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.
Lower ball joints had to be reply at 40000 miles also all rubber seals on top and on all steering arms are gone, truck had extended warranty but they would only reply the lower joints because they were ready to fail, warranty company would not replace upper ball joints or any of the steering assembly even though they are dry and will probably fail with-in the next 5000 miles/ truck had only 100 miles left on warranty... also have had to have the catalitic converter repl 3 times.
We had to replace the ball joints on our '97 Dodge Dakota after 49,000 miles because it became dangerous to drive our truck. This also affected the wear of our tires which we had to replace at the same time. Also, the brakes have never worked right, they were replaced at just over 30,000 miles. We would like to be reimbursed for the defective ball joints we had replaced. Ideally, we'd like to also be compensated for the premature wear on the tires, but realize that might be asking too much. How do we find out how to become part of the class action suit against daimler-Chrysler? (it was still Dodge when we bought the Dakota) fortunately, my husband was aware of the danger the ball joints created and we had them replaced before an accident occurred. Help! thanks for your time.
1997 Dodge Dakota, VIN#[xxx]: defective ball joints for the second time in 8000 miles. The first replacement was needed @ 30,000mi, but not done until 55,668mi. 2nd set wore beyond.19" 8000mi later. Lithia Dodge's remarks: Not life threatening, just keep them greased. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
I have a 1997 Dodge Dakota sport with four wheel drive, a V8 engine and automatic transmission. I noticed my front tires wearing on the inside. I took the truck to the dealer on 12-20-01. I was told it needed lower ball joint and upper control arms. On 1-31-03 I returned to the dealer complaining of a vibration in the front end, again I was told it needed lower ball joints and upper control arms. Now I am noticing the tires wearing on the inside again and the dealer tells me it again needs upper ball joints but that the new redesigned parts are on backorder from the manufacturer. These failures have happened at ten thousand mile intervals, the first repair was at 46,261 the second at 56,125 and now it has 67,261 miles on it. This truck has never been off road and is used as a daily commuter vehicle. The problem at 46,261 miles is early for this type of failure but I guess it could happen however two more times in 21,000 miles is premature failure. I've worked in the automotive repair business for twenty five years and this is the first time I've had this type of problem on my own vehicles which are meticulusly maintained. This is definately a saftey issue as this can cause separation of the control arm from the steering knuckle.
Upper and lower ball joints have worn prematurely (36000 miles) and are very expensive to fix. Unfortunately, it's not safe to continue driving without replacing them. Dodge needs to get a handle on this before any accidents occur.
- Maxwell, IA, USA
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While driving steering wheel is very loose. When riding over bumps in the road there is a rattling noise in the front end. Mechanic says there is excessive wear in the ball joints. The rubber boot on top of the ball joints were busted.
Dealer replaced upper control arm and ball joints at 35000 miles, again was replaced at 80000. Dealer knew about the problems of the ball joints, but claimed they were still good and consumer could still drive although the ball joints were worn out prematurely.
Upper ball joint wore out prematurely and needed replacement, per dealership. Vehicle was kept in the garage with only 50K miles and the consumer didn't understand why he had expensive failures.
I own a 1997 Dodge Dakota sport pickup. It is a 4X4 with a 318cid engine and auto. Trans. At about 35,000 miles, during a front end alignment, I had to replace the left upper ball joint. Having 25 years auto experience myself, this part was definitely bad and I replaced the whole upper control arm, as the ball joint alone was not available. Currently, at 84,000 miles, both lower ball joints are bad and have been replaced. This vehicle is not used much in off road conditions and then only on paved roads. This is premature part failure and a serious safety issue, as I drive at or above the poisted speed limits in my travels. Total failure of these parts would result in loss of control and an accident.
Three incidents of lower ball joint failure. 1st failure at 16-17K miles, 2nd at 36K mi. These were covered under warranty by Dodge after some denial that there was a problem at all. 3rd failure at 60K mi. Dealer denies there is a problem with lower ball joints. Two independant repair shops have varified lower joints require replacement with one stating "vehicle should not be driven because of very worn condition of one ball joint!" upper ball joints are also worn and require replacement.
I've had to have the front end aligned twice now & upon having it in for the 3rd time, I was told that the lower right ball joint was out. This is why I've gone throw 2 sets of tires already, needing the 3rd set. I've had problems trying to find the ball joint. This is just one of the many problems I have had with my truck. The transmission still does not shift right. I've been told by 2 different dealers that I am in the computer so if anything does happen, it will be taken care of. I ran across a web site that discusses the problems other Dakota owners are experiencing & I know what they are going through. This is the 1st brand new vehicle I have ever owned & I've had more problems with it than I ever had any ot the others I have owned.( dot number: Tire size: P215/75R15 )
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- Tampa, FL, USA