Problems with 2002 Dodge Dakota SUSPENSION

Failure is in progress! my upper left ball joint on my 2002 dodge dakota is loose!! the dealer tells me it is not a warranty item [40,000 miles on vehicle], that the part is on backorder, and they don't know when they will get mote parts. everywhere i have look, both auto parts stores and online, it is the same story..they either tell me it is a dealer item or that they are out of stock. i drive a minimum of 60 miles a day, and i can't buy the part to repair this!! how can this be? who is going to pay for the wear on my tires? where and when can i get a new quaility part?..not the piece of crap dodge puts on !!!

2002 dodge dakota quad-cab 4x4 the upper and lower balljoints in the front end seem to be loose and causing excessive popping noises when i hit dips/bumps in the road or turn sharp. my truck only has 30,000 miles on it.*ak

Failed right upper ball joint with 42,000 miles on vehicle. problem found after vehicle exhibited wheel binding while making hard right hand turns, clunking noises during left hand turns.*ak

While braking the consumer heard a popping noise coming from the front ball joints. the dealership was notified but did not resolve the problem. please provide any additional information. *nm

Consumer could hear a clicking noise while driving at any speed. vehicle was taken to a repair shop, and mechanic determined that both front upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced. *ak *jb

My husband and i own a 2002 dodge dakota. we purchased it in march 2002 and moved to puerto rico in september 2002, where we took our dakota to an authorized dodge dealership when problems arose. in april 2003, we began to hear unusual noises coming from the front left tire area. the service techs reported premature wearing of the ball joint and replaced it, plus the upper and lower control arms, as well as the sway arm and all related bushings (they showed premature wear, too). the following january (1/23/04), less than 12 months later, we began to hear similar noises from the front right tire area. the service techs at the same dealership as before replaced the same items for the same reasons that affected the driver's side front tire. all new parts, correct? we thought so, but as my husband was making a u-turn one sunday afternoon in early april 2004, the front passenger tire disconnected from the vehicle (due to defective parts--the very ones that they replaced in january 2004. we video-taped the damages to our vehicle (ball joint, cv joint, control arms, tire, rim, brake lines, front bumper and fog light) and had the truck towed back to the dealership with whom we previously dealt. the dealer eventually agreed that the parts were indeed defective and the cause of our accident. they replaced all damaged parts. now that we have 37000 miles on the truck, relatively low for that year model, we are concerned that this problem will occur again when we are not driving at such a low speed. *ak

While driving at 55 mph the driver could hear a loud noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. the mechanic informed the driver both upper and lower ball joints needed replacing due to worn parts. *mr

rear leaf springs deteriorated. consumer was concerned that while driving the leaf spring could fall apart, and the rear end will lose control. dealer stated there was no solution at this time. *ak

Upper ball joints are bad, both left and right hand side, was told by a mechanic that there is no way that they should be bad in a '02 truck.*ak

Consumer heard a noise in the front end when the brake pedal was depressed, when making right turns and when down hill. upon inspection of the front end by a mechanic it was determined that front driver side tire and front upper ball joint were loose. vehicle was then taken to a dealership who indicated that the ball joints were not loose enough to be replaced.*ak *nm

My 2002 dodge dakota's upper and lower ball joints failed at around 48,000 miles of regular highway driving, and now at 58,000 it feels as if they are going again. they were replaced with dodge parts, and chrysler told me that they are not recalling it. after all the news i've seen on dakota/durango ball joint problems, i figured i'd file a complaint with you guys, i'm just fed up i guess.thank you . *ak

While driving 65 mph, a rattling noise was heard coming from the front of the vehicle. the driver was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. the mechanic replaced both upper and lower ball joints due to corrosion. *nm control arms were replaced as well. consumer also stated that problem is similar to dodge durango sport utility vehicle. *la

Both upper ball joints. *ak

2002 dodge dakota quad cab, had noise in front end starting at about 25000 miles. complained to dealer at the following 2 oil changes about front end pulling to the right and noises in front end, diagnosed as "normal". finally, i told dealer that i would pay for a front end alignment, and both upper ball joints diagnosed as bad and needed to be replaced before the alignment could happen. ball joints were replaced after a 4 week wait for the ball joints that were on "back order", 32,000 miles at replacement time.*ak

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. *ak

While driving 30 mph consumer heard a noise coming from the front driver side wheel. consumer took vehicle to dealer more than once, but problem still exists. mechanic was unable to duplicate the problem. *ak

While driving consumer heard a clanking noise coming from the front ball joints. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak

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. *jb

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. *jb

When turning in either direction front end produces a knocking noise. *ak

While driving at any speed and when turning corners, hit bumps, or simply turning the steering wheel, there was a distinct crunching sound in front of vehicle. dealer examined the vehicle, and determined that the upper and lower ball joints needed replacement.*ak dealer replaced upper and lower ball joints. *la

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. *ak *la

While driving consumer lost control. dealership informed consumer that the problem pertained to the front upper ball joints. *ak

My 2002 dodge dakota quad cab 4x4 has 21,000 miles and now all four upper ball joints are bad.*ak

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. *ak

The upper ball joints were worn out and need to be replaced. when vehicle went over a pump in the road there was a clucking or knocking noise from the front end. this was a common problem with these trucks. *ak

Upper ball joints failed without warning. *ak

Consumer heard a popping noise in the front end of the vehicle when turning, driving over any imperfection in the road ,or any front end movement. upon inspection of the vehicle by the dealership they noticed that the front upper ball joint wore out prematurely, and needed to be replaced.*ak

