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.
The contact owns a 2000 Dodge Dakota. The contact heard a clunking noise when he drove over a bump in the road. He noticed that the steering wheel was loose when he attempted to turn the vehicle. The dealer replaced the upper ball joint. The failure occurred immediately after the upper ball joint was replaced. The dealer performed a wheel alignment and stated that the front end was out of symmetry. The dealer stated that the lower ball joints needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the lower ball joints, rotors, calipers, and tires. However, the failure persists. The current mileage is 101,000 and failure mileage was 95,000.
Noise from engine compartment and vibration from steering wheel. Sounds as if power steering pump was low on fluid. Makes a load noise when steering became difficult to steer. Drove short distance to repair facility and was shocked that the high pressure hoses had split. Also the rack and pinion steering will have to be rebuilt if possible if not replaced. Also a boot was torn and has to be replaced. Work has not been started as I find it is necessary to get more than one estimate. The local garage wants in excess of $1200 for the repairs while the dealer wants over $2000. Approximately 12 months ago I had the upper ball joints replaced under warranty and had to get a front end alignment at an extra charge. No visual signs of wear was noticed.
Felt 'clunking' noises through steering wheel. During annual Massachusetts vehicle inspection in August 2006 truck failed on front suspension test. Took to wcs automotive in rockland, MA. Mechanic determined both upper and lower ball joints on both right and left side required replacement. Total repair bill was $809.56. Old (original) parts no longer available.
I own a 2000 Dodge Dakota 2wd. There are defective ball joints on the front end. There was a recall on 4WD Dakotas, however, there has been no recall for the ball joints on the 2wd models. There was an "extended warranty" that was silently (as in I never knew there was an issue) on the ball joints on the 2wd models. I have had 6 years of continuous trouble with the front end of the vehicle (I bought it brand new 07/2000). As in I have replaced the rotors on the front end at least every 3 months for the first 18 months of owning it. I have had it aligned (front and rear alignments) over a half dozen times. All work done in the first 18 months was done at the dealer, who should have been, and probably was made aware of the issue. After 18 months of paying to fix the problem (out of my own pocket because Dodge's warranty isn't worth the paper it's written on) I conceded defeat (and took the word of the dealer) that nothing was wrong, and there was nothing to worry about but maintaining the rotors and purchasing new tires ever 12-16 months. When made aware of the problem, Dodge is unwilling to correct the defect. If no one has died, there is no problem. Let all buyers beware, safety is not always the most important issue.
2000 Dodge Dakota constant mechanical failure due to the type of rotors, brake pads, and ball joints they use. They use inferior products that do not last on a vehicle based on normal wear and tear. Have to constantly replace brake pads and rotors about every 20,000 miles. That is not acceptable. Dodge products from the earlier years really suck. I am not sure about the newest models such as 2004 and 2005.
2000 Dodge Dakota recall #119667 (upper ball joint replacement). I took my vehicle in to get the recall performed and I was told I needed to pay for an alignment to set caster, they are telling me that the toe adjustment is included in the recall but not the caster, Dodge customer service agrees with them. I have been in the business of repairing cars for 18 years and 99% of vehicles that have upper ball joints replaced need a caster adjustment. Dodge needs to include this in the recall and give the people that have paid for this adjustment their money back.
The contact owns a 2000 Dodge Dakota. The consumer stated that he had the recall work done for the upper ball joints and that after the recall work was done the vehicle pulled to the right. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who indicated the vehicle needed a front end alignment which would cost $60. The consumer indicated that he did not have a problem with the vehicle's alignment before the recall work was done.
2000 dodoge Dakota - immediate, catastophic failue of upper ball joint. Vehicle operated fine just days before then suddenly loud clunkomg and steering pull to the right. Tandard auto parts houses do not carry the proper parts - citing Dodge says you must replace the entire lower control arm.
'recall campaign' Dodge Dakota 2000, consumer replaced ball joints. The consumer was notified by phone that he would be reimbursed for the ball joints which failed. The tie rods also had to be replaced and consumer feels he should be reimbursed for that as well.
NHTSA recall campaign 04V596000; daimler Chrysler issued an upper ball joint recall. This vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN, but the front right tire fell off at 55 mph.
While the vehicle was at the repair shop for a front end alignment, the mechanic informed the consumer that the upper and the lower ball joints needed to be replaced. Consumer believe 2 wheel drive and 4 wheel drive Dodge Dakota trucks have the same front ball joints, therefore repairs should be paid for under the current recall.
All the balljoints on my 2000 Dodge Dakota quad cab 2wd with 51,000 miles, have gone bad. The lowers I replaced because there was no recall or notice of extended warranty. While replacing the lowers, one the the dust boots fell off the upper ball joint on the passenger side. I then inspected the boot to find that there was dried grease(flaky) and the balljoint was extremely easy to rotate by hand. I then realized that the boot should not have been able to come off on its own. So I called two local Dodge dealerships and explained the issue. They explained that even though the boot came off(and did confirm it should not have), and that the grease maybe dried out, that they would not replace the balljoint until it actually has play in it. Now I know that without grease, the balljoint will wear out faster, and that these have already been an issue. I am really concerned that they do not want to correct the problem before it becomes dangerous. I do have high resolution pics of the balljoint described above. Thanks.
While driving 30 mph the upper ball joints failed. As a result, the steering also failed, causing the vehicle to crash into a guard rail. No injuries reported.
I own a 1999 Dodge Dakota 4X4 which has the same problem as the 2000-2003 ball joints problems. Consumer wants the vehicle to be included in the recall. The front end felt loose with shaking and clunking noises. The consumer was informed that the ball joints were bad and needed to be replaced. This problem caused damage to the front end. The consumer requested reimbursement. Recall campaign 04V596000
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Winter Haven, FL, USA