Problems with 1999 Dodge Dakota SUSPENSION

Ball joint failure at 53,000 miles. also, leak in steering rack. *ak

1999 dodge dakota has problems with ball joints and tie rods.*mr the front end of the vehcile was loose and wobbling as a result. *nm

1999 dodge dakota 4x4 (83,000): vehicle "wanders". noisey front suspension. local shop diagnosed as worn ball joints and tie rod ends.*ak

A clanking noise started coming front the front end when turning. left and right upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced. *ak... the wheels felt like they were bonding when turning. the noise and binding was more noticeable at lower speeds. took vehicle to goodyear automobile service, was told upper an dlower ball joints and inner and outer tie rods were needed. servic ecenter stated there was a recall from chrysler for these parts, even though the recall was for 2000 year models forward the parts were exactly the same. consumer contacted daimler chrysler and was told to take the vehicle to a dodge dealer for an estimate. was told by the dodge dealer the parts should be covered because of the recall. contacted daimler chrysler again with an estimate and was told because of the mileage on the vehicle it could not be covered under the recall. *ak

Failed ball joints on 1999 dakota at 32,000 miles and 67,000 miles. *ak

I have a 1999 dodge dakota slt with about 26500 actual miles on it. i had the truck at the mechanic because of a nasty 'clunk' in the front end. turned out the right ball joint was so worn that it needed to be immediately replaced; the left is showing unusual wear as well and will need to be addressed in the near future. i understand this is "fairly normal" for the 99 dakota. that doesn't make it acceptable.*ak

On february 6, 2004 my 1999 dodge dakota had both the upper and lower ball joints on both the driver and passenger sides replaced because of excessive wear and deterioration. the truck had 46,500 miles at that time and is driven under normal road conditions. it is not used commercially. the cost for repairs came to $1078. subsequently, on march 4, 2005 i had to have to have my upper ball joints replaced on both sides, again because of wear and deterioration. the cost to repair was $338. it would appear that the original ball joints used by dodge are sufficiently lacking in quality, and so are the replacement parts, as well. *ak

I am on my second set of having to replace the ball joints on my 1999 dodge dakota at 89,000 miles. i know this is a common problem with all of dodge dakota's and durango's, and they were forced to deal with the 4wd models of 2000-2003. mine, however, is a 1999 2wd model, and the ball joints are no better on mine. fortunately, i have my truck checked enough that my wheels haven't fallen off yet, but i was told recently i was going to have to replace them again. i'm sick of paying for these, and dodge needs to finally admit their big screw ups on these. *jb

I have a 1999 dodge dakota the upper and lower ball joint are shot, my machanic told me that they will come apart at anytime. *jb

My 1999 dodge dakota 4wd extened cab was in the shop for a front end alignment and i was told the ball joints were worn out. i then took it to the local dealership to have the ball joints inspected and was informed that all four (4) needed to be replaced. *ak the dealership advised me to contact a representative at daimler chrysler, who eventually hung up on me after denying my claim of defective parts. i informed the dealership of my conversation and they were kind enough to work out a satisfactory resolution. they were going to try to get it warranted through daimler chrysler but were unable to.

Vehicle is experiencing problem with the ball joints. owner recently had the vehicle go through the state inspection where it was discovered that the ball joints were defective causing the ball bearings to wear prematurely. owner contacted the manufacturer but was informed that this year, make, and model is not included in the current recall for ball joint wear. provide further details. *nm

The upper and lower ball joints, control arm bushings and now wheel bearings have been replaced on this vehicle. every year when the emisson testing and safety inspection is done it seems there is a nother problem. how long before dodge will have to own up and recall and repair these items at their expense not ours. this vehicle has only 72200 miles and has had both side done and now has to be done to the left sid again. this is a disgrace. thanks for your assistance in this matter. how many problems does it take to have a recall initiated. *ak

Upon taking the vehicle in for a routine oil change consumer found that the ball joints were bad. there was a clanking noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. consumer contacted dodge. however, dodge will do nothing to assist the consumer.*ak

Dodge dakota 1999 consumer states vehicle front end wobble, brake vibration and upper/lower ball joint problem. *bf the shock absorbers and transfer case was defective. the power steering pump leaked and there was extra play in the steering. a piece of the exhaust fell off the vehicle. *jb

My truck began having strange noises and vibrations. i had my dealership check it for me and the advised having 4 ball joints and sway bar bushings replaced, which i did at a cost of $1100. i have saved the old parts. i have asked chrysler for compensation and they deny on grounds my truck is a 1999. my veichle has only 44,000 miles on it and i bought it new. i had the work done before an accident happened.*ak

Vehicle experienced problems with the brake line. the brake line was rotting off the vehicle. owner went to apply the brakes, and discovered that there was a hole in the brake line. also, owner had to replace the ball joints on four occasions. owner contacted the manufacturer, who claimed that vehicle had too many miles on it, and he will do nothing to assist the owner. *ak

