD SEVER PROBLEMS WITH ACCELERATION AND STALLING. IT ALSO MAKES A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE VEHICLE. THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS AMOUNTS OF PROBLEMS WITH AT LEAT 15 DAYS TOTAL IN THE SHOP.

Mileage: 1,500

CONTROL ARMS AND BALL JOINTS MADE CLUNKING AND POPPING SOUNDS. BUSHINGS MADE LOUD SQUEAKING SOUNDS. ALL MENTIONED PARTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. SOUNDS STARTED AS EARLY AS 10,000 MILES LOGGED ON VEHICLE. AFTER SEARCHING INTERNET FOUND BALL JOINTS COULD SEPARATE AND FINALLY TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER. DEALER IS REPLACING PARTS UNDER WARRANTY BUT MY CONCERN IS THEY ARE REPLACING THEM WITH THE SAME DEFECTIVE PARTS. *LA

Mileage: 10,000

I TOOK MY 2002 DODGE DAKOTA TO GET STATE INSPECTION AND WAS TOLD THE LEFT UPPER BALL JOINT WAS WORN OUT. ONLY HAS 35000 MILES ON IT. I WENT TO DEALER TO HAVE IT REPAIRED ON DEC 29 2003 AND WAS TOLD THE BALL JOINTS ARE ON BACK ORDER UNTIL JAN 14 2004 AND WAS TOLD I MAY NOT BE ONE OF THE LUCK ONES TO GET IT EVEN THEN. MY TRUCK HAS BEEN SITTING SINCE DEC 31 2003 BECAUSE OF THE INSPECTION HAS EXP. *LA

Mileage: 35,500

VEHICLE = 2002 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB - V6 (CURRENTLY @ 49,000 MILES) TOOK VEHICLE TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ANNUAL INSPECTION AND WAS TOLD THAT BOTH THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE WORN EXCESSIVELY AND WOULD TOTALLY FAIL IN APPROXIMATELY 1000 MILES. AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION ON NUMEROUS WEBSITES I HAVE FOUND THIS PROBLEM TO BE QUITE COMMON AND IS WHAT WAS CAUSING THE FEELING OF LOSS OF CONTROL WHEN HITTING BUMPS IN THE ROAD AT SPEED, STRANGE NOISES WHEN TURNING SLOWLY, AND IT ALSO SEEMS THIS IS WHAT COULD HAVE LED TO MY PREMATURE BRAKE FAILURES (WHICH I HAD TO HAVE MY ROTORS GROUND AT APPROX 25K MILES). I WILL BE SPEAKING TO MY DEALER TOMORROW DIRECTLY - MY GIRLFRIEND HAD CALLED THEM FOR ME BECAUSE I WAS OUT OF TOWN FOR WORK AND IT SOUNDS AS THOUGH THEY ARE CLAIMING THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THE PROBLEM. THIS APPEARS TO BE QUITE A COMMON PROBLEM AND HAD MY MECHANIC NOT CAUGHT THE PROBLEM DOING THE ANNUAL INSPECTION IT WOULD HAVE DEFINITELY CAUSED AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD. HOPEFULLY SOMETHING IS BEING DONE TO REMEDY THIS PROBLEM. THANKS. *AK

Mileage: 49,878

VEHICLE = 2002 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB - V6 (CURRENTLY @ 49,000 MILES) TOOK VEHICLE TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ANNUAL INSPECTION AND WAS TOLD THAT BOTH THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE WORN EXCESSIVELY AND WOULD TOTALLY FAIL IN APPROXIMATELY 1000 MILES. AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION ON NUMEROUS WEBSITES I HAVE FOUND THIS PROBLEM TO BE QUITE COMMON AND IS WHAT WAS CAUSING THE FEELING OF LOSS OF CONTROL WHEN HITTING BUMPS IN THE ROAD AT SPEED, STRANGE NOISES WHEN TURNING SLOWLY, AND IT ALSO SEEMS THIS IS WHAT COULD HAVE LED TO MY PREMATURE BRAKE FAILURES (WHICH I HAD TO HAVE MY ROTORS GROUND AT APPROX 25K MILES). I WILL BE SPEAKING TO MY DEALER TOMORROW DIRECTLY - MY GIRLFRIEND HAD CALLED THEM FOR ME BECAUSE I WAS OUT OF TOWN FOR WORK AND IT SOUNDS AS THOUGH THEY ARE CLAIMING THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THE PROBLEM. THIS APPEARS TO BE QUITE A COMMON PROBLEM AND HAD MY MECHANIC NOT CAUGHT THE PROBLEM DOING THE ANNUAL INSPECTION IT WOULD HAVE DEFINITELY CAUSED AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD. HOPEFULLY SOMETHING IS BEING DONE TO REMEDY THIS PROBLEM. THANKS. *AK

