Problems with 1999 Dodge Dakota SUSPENSION

Recall campaign 04v596000 concerning upper ball joints. consumer brought vehicle to dealer for brake work and discovered the upper ball joints were defective. this vehicle is not included in the upp ball joint recall due to vin. *ak

Consumer stated the lower ball joints failed stat inspection. *ak

Consumer's vehicle experienced the very same problem as stated in recall 04v596000 concerning ball joint wear. *ak

At 46,000 miles the ball joints failed. there was grinding in the right front side of the vehicle. had to have the tie rods and wheel bearings replaced. *ak

Failing dodge dakota ball joints (both upper and lower). in mid october i had both the upper and lower ball joints replaced on my 1999 dodge dakota. the machanic informed the upper one were shot and the lower ones where starting to go. i know that there may be a recall in the forseable future, however, i do not think the consumers should pay the bill for an obvious design flaw. luckly i caught the problem before the wheel fell off (i have heard that this has happened). please let me know what the status of the 1999 dakota ball joints. *ak

ball joints were repaired three times. consumer stated the ball joint was too close to the engine, and caused them to rupture. problem continued to happen.*ak

Upper and lower ball joint failure (multiple times) along with control arm and tie rod. *jb

The consumer had the ball joints replaced for premature wear. the vehicles performance was poor and the sound was excruciating. *jb

Upper ball joints on passenger side is making loud poping sounds and paint on hood is coming off. have been unable to have it looked at by someone because of disability.

Ball joint failure right front side,and now the left front side is going out.i replaced the part myself with a greasable ball joint.*ak

I took my 1999 dodge dakota pickup truck in to have it aligned. the mechanics at big o tire told me it could not be aligned due to bad upper and lower ball joints and tie rod ends. big o tires informed me that not only were the parts worn prematurely, but that it presented a dangerous situation and that my wheels could fall off the truck. i did not believe big o, so i took the truck to loveland bear alignment for a second opinion. loveland bear alignment verified what big o told me, and in addition told me that to use chrysler parts would not be acceptable because the chrysler replacement parts were as defective as the parts being replaced and that it would not solve the problem of premature wear and danger of the wheels falling off. the vehicle had 67,571 miles on it at the time i was told this. due to both the safety concern over my wheels possibly falling off and the need to align the vehicle to avoid wearing out my new tires, i ordered the ball joint and tie rod ends replaced with lifetime warranty aftermarket parts followed by alignment. the repairs to my vehicle cost approximately $1,037.00. so far, the only consequences were premature wear on the last set of tires and the fact that i was compelled to replace the parts for safety concern and the ability to perform a front end alignment on the vehicle. the old parts are not available. i now understand that there is a recall in effect for this vehicle but only for 2000 and newer vehicles. i want you to be informed that the defect also affects at least some vehicles manufactured in 1999 and to request that you extend the recall to include my vehicle.

Consumer complained about steering problems. he took the vehicle to dealer to be serviced, and it was determined that the vehicle had damaged ball joints. consumer was aware of recall on dodge dakota and durango 2000-2003. *ak

I had the tell-tale sign of popping sounds in the front end - especially when turning. sure enough, both upper & lower ball joints were bad. both sides! given the cost of labor, i am doing it myself (i_x0019_m a c mechanic part-time). the play was so bad; firestone could not do an alignment! i am replacing all ball joints. have receipts & saving all parts for any possible investigation by nhtsa. i did notice, after doing 1 side, that the ball joints look like the wear surface inside is totally gone! it is metal-metal contact. the upper joints come from the factory sealed (lubed for life). some flakes of plastic did fall out of the upper ball joint.*ak

The vehicle's upper and lower ball joints had to be replaced at 43,826 miles. *bf

While applying the brakes a loud squeaking noise was heard coming from the front. the driver noticed suddenly a vibration uncontrollably while making a left or right turn. the driver was able to drive it to the dealer for inspection. the mechanic informed the driver that the upper and lower ball joints needed replacement due to corrosion. please fill in additional information. *jb

While driving at any speed, the consumerer heard a loud noise coming from the front. the vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. the consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle and drove it to the dealer for inspection. the mechanic informed the consumer that the upper and lower ball joint needed to be replaced. please provide further details. *jb

3 different mechanics told me that my ball joints were about to decay and possibly make my wheels collapse. i had to get them replaced after hearing and reading about other 1999 dakota problems and dangers with the ball joints. *jb