Dodge dakota 1999 numerous problems with vehicle ball joint and steering mechanisms. *bf there were also problems with the rear end, transmission, engine malfunction lights, poor engine performance which consisted of hesitation and loss of power especially when under a load-going up and hill and seemed to get worse as the gas level in the tank lowered, hard abrupt shifting when in reverse and park to reverse, loud rubbing which was intermittent when making left turns and when stopping, the front would shake, the four wheel drive light was not visible on the dash when activated and would only show when the all wheel drive was activated, and there was a wobble, flexing and or vibration that would be present when braking along with a loose feeling or wobble when turning the front wheels. *sc *jb

Owner of 1999 dodge dakota reporting defective ball joints in dakota and durango. *bf the consumer stated the upper and lower ball joints were replaced on his vehicle as well as the control arms and tie rods at a low mileage. *jb

Vehicle experienced a problem with the upper ball joints. owner was having the vehicle inspected when it was discovered that the upper ball joints were completely worn out. when turning the steering wheel in either direction the front wheels would squeak and clank. *ak *bf *nm

While driving at high speeds the steering wheel vibrated. dealership informed the consumer that the problem pertained to the front ball joints. the problem was not repaired. *ak

The upper ball joints are wearing out prematurely and need to be replaced. the cause has yet to be determined. *ak......the truck wa sonly driven on road, very low mileage for ball joint failure. 150 other complaints in nhtsa data base on same issue. *ak

During a routine inspection, the consumer was informed of loose upper/lower ball joints. the problem was not resolved. *ak the consumer stated all 4 of the ball joints needed to be replaced. *jb *nm

Consumer heard a clicking noise when making turns and at low speeds, making it difficult to control vehicle. consumer took vehicle to dealer for upper ball joints repairs twice. *ak

Upper ball joint bad after less than 61,000 miles on my 1999 dodge dakota. there was no crash or injury as a result. *ak

Dodge dakota 1999 ball joints failure. consumer wants to know why wouldn't a recall be issued on the 97-99 like for the 2000-03 models, for the durango/dakota's. *bf the consumer stated the upper and lower ball joints were replaced twice on the passenger side and has failed again. *jb

Dodge dakota 1999 ball joints failed and had to be replaced. consumer wants to know why wouldn't a recall be issued on the 98 -99 not just the 2000-2005 models. *bf the consumer stated that the manifold bolts snapped off in the engine compartment and they needed to be removed. *jb

Vehicle experienced problems with the upper ball joints. owner took the vehicle to an independent mechanic shop to have the tires replaced. it was discovered that the ball joints wore out completely. when turning the vehicle in either direction the wheels squeaked and clanked when turning and going over bumps. *ak dealer found right upper control arm bushing noisy. cooling system leak. thermostat and gasket replaced. *tt

Consumer complained about upper ball joint problem. after hearing noise consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, and was informed that the ball joints were busted and needed immediate replacement. the service technician stated that he never saw ball joints in that condition before. *ak .....*ak

To date, i have replaced the following: 1) upper ball joints - both sides 2) lower ball joints - both sides 3) calipers - both sides (front) 4) water pump 5) wheel hubs - both sides (front) 6) catalytic converter 7) headlamp switch. *jb now, i have the following problems: 1) headlamp switch (again) 2) transmission will not shift between gears 3) upper control arm bushings. *jb

1999 dodge dakota right ball front ball joints went bad. took it to the dealership to replace them. 61000 miles on the truck. no accident, or injuries, just unsafe conditions to drive with this vehicle. just purchased this month. *ak

The upper and lower ball joints wore out prematurely. *ak

The right front tire completely wore from the inside. the vehicle was taken to dealer for a front end alignment, and the upper ball joints were found to be defective.*ak *jb

Upper and lower ball joint failure in 1999 dodge dakota rt, aftermarket parts installed the first time at 39,000 miles and is in need of a second replacement now at 60,000 miles. *jb

1) loud squeaking , poping noise 2) replaced before complete failure 3) replaced upper and lower ball joints on the drivers side. *jb

I own a 1999 dodge dakota 3.9l v6. i am aware of the recall that has been issued for models 2000-2004 for ball-joint issues. the 1999 models deserve to be in this recall...most of the complaints are starting from the 99's and 2000 models. my truck is part of this problem. i have a noticeable problem with my ball-joints, and it's only a matter of time until my wheel decides to fly off (probably while traveling 70 mph on the highway, which will be disastrous to me and others). with my truck only having near 79,000 miles on it and given the way it's delicately been driven, there should be no reason why i should have a problem with these joints. please push dodge to extend the recall to cover 99 models as well. i know i'm not alone in this problem. i have searched many forums, and am pretty sure there are about 100,000+ more cases just in this 99 group alone. thanks for listening and please respond with any information or updates on this matter! *jb

