Problems with 2000 Dodge Dakota SUSPENSION

Bad rust issue to areas including front and rear bumber, the entire bed including mounting points, fenders, cab corners and frame. lost fender flare twice due to rust and almost caused an accident the entire bed slid back and almost fell off and fenders and bumbers are basically rust and need replaced, wheel wells on bed are falling apart causing a safety issue if i haul anything

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 dodge dakota quad cab. while driving approximately 30 mph the contact began to hear a squeaking noise and the steering wheel suddenly became loose. the vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop where they informed that the the steering wheel failure was related to the defective upper ball joints. the manufacturer was notified and the contact was advised the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number 04v596000 (suspension:front:control arm:upper ball joint). the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 98,000 and the current mileage was 134,000.

The ball joints in 2000 dakotas were recalled on only the 4x4 models. i have a 2000 with 2 wheels drive. the manufacturer sent out a letter saying it was recalled, inspected it and said they were fine. that was at 50,000 miles. now at 99,000 the ball joint disconnected from its unit, causing me to almost crash into a telephone pole. manufacturer will not pay for towing to get seen, and will only replace the ball joint. most of the suspension parts on the side of the defective ball joint were damaged. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 dodge dakota. whenever the contact turns the steering wheel while driving at any speed, the front end of the vehicle pops. she also hears a clanking noise in the front suspension. the contact took the vehicle to a repair shop and was informed of nhtsa campaign id number 04v596000 (suspension:front:control arm:upper ball joint). the failure mileage was 8,000.

Premature front wheel bearing failure: replaced left front wheel bearing at 72,026 miles; needs replacement again at 79,505 miles; 15 months later. (2000 dodge dakota: p/n: 52009528ae. *tr

Noise from engine compartment and vibration from steering wheel. sounds as if power steering pump was low on fluid. makes a load noise when steering became difficult to steer. drove short distance to repair facility and was shocked that the high pressure hoses had split. also the rack and pinion steering will have to be rebuilt if possible if not replaced. also a boot was torn and has to be replaced. work has not been started as i find it is necessary to get more than one estimate. the local garage wants in excess of $1200 for the repairs while the dealer wants over $2000. approximately 12 months ago i had the upper ball joints replaced under warranty and had to get a front end alignment at an extra charge. no visual signs of wear was noticed. *jb

I bought a 00 dakota r/t used not from a dealer in 2004. i had some alignment problems and took it to the dealer where the truck was originally purchased from. they said they needed to change some parts to align it which cost over $1000. about 1 1/2 years later it needed alignment again and now the alignment is still off. the wheels are fighting each other and there is a creaking sound when going over bumps and it also feels like there is no suspension at all. i have changed the shocks recently and it made no difference whatsoever. *jb

Felt 'clunking' noises through steering wheel. during annual massachusetts vehicle inspection in august 2006 truck failed on front suspension test. took to wcs automotive in rockland, ma. mechanic determined both upper and lower ball joints on both right and left side required replacement. total repair bill was $809.56. old (original) parts no longer available. *jb

2000 dodge dakota constant mechanical failure due to the type of rotors, brake pads, and ball joints they use. they use inferior products that do not last on a vehicle based on normal wear and tear. have to constantly replace brake pads and rotors about every 20,000 miles. that is not acceptable. dodge products from the earlier years really suck. i am not sure about the newest models such as 2004 and 2005. *nm

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 dodge dakota. the contact heard a clunking noise when he drove over a bump in the road. he noticed that the steering wheel was loose when he attempted to turn the vehicle. the dealer replaced the upper ball joint. the failure occurred immediately after the upper ball joint was replaced. the dealer performed a wheel alignment and stated that the front end was out of symmetry. the dealer stated that the lower ball joints needed to be replaced. the dealer replaced the lower ball joints, rotors, calipers, and tires. however, the failure persists. the current mileage is 101,000 and failure mileage was 95,000.

2000 dodge dakota recall #119667 (upper ball joint replacement). i took my vehicle in to get the recall performed and i was told i needed to pay for an alignment to set caster, they are telling me that the toe adjustment is included in the recall but not the caster, dodge customer service agrees with them. i have been in the business of repairing cars for 18 years and 99% of vehicles that have upper ball joints replaced need a caster adjustment. dodge needs to include this in the recall and give the people that have paid for this adjustment their money back. *nm

Dt: the contact owns a 2000 dodge dakota. the consumer stated that he had the recall work done for the upper ball joints and that after the recall work was done the vehicle pulled to the right. the vehicle was taken back to the dealer who indicated the vehicle needed a front end alignment which would cost $60. the consumer indicated that he did not have a problem with the vehicle's alignment before the recall work was done. *nm *jb

' recall campaign' issued for 2000 dodge dakota 4x4 for upper ball joints, parts not available. *bf recall# 04v596000. *sc *jb

