The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection after a road trip. Dealer determined that upper ball joints were about to separate, and the lower ball joints were worn out. Upper and lower ball joints were replaced.

- Apex, NC, USA

An independent shop replaced the lower and upper ball joints lat September at the consumer's expense. Dealer notified. The cv drive and axle shaft were also replaced.

- Waterbury, CT, USA

While vehicle was being serviced mechanic determined that ball joints and tie rod ends were loose.

- Sioux Falls, SD, USA

While driving there was vibration in the front end. Dealership replaced both upper ball joints. Also, at 100,000 miles right front upper ball joint was replaced because it was loose, and the wheel was about to fall off.

- Winston-Salem, NC, USA

The driver took the vehicle to the garage for tire repair. The mechanic noticed that both upper and lower ball joints needed replaced due to the excessive wear on the inner side of tires and wheel are loose.

- Ettrick, WI, USA

Vehicle was taken to dealer for premature wear of the tires. Mechanic determined that ball joints were rubbing, and needed to be replaced.

- Johnson City, TN, USA

Dealer replaced the lower and upper ball joints at 90000 miles.

- East Helena, MT, USA

While driving and turning left or right at lower speed consumer heard a noise coming through the front end. Vehicle was taken to the dealership and the mechanic determined that the ball joints wore out and needed to be replaced.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

Failure of all ball joints in March of 2003 and then a subsequent replacement of 2 of those ball joints in July of 2003. Currently 1 more of the ball joints is going bad.

- Clinton Twp, MI, USA

The ball joints on my 98 Dodge Dakota have failed several times. One time the wheel almost fell off. They have been replaced as well as the wheel bearings and entire hub assembly which they cause to fail when they fail.

- Akron, OH, USA

Ball joints and steering column on my 1998 Dodge Dakota pickup truck. Both were worn out after 30,000 miles.

- Belair, MD, USA

The upper and lower ball joints failed. The consumer was concerned that the front end would collapse while driving. The vehicle was still under warranty.

- Vergennes, VT, USA

Consumer had to replace the upper and lower ball joints and inner tie rods at 42,000 miles. The ball joints and tie rod ends had excessive play.

- Oshkosh, WI, USA

While driving at any speed consumer heard a clicking sound coming from the front wheels when turning corners. Also, consumer needed to compensate for vehicle pulling from one side to the other side. Vehicle was taken to a mechanic, who lifted the vehicle and one of the front wheels fell off. Mechanic determined that front ball joints were worn out. Mechanic replaced upper and lower ball joints, inner tie rod ends and performed front end. Alignment

- Eckerty, IN, USA

I hear a popping sound when I turn left. I took my 1998 Dodge Dakota to a mechanic and he said all four of my ball joints (two uppers and 2 lowers) are shot. I have an extended warranty so I contacted the local dealer about getting new ball joints. The parts dept. Manager told me there is a nationwide back order on the lower ball joints and he expected to get them in within a few months. As for the uppers, he said he could get them within a few weeks. It sounds to me like Dodge knows the ball joints are defective so they pulled everything from stock and are having new ones made up. I think Dodge might be doing this to avoid a recall.

- Newark, CA, USA

My complaint is in regards to the ball joints on my 1998 Dodge Dakota truck. My truck has 80,000 miles on it, but I baby it, have never been in an accident, and can remember just about every pothole I've hit on the road because it makes me cringe every time. I brought the truck to the dealership to investigate the loud noises I could hear, and feel, when I drove. I don't understand why all four of them had to be replaced. I believe the ball joints were faulty upon manufacture, and hope to be reimbursed for the parts and labor. Granted this is probably a low priority issue because there have been a relatively low number of fatalities attributed to ball joint failure, and it generally does not involve fire, or emergency situations. I would like to make the point that my truck is much more responsive, and the steering feels much tighter, and attribute this to the new ball joints. Whether this is just in my head, or I really do feel a difference, I am relieved to say that I got it done. But I did consider not doing it and waiting to hear more about potential recall status. I would like to urge people not to wait if they are having problems, and keep your fingers crossed for a future recall. The bit of sloppiness, and potential failure of the ball joint, is a large risk, and if you correct the problem now you can mitigate the risk that will become an issue as the automobiles with faulty ball joints grow in age and severity of defect. Please do what you can to push for recall.

- Redmond, WA, USA

Technician serviced vehicle and determined that ball joints needed to be replaced. Part was replaced in January 2003. Vehicle was serviced January 2004, technician installed new ball joints.

- Waterford, PA, USA

While driving at any speed, the consumer heard a subtle noise coming from the front wheels. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined excessive upper and lower ball joint wear.

- Cheboygan, MI, USA

While driving consumer heard a loud noise coming from the front end. Dealerships mechanic informed the consumer that the problem pertained to the front lower ball joints failure. The consumer viewed film where the wheels had fallen.

- Brandon, FL, USA

Upper and lower ball joint require replacements as well as tie rods.

- Okoboji, IA, USA