The consumer request that the manufacturer expand the ball joint recall to include 1999 dodge dakotas . *bf *nm

at my last regular service (oil, filter change) the service technician advised me that the upper right ball joint was on the verge of failure. i believe this to be a premature failure do to the low mileage and the fact that it has been regularly serviced by the same dealer since new. *ak

I had noticed the front tires cupping and brought it to a dealer for an alignment, there they told me it needed upper ball joints, lower ball joints, and a tie rod end. i then brought it back the dealer where i bought it and they told me the amount of "play" is acceptable according to dodge measurements, however they did recommend to replace the tie rod end, which i had them do and had to bring it elsewhere for an alignment as they didn't have an alignment rack. i then brought it to a place they recommended close to where i live for the alignment, where i was told the upper ball joints were shot and they would not be able to align it. i then had the shop replace the upper ball joints with aftermarket parts that can be lubed and had a warranty along with an alignment. the truck is a '99 club cab v8 4x4 w/47500 miles.*ak

I drive mainly on public roads, so i occasionaly have a few potholes. i have to keep taking my truck to the dealer for balljoints and control arms. *ak the dealer says it fixed and within two weeks time i hear a bonk in the frount end and need to see the dealer again.

1999 dodge dakota 77,250 miles. front upper ball joint failure. having ball joints replaced.*ak

While driving at any speed vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. mechanic determined that upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced due to worn out parts. this information was provided by mrs. williams husband curtis england. *ak

front tires were wearing unevenly. vehicle was taken to the local repair shop to investigate the cause of uneven wear of the tires. upon inspection of the tires dealership determined that the upper and lower ball joints/tie rods, and drag link were worn out, and needed to be replaced. *ak *nm

(1) normal on-road use (2) premature ball joint wear and failure causing suspension noise, looseness and dangerous driving conditions (3) ball joints replaced with quality aftermarket supplier parts (moog)

The upper and lower ball joints had to be replaced at 60k miles. i had mechanics at ntb take a look at my truck, and they said that driving with the ball joints in such a condition was extremely hazardous.*ak

I had handling issues with my 1999 dodge dakota. also, my front tires were wearing out on the inside. i thought i had a alignment problem and took my truck in for repairs. i was informed and shown that my ball joints (upper and lower) and tie rods were severely worn out and needed repair. today, on the news, i heard about a recall for 2000-2003 dakotas for this defect. is there anything in the works to include 1999 dakota's?*jb

Noise in front end of 1999 dodge dakota truck with only 51,000 miles on it . ad to replace both lower ball joints and one tie rod end.*ak

Because i heard of all the problems with front ends on these vehicles i have it checked every time i get my oil changed. with only 35,000 miles on my dodge dokota sport i had theupper and lower ball joint replaced, the tie rod ends and last week the u-joint. hard to believe there<s not been a recall on such a dangerous defect, guess not enuough injuries and deaths yet! please camplain if you've had these problems, something needs to be done. *jb

I pulled out of a parking lot and heard a loud thump coming from the passenger side of the truck. i got out and pulled on the top side of the wheel because it sounded like the wheels wanted to come off. when i pulled the tire moved an inch. further investigation found the ball joint boot split in half and no sight of the back side control arm bushings. *la

Failed transmission, failed upper and lower ball joints failed rear differential and clear coat delamanting on all panels of truck. *jb

The consumer experienced "a" frame and upper ball joint problems. the manufacturer reimbursed the consumer for the parts but not the labor. *nm *sc *jb

Bad ball joints and tie rod ends

Last july at isspection the dealer said the front lower ball joints needed relaced on my 1999 dakota. this was at 22000 miles. i have never taken it off road and take very good care of it.*ak

Vehicle was taken for a routine general maintenance, and the mechanic noticed the upper ball joints worn out prematurely. dealer and manufacturer has been notified. *la

The upper and lower ball joints of the consumer's 1999 dodge dakota wore prematurely. *nm *nm

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

1 defective ball joints on 1999 dakota; misaligned front wheels, and 3 replaces all four joints on front. *ak

While driving, a loud noise was heard coming from the front end of the vehicle. upon having the vehicle inspected, the mechanic determined that the ball joints needed to be replaced. *ak the ball joint were worn. the upper and lower joints were loose and noisy, and the front brakes had rusted. *sc *jb