A loud clanking noise started coming from the rear of the vehicle. the driver also noticed that the vehicle would sway from left to right on its own. the consumer was able to drive to the dealer for inspection. the mechanic informed the driver that the suspension needed replacement due to wear and tear. please provide additional information. *jb

All the balljoints on my 2000 dodge dakota quad cab 2wd with 51,000 miles, have gone bad. the lowers i replaced because there was no recall or notice of extended warranty. while replacing the lowers, one the the dust boots fell off the upper ball joint on the passenger side. i then inspected the boot to find that there was dried grease(flaky) and the balljoint was extremely easy to rotate by hand. i then realized that the boot should not have been able to come off on its own. so i called two local dodge dealerships and explained the issue. they explained that even though the boot came off(and did confirm it should not have), and that the grease maybe dried out, that they would not replace the balljoint until it actually has play in it. now i know that without grease, the balljoint will wear out faster, and that these have already been an issue. i am really concerned that they do not want to correct the problem before it becomes dangerous. i do have high resolution pics of the balljoint described above. thanks.*ak

No parts were available for recall campaign 04v596000. concerning ball joints. lithi dodge, 425-255-7220. *ak *sc *jb

While servicing vehicle for nhtsa recall campaign 04v596000 concerning upper ball joints it was determined that inner tie rods were bad due to wear.*ak

The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the upper ball joint recall. the mechanic replaced the upper ball joint and informed the driver that both lower ball joints needed to be replaced due to the parts being dective please provide further details. *jb

The vehicle would make a whining noise while driving 30 mph or more. the vehicle was taken to a repair shop. the mechanic informed the consumer that the differential unit needed to be replaced. the consumer stated this would be the forth replacement within a year. the dealer and the manufacturer were notified. *jb dealer however. there is vibration at 40 mph. tires and suspension inspected, no problem found. engine hard to start following overheating. dealer found no condition that merits a repair. *tt

The upper ball joints wore out prematurely on the passenger's side. *ak

Consumer took the vehicle to dealer for nhtsa recall 04v596000 concerning ball joint replacement. after retrieving the vehicle and arriving home the driver's side front rim cracked, and the tire was ruined. consumer was told that lugs: nuts were placed on too tightly. the dealer denied that any ting was wrong. *ak

Nhtsa campaign 04v596000; daimler chrysler issued an upper ball joint recall. this vehicle was included in the recall, but there were no appointments available until april, which could be dangerous for the vehicle to be driven.*ak

I own a 1999 dodge dakota 4x4 which has the same problem as the 2000-2003 ball joints problems. consumer wants the vehicle to be included in the recall. *bf the front end felt loose with shaking and clunking noises. the consumer was informed that the ball joints were bad and needed to be replaced. this problem caused damage to the front end. the consumer requested reimbursement. recall campaign 04v596000 *sc *jb

Dealer has not had parts for three weeks. this is for nhtsa's recall # 04v596000 regarding ball joints. *nm

Vehicle experienced upper ball joints problems. in the process the lower ball joints were being effected by the defect of the upper ball joints. consumer made an appointment with the dealers for thursday january 6, 2005. *ak

Nhtsa campaign 04v596000; daimler chrysler issued an upper ball joint recall. this vehicle was included in the recall, but results showed that the lower ball joints needed to be replaced as well. vehicle will not pass inspection if lower ball joints were not repaired. dealer will repair for recall only.*ak

Popping and clunking noise coming from front wheels (ball joints) when turning at low speeds. reported to dealer several times, and was told "that's common, don't worry about it." i've been reporting it to then each time i bring the vehicle in for service over the last year and they never bothered once to inspect it. now there is a potential recall, and i'm afraid my ball joints won't last till chrysler gets the recall campaign going and will cover the repair/replacemnt costs.*ak

While driving 30 mph the upper ball joints failed. as a result, the steering also failed, causing the vehicle to crash into a guard rail. no injuries reported. *ak

I called moss brothers dodge to get an appointment to have the recall #d47 to replace the front upper ball joints. they told me i would have to wait until february 1st 2005 before they would have the ball joint in stock.*ak i live in the mountains at 7,000 feet and have to drive down the hill about twice a week and now am afraid to drive at all. seems to me that the dodge dealer should have the ball joint in stock because of the recall. what can be done?

Upper ball joints on my vehicle have failed and daimler chrysler refuses to repair and also refuses to agree to a re-embursment when a recall does come out affecting my vehicle. i own a 2000 dodge dakota r/t two wheel drive regular cab pickup truck. *ak

Recall 2000-2004 4x4 dakotas/durangos hey, what's up with only 4x4s???? two wheel drive dakotas and durangos have the same ball joints as the 4x4s. why do i have to wait to see if my wheels fall off before the 100,000 mile guarantee being offered on mine is up? what's this nonsense it "only happens at lower speeds, not high speeds". this is totally unacceptable and is dc way of saving money. perhaps the government only investigated the 4x4s since they are the most popular vehicles (i.e., 600,000 4x4 versus 200,000 two wheel drive) never giving a thought to those of us who do not own the 4x4 versions. *jb

