Problems with 2002 Dodge Dakota SUSPENSION

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge dakota. while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the entire rear step bumper was corroded. while driving approximately 60 mph, the driver's side portion bar fractured. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 50,279.

Front driver side tire and hub assembly completely broke free from the vehicle this is a follow up from my first intial report to chrysler and also nhtsa phone conversation in which i did a report to both and paid 2500.00 which i still have receipt of paying to have fixed...father had a 2000 dodge durango which had the same recall that my didn't have as chrysler stated...

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge dakota. the contact stated that while driving 55 mph, the rear end differential fractured causing the vehicle to spin 90 degrees into the right lane and crash. the specifics of the crash were not available. a police report was filed and there were no injuries reported. the vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear assembly needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 200,000.

Pulling out of driveway and the bottom of the control arm broke free letting the wheel come free from the vehicle..... *tr

Truck has been driving like something was grinding against my front right wheel for a week or so, i didn't think anything of it, it had just become an annoyance. id look under the wheel and everything looked okay and in shape, no damage was being done. the other day i drove a short distance and heard a pop, like something had popped near the wheel, i pulled over and could see no damage. i continued to drive and noticed that the grinding had stopped and my wheel seemed to be functioning correctly. i arrived to my destination with no problem. when i left the destination to return home, i started feeling heavy pull to the right on my steering wheel, if i let go of the steering wheel i would have gone into a ditch or the woods or another car. i then started noticed smoke coming from my right wheel, i was a few blocks away from home and figured i could make it, i started noticing my brakes were not working too well, and anytime id push on the brakes more smoke would arise, i went the 3 stop signs to my house and pulled in, ran around and saw that behind my wheel had caught on fire, took about 5 minutes to put the fire out with water and some cat litter we had lying around. it was so hot that it wouldn't cool down for about 45 mins to an hour. we would throw water on it and it would sizzle. i quickly removed the tire to prevent any damage to it. i noticed it had started to melt the plastic boot cover on the suspension. when you looked at the wheel you could see it had snapped off on the bottom half, causing the whole wheel to tilt inward which then caused a full on grind of the wheel and the brakepads and whatever else is down there causing such friction that it caught on fire. i then did research online and found that their had been a recall for this exact issue... :( *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge dakota sport. while driving 25 mph there was a loud noise in the rear of the vehicle. the rear end shackles had deteriorated failed. the leaf springs were caught in the bed of the truck. the vehicle was driven home and parked. the manufacturer was called and claim file#19831058 was filed. the contact stated he had to repair the vehicle. the failure mileage was 90,000. updated 11/15/10 updated 11/24/10

I am a owner of a 2002 dodge dakota sport. on certain sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks equipped with four-wheel drive (4x4), if moisture leaks into the front suspension upper ball joint, evacuation of the lubricant and corrosion of the joint may cause the joint to wear over an extended period of time. this could cause a clunking noise in the front suspension, which may not always be heard by the vehicle occupants. excessive wear in the upper ball joint may allow it to separate, which could result in loss of control of the vehicle. whole front end is messed up. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge dakota. while having the tires changed at an independent mechanic, the front suspension collapsed at the upper ball bearing joints as the vehicle was lowered with the new tires installed. the vehicle was not taken to an authorized dealer to be examined for the cause of failure. the vehicle was having the front suspension replaced by the independent mechanic. the vin was unavailable. the failure and current mileages were 39,500.

We have a 2002 dodge dakota and a 2007 dodge caliber that both have severe front end problems. the vehicles both shake uncontrollably, especially when hitting a bump or applying the brakes. we've tried to get this fixed but chrysler says there is nothing wrong. a mechanic told us its our rotors but we've had them turned and have had the rotors on the truck replaced twice. it affects the braking speed and it is difficult to keep control of the steering wheel while braking and while driving in the rain. i know others have had this problem, is it going to take someone getting injured or killed to fix it? *tr

