10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
10 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 2
Average Mileage:
37,166 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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.

2000 Dodge Dakota suspension problems

suspension problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2000 Dodge Dakota:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2000 Dodge Dakota Owner Comments (Page 8 of 11)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #67

Jan 282004

Dakota

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Bad ball joints failed.

- Vermontville, NY, USA

problem #66

Jan 202004

Dakota 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles
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

problem #65

Jan 232004

Dakota 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
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

problem #64

Oct 222003

Dakota 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 43,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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

problem #63

Jan 212004

Dakota 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
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

problem #62

Dec 212003

Dakota 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 44,000 miles
Premature wear on front end components. Upper ball joints and brakes.

- Sammamish, WA, USA

problem #61

Jan 212004

(reported on)

Dakota 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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

problem #60

Jan 142004

Dakota 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 69,000 miles
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

problem #59

Jan 152004

Dakota 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
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

problem #58

Mar 152003

Dakota 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles
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

problem #57

Jan 122004

Dakota 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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

problem #56

Jan 122004

(reported on)

Dakota

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,000 miles
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

problem #55

Mar 012003

Dakota 4WD 8-cyl

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

- Rolla, MO, USA

problem #54

Jan 092004

Dakota 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 63,505 miles
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

problem #53

Jan 092004

Dakota

  • miles
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

problem #52

Dec 142003

Dakota 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 57,000 miles
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

problem #51

Dec 162003

Dakota 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 4,800 miles
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

problem #50

Jan 052004

(reported on)

Dakota

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10,000 miles
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

problem #49

Dec 302003

(reported on)

Dakota

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,000 miles
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

problem #48

Dec 032003

Dakota 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 79,000 miles
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

Read the next 20 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?