Mileage: 49,878

VEHICLE = 2002 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB - V6 (CURRENTLY @ 49,000 MILES) TOOK VEHICLE TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ANNUAL INSPECTION AND WAS TOLD THAT BOTH THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE WORN EXCESSIVELY AND WOULD TOTALLY FAIL IN APPROXIMATELY 1000 MILES. AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION ON NUMEROUS WEBSITES I HAVE FOUND THIS PROBLEM TO BE QUITE COMMON AND IS WHAT WAS CAUSING THE FEELING OF LOSS OF CONTROL WHEN HITTING BUMPS IN THE ROAD AT SPEED, STRANGE NOISES WHEN TURNING SLOWLY, AND IT ALSO SEEMS THIS IS WHAT COULD HAVE LED TO MY PREMATURE BRAKE FAILURES (WHICH I HAD TO HAVE MY ROTORS GROUND AT APPROX 25K MILES). I WILL BE SPEAKING TO MY DEALER TOMORROW DIRECTLY - MY GIRLFRIEND HAD CALLED THEM FOR ME BECAUSE I WAS OUT OF TOWN FOR WORK AND IT SOUNDS AS THOUGH THEY ARE CLAIMING THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THE PROBLEM. THIS APPEARS TO BE QUITE A COMMON PROBLEM AND HAD MY MECHANIC NOT CAUGHT THE PROBLEM DOING THE ANNUAL INSPECTION IT WOULD HAVE DEFINITELY CAUSED AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD. HOPEFULLY SOMETHING IS BEING DONE TO REMEDY THIS PROBLEM. THANKS. *AK

Mileage: 49,878

WHILE HAVING VEHICLE SERVICED FOR A BRAKE ISSUE DEALERSHIP NOTICED THAT ALL FOUR BALL JOINTS WORE OUT PREMATURELY, AND THE TIE RODS WERE DEFECTIVE. DEALERSHIP COULD ONLY REPLACE THE UPPER BALL JOINT, BUT WAS UNABLE TO REPLACE THE LOWER ONCE DUE TO PART BEING ON BACK ORDER. *AK

Mileage: 38,400

WHILE HAVING VEHICLE SERVICED FOR A BRAKE ISSUE DEALERSHIP NOTICED THAT ALL FOUR BALL JOINTS WORE OUT PREMATURELY, AND THE TIE RODS WERE DEFECTIVE. DEALERSHIP COULD ONLY REPLACE THE UPPER BALL JOINT, BUT WAS UNABLE TO REPLACE THE LOWER ONCE DUE TO PART BEING ON BACK ORDER. *AK

Mileage: 38,400

PREMATURE FAILURE OF UPPER LOWER BALL JOINTS. THIS STARTED AT 20K AT WHICH TIME I BROUGHT IT INTO A DEALERSHIP, BUT THE "FRONT END" GUY WAS SICK THAT DAY (HOW CONVIENT), SO NO ONE WOULD LOOK AT THE TRUCK. VERY LOUD POPPING NOISE FROM FRONT END ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING AT LOW SPEED ON ICY CONDITIONS. WHEN TURNING SHARP THE WHEEL FEELS AS IF ITS ABOUT TO COLAPES UNDER ITSELF. VERY DANGEROUS. NOW THAT IM OVER THE 36K WARRENTY DODGE TELLS ME I HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE IT FIXED. I WILL NEVER PURCHASE A DODGE AGAIN. THIS IS A LIFE THREATENING CONDITION SHOULD IT FAIL. I HAVE CHILDREN AND NO LONGER FEEL SAFE TRANSPORTING THEM IN THIS VEHICLE. I CANNOT EVEN TRADE IT IN UNTILL I FIX IT AS ALL THE OTHER CAR DEALERS ARE QUITE AWARE OF THIS DEFECT....HELP PLEASE!!!*AK

Mileage: 20,000

PREMATURE FAILURE OF UPPER LOWER BALL JOINTS. THIS STARTED AT 20K AT WHICH TIME I BROUGHT IT INTO A DEALERSHIP, BUT THE "FRONT END" GUY WAS SICK THAT DAY (HOW CONVIENT), SO NO ONE WOULD LOOK AT THE TRUCK. VERY LOUD POPPING NOISE FROM FRONT END ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING AT LOW SPEED ON ICY CONDITIONS. WHEN TURNING SHARP THE WHEEL FEELS AS IF ITS ABOUT TO COLAPES UNDER ITSELF. VERY DANGEROUS. NOW THAT IM OVER THE 36K WARRENTY DODGE TELLS ME I HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE IT FIXED. I WILL NEVER PURCHASE A DODGE AGAIN. THIS IS A LIFE THREATENING CONDITION SHOULD IT FAIL. I HAVE CHILDREN AND NO LONGER FEEL SAFE TRANSPORTING THEM IN THIS VEHICLE. I CANNOT EVEN TRADE IT IN UNTILL I FIX IT AS ALL THE OTHER CAR DEALERS ARE QUITE AWARE OF THIS DEFECT....HELP PLEASE!!!*AK

Mileage: 20,000

CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR TIRES TO BE SERVICED. MECHANIC NOTICED THAT UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE DEFECTIVE. ALSO, CONSUMER REMEMBERED HEARING A NOISE WHEN TURNING CORNERS. *AK

2002 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB HAS HAD GRINDING/JUMPING/BUMPING CONDITION WHEN BRAKING SINCE 4/03 @UNDER 24K MILES. PRIVATE MECHANIC HAS CHECKED BRAKES TWICE FOR THIS AND HAS FOUND NO PROBLEMS STEMMING FROM BRAKES. CONDITION PERSISTS, AND AM WARY OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS MAKE/MODEL AND BALL JOINT WEAR. IS DODGE COVERING THIS AS A WARRANTY REPAIR NOW OR NOT?

