While driving at any speed consumer heard a loud knocking sound from under the vehicle when turning corners. Vehicle was taken to a repair shop. The mechanic informed the consumer, that upper ball joints were worn out.

- Fairmont, MN, USA

During a vehicle inspection, the mechanic found that the upper ball joints were defective and had to be replaced.

- Riverside, MO, USA

Requesting further info on doge "durango/ Dakota" investigation on upper ball joint problem. I own a 1999 Dodge Dakota and experience front end squeaking, excessive abnormal front tire wear, and banging when going over a bump or turning a sharp corner{going on a year now}. I have presented this problem to the Dodge dealership and they have, demeaningly, only determined the issue to be tires unbalanced and rotated the tires to attempt to resolve the issue. ( quick fix and get out!! )yet the tire wear continues and noises of metal clanking occurs. I had seen the report on cbs news on October 27, 2003 and now have a higher concern of this issue, as desribed above. What sort of resolutions are being performed and what should I do"??"

- Torrington, CT, USA

I own a 1999 Dodge Dakota. I recently had new tires put on. The dealer said he couldn't align the front end because the ball joints (upper and lower) were too worn. The truck has 85000 mostly highway miles. Considering the tv story on Dakotas and durangos, thought I'd let you know.

- Manchester, TN, USA

Northtown Dodge of tonawanda,2020 niagara falls blvd, tonawanda, NY tel#7166927200, told me the squeak in my '99 Dodge Dakota (53,372 miles) was the failure of both upper and lower ball joints. They charged me a total of $1,870 for the job in July '03. $1,048 was for parts alone. They insisted that the ball joint connecting arms are one piece with each ball joint. Since then I called the same dealer's parts dept. Requesting information on replacement parts costs. That dept. Told me that daimler Chrysler has produced replacement parts at the cost of $100 each because they realize that the ball joints in both the Dakota and durangos have a frequent failure record. Northtown Dodge service dept. Did not inform me of those parts availability or even existence and did not afford me the opportunity to save over $640 in parts alone. I feel that they lied and cheated me and probably others with no warranty.

- Kenmore, NY, USA

Own a 1999 Dodge Dakota 4WD. Ball joints and idler arm going bad. Vehicle has 56,000 miles. Noticed noise arising from front suspension and loosening at around 40,000 miles, but did not know till around 53,000 miles when a mechanic brought it to my attention while it was at an alignment shop. These parts, I was advised, should not be wearing till around 130,000 miles. Two people at my work also own these vehicles, one person owns a 2wd Dakota, another owns a 4WD durango. Both persons are having the same problems with ball joints as well.

- Aurora, CO, USA

Premature wear of ball joints in my 1999 Dodge Dakota. Vehicle has less that 48000 on it and was told when I went for an alignment that my ball joints were wearing out. Shouldn't be wearing out so soon. Have not replaced yet, dealer mechanic claims he has seen quite a few of these.

- Sioux Falls, SD, USA

1999 Dodge Dakota upper ball joints failed.

- Ste. Genevieve, MO, USA

Upper right ball joint failed. Vehicle had 65684 miles.

- Lilburn, GA, USA

1999 Dodge Dakota 4WD 71500 miles. Notified by mechanic that I need both upper ball joints, both lower ball joints and both tie rod ends replaced. Took it in for unusual tire wear that has occurred since 40,000 miles. Mechanic was very familiar with this problem with Dakotas. Said he has seen many like it.

- Helena, MT, USA

Consumer had ball joints replaced at least 6 times. When vehicle was taken to the dealership mechanic did not tell consumer why ball joints continually failed. 1999 Dodge Dakota has had ball joints replaced six times since purchase. Consumer was never told the reason why the ball joints continuously fail.

- Annville, PA, USA

'99 Dodge Dakota, club cab, 4WD, just turned 100,000 miles, had to have the ball joints replaced twice since I have owned it. Ball joints were first replaced at 60,000 miles with oem parts, ball joints were replaced a second time at 90,000 with aftermarket parts. Vehicle is used only on paved roads and not subject to abuse...prematurely failing ball joints are a safety concern and causing premature tire wear.

- Edgerton, WI, USA

Upper ball joints failed at 28,000, front bearings and hub assembly failed 47,000.now surging in cruise control.

- Wakeman, OH, USA

Conumeer heard a noise while traveling. Vehicle was serviced, technician noticed ball joints needed to be replaced.

- Kenmore, NY, USA

The upper and lower ball joints loosened and needed to be replaced.

- Newtonville, MA, USA

The consumer stated the upper and lower ball joints experienced premature failure.

- Hyde Park, MA, USA

1999 doge Dakota. Only 44,000 miles. Needs both front upper ball joints replaced with alignment. Been told numerous Dakotas have this "problem"

- Bethlehem, PA, USA

Had to replace defective ball joints at approximately 48,000 miles

- Carmel, IN, USA

Vehicle front upper ball joint has a failure, that cause the" vehicle to bounce" while driving per consumer.

- Marysville, WA, USA

1999 Dodge Dakota P/U left upper ball joint failed at 34000 miles. On removal and inspection the part contained lube which had broken down and solidified.the ball and socket were badly worn almost to the point of separation. This is a sealed and lifetime lubed part with no provisions for relube.

- Westfield, MA, USA