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.
Four months ago while driving at 45 mph consumer heard noise coming through the front end. Vehicle was taken to the dealership, and technician determined nothing was wrong with the vehicle. Four months later and without warranty dealership indicated to the consumer the need to replace upper and lower ball joints.
When driving and/or while turning in either direction, the driver heard a popping noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealer twice and was not able to determine the cause of the noise. After watching a tv report about the ball joints, the consumer suspected the problem may have been the ball joints. The consumer stated when the vehicle was placed in reverse, it did not engage. The air condition was inoperative.
- Mount Vernon, WA, USA
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I own a 2002 Dodge Dakota pickup. After hearing and reading cbs news piece on the durango and Dakota having faulty ball joints, I had my local Dodge dealer check the upper ball joints on my truck. One upper joint was loose and they recommended it be replaced. The cost was $188. I feel since there have been over 700 complaints about this, that daimler Chrysler should recall affected vehicles and fix the problem. The fact that Dodge has had so many complaints and it took a cbs news report to educate the public is tragic. What's more tragic is that it put the life of myself and my son in danger. I feel that Dodge should reimburse my $188.
While driving consumer heard a rough sound coming from the front. Vehicle was taken to a dealer, where the mechanic replaced the upper and lower ball joints on the right side.
Popping noise in the front ball joints of my 2002 Dodge Dakota. I noticed this the day I bought this unit. And just today (3-4-04) I found out on cbs that it is a manufacturer defect. And would like very much to have the problem resolved before something bad does happen on the highway.
Vehicle was taken to dealer 4 times for popping and cracking sound heard in the front of vehicle when making turns. Also, consumer heard a popping and cracking noise when driving on bumpy roads. Ball joints were changed. However, after 500 miles the problem recurred.
When making a left turn there was a popping noise in the steering. Dealership replaced the steering shaft sector, rack and pinion, and upper and lower ball joints.
I bought my 2002 Dodge Dakota new in March of 2002. Ever since approximately July of that summer, I heard the now infamous clunking noise in my front end. It wasn't until last fall of 2003 and several visits to 3 different dealerships, that they finally somewhat fixed my vehicle. I have since seen the reports by cbs news in regards to the ball joints and that has put further concern in the reliability of my vehicle. Even though several parts, including the ball joints have been replaced by the dealerships (none of whom said they could figure out what the problem was, or even claimed that I didn't know what I was talking about when I said I heard the noise), I still hear the clunking and feel that it will never be fixed. I have put in several complaints at Chrysler, so my problems should be very well documented, but feel it is Chrysler responsibilty if anything futher would happen to my vehicle, or any other for that matter. Please continue to do your investigation into this matter before someone does get seriously hurt.
All four ball joints bad at 21000. Heater switch bad at 21000K and also canister hose cracked at 21000. My main concern is faulty, failing ball joints.
With 23,359 miles on my Dodge Dakota the right upper ball joint exhibited excessive play and had to be replaced. I believe there should be a recall and all the upper and lower ball joints should be replaced on all Dakotas and durangos.
During a routine inspection the consumer was informed that the upper ball joints were severely worn. The manufacturer and the dealer are aware of the problem.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Madera, PA, USA