Mileage: 23,190

2002 DODGE DAKOTA CLUB CAB IS MAKING CLANKING, CREAKING NOISES WHILE TURNING AT LOW SPEEDS. THIS IS AT 46K MILES. HAS BEEN MAKING THIS NOISE SINCE 40K MILES. FOUND MANY COMPLAINTS OF UPPER BALL JOINT PROBLEMS WITH OTHER DAKOTAS AND DURANGOS. VERY CONCERNED AND SUSPICOUS.

2002 DAKOTA PICKUP TRUCK WITH 29,600 MILES LOOSING FRONT STEERING STABILITY AND FRONT END RATTLING. CHECK WITH LOCAL MECHANIC REVEALS BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT UPPER BALLJOINTS FAILING AND NEED TO REPLACED ASAP TO PREVENT WHEEL FAILURE. ALSO TIRES WEARING OUT. DODGE CONTACTED, NO RECALL YET???

Mileage: 30

I OWN A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA. AT 27,000 MILES, THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED ALL FOUR BALL JOINTS. THEY ALSO WORKED ON THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE. AT 34,000 MILES THEY REPLACED THREE BALL JOINTS AND WORKED ON THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE. AT 42,000 MILES THEY REPLACED THE RACK AND PINION ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND WORKED ON THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE. AT 49,000 MILES I HAD TO REPLACE WHEEL BEARINGS IN THE PASSENGER SIDE. FORTUNATELY, I HAVE NOT HAD ANY ACCIDENTS. I HAVE HEARD NOISES AND TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP OR MY MECHANIC. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT DRIVING IT. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING IT ANYMORE. I THINK THEY HAVE SOME SERIOUS FRONT END PROBLEMS THAT THEY SHOULD BE ADDRESSING. I DON'T THINK I SHOULD BE FOOTING THE BILL FOR IT. I AM ALSO VERY UPSET THAT THE DEALERSHIP AND DODGE HAVE KNOWN ABOUT THE PROBLEMS AND CHOSE TO BLAME THEM ON OTHER CONDITIONS CAUSED BY THE OWNER.*AK

Mileage: 27,104

I OWN A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA. AT 27,000 MILES, THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED ALL FOUR BALL JOINTS. THEY ALSO WORKED ON THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE. AT 34,000 MILES THEY REPLACED THREE BALL JOINTS AND WORKED ON THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE. AT 42,000 MILES THEY REPLACED THE RACK AND PINION ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND WORKED ON THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE. AT 49,000 MILES I HAD TO REPLACE WHEEL BEARINGS IN THE PASSENGER SIDE. FORTUNATELY, I HAVE NOT HAD ANY ACCIDENTS. I HAVE HEARD NOISES AND TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP OR MY MECHANIC. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT DRIVING IT. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING IT ANYMORE. I THINK THEY HAVE SOME SERIOUS FRONT END PROBLEMS THAT THEY SHOULD BE ADDRESSING. I DON'T THINK I SHOULD BE FOOTING THE BILL FOR IT. I AM ALSO VERY UPSET THAT THE DEALERSHIP AND DODGE HAVE KNOWN ABOUT THE PROBLEMS AND CHOSE TO BLAME THEM ON OTHER CONDITIONS CAUSED BY THE OWNER.*AK

Mileage: 27,104

I HAVE A 2002 DODGE DOKOTA SXT 2WD THAT HAS A CLUNKING SOUND SIMILAR TO THAT WHICH I HAVE HEARD DESCRIBED IN REGARD TO A FRONT BALL JOINT PROBLEM. I HAVE SPOKING WITH OTHER PERSONS WHO ALSO HAVE 2WD DAKOTAS AND HAVE HED TO REPLACE THE BALL JOINTS WELL BEFORE THEY SHOULD BE. I CURRENTLY HAVE 43,00 MILES ON THE VEHICLE BUT THE CLUNK HAS BEEN PRESENT FOR SEVERAL THOUSAND MILES AND I WAS HOPING THERE MIGHT BE A RECALL BEFORE I HAVE IT FIXED. I HAVE NO RIDE OR HANDLEING PROBLEMS BUT JUST THE CLUNK WHEN I GO OVER AN OBJECT OR ONTO A SIDEWALK TO PARK. *AK

Mileage: 35,000

BALL JOINTS HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO BEING WORN OUT ON MY 2002 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB 4X4. DEALER NEVER MENTIONED THE ONGOING INVESTIGATION OR PROBLEMS WITH BALL JOINTS. SUBSEQUENTLY VIEWED THE CBS REPORT ON DAKOTA BALL JOINTS AND ONGOING INVESTIGATION THE NIGHT WE GOT TRUCK BACK FROM DEALER WITH NEW BALL JOINTS.*AK

