The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that he was informed that the upper ball joint was worn. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the upper ball joints need to be replaced to repair the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 73,647.

- Concord, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that he previously had repairs performed on the vehicle under NHTSA campaign id number 04V596000 (suspension, front control arm, upper ball joint). He was experiencing an abnormally loud squeaking and clanking sound while he was driving various speeds. The contact stated that the identical failure recurred after the recall repairs were made. The failure mileage was 90,000 and the current mileage was 94,000.

- Halethorte, MD, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Dakota. While driving 2 mph, the contact heard a banging noise coming from the passenger side front tire. He stated that the steering was difficult to turn. Upon inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that the passenger side front lower ball joints were disengaged. The mechanic stated that the cause of the failure was due to the lower ball joints not being lubed. In addition, the lower ball joints were rubbing against the upper ball joints. The mechanic replaced the front lower and upper ball joints. There had been no further occurrences. The failure mileage was 65,689 and current mileage was 66,471.

- San Jose, CA, USA

Ball joint problem on 4X2 Dodge Dakota. Popping grating sound and lack of control in the upper ball joint assemblies. These use the same upper ball joint assy. As the 4X4 units that have been recalled. These cause the same problems and dangerous safety issues.

- Falling Waters, WV, USA

1. normal driving circumstances. Front end suspension started making clunking/popping noises and steering became erratic. Truck has 85,000 miles. 2. could not safely drive the vehicle. The steering was too risky. I also noticed while the tow truck driver was pulling the vehicle onto the truck that the front right wheel was leaning over at about 30 degree angle. 3. mechanic diagnosed that the upper ball joints has basically rusted and deteriorated. Lower joints were also on their way to failure. Additional research has shown that the 4 wheel drive models were recalled. Why weren't the 2 wheel drives. This problem mirrors the issue that they had.

- Glen Allen, VA, USA

: the contact stated there were problems with the ball joints. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic shop for repair on the upper front right ball joints. A recall letter was received pertaining to the ball joints and the vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer repaired the upper front left ball joints under the recall and informed the contact to send the manufacturer copies of the prior repair work performed on the ball joints. After sending the manufacturer a letter with invoice, a letter was received from the manufacturer denying reimbursement for the costs of the previous repairs.

- East Islip, NY, USA

Own 2001 Dodge Dakota quad cab. Notice the same problem has been identified with front steering ball joint having problems. Our truck is suffering same problem with load popping noise when we make a hard left hand turn. Has happened numerous times for past 9 months...but now getting more frequent.

- Bolling Afb, DC, USA

The contact received NHTSA recall campaign 04V596000 concerning the upper ball joints. They had previously been repaired, as well as the lower ball joints. When contacted the manufacturer to be reimbursed, they would not reimburse him for the lower ball joints. The contact stated when the upper ball joints wore out the lower ball joints wore out as well.

- Wendell, NC, USA

Consumer owns a 2001 Dodge Dakota. The upper ball joints had to be replaced at 31,915 miles. The lower ball joints were replaced at 37,556 miles. The service dealer stated that there were problems with this year, make, and model vehicle. The consumer stated that while driving there was a noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. He did not notice if there was any play in the steering until the lower ball joints were replaced. Since the replacement it has a tighter steering control. There was a recall on the upper ball joints, but there has been no recall on the lower ball joints.

- Loveland, CO, USA

1. clunking noise coming from the front end of my truck. 2. upper ball joing wear at a dangerous level. 3. I had to have the parts replaced, and I still have the old part. This part was recalled under the 4X4 vehicles, and mine is 2wd so I had to pay for repairs. I believe my safety was at risk, and it had nothing to do with the fact my vehicle was not a 4WD.

- Alpharetta, GA, USA

When I recently took my 1991 Dodge Dakota in to have the upper ball joints replaced, I was told the lower ones were shot, also. The truck only has 36,000 miles on it. I only drive on the road and never overload my truck. Why would the upper ball joints be recalled and not the lower? this continues to be an accident waiting to happen.

- St. Petersburg, FL, USA

Annual vehicle inspection of my 2001 Dodge Dakota sport 2wd verhicle (54,000 miles), performed on 03/05/05, necessitated the replacement of detatched ball joint.

- Hamburg, NY, USA

No parts for recall#04596000 ball joints. Eddie Dodge 803-359-2501.

- Lexington, SC, USA

While driving at any speed driver heard a loud knocking noise coming from the front. Vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, but cause had not been determined at this time.

- Cross, SC, USA

Since the beginning of January dealer had no parts for defect. NHTSA recall campaign 04V596000 concerning upper ball joints.

- Madison, IN, USA

Upper ball joints were replaced. Recently, the upper ball joints for this vehicle were recalled, and the owner contacted the dealership. Again had the ball joints replaced, but they did not do an alignment. Currently, the tire is pulling to the left, and the dealership will not make any adjustments.

- Allen Park, MI, USA

Re: Dodge recall: I own a 2001 Dodge Dakota, it feels like the wheels wobble.

- Washington, DC, USA

Dodge Dakota failure of front ball joints, replaced ball joint.

- Washington, DC, USA

Recall campaign 04V596000 was issued. Consumer stated the upper ball joints wore out prematurely. However, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN.

- Chesnee, SC, USA

2001 Dodge Dakota front wheel fell off, which caused damage to front end of vehicle. The consumer wondered if the wheel falling off could have been the result of the upper ball joints being defective.

- Washington, DC, USA