I have had to service and replace both the upper and lower ball joints on this truck due to near failure three times in the two years i have owned this truck. subsequent replacements of the ball joints have been covered under warranty since they all have occured within one year of each replacement. however, i fear in the future i will begin to either encure huge expenses with annual replacements not to mention the huge risk of ball joint failure. i have done considerable research regarding this problem and am amazed that the recent 2000-2002 dodge dakota recall was not extended to the numerous problems plagueing the 99 models. i hope soon the recall will be extended to include these terribly faulty ball joints as well.*ak

Consumer took vehicle to the dealer for annual maintenance, and was told that the upper ball joints/idle arm , and tie rod ends were defective.*ak

Consumer complained about steering problems. took vehicle to dealer for inspection, but it not serviced. however, mechanic determined that ball joints failed. he was aware of the durango, dakota investigation by dodge.*ak

I have a 1999 dodge dakota 4x4 with the same ball joint safety issue that has resulted in the recall of 2000 - 2004 models. dodge is refusing to fix the safety related issue. i spoke with stew hansen dodge (where i purchased the vehicle) and they will not fix the issue under the current recall. *jb

Is the 1999 going to be included on the ball joint recall? i allready replaced one,, now i got another going out. replaced tires on the front twice. *jb

After hearing a humming noise coming from the front end. the dealership informed the consumer that the front wheel bearing were worn. *jb *sb *nm

Dt: the contact stated the upper and lower ball joints along with the tie rod assembly wore out so badly that it almost caused an an accident. the dealership told him that it was not covered under the recall for the ball joints because his vin was not included. the nhtsa recall 04v596000 was issued he had the ball joints replaced, and was seeking reimbursement, but because of his vin not being included they would not reimburse. *ak updated 12/27/2005 - *nm

Have stayed updated on tune-ups and keeping truck running, got new tires nov. 24, 2004 from leschuab. on dec. 1 2004, i was hit on the front end driver side. took truck in for reapirs, and found out that ball joints were extremely worn. *ak

Not necessarily an incident, yet... but how come 1999 dodge dakotas are not affected by the new recall on the ball joints?!!?!? the '99 is the exact same design as the 2000 dakota. i have a rwd 99 dakota, and i had the ball joints replaced 3 times since i've owned it. three times. daimler chrysler doesn't care if our wheels fall off?!? i had warning once of three times when my ball joints were shot. what were to happen if i rolled my truck and died?! i can't believe that the recall for the ball joints only affects the 2000-2003 models, i know from plenty of other dakota owners, the 99's are every bit as bad, if not worse. same design = same problems. i'm not paying for dc to do my ball joints again, there is no reason the 1999s should be excludeed from the recall. if the balljoints on the 200s are bad, then being the same ones on the 99s will go just as bad. i'm glad to see somebody finally stepped in and did something about this, but i am very dissapointed in the fact that the recall doesn't include all the years with the same design flaw. there is no reason for it, and quite frankly, it infuriates me.....*jb

I believe the ball joints on my 1999 dodge dakota 5.2l v8 were defective. i had alignment problems and was told the ball joints were bad (both upper and lower) and needed replacement. had i not gotten this fixed, the wheel may have eventually fallen off, resulting in injury or even death. the vehicle had approximately 54,500 miles on it at the time and the ball joints were replaced on 12-01-04. i believe that the recall already in effect for dodge durango and dakotas 2000-2005, should be extended back to at least to1999, as they are likely using the same defective parts. *ak

Recall campaign 04v596000 concerning ball joints: consumer stated the ball joints disintegrated completely. consumer contacted the dealership and manufacturer. however, the problem still exists. *ak

1. front suspension making clunking noises. tires cupping. steering felt loose. . i didnt allow the failure to occur. . replaced upper and lower ball joints. *ak

1999 dodge dakota-upper and lower ball joints. notice a clanking noise during rough roads and in turns. in icy conditions, the control of the vehicle can be poor. prolonged wear can cause the entire wheel to fall off at any speeds. i have been on many other forums to see if any one else has had to replace these. it seems to be a very frequent thing for people to have to replace these. upon removal of the ball joints, i discovered that they were missing one thing that keeps them from wearing out....grease. new upper and lower ball joints are to be replaced asap before a serious accident occurs.*ak

1999 dodge dakota ball joint. *ak

On 11/9/2004 i took my 1999 dodge dakota pickup into my independent mechanic to give me a normal oil/lube/filter. when they started the pickup up on the lift, the left, front ball joint broke and the whell fell off. they said it was all rusted and worn. my pickup had 41,000 miles at the time. i contacted my chrysler dealerand was told to contact crysler directly which i did. the chrysler customer support line registered my problem but said that since i did not use chrysler parts or use their repair shop that i was out of luck. the latest recall program apparently is for 2000-2003 years only. this is not right that a truck 1 year earlier with exactly the same problem as the recall addresses should be the responsibility of the owner. have you looked into earlier model years?*ak