Mileage: 34,500

AT BARELY 39000 MILES ON MY 2002 DODGE DAKOTA SXT, WE HAVE DISCOVERED THAT THE RIGHT UPPER BALL JOINT IS NEARLY SHOT. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE NOISE AND PROBLEMS BEGAN WAY BEFORE THE 36000 MILE MARK BUT WE NEVER CONSIDERED THAT IT WOULD BE SOMETHING THAT NEEDED MAJOR REPAIR. NOW WE ARE BEYOND THE 36000 MILE WARRANTY AND WE HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR OURSELVES. AFTER RESEARCH WE HAVE DISCOVERED THAT THIS PROBLEM IS QUICKLY BECOMING A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES. SO WE WOULD LIKE TO MAKE OUR ISSUE KNOWN IN CONJUNCTION WITH ANY OTHER OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM IN HOPES THAT MAYBE DODGE WILL TAKE SOME CORRECTIVE ACTION. *AK

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 30 MPH OR MORE THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE VIBRATED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE BALL JOINTS. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *JB

Mileage: 15,000

DRIVER'S SIDE UPPER BALL JOINT WORE OUT PREMATURELY. AS A RESULT THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO PERFORM A FRONT END ALIGNMENT. THE BALL JOINT WAS REPLACED.*AK

Mileage: 25,000

DENIAL OF INSPECTION IN NH FOR BAD UPPER BALL JOINTS. TOLD TO TAKE IT TO DEALER. DEALER SAYS IT'S OK AND CHARGED ME $15.00! IINSPECTOR SHOWED ME HOW MUCH MOVEMENT WHEN I BROUGHT IT BACK AGAIN TO COMPLAIN THEY WERE WRONG. I AGREE WITH THE INSPECTOR, THIS IS UNSAFE. ANY MOVEMENT IS A PROBLEM, THEY SHOULDN'T BE ALLOWED TO SAY .60 IS OK. *AK

Mileage: 18,000

2002 DODGE DAKOTA 4X4 QUAD CAB PICKUP - BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS EXPERIENCED PREMATURE FAILURE. SIGNS OF FAILURE BEGAN AROUND 30,000 MILES, BUT MISDIAGNOSED BY LOCAL MECHANIC AS "NO PROBLEM FOUND." I LATER TOOK THE TRUCK TO DODGE WHEN KNOCKING NOISE KEPT GETTING WORSE (AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRATION). BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED AND FRONT END ALIGNMENT PERFORMED FOR APPROXIMATELY $500. SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, I BELIEVE A RECALL SHOULD BE IMPLEMENTED. *AK

Mileage: 30,000

2002 DODGE DAKOTA 4X4 QUAD CAB PICKUP - BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS EXPERIENCED PREMATURE FAILURE. SIGNS OF FAILURE BEGAN AROUND 30,000 MILES, BUT MISDIAGNOSED BY LOCAL MECHANIC AS "NO PROBLEM FOUND." I LATER TOOK THE TRUCK TO DODGE WHEN KNOCKING NOISE KEPT GETTING WORSE (AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRATION). BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED AND FRONT END ALIGNMENT PERFORMED FOR APPROXIMATELY $500. SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, I BELIEVE A RECALL SHOULD BE IMPLEMENTED. *AK

Mileage: 30,000

UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS ARE EXHIBITING PREMATURE SIGNS OF FAILURE AT 10,000 MILES LOAD POPPING SOUNDS WHEN TURNING AND BRAKING. VEHICLE NOW HAS 23,000 MILES AND IS SHOWING SIGNS OF STEERING VIBRATIONS. WHY HAVEN'T THE DAKOTA MODELS BEEN INCLUDED WITH THE DURANGO SUSPENSION ENGINEERING INVESTIGATION. THERE ARE ALMOST 100 COMPLAINTS ON THE WEBSITE? *JB

Mileage: 10,000

UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS ARE EXHIBITING PREMATURE SIGNS OF FAILURE AT 10,000 MILES LOAD POPPING SOUNDS WHEN TURNING AND BRAKING. VEHICLE NOW HAS 23,000 MILES AND IS SHOWING SIGNS OF STEERING VIBRATIONS. WHY HAVEN'T THE DAKOTA MODELS BEEN INCLUDED WITH THE DURANGO SUSPENSION ENGINEERING INVESTIGATION. THERE ARE ALMOST 100 COMPLAINTS ON THE WEBSITE? *JB

Mileage: 10,000

I OWN A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA WITH 40,385 MILES. AFTER SEEING A PIECE ON CBS ABOUT THE UPPER BALL JOINT PROBLEMS, I HAD MY TRUCK CHECKED AT THE DEALER. BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $384.55. UPON GOING TO THIS SITE I SAW AN OPEN INVESTIGATION SO, DECIDED TO FILE A COMPLAINT HOPING TO EVENTUALLY HAVE A RECALL ON THIS OBVIOUSLY DEFECTIVE PART. *NLM

