Problems with 2001 Dodge Dakota SUSPENSION

Local dodge dealer service dept informed me today that most likely ball joints on my 2001 dodge dakota probally need to be replaced. with less than 30000 miles this is unbelieveable. jwk

Transmission continues to shift erratically, despite being seen by two different dealers. the tcm seems to be an issue. reprogramming it doesn't seem to fix the problem. the factory tsb has been done twice but has failed to remedy the problem. vehicle will sometimes lurch up into 2nd gear at lower speeds without warning or down to 1st from 2nd without warning despite traveling at a constant speed of approximately 20 mph. after 22500 miles the vehicle has developed a moderate to severe problem when braking. the vehicle seems to hop in the front end during braking and the brakes seem to loose effectiveness momentarily. closer investigation revealed both front shocks had failed. the front brake system seems to be in good working order. no leaks, normal pad and rotor wear, no grooves on rotor, the front shocks were replaced but the vehicle continues to have the braking hopping pulsating problem. *jb

Upper ball joint failure on 2001 dodge dakota quad cab. *ak

A continuous "clunk" in the front left suspension which the consumer was told was the ball joints. *ph the left side was at "380 degree" and the oe specific was "0," and needed to be replaced. a non dealer told the consumer that the original design was poor. *sc

While driving and coming to a stop vehicle will start to fail, and will not pull. had to shut vehicle down and restart. contacted dealer, and dealer stated didn't know what the problem was. *ak the consumer stated that the front end was slightly out of alignment. the motor has a problem when the vehicle stops for a moment at a light or sign, it will shudder and choke . *yh