This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
While driving at any speed, the consumer heard a squeaking sound coming from the front end. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, who examined the front end. The dealer determined that the upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced.
Consumer complained about a steering box problem. Also, dealer replaced the ball joints and idler arm. Consumer is keeping an eye on the fuel filler tube because it seemed to be rusted. Also, brake line is also rusted.
While driving 45 mph steering wheel vibrated. The mechanic determined that the problem was due to the front ball joints being worn out. The faulty ball joints resulted in bad alignment and caused the tires to wear improperly.
Have a 1997 Dodge Dakota 4 wheel drive, 5.2L V8. Heard knocking sporadic noises in front suspension. Took it to Dodge dealership who informed me that ball joints need to be replaced. In doing some research this seems to be a serious and dangerous problem with Dakotas. If I wouldn't have taken mine in to be looked at, it could have resulted in a serious accident. I have ask Dodge for my old ball joints so that I can have them as evidence. Dodge is charging about $600 for the repair. It doesn't seem fair that Dodge is making money of the repair of a ball joint that shouldn't have needed it in the first place. Dodge should issue a service advisory and this type of repair should be handled free of charge.
1997 Dodge Dakota upper and lower balljoints have failed pre-maturely. I currently am experiencing loud noises from the front of the vehicle when riding over small bumps. My mechanic stated that the upper and lower balljoints need to be replace on both sides of the vehicle. I am the orginal owner of this vehicle and it has never been used off paved roads.
Failure of upper ball joints at approx. 80000 miles. Failure identified because ofsevere front tire wear. Had upper ball joints replaced, but this did not correct tire wear. Took truck to another dealer, and they explained that I had to have the lower ball joints replaced also because "you never just replace the upper, you have to replace the lower one's also" this corrected the tire wear problems. The dates are estimates, I would have to search thru my records or the records of the Dodge dealers for exact dates. I keep all the paper work, so a search is available if needed. VIN is available, I just don't have it here at work.
Replace both sides of upper and lower ball joints at 60K and 120K despite using the best grease in them synthetic. I've complained about the seat back before since new it falls back. Front bucket.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Denver, CO, USA