Mileage: 40,405

I AM OWNER OF A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB PICK-UP WITH DEFECTIVE FRONT BALL JOINTS. I HAVE NOTICED NOISE FROM THE FRONT END OF VEHICLE AND TOOK IT TO DEALER. EVEN TOOK THE SHOP FORMAN ON ROAD TEST AND HE ALSO HEARD THE NOISE I WAS EXPERIENCING. THEN THE DEALER BLAMED IT ON THE SIDE BARS THAT I HAD PREVIOSLY INSTALLED. (THE NOISE WAS THERE BEFORE THE THE BARS WERE INSTALLED). NEEDLESS TO SAY, I WAS GIVEN THE RUN AROUND. I AM A EXPERIENCED MECHANIC BY TRADE AND I KNOW ABOUT THESE THINGS. I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT I AM DRIVING A POTENTIAL TIME BOMB JUST LIKE THE DURANGO'S WHICH SHARE THE SAME FRONT SUSPENSION THAT ARE HAVING CRITICAL BALLJOINT FAILURES WHICH THERE IS NOW A CLASS ACTION LAW SIUTE IN PROCESS. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL INITIATED BECAUSE LIVES ARE IN DANGER!*AK

Mileage: 16,582

I AM OWNER OF A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB PICK-UP WITH DEFECTIVE FRONT BALL JOINTS. I HAVE NOTICED NOISE FROM THE FRONT END OF VEHICLE AND TOOK IT TO DEALER. EVEN TOOK THE SHOP FORMAN ON ROAD TEST AND HE ALSO HEARD THE NOISE I WAS EXPERIENCING. THEN THE DEALER BLAMED IT ON THE SIDE BARS THAT I HAD PREVIOSLY INSTALLED. (THE NOISE WAS THERE BEFORE THE THE BARS WERE INSTALLED). NEEDLESS TO SAY, I WAS GIVEN THE RUN AROUND. I AM A EXPERIENCED MECHANIC BY TRADE AND I KNOW ABOUT THESE THINGS. I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT I AM DRIVING A POTENTIAL TIME BOMB JUST LIKE THE DURANGO'S WHICH SHARE THE SAME FRONT SUSPENSION THAT ARE HAVING CRITICAL BALLJOINT FAILURES WHICH THERE IS NOW A CLASS ACTION LAW SIUTE IN PROCESS. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL INITIATED BECAUSE LIVES ARE IN DANGER!*AK

Mileage: 16,582

PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE UPPER BALL JOINTS ON MY 2002 DODGE DAKOTA CLUB CAB PICK-UP WITH 26,465 MILES. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER TO DIAGNOSE A CLANKING NOISE IN THE FRONT END WHEN TURNING THEY DID NOT FIND ANY PROBLEM ON THE FIRST VISIT, I RETURNED FOR A SECOND VISIT AND I IDENTIFIED THE UPPER BALL JOINTS AS THE PROBLEM, THEY CHECKED THEM AND AGREED. THEY WERE REPLACED UNDER THE WARRANTY. AFTER READING A LARGE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ON DIFFERENT WEB SITES THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE DAKOTAS AND DURANGOS. HOW ABOUT A RECALL! (PREMATURE FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTOR FAILURES IS ANOTHER COMMON PROBLEM ON BOTH OF THESE VEHICLES. MINE HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 26,120 MILES AND WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY.) *LA

Mileage: 26,465

WE OWN A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB TRUCK. IT'S GETTING READY TO BE TAKEN BACK INTO THE SHOP FOR A BALL-JOINT PROBLEM WE SUPPOSEDLY ALREADY HAD FIXED. WE PURCHASED THIS DODGE TRUCK AS OUR MAIN FAMILY VEHICLE. HOW CAN I FEEL SAFE TRANSPORTING MY FAMILY IN A VEHICLE THAT COULD HAVE A TIRE COLLAPSE AT ANY TIME? I'VE RESEARCHED INFORMATION ABOUT THIS VERY PROBLEM AND AM DISTURBED TO FIND OUT THAT IT'S HAPPENING TO A LOT OF VEHICLE OWNERS. FOR MOST OF US, A VEHICLE IS ONE OF THE MOST COSTLY PURCHASES WE MAKE IN OUR LIFETIMES... HOW LONG ARE WE GOING TO HAVE TO WAIT FOR DAIMLER/CHRYSLER/DODGE TO STOP SWEEPING THIS PROBLEM UNDER THE RUG AND TAKE THE SAFETY OF ALL PASSENGERS SERIOUSLY? *LA

WE OWN A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB TRUCK. IT'S GETTING READY TO BE TAKEN BACK INTO THE SHOP FOR A BALL-JOINT PROBLEM WE SUPPOSEDLY ALREADY HAD FIXED. WE PURCHASED THIS DODGE TRUCK AS OUR MAIN FAMILY VEHICLE. HOW CAN I FEEL SAFE TRANSPORTING MY FAMILY IN A VEHICLE THAT COULD HAVE A TIRE COLLAPSE AT ANY TIME? I'VE RESEARCHED INFORMATION ABOUT THIS VERY PROBLEM AND AM DISTURBED TO FIND OUT THAT IT'S HAPPENING TO A LOT OF VEHICLE OWNERS. FOR MOST OF US, A VEHICLE IS ONE OF THE MOST COSTLY PURCHASES WE MAKE IN OUR LIFETIMES... HOW LONG ARE WE GOING TO HAVE TO WAIT FOR DAIMLER/CHRYSLER/DODGE TO STOP SWEEPING THIS PROBLEM UNDER THE RUG AND TAKE THE SAFETY OF ALL PASSENGERS SERIOUSLY? *LA

