I own a 2002 Dodge Dakota. At 27,000 miles, the dealership replaced all four ball joints. They also worked on the 4 wheel drive. At 34,000 miles they replaced three ball joints and worked on the 4 wheel drive. At 42,000 miles they replaced the rack and pinion on the passenger side and worked on the 4 wheel drive. At 49,000 miles I had to replace wheel bearings in the passenger side. Fortunately, I have not had any accidents. I have heard noises and taken it to the dealership or my mechanic. I am very concerned about driving it. I do not feel safe driving it anymore. I think they have some serious front end problems that they should be addressing. I don't think I should be footing the bill for it. I am also very upset that the dealership and Dodge have known about the problems and chose to blame them on other conditions caused by the owner.

- Ellington, MO, USA

While driving the vehicle at 30 mph or more the right side of the vehicle vibrated. An independent mechanic stated there was a problem with the ball joints.

- Dover Foxcroft, ME, USA

Upper and lower ball joints are exhibiting premature signs of failure at 10,000 miles load popping sounds when turning and braking. Vehicle now has 23,000 miles and is showing signs of steering vibrations. Why haven't the Dakota models been included with the durango suspension engineering investigation. There are almost 100 complaints on the website?

- Trenton, NJ, USA

I am owner of a 2002 Dodge Dakota quad cab pick-up with defective front ball joints. I have noticed noise from the front end of vehicle and took it to dealer. Even took the shop forman on road test and he also heard the noise I was experiencing. Then the dealer blamed it on the side bars that I had previosly installed. (the noise was there before the the bars were installed). Needless to say, I was given the run around. I am a experienced mechanic by trade and I know about these things. I am very concerned that I am driving a potential time bomb just like the durango's which share the same front suspension that are having critical balljoint failures which there is now a class action law siute in process. There needs to be a recall initiated because lives are in danger!

- Morgan Hill, CA, USA

We own a 2002 Dodge Dakota quad cab truck. It's getting ready to be taken back into the shop for a ball-joint problem we supposedly already had fixed. We purchased this Dodge truck as our main family vehicle. How can I feel safe transporting my family in a vehicle that could have a tire collapse at any time" I've researched information about this very problem and am disturbed to find out that it's happening to a lot of vehicle owners. For most of us, a vehicle is one of the most costly purchases we make in our lifetimes... how long are we going to have to wait for daimler/Chrysler/Dodge to stop sweeping this problem under the rug and take the safety of all passengers seriously"

- Chapel Hill, NC, USA

Premature failure (40000 miles) of ball joints in a 2002 Dodge Dakota quad cab.

- Haverhill, MA, USA

Dealer replaced both upper and lower ball joints and control arms. Consumer stated this vehicle was the version of durango, therefore, they used the same parts.

- Chardon, OH, USA

The investigation on the 1998-2003 Dodge durango ball joints needs to be expanded to the entire line of Dakota trucks. These vehicles, from the "B" pillar forward are virtually identical. Go to this site to see hundreds and hudreds of complaints: www.dodgedakotas.com use the search engine. The ball joints are completely worn on my 2002 Dakota quad cab, to the point where the suspension has become unpredictable under certain road conditions. This vehicle has only 21K miles on it.

- Wylie, TX, USA

Only 27689 miles safety front end components failed power steering rack seal leaking fluid.sway bar bushings were replaced.seat right rear coming apart pass side plastic recliner handle broke my 2002 Dodge Dakota quad cab 4X4 sport has had suspension problems, and brake problems. The upper and lower control arms and ball joints make a popping sound when step on brakes or make a sharp left turn. I now have 29900 miles and the pounding and noise have not stopped. Vehicle feels like you will loose control when going over bumps in the highway.

- Hartford, CT, USA