I have a 2000 dodge dakota 2wd with bad ball joints. the 2 wheel drive and 4 wheel drive have the same "defective" ball joints.*ak

2000 dodge dakota front end problem. nothing has happened yet, but the front end of my truck makes unidentifiable noise when turning. i have been to the mechanic 3 times and no one has been able to identify or fix it. i don't feel i should have to pay for this if it defect.as well, i would like the problem corrected. please advise. thanks.*ak

No event yet, however as the 2000 4 x 2wd dodge dakota has the same ball joints as the 4 x 4 version it should be included in the recall. since it is not, i am filing this complaint. if any failure, accident or injury does occur from dodge's refusal to repair my 2000 dodge dakota under this recall i want note made of my complaint. *ak

Per mechanic upper ball joints worn out.*ak

Bad front ball joints.*ak

Consumer stated she had to have the lower ball joint, and tie rod replaced. *ak

The front ball joints are making a popping noise, causing the wheel to shkae and rust to fall off. dealer was informed by consumer for repairs.*ak

Subject vehicle: 2000 dodge dakota r/t, iles: 49000; usage: daily driver-city/hwy only; complaint: excessive upper ball joint play early failure. *ak at approximately 35,000 miles i noticed a slight clicking sound coming from the front right suspension. i lubed the front end using the appropriate tool and grease nipples but found that there was no fitting on the upper ball joint. the clicking sound progressed to clunking over the next 10000 miles and on inspection i found excessive play in the upper front suspension on both sides of the vehicle. the left side being the most egregious. in addition i started to notice wandering in the steering track of the vehicle at higher speeds. i focused my attention on the upper ball joint assembly's and have since replaced both. the symptom has cleared. i have had an assortment of problems with this vehicle this having the most potential for catastrophic failure. your attention to this problem would be appreciated james daly

I have a 2000 dodge dakota 2wd club cab pickup. the ball joint on the upper right side went bad at 60000 miles. i know there is an investigation involving the 4 wheel drive version of this truck and i was wanting to show that there is also a problem with the 2wd version also. on first inspection by the dealer i was told the ball joint was not bad. this occurred because the mechanic working on the truck did not know you couldn't check ball joint wear while the truck was on a twin post lift with the wheel hanging free. after i showed them how to do it they agreed it was bad. after calling dodge they told me it would not be covered because it was out of warranty and i was not the original owner. i bought the part from them and did the repair myself. i called dodge myself and they have offered to reimburse the part cost if i send in the invoice. *jb

Consumer received recall 04v596000 concerning ball joint wear in december 2004. consumer contacted 3 dealerships, and was told that they could not get the parts.*ak

My 2000 dodge dakota r/t 5.9 is making a loud chunk noise in the front suspension. the current recall only involves 4x4 models and my vehicle is a 4x2 so it is not included. my truck has the same exact problem and i feel unsafe. i believe that this problem will result in an accident of some type. *nm

'recall campaign' dodge dakota 2000, consumer replaced ball joints . *bf the consumer was notified by phone that he would be reimbursed for the ball joints which failed. the tie rods also had to be replaced and consumer feels he should be reimbursed for that as well. *nm

While pulling inside of the parking lot, the vehicle started to vibrate. the noticed that the driver and passenger wheel failed to move on its own. the vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection. the mechanic informed the consumer that the upper and lower ball joints and tie rod needed to be replaced. please fill in additional information. *jb

dodge dakota upper ball joint failure. shaking steering wheel and front end noise clued me in to the known problem. ball joints were replaced with better moog greasable ones.*ak

Since filing my complaint last month, my front passenger side upper ball joint detached and cause my wheel to nearly fall off. luckily i had just pulled onto a street when the wheel fell off, so my speed was less than 5mph. i have been waiting on backordered parts to be shipped since my orignal complaint in october, so the worn ball joints had not been replaced yet. *ak

While the vehicle was at the repair shop for a front end alignment, the mechanic informed the consumer that the upper and the lower ball joints needed to be replaced. *jb consumer believe 2 wheel drive and 4 wheel drive dodge dakota trucks have the same front ball joints, therefore repairs should be paid for under the current recall. *bf *nm

Problem started with popping noise in front suspension. tires eventually were wearing uneven. took truck to dealer for alignment. they could not perform due to worn out upper ball joints. replaced ball joints and noticed left upper joint had deteriorated to the point that it was close to separation. also noticed tires had worn to the point that inner steel belts were exposed. *jb

Tie rod broke. replaced toe rod and all ball joints. *ak

My 2000 dodge dakota would not pass for inspection due to upper ball joints so i had them repaired. when i got my dodge dakota back about a week later the lower ball joint on the driver side broke and caused a crash. when the ball joint broke it caused the front of my truck to drop down onto the frame and breaking my axle, bursting my tire and bending a spindle and breaking my shock. i was lucky that i was in the parking lot of where i worked at the time of the accident. *jb