PREMATURE FAILURE (40000 MILES) OF BALL JOINTS IN A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB. *LA

Mileage: 40,000

PREMATURE FAILURE (40000 MILES) OF BALL JOINTS IN A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB. *LA

Mileage: 40,000

2002 DODGE DAKOTA DEALER IDENTIFIED LT BALL JOINT/CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT @ 42,000 MI. PROBLEM EXISTED SOME 6000 - 7000 PRIOR BASED ON DRIVABILITY/NOISE. VEH HAS HAD REPEATED EVAP LEAK SINCE 14,000 MI.*AK

Mileage: 35,000

UPPER BALL JOINT ON 02 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB NEEDS TO BE REPLACE W/ ONLY 27,200 MILES ON TRUCK.*AK

Mileage: 27,200

I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT SUSPENSION IN MY DODGE DAKOTA. THE FRONT END VIBRATES AT SPEEDS OVER 60MPH . I FEEL THIS IS NOT RIGHT, CORRECT, OR SAFE. I GOT ANOTHER OPINION FROM DAIGLE STEER-O-MASTER.THEY FOUND THAT THE RIGHT BALLJOINT IS THE PROBLEM.THE DEALER CLAIMS THE BALLJOINT ON ALL THE WHEELS ARE WITHIN SPECS . AFTER ANOTHER OPINION THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL STILL HAS EXCESS PLAY,WHICH I FEEL IS NOT SAFE AT ANY SPEED. IT ALSO WOULD NOT PASS THE STATE INSPECTION. MY DODGE DAKOTA ONLY HAS 17,152 MILES. I THINK THAT THE DEALER WILL NOT CORRECT THIS PROBLEM UNTIL THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED OR THERE IS A RECALL.*AK

Mileage: 17,152

POPPING SOUND IN FRONT END WHEN TURNING AT SLOW SPEED, DRIVING OVER A SPEED BUMP AT SLOW SPEED, STOPPING OR PULLING OUT FROM STOP. *LA

NOISE WHEN MAKING TURNS AND OVER LIGHT BUMPS IN FRONT SUSPENSION OF A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA CREW CAB PICKUP. *LA

Mileage: 21,000

2002 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB. WHILE BRAKING THERE SEEMS TO BE A VIBRATION UNDER THE FRONT END OR SOMETIMES WHILE TURNING EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT IN MOTION IT WILL MAKE A POPPING SOUND. I DID TAKE IT TO THE DEALER 2 MONTH AGO FOR THAT PROBLEM, BUT ALL THEY FOUND OUT THAT THE BRAKE DISKS NEEDED TO BE TURNED. BUT THE SAME PROBLEM STILL HAPPENS. NEED TO FIND OUT IF THERE IS ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE UPPER OR LOWER BALL JOINTS, BUSHINGS THAT ARE NOT PROPERLY SEATED ON THE FRONT END PARTS, OR WHAT? *LA

UPPER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT FAILURE. *AK

Mileage: 19,500

HEARD AND FELT A CLUNKING SOUND IN STEERING WHEN VEHICLE HIT A BUMP/ BALL JOINTS AND ARMS REPLACED. *MR THE CONSUMER FELT AND HEARD A CLUNKING SOUND IN THE STEERING WHEN A BUMP WAS HIT OR TURNING A CORNER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE UPPER BALL JOINTS AND A ARM UNDER WARRANTY. *SCC *JB

Mileage: 30,000

PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE'S UPPER BALL JOINT, LOWER CONTROL ARM, AND STEERING.*MR *CB

Mileage: 17,000

PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE'S UPPER BALL JOINT, LOWER CONTROL ARM, AND STEERING.*MR *CB

Mileage: 17,000

FRONT BRAKE ROTORS HAD TO BE TURNED/REPLACED AT APPROX. 17000 MILES. DEALERSHIP SAID THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE AS BRAKES ONLY HAVE 1YR/12000 MILE WARRANTY. REPAIR FACILITY ONLY REPLACES WITH OEM PARTS, SO THEY WILL PROBABLY HAVE TO BE REPLACED AGAIN IN ANOTHER 15-20000 MILES. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE.*AK ALSO APPEARS I WILL NOW HAVE TO REPLACE BALL JOINTS AT APPROX. 18500 MILES. THESE PARTS SHOULD LAST MUCH LONGER THAN THIS. VEHICLE IS 2002 DODGE DAKOTA CC 4X4 4.7L ENGINE.

