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

The vehicle's upper ball joints failed. Please provide any additional information.

- Andersonville, TN, 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

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

- Okoboji, IA, USA

While driving the vehicle at 30 mph, the right side of the vehicle vibrated. An independent shop replaced the upper ball joint and the upper arm. Please provide further information.

- Bedford, IA, USA

Premature wear on left ball joints for 1998 Dodge Dakota 2wd.

- Overland Park, KS, USA

Upper and lower ball joint are bad.

- Newaark, OH, USA

1998 Dodge Dakota upper ball joint failure dealer diagnosis.

- Rutland, MA, USA

Control arm upper ball joint failure. The state of pa requires vehicles to pass an anual inspection in order to drive on the roads. My Dodge Dakota will fail this inspection next Feb. The right upper balljoint on my vehicle (which should have a life span minimum 80 to 100 K; my veh. Has 46K) needs to be repaired to be considered safe by pa standards. Dodge provided no way to perform preventitive maintenence on this vehicle part. Poor design on their part is not worth the cost of serious injury or death and they know it because they modified the repair replacement part which to me admits a flaw to begin with.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

The owner took the vehicle to the dealership for an inspection. The mechanic informed the owner that the upper ball joints failed. Please provide any additional information.

- Shakopee, MN, USA

Upper and lower ball joints wore out prematurely.

- Dade City, FL, USA

Per broadcast on December 19, 2003 on cbs nightly news, the Dodge durango/Dakota ball joint, upper and lower issues, not yet a recall by the mfg. We own a 1998 Dodge Dakota, purchased in 2000 and at every state inspection, the upper and lower front ball joints need to be replaced. The dealer is aware of the situation that all Dodge 97 and up have ball joint issues, so the mfg is aware of the problem for a long time now. Every year it is 300+ $ to replace these for the needed state inspection, they go bad every year, and are dangerous if not replaced. We only put about 10, 000 miles a year on the vehicle also. The joints cannot be greased w/O dealer or mechanic assistance. Per the news these items need to be replaced to accomodate larger ball joints which is going to be costly. We called about 2yrs ago to Chrysler Dodge, who advise there is nothing wrong and no recall has been issued. Now we see there are major safety issues regarding this defect and causing fatalities and accidents. We dont want to find out this way, we would like it to be a recall to have the joints and arms replaced to accomodate the bigger ball joints required for this type of vehicle. Apparently this is a known issue re all Dodge trucks/ SUVS and needs to have a prompt investigation done not only by the dealers/Chrysler Dodge who already are aware anyway, no need for them to investigate something they have been repairing at the cost of the customer for the past 10yrs or so. This needs investigated by someone who has the authority to make Chrysler recall this dangerous life threatening defect.

- Erie, PA, USA

I've got a 1998 Dodge Dakota and just had the ball joints replaced. The vehicle only had about 65000 miles or so when I noticed the problem and I finally had them replaced at about 73000 miles. I emailed Dodge about it and they gave me no worthwhile answers except I didn't qualify for any recalls or reimbursement. I know ball joints shouldn't go out this soon and wanted to send this information to you because I saw where you are looking into this matter. If you need any other information please feel free to contact me. Thanks, gregory thomas.

- Gore, OK, USA

At any speed vehicle was making a clicking sound when turning corners and wearing out tires. The last time consumer replaced a set of tires it was discovered that the upper ball joints had unusual wear. Consumer claimed that he was an engineer, and that there was no way that one could lubricate the upper ball joints.

- Augusta, GA, USA

Seen the cbs news about upper ball joints on Dodge Dakota on 12/18/03. Had my left side ball joints replaced on 7/15/02 and my right side ball joints replaced on 8/5/03. Pretty close to $500 to have replaced.

- Waukesha, WI, USA