Consumer complained about a ball joint problem. the mechanic determined that the rubber bushings wore out. *ak the consumer was told that the lower bushings were gone and that the upper ones were failing. the consumer found that others have experienced the same problems. there was a screeching noise when turning the wheel to the right or left. the service dealer found the left plate rubbing the rotor. *sc *jb

Ball joints and tie rods are defective. this is very dangerous safety issue. my 1999 dodge dakota sport has 55,000 miles. via internet and word of mouth i have been made aware of many other dakotas with the same problem with much less miles.*ak

Had to relace front ball joints at 20,000 miles. had to replace them again at 60,000. this time had mechanic replace them with ones that have nip so they can be lubricated. *mr

I have a dodge dakota,1999, all the ball joints are bad and dangerously worn. the biggest problem is they are the same as the durango!!!!! and i can't get them. they are out of stock all over at a cost of $2000.00approximately.!!!*ak i understand there is an investigation underway for the durango but did you realize the dakota is the same part.............. not only cant i afford this repair it is a 53,000 mile vehicle that is well cared for and this is abosorbent and gouging the public. please consider including the dakkota with the durang investigation. thank you frank yunits sr.

I have a 1999 dodge dakota 4x4. at 50,000 i installed new tires and took my truck to a mechanic for a wheel alignment. i recently moved and the mechanic was new, but had good reports. he told me that he could not do the alignment because of bad ball joints and tie rod ends. i was outraged, thinking that he might be trying to rip me off. i told him at 50,000 miles i should not have to get new steering parts, but the mechanic said that he has replaced ball joints and tie rod parts on several dakotas and durangos at that mileage. i told him to replace the parts and do the alignment. when i picked up my dakota, he showed me the parts, they were bad. i have worked for two large agricultural machinery manufacturers and have seen them cut costs by installing cheap chinese parts. the cost to produce the product goes down and the consumer price of the product goes up increasing the margins and lining the pockets of mr. ceo and other higher ups without a concern to the consumer. it happens everywhere. this on the other hand is serious involving cheap parts on the steering components on a highway vehicle. this is a safety concern and i pray that dodge does not have blood on their hands if someone gets in an accident because of their neglegence. i have also had brake issues with my dakota. the dakota with the 5.2 goes like a bat out of hell, but the handling components such as steering and brakes are less than to be desired.*ak

Safety recall nhtsa id 04v-596 not honored dodge of bellevue 316 116 ave n.e bellevue, washington 98004 (425) 454-8411 luke blackwell (425) 454 8411 general manager failed to honor recall even though his mechanic stated there is a front end ball joint problem with my 1999 dodge dakota vin [xxx]. mechanic states- inner tie rods have excessive play. rec replace left front lower ball joint has excessive play. rec replace .dodge of bellevue invoice [xxx]. subsequent inspection conveniently reports to the dealers advantage that the vehicle is in specification invoice [xxx]- please check and measure all 4 ball joints and advise need to contact chrysler upon inspection with measurements. check all 4 ball joint all with specs -left front upper .010'' -lower .05'' right upper .020'' lower .010 all with in spc's right front upper has the most movement but is with in specs. file # with chrysler is [xxx]. i feel that chrysler is playing a numbers game with me - i want chrysler to replace the ball joints. *jb updated 07/16/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Front end steering mechanism had to be replaced. *ak both of the vehicle's lower control arm ball joints were replaced. the starter assembley was replaced. the battery terminals were also replaced. *nm

While driving consumer the consumer heard a loud cracking noise coming from the front suspension. the dealership repaired the problem once, but problem recurred. *ak the problem was repaired for a second time. *sc

Ball joints on 2000 dakota failing with only 35k mi. i went to the websitehttp://www.dodgedakotas.com/boards/v8/208.html....i think it pretty well sums up the problem...extremely cheap parts...how long will it take for dodge to recall these when people start dying from front end failure...you guy's need to read all of these complaints and look at the mileages shown. because of the price i have not yet replaced the part...i just started driving my truck lately again after my son finished driving it to and from college and he did not say anything about it. i truly hope you do share this with chrysler corp because when i can go online and read so much collective info and see people with cheap ball joints breaking down at as low as 7k mi. if they do not react esp. when someone dies from a serious breakdown...i will never purchase another one of their vehicles. *nm

While driving 35 mph or more vehicle wandered while in motion. vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the consumer that the upper/lower ball joints needed to be replaced on both sides.*ak

While driving front upper/lower ball joints wore out. . this could cause the vehicle to shimmy. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak