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.
Consumer saw on news about vehicle manufacturer's ball joint problems where joints are prematurely braking allowing the assembly and the wheel to come loose on Dodge Dakota pickup trucks.
Vehicle was taken to dealership for ball joint replacement. Wheel came off, and consumer had vehicle towed. Dealership refused to repair ball joints. Also, they would not allow consumer to speak to any diamler Chrysler Dodge personnel, and they were not giving any adequate information concerning repair cost or even if they would repair the vehicle.
The vehicle was taken to a repair shop for front alignment. During the repairs mechanic determined that the upper and lower ball joints were worn out and had to be replaced.
2000 Dodge Dakota 4.7L quad cab ball joints started making squeaking noises when turning at around 40,000 miles. Noise is now getting unbearable and steering somewhat "lurches" when turning tightly. Needs major work on ball joints much earlier than would be reasonable.
The left front wheel separated and came off while driving. This was due to premature wear of the ball joints because of poor lubrication. The part was replaced, but currently they were loose.
Consumer took vehicle to the dealer for routine maintenance, and mechanic noticed that both upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced due to worn out parts.
While driving at any speed consumer heard a clanking sound when turning corners. Vehicle was taken to a dealer, who found that the upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced.
While driving the vehicle hit a bump and jumped off the road. The dealer determined that the upper/lower ball joints and the left outer tie rod end was worn out and must be replaced. Please provide any additional information.
I have a poping noise in the front end of the vehicle (2000 Dakota) this has happened since about 5000 miles, I have 50,000 on it now. I still have the problem with more frequency, it definitely sounds like the ball joint issue. We have to do something about this before some is killed, what if is was your son or daughter riding in these vehicles what would you want done. Also I have had the brake rotors turned once and replaced and now they are warped again.
Vehicle was taken to the dealer for routine maintenance. The mechanic at the dealer indicated that all four ball joints failed prematurely and need to be replaced soon. Please provide any additional information.
I am responding to the news of the faulty ball joints in Dodge Dakotas. I too have a 2000 Dodge Dakota quad cab with just over 56,000 miles on it and it needs to have the ball joints replaced.
My Dodge Dakota 2000, is shaking the front wheels and I discovered that my upper and lower ball joints are cracked. The dealer "main street Dodge" told me they will not repair this problem free because Dodge do not recall this vehicles. I offered to buy the parts and do the work myself if they tell me what is the name of these and they said they will charge me for this service of identifying the parts, too.
Upper lower balljoint corrosion: I took my Dakota R/T in for a "popping sound" that was coming from the front end. I was told by your service rep at the dealer that there was nothing wrong with my front end. I took my Dakota to a local mechanic, he told me that both my upper and lower ball joints were close to failure. I returned to henderson Dodge with my Dakota and the service dept still told me there was nothing wrong with my front end. I cannot drive my Dakota anymore due to the front end. I am very dissatisfied with Dodge product. When will you'll stand up and back your products"??"
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Centreville, VA, USA