Mileage: 17,000

DEALER REPLACED BOTH UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS AND CONTROL ARMS. CONSUMER STATED THIS VEHICLE WAS THE VERSION OF DURANGO, THEREFORE , THEY USED THE SAME PARTS. *AK

DEALER REPLACED BOTH UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS AND CONTROL ARMS. CONSUMER STATED THIS VEHICLE WAS THE VERSION OF DURANGO, THEREFORE , THEY USED THE SAME PARTS. *AK

DEALER REPLACED BOTH UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS AND CONTROL ARMS. CONSUMER STATED THIS VEHICLE WAS THE VERSION OF DURANGO, THEREFORE , THEY USED THE SAME PARTS. *AK

2002 DODGE DAKOTA 4X2 PICKUP HAS PREMATURE FAILURE OF UPPER BALL JOINTS AND SEVERE TIRE WEAR. 32,000 MILES HAVING TO REPLACE UPPER BALL JOINTS, BAD FRONT END SUSPENSION AND HANDLING.*AK

PREMATURE FAILURE OF UPPER BALL JOINT. *AK

Mileage: 26,857

THE INVESTIGATION ON THE 1998-2003 DODGE DURANGO BALL JOINTS NEEDS TO BE EXPANDED TO THE ENTIRE LINE OF DAKOTA TRUCKS. THESE VEHICLES, FROM THE "B" PILLAR FORWARD ARE VIRTUALLY IDENTICAL. GO TO THIS SITE TO SEE HUNDREDS AND HUDREDS OF COMPLAINTS: WWW.DODGEDAKOTAS.COM USE THE SEARCH ENGINE. THE BALL JOINTS ARE COMPLETELY WORN ON MY 2002 DAKOTA QUAD CAB, TO THE POINT WHERE THE SUSPENSION HAS BECOME UNPREDICTABLE UNDER CERTAIN ROAD CONDITIONS. THIS VEHICLE HAS ONLY 21K MILES ON IT.

THE INVESTIGATION ON THE 1998-2003 DODGE DURANGO BALL JOINTS NEEDS TO BE EXPANDED TO THE ENTIRE LINE OF DAKOTA TRUCKS. THESE VEHICLES, FROM THE "B" PILLAR FORWARD ARE VIRTUALLY IDENTICAL. GO TO THIS SITE TO SEE HUNDREDS AND HUDREDS OF COMPLAINTS: WWW.DODGEDAKOTAS.COM USE THE SEARCH ENGINE. THE BALL JOINTS ARE COMPLETELY WORN ON MY 2002 DAKOTA QUAD CAB, TO THE POINT WHERE THE SUSPENSION HAS BECOME UNPREDICTABLE UNDER CERTAIN ROAD CONDITIONS. THIS VEHICLE HAS ONLY 21K MILES ON IT.

THE INVESTIGATION ON THE 1998-2003 DODGE DURANGO BALL JOINTS NEEDS TO BE EXPANDED TO THE ENTIRE LINE OF DAKOTA TRUCKS. THESE VEHICLES, FROM THE "B" PILLAR FORWARD ARE VIRTUALLY IDENTICAL. GO TO THIS SITE TO SEE HUNDREDS AND HUDREDS OF COMPLAINTS: WWW.DODGEDAKOTAS.COM USE THE SEARCH ENGINE. THE BALL JOINTS ARE COMPLETELY WORN ON MY 2002 DAKOTA QUAD CAB, TO THE POINT WHERE THE SUSPENSION HAS BECOME UNPREDICTABLE UNDER CERTAIN ROAD CONDITIONS. THIS VEHICLE HAS ONLY 21K MILES ON IT.

I HAVE A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA 4X4 PICK UP TRUCK WHICH NEEDS TO HAVE ITSUPPER LEFT BALL JOINT REPLACED AFTER 10 MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP. I PREVIOUSLY OWNED A 2000 DODGE DURANGO WHICH HAD THE SAME PART REPLACED ON THREE OCCASIONS.

Mileage: 18,000

ONLY 27689 MILES SAFETY FRONT END COMPONENTS FAILED POWER STEERING RACK SEAL LEAKING FLUID.SWAY BAR BUSHINGS WERE REPLACED.SEAT RIGHT REAR COMING APART PASS SIDE PLASTIC RECLINER HANDLE BROKE MY 2002 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB 4X4 SPORT HAS HAD SUSPENSION PROBLEMS, AND BRAKE PROBLEMS. THE UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND BALL JOINTS MAKE A POPPING SOUND WHEN STEP ON BRAKES OR MAKE A SHARP LEFT TURN. I NOW HAVE 29900 MILES AND THE POUNDING AND NOISE HAVE NOT STOPPED. VEHICLE FEELS LIKE YOU WILL LOOSE CONTROL WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS IN THE HIGHWAY. *AK

Mileage: 27,689

ONLY 27689 MILES SAFETY FRONT END COMPONENTS FAILED POWER STEERING RACK SEAL LEAKING FLUID.SWAY BAR BUSHINGS WERE REPLACED.SEAT RIGHT REAR COMING APART PASS SIDE PLASTIC RECLINER HANDLE BROKE MY 2002 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB 4X4 SPORT HAS HAD SUSPENSION PROBLEMS, AND BRAKE PROBLEMS. THE UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND BALL JOINTS MAKE A POPPING SOUND WHEN STEP ON BRAKES OR MAKE A SHARP LEFT TURN. I NOW HAVE 29900 MILES AND THE POUNDING AND NOISE HAVE NOT STOPPED. VEHICLE FEELS LIKE YOU WILL LOOSE CONTROL WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS IN THE HIGHWAY. *AK

