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.
I own a 1999 Dodge Dakota 4WD sport and I have had to replace both upper ball joints twice. I started having problems late 2001 early 2002, I took it to ansted motors in ansted wv and was informed the upper ball joints were bad. I contacted the Chrysler corporation and was informed that my truck was no longer under warranty, so the best they could do was help pay for labor and that I needed to take it to a certain dealership, located in South charleston wv. Because the truck was not safe, I had the ball joints replaced in 2002 at what is now joe holland Chrysler. This lasted for about six months and I started having problems again in mid 2002, I took the truck to sears at the crossroads mall in beckley wv and was told the ball joints were bad, I had the ball joints replaced for a second time. I recently discovered a recall on Dodge durango and Dakota, but for the years 2000 through 2003, with the same problems that I have experienced. I have not received a recall notice.
Ball joints were defective.. when the caller got new tires he was told the ball joints were bad. The caller said there was a recall on other years models but not on his year model. Dealer has not been contacted yet. Manufacturer said the call would have to pay for repairs himself.
I owned a 1999 Dodge Dakota club cab since 09-99. It was bought new..before my warranty expired on Sept-2000, there was a popping noise from my front end, which was attributed to the ball joints. Not only that, but every time I filled it up, gas would start pouring out from the tank. I took it to the the dealership maroone Dodge in pembroke pines, fl), and was told that it was probably because I put too much gas in it. After the warranty expired, the problem got worst, and I was told that I needed to replace the fuel pump gasket, and the ball joints. I asked why I haven't been told that before my warranty expired, but the service advisor that attended me wasn't working there anymore. I complained to Chrysler, trying to service my truck since I had complained from before the warranty had expired, but they never got back to me. I was just in this chat room, and saw that plenty of people have had the same problem with the ball joints, I don't know about the fuel leaking all over from the tank.
Contact states the upper and lower ball joints on the right side and left side had to be replaced due to a rejection notice from a safety inspection. This year when the vehicle was taken to be inspected they rejected the safety part of the vehicle. The vehicle will not stay in alignment. When the vehicle was being driven it made a thumping noise and pulled to the right side. The steering wheel constantly had to be turned to the left. There was abnormal wear on the tires, and the tires had to be replaced. There was a recall on model year 2003-2004 for this component, but this model year was not included in the recall. The vehicle has not been to a service dealer yet. The consumer was going to call the manufacturer.
1999 Dodge Dakota pickup, V-6. the vehicle front ball joints are defective and will have to be replaced immediately by my mechanic. The mechanic mention a recall on on the ball joints so I contacted the dealer. They informed me that the recall is only for 2000-2003 vehicles. Since the ball joints are faulty, I beleive the recall needs expanding to other years and if service has been completed, reimbursement is warranted to the owner
Consumer stated that ball joints prematurely wore out. A recall was issued for this make/ model and year, but this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN. Consumer noticed the tires were wearing out unevenly, and he took the vehicle to dealer for an alignment. Was told by dealer tires could not be aligned because the whole front end needed to be replaced. Consumer called Dodge, and was told they wouldn't cover the repair charges.
Upper ball joints on passenger side is making loud poping sounds and paint on hood is coming off. Have been unable to have it looked at by someone because of disability.
During a routine inspection, the consumer was informed of loose upper/lower ball joints. The problem was not resolved. The consumer stated all 4 of the ball joints needed to be replaced.
Last year my 1999 Dodge Dakota, 5.2L slt fail it's annual inspection due to faulty ball joints. One year later and less than 10,000 miles the ball joints need replace again. I drive this vehicle part time as a second vehicle and do not drive on unsmooth surfaces. It cost $700 last year to replace the bottom ball joints and I am not looking foward to paying that again this year. The stearing is very loose and hard to control. I turn the wheel and the wheels do not react in a timely mannor. It is also hard to stay in the driving lane. The vehicle sways from one side to the other.
Vehicle experienced a problem with the upper ball joints. Owner was having the vehicle inspected when it was discovered that the upper ball joints were completely worn out. When turning the steering wheel in either direction the front wheels would squeak and clank.
I have a 1999 Dodge Dakota slt with about 26500 actual miles on it. I had the truck at the mechanic because of a nasty 'clunk' in the front end. Turned out the right ball joint was so worn that it needed to be immediately replaced; the left is showing unusual wear as well and will need to be addressed in the near future. I understand this is "fairly normal" for the 99 Dakota. That doesn't make it acceptable.
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- Calgary, 00, USA