While driving my 2002 dodge dakota 55 miles per hour i was thrown to the left pushed on brake pedal and the truck shot right when i got out the front rotors were red hot and smoking truck would not move had it towed home where it still sits i thank god i was not killed or hurt or killed some one else come to find out this is a common problem with this truck and to try and repair it that it will only return. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge dakota. the contact stated while driving 35 mph he heard a clicking sound near the front suspension on the drivers side. the contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic who was unable to identify the problem. the contact noticed nhtsa campaign id number 04v596000 (suspension:front:control arm:upper ball joint) and called the manufacturer. the manufacturer stated due to the vin the vehicle was not a part of the recall. the contact stated the vehicle was unsafe to drive. the failure mileage was 66,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge dakota. while driving at an unknown speed, the contact would sporadically hear a loud squeaking noise. he took the vehicle to the dealer for a routine alignment and tire rotation. upon inspection, a technician stated that the lower ball joints had severe wear and movement, and needed to be replaced. he also stated that the rubber grommets supporting the tie rods failed and created a metal to metal condition, which created a squeaking noise. the components have not been replaced. the failure mileage was 125,000 and current mileage was 128,000. updated 09/10/08 *bf the upper ball joints were replaced as well. updated 09/16/08. *jb

2002 dodge dakota upper ball joint failure. it seems that the recall under nhtsa campaign id #04v596000 only covered four-wheel drive (4x4) vehicles but the same problem exist on two-wheel drive vehicles also. my vehicle has 84,000 miles and both ball joints need replacing. the replacement part is the same on both two or four wheel drives. *tr

Upper ball joints worn out at 52,00 miles. went for tire change and front end alignment and found problem. had extended warranty but did not cover. am waiting for part at the cost of about $600.00 to replace. *nm

I have had several alarming failures with my dodge dakota quad cab. it is a 2002 v6 auto transmission pw pl. i have had the ball joints replaced because of the recall, my transmission has failed (twice), my front hubs & spindles completely disintegrated and could have killed my family, my water pump has failed and had to be replaced, the driver side taillight seems to fail often, the vacuum hoses have all had to be replaced because of the cheap rubber used by the manufacturer fail by cracking and causing all sorts of leaks causing engine lights, loud noises under the hood, and horrible gas mileage. i have done everything possible to be proactive in my maintenance of the vehicle. i have had the major repairs done professionally. i do not understand how a 2002 vehicle can have so many potentially fatal problems and be ignored. i have searched high and low for quality bulletins but cannot find anything. my gas mileage is now down to 14 mpg and the truck is falling apart. *jb

2002 dodge dakota quad cab both upper and lower control arm bushings failed on both sides. *kb the consumer stated she heard a noise every time she went over bump. when the vehicle was taken to a local garage, they could not find a problem. finally, after not being able to take the noise any longer, the consumer took the vehicle to another establishment where they discovered the problem. *jb

as a 2002 dodge dakota owner, i have had the upper ball joints replace once out of my own pocket and once at the dealership. i have received my refund. my chief complaint is the fact that when the dealership replaced my upper ball joints they failed to inform me that my lower ball joints also had excessive/unacceptable movement and needed to be replaced. i have also had to replace my rotors and brakes for the third time and i only have 72,000 miles. i don't do any off-roading either. i believe that the upper ball joints caused my lower ball joints to go bad as well in addition to causing the replacement of my rotors and brakes. *nm

Dt*: the contact stated while backing up at 10 mph the driver side front wheel detached. the dealership and manufacturer was alerted. they determined it was a lower ball joint failure, however no repairs were made.

The ball joints on the dakota series p/u are a chronic problem. i bought an '02 dakota 4x4 with 70k and immediately noticed noise and a loose feeling from the front end. i verified the ball joint recall had been completed. when i went to have it aligned, i learned that all four of my ball joints are bad, including the top two that had been replaced already. while researching the problem i came across this site, http://www.dodgedakotas.com/boards/dea/140-1.html, which is a dakota forum, with numerous complaints exactly the same as mine. dodge needs to be held accountable for its failure to use quality components. consumers should not be spending $600 every year to keep their vehicles aligned on the road. *nm

I owe a 2002 dodge dakota and had a recall for upper ball joint that was repaired by merrick dodge in merrick ny. the dealer advised me that the way they do the recall an alignmentwas not necessary. i was informed by chrysler that a toe alignment was required. this recal was done in january 2005. the new tires that were installed in november of 2004 have excessive wear on the inner edges of both front tires evenly. the alignment was never done or done improperly and the dealership refuses to correct or even address said issue. all i ask is a front end alignment so that the tires will wear in a safe and correct manner.*ak

2002 dodge dakota starting making clunking sound when turning. had received recall letter for upper ball joints. upon bringing to dealer, was told both lower and upper ball joints needed replacement. seems like this is common based on what i have read online. we have also had transmission replaced and goodyear tires split. all of these complaints are posted on this website. 99.9% will never buy another dodge. we now have 2. previous service department interactions stopped me from buying a dodge in june of 2005 so i purchased a nissan. *jb

Dt: the consumer was upset that after the recall work was done the dealer recommended a full alignment, but chrysler will only pay for one third. specially, chrysler will only pay for the tow in adjustment, after ball joint replacement. the recall was 04v596000. the tow in adjustment was not affected as much as the other camber and caster. the recall work was done on the truck. the owner was looking at a charge of about $60.00 that should be covered by the recall. the vehicle would have control issues without the alignment, which would be the owner's expense. *ak

Multiple suspension component failures please reopen investigations into dodge dakota/durango products. stabilizer bushings have been replaced three times, upper ball joints failed and were replaced, steering input shaft failed and replaced once.

I love this vehicle, however will join the masses reporting a failed upper ball joint at 55,000 miles, 3 sets of warped front brake discs and lack of proper braking for the abs system.

daimlerchrysler motor corporation p.o. box 21-8004 auburn hills, mi 48321-8004 attention: quality assurance my dodge presently has 49,200 miles. it has been serviced at recommended and required intervals at manahawkin dodge approximately every 3,000 miles. early into my ownership i had intermittent trouble with the air conditioner and they tried to assess the problem. they did a recharge of the system and corrected the problem. i was told at 28998 miles that the "pulsing" when my brakes were applied was due to "hot spots" on my front rotors. when i inquired as to how this could happen to a relatively new truck that is used as a personal transportation vehicle i was told they really "did not know but have had to replace others." it is noted that i never had to replace rotors on my previous nissans. that ended up costing me $393. i began hearing a noise in the transmission and intermittent delayed shifting into gear resulting in the transmission being serviced which included changing filters, lubricant, etc. i was also told that my upper ball joint was worn and replaced one side only. this i subsequently learned has been a problem for some dodge vehicles and i have since received a letter from daimlerchrysler regarding an extended warranty on the part. today i was told that i had play in the right front ball bearing and the hub needed a total replacement. along with that a strut had to be replaced and an alignment once it was completed. when i asked how axle bearing could go bad with this low a mileage i was told that the hub is sealed and no way to lubricate and that it should not have gone bad. in addition, i have a noisy left leaf spring that needs a part. the cost for the front hub is over $600. i rarely get over 16 miles per gallon even i the best driving conditions. sincerely, charles w. stauffer cc: nhtsa nj division consumer affairs file

2002 dodge dakota right front wheel bearings and the hub needed to be replaced.*mr the consumer experienced intermittent problems with the air conditioner. hot spot on the front rotors caused pulsation when braking. the vehicle's transmission made noise and intermittent delayed shifting. the right front hub and bearing were replaced. the right front outer tie rod end was replaced. the left front upper ball joint was replaced. *nm

Mechanic detected failing ball joint, front right i was informed condition could fail, and vehicle could be dangerous to drive had mechanic repair defetive ball joint. chrysler refused warentee, as their dealership did not repair defect.

thought i would "buy american" and get the dodge dakota 4 dr crew. love its style, comforts, more power than i need (4.7l v8) 2wd has no traction in snow or ice. very easy to drive and comfortable 6ft.2 220lbs.(2 trips nj to calif.) gas mileage stinks...13-18mpg, no loads. brake rotors replaced