While making right hand turns consumer heard a loud noise coming from the front end. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak

While driving 30 mph upper ball joints fell out. *ak

The ball joints on my 2002 dodge dakato 4x4 have prematurely failed. the truck has approx. 27000 miles on it. the infamous knocking sound comes from the front suspension when i turn. the truck has been taken to 2 different dealerships a grand total of 5 times for this same problem. a service tech and a service manager have both ridden in the truck and agree that there is a problem initially. upon inspection, i have been repeatedly told that there is no problem "under normal operating condition." i have contacted dodge and have been told that they always favor the service dealers over the customer's opinion. through research i found out that the ball joints on dakotas and durangos prematurely fail. i informed dodge that i knew this and that i would like them to rethink their original decision. they said that nothing in my research provided reason to change their conclusion. my truck has prematurely failed ball joints and neither dodge nor the dodge service dealer will do anything about it.*ak

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. *nm *mr

Vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for a front end alignment. mechanic determined that the right upper ball joint needed to be replaced. *ak

Clunking and excessive squeaking coming from the front-end. slow 90 degree or u - turns consistently reveal clunking. 18000 miles currently on dakota quad cab. steering shimmy inadvertently appears when driving straight down the road. these symptoms have been happening for 3+ months. i am experienced with front-end work, and recognize these symptoms to be familiar with upper ball-joints failure. i refuse to have the same product installed. there is obviously a problem. *jb

While parking consumer heard a loud noise coming from the front end. vehicle was taken to the dealership, where they replaced the upper ball joint. *ak

Upper ball joints are failing prematurely. passenger side is worse.*ak

Front end and wheel vibrated while driving. upon inspection by the dealership they indicated that the bushings deteriorated, and only bolt remained. also, front end was loose. *ak

Vehicle has definitive clunk when crossing over small bumps or turning tightly. worn ball joints are to blame. vehicle has 50,000 miles.

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. *jb

my 2002 dodge dakota sport 4x2 has approximately 15,200 miles on it. at approximately 13,000 miles i began to notice that the front end started to rattle and seem loose when going over bumps. after doing some research and having someone look at it, i found that the ball joints are failing prematurely.

Control arms and ball joints made clunking and popping sounds. bushings made loud squeaking sounds. all mentioned parts needed to be replaced. sounds started as early as 10,000 miles logged on vehicle. after searching internet found ball joints could separate and finally took vehicle to dealer. dealer is replacing parts under warranty but my concern is they are replacing them with the same defective parts. *la

Premature failure of upper lower ball joints. this started at 20k at which time i brought it into a dealership, but the "front end" guy was sick that day (how convient), so no one would look at the truck. very loud popping noise from front end especially when turning at low speed on icy conditions. when turning sharp the wheel feels as if its about to colapes under itself. very dangerous. now that im over the 36k warrenty dodge tells me i have to pay to have it fixed. i will never purchase a dodge again. this is a life threatening condition should it fail. i have children and no longer feel safe transporting them in this vehicle. i cannot even trade it in untill i fix it as all the other car dealers are quite aware of this defect....help please!!!*ak

Right front control arm failed which caused knocking in the front end. *ph *nm

Consumer saw an advertisement concerning ball joints. vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the upper ball joints. *ak *la

2002 dakota pickup truck with 29,600 miles loosing front steering stability and front end rattling. check with local mechanic reveals both left and right upper balljoints failing and need to replaced asap to prevent wheel failure. also tires wearing out. dodge contacted, no recall yet???

I took my 2002 dodge dakota to get state inspection and was told the left upper ball joint was worn out. only has 35000 miles on it. i went to dealer to have it repaired on dec 29 2003 and was told the ball joints are on back order until jan 14 2004 and was told i may not be one of the luck ones to get it even then. my truck has been sitting since dec 31 2003 because of the inspection has exp. *la

Vehicle = 2002 dodge dakota quad cab - v6 (currently @ 49,000 miles) took vehicle to independent mechanic for annual inspection and was told that both the upper and lower ball joints were worn excessively and would totally fail in approximately 1000 miles. after further investigation on numerous websites i have found this problem to be quite common and is what was causing the feeling of loss of control when hitting bumps in the road at speed, strange noises when turning slowly, and it also seems this is what could have led to my premature brake failures (which i had to have my rotors ground at approx 25k miles). i will be speaking to my dealer tomorrow directly - my girlfriend had called them for me because i was out of town for work and it sounds as though they are claiming they have never heard of the problem. this appears to be quite a common problem and had my mechanic not caught the problem doing the annual inspection it would have definitely caused an extreme safety hazard. hopefully something is being done to remedy this problem. thanks. *ak

Upper ball joints are worn out and are popping and causing front tires to cup,and truck will not drive straight.you can really hear popping noises when turning sharp and going in a driveway.

Premature failure at 34,000 miles on both upper ball joints on my 2002 dodge dakota quad cab. front-end noises (at turning, rough pavement, speed bumps) started occurring before 10,000 miles and continued to grow worse until replacement.*ak

At barely 39000 miles on my 2002 dodge dakota sxt, we have discovered that the right upper ball joint is nearly shot. the problem is that the noise and problems began way before the 36000 mile mark but we never considered that it would be something that needed major repair. now we are beyond the 36000 mile warranty and we have to pay for the repair ourselves. after research we have discovered that this problem is quickly becoming a common problem with these vehicles. so we would like to make our issue known in conjunction with any other owners with the same problem in hopes that maybe dodge will take some corrective action. *ak