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.
I own a 2002 Dodge Dakota and had to have the ball joints replaced at 24,000 miles after doing some research I found that this is common. My hope is that you would investigate this and force Chrysler to do a re-call and fix the problem before someone gets hurt or killed.
Premature ball joint failure in 2002 Dodge Dakota 4X4. Ball joints where making clunking sound and were bad at 35000 but dealer refused to fix. Now when I returned at 79000 and they are really really bad and unsafe they admit that they are bad and that they know Dodge has a problem with the ball joints but still refused to fix under warranty.
Bought 2002 Dodge Dakota club cab slt+ in June of 2002. Within 6,000 miles, began to hear an occasional 'scrunch' sound when turning sharp (like into parking spaces) - more pronounced when hitting a bump while turning sharp (on my street, there's a slight - less than 2 inch - dropoff from the road to my driveway). Gradually got more and more noticeable, and took less and less to cause the sound, until I took it in at about 24,000 miles. Both sides, both ball joints were replaced. Truck drove great for a while, then at about 30,000 or so, started all over again. Same thing. Truck now has 48,000 miles, and is in the shop again for the same service.
The tire retail store was unable to perform a front end alignment after replacing the front tires because 3 of the ball joints were defective, and the fourth wore out. The consumer stated that his vehicle has no lift and no oversized tires. The defective tires have 20 to 25% of the tread still on them showing indication of faulty ball joints.
- Fond Du Lac, WI, USA
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My 2002 Dodge Dakota's upper and lower ball joints failed at around 48,000 miles of regular highway driving, and now at 58,000 it feels as if they are going again. They were replaced with Dodge parts, and Chrysler told me that they are not recalling it. After all the news I've seen on Dakota/durango ball joint problems, I figured I'd file a complaint with you guys, I'm just fed up I guess.thank you.
Upon turning the steering wheel, I would hear "popping" coming from the front suspension. Brought it in for inspection. Mechanic diagnosed the problem as bad ball joints. Replaced both upper and lower ball joints (left and right). The condition of the upper ball joints indicated that they were ready to pop out of the socket.
While driving at approximately 40 mph heard noises coming from the front. Had no difficulty with the driving. Took vehicle to dealership, and mechanic determined that the right side lower ball joints needed to be replaced. Did not need to replace ball joints on the left. Had previously filed complaint #12187283.
I have had clunking and squeaking noises coming from the front end of my 2002 Dodge Dakota quad cab since about 18,000 miles. I have mentioned it to the dealer and they say they do not know what it is. After viewing the internet I have realized that there is many problems with the upper and lower ball joints. I will soon be returing to the dealer with the info to try to get it fixed.
I have a 2002 Dodge Dakota quad cab--with 49000 on it and it needs lower ball joints! is there any type of recall or course of action I can take ? these ball-joints should not need to be replaced at 49000.
Saw on a message board that there is an ongoing investigation re: Dodge Dakota ball joints. I have a 2002 Dakota. At around 10,000 miles, I started hearing a noise in the front suspension. It was very intermittent, so I didn't pay any attention. But it got more and more frequent until around 20,000 miles, when I finally had it fixed. The dealer (anderson Dodge in rockford, il) replaced both of the front ball joints. Now, at 45,000 miles, it's starting to make some of the same sounds - possibly failing again.
Vehicle was taken to the dealer for a routine inspection, and mechanic determined that both upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced due to worn out parts.
I had loss of control of my vehicle this morning which I believe is a direct result of my steering/ball joint / rack and pinion failure. It's at the dealer now being looked over thoroughly. The dealer just replaced the intermittent steering shaft last week.
While driving at any speed and when brake were depressed pedal pulsated. Vehicle was serviced, and technician turned the rotors at 34, 000 miles. Vehicle has a problem with the ball joint in the past, which concerned the consumer.
While driving, noticed that the check engine light was on and the oil pressure gauge was incorrect. Notified dealer of this issue and also an issue with grinding noise when turning left or right. The dealer has replaced the upper and lower ball joints on the front and even admitted that they have seen a high failure rate for this. Also they replaced the vacuum tube harness under the gas tank. The oil pressure gauge sensor was loose and was corrected.
While braking the consumer heard a popping noise coming from the front ball joints. The dealership was notified but did not resolve the problem. Please provide any additional information.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Tampa, FL, USA