Mileage: 27,689

ONLY 27689 MILES SAFETY FRONT END COMPONENTS FAILED POWER STEERING RACK SEAL LEAKING FLUID.SWAY BAR BUSHINGS WERE REPLACED.SEAT RIGHT REAR COMING APART PASS SIDE PLASTIC RECLINER HANDLE BROKE MY 2002 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB 4X4 SPORT HAS HAD SUSPENSION PROBLEMS, AND BRAKE PROBLEMS. THE UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND BALL JOINTS MAKE A POPPING SOUND WHEN STEP ON BRAKES OR MAKE A SHARP LEFT TURN. I NOW HAVE 29900 MILES AND THE POUNDING AND NOISE HAVE NOT STOPPED. VEHICLE FEELS LIKE YOU WILL LOOSE CONTROL WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS IN THE HIGHWAY. *AK

Mileage: 27,689

THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING. *NLM *AK THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE FOLLOWING: KNOCKING IN THE SUSPENSION(4 ATTEMPTS TO FIX), THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT, THE DRIVER DOOR HAD A WIND NOISE AND WATER LEAKED, THE TAILGATE HANDLE WAS LOOSE ON THE RIGHT SIDE, THE LOWER STEERING COLUMN COUPLED, AND THE UPPER CONTROL ARM BOLTS WERE FOUND LOOSE. *SCC

Mileage: 10,000

THERE WAS A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF VEHICLE WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT. *NLM. *AK

Mileage: 10,000

VIBRATION WHEN APPLYING BRAKES. WARPED ROTORS AT ONLY 27,000 MILES WHEN USED ONLY FOR COMMUTING TO AND FROM WORK, MAINLY HIGHWAY MILES. WAS TOLD THAT MANY THINGS COULD CAUSE PREMATURE WEARING AND OR WARPING OF THE ROTORS SUCH AS HEAVY TOWING AND HIGH TEMP'S. NONE OF WHICH THE TRUCK HAS ENDURED. I DO NOT/HAVE NOT TOWED ANYTHING AND FURTHERMORE THE WARPING HAPPENED IN THE MIDDLE OF WINTER SO, HIGH HEAT COULDN'T HAVE BEEN THE CAUSE EITHER. I'VE DONE EXTENSIVE RESEARCH ONLINE AND REALIZE NOW THAT MANY OTHER PEOPLE ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THIS MODEL AND YEAR. DODGE WILL NOT ASSIST WITH RESOLVING THE ISSUE AS THEY WILL ONLY WARRANTY ROTORS UP TO 12,000 MILES. THE OTHER CASES I'VE READ ABOUT SEEM TO HAPPEN AT OR WITHIN 10,000 MILES. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE THAT DODGE NEEDS TO ADDRESS AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY OF. NOT ONLY THE BRAKE ISSUE BUT I AM ALSO EXPERIENCING SIMILAR PROBLEMS AS OTHERS WITH THE UPPER BALL JOINTS. MINE HAVE ALREADY HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THEY WERE SO LOOSE THAT YOU COULD MOVE THEM WITH YOUR HAND. DODGE SHOULD BE HELP ACCOUNTABLE FOR THESE ISSUES!!!! *NLM

Mileage: 27,000

MY 2002 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB 4X4 SPORT HAS HAD SUSPENSION PROBLEMS, AND BRAKE PROBLEMS. THE UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND BALL JOINTS HAVE BEEN BAD FROM DAY ONE. I NOW HAVE 35,000 MILES AND THE POUNDING AND NOISE HAVE NOT STOPPED. THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. WHY NOT A RECALL? *NLM

Mileage: 10

FRONT END LINKAGE. TRANSMISSION WON'T SHIFT OUT. FRONT END HAS A POPPING NOISE AGAIN ( SAME AS BEFORE) TRANSMISSION WON'T SHIFT OUT AND CAUSES THE MOTOR TO REV UP CONSIDERABLY. *NLM

Mileage: 6,527

CONSUMER NOTICED UNEVEN WEAR ON THE OUTSIDE EDGE OF THE FRONT TIRES. THERE WAS A GROANING SOUND COMING FROM THE AXLE AREA WHEN TURNING CORNERS AND THE STEERING COLUMN WAS VERY LOOSE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE DEFECTIVE. *AK *JB

Mileage: 29,000

CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE SHOCK. ALSO STATED THAT ALMOST EVERY 100 MILES IF THE VEHICLE HIT A POT HOLE OR A BUMP ON THE PAVEMENT THE VEHICLE LOSES CONTROL AND CONSUMER ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS SPINNED ON HIM TWICE. DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO THAT IS SOMETHING WRONG ENGINE WISE. MR

WHILE DRIVING THEIRS A NOISE FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP THAT THE REAR END WENT OUT. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE DETAILS. TS

WHILE DRIVING 20MPH FRONT WHEEL BEARING BROKE OFF, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL AND INJURIES.*AK

WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY REAR BACK WINDOW VIBRATES . DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK