Bad ball joints failed.

- Vermontville, NY, USA

After hearing of the problems with upper ball joints, I pulled the right side upper ball joint loose and found extreme play in the joint. The dealership could not locate a joint for me anywhere in the state and determined that the joint was backordered by 3000. To get the ball joint I had to replace the whole upper control arm at the price of 175.00.(part only) I removed the original control arm and cut away the rubber seal to find that the lower portion of the joint was fractured and the joint was worn to the point that it was about to fall apart. I believe that with some pressure I could pull the joint apart with my hands. What makes this problem so dangerous is that I had no pulling, tire wear, knocking, or creaking noises to alert me of this problem. If I had not taken a proactive look at this joint, it would definitely have come apart soon. I have saved the part and would be willing to ship it to anyone who would like to examine it. I have also ordered a left side ball joint to replace as soon as it is available. It is clear that this is a defective product and should be replaced by the manufacturer. Dodge should ignore the lawyers and step up to the plate to do what is right. It might just save a customer. Right now the new Ford truck is looking better than the Dodge for my next purchase.

- Richmond, VA, USA

Both upper ball joints on my truck are bad, the mechanic working on the vehicle said they could cause a wreck if they fail while I am driving the vehicle.

- Jackson, MO, USA

Front upper ball joints failing at aprox 43,000 miles. I heard the squeeky / rattle noise coming from front of vehicle when going over bumps or turning. I eventually made an appointment with Dodge dealer. Vehicle was still under warranty. Dodge repaired under warranty.

- Crest Hill, IL, USA

I live in Massachusetts and I failled my yearly truck inspection because of a bad upper ball joint. I hace a 2000 Dodge Dakota quad cab and it is a 4 X 4. the truck has 33,900 miles on it. I have no recorce but to fix it since I need my vehicle to get back and forth to work. I also understand that Chrysler is having many problems with upper ball joints in their Dakota and durango line. If I pay out of pocket to have this problem fixed and then Chrysler decides to have a recall, would I get reinbursed from Chrysler" I was also informed that I need new front brake rotors. Is there something wrong with their rotors" thanks steve muzzy.

- Millbury, MA, USA

Premature wear on front end components. Upper ball joints and brakes.

- Sammamish, WA, USA

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.

- Bullhead City, AZ, USA

While driving the driver's side wheel fell off. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who determined that the upper ball joints broke off. Please provide any additional information.

- Littleton, CO, USA

I own a 2000 Dodge Dakota. I recently found out about the upper ball joint situation with these vehicles and decided to check mine. Both the passenger and driver side upper ball joints are toast. I don't know how long it has been like this. They shall be replaced immediately, though. I visited dodgedakotas.com and read about all of the other people that are having this same problem. It is ridiculous that Dodge knows that this is a problem but will let people drive around with bad suspension parts.

- New Haven, MI, USA

At about 30,000 miles premature failure of upper control arms, ball joints, tie rods and then tires and allignment costing over $1200 on 2000 Dodge Dakota 2wd. *

- Grabill, IN, USA

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.

- Stillwater, MN, USA

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.

- Flushing, MI, USA

2000 Dodge Dakota quad 4X4, upper ball joint failed at 40,000 miles. Contacted manufacturer, did not receive a satisfactory response.

- Rolla, MO, USA

Upon servicing the vehicle technician inspected ball joints and noticed all four ball joints were worn out, and needed to be replaced.

- Jerusalem, OH, USA

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.

- Aurora, OH, USA

The vehicle's ball joints were defective which made it unsafe to drive the vehicle. The manufacturer is aware of the defect.

- Fremont, WI, USA

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.

- Riverdale, MD, USA

Tie rods and ball joints failed prematurely, causing the left front tire to blow out at 10,000 miles. Also, the rim was destroyed.

- Algonac, MI, USA

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.

- Wilmington, OH, USA

One of the front upper ball joints popped off, causing the tire to detach and roll under the vehicle while driving. Driver was able to regain control of the vehicle and avoid a collision. The detachment occurred on the front right side of the vehicle. The consumer felt that the cause was due to the lack of grease. There was also excessive wear in the upper ball joint and the left side of the vehicle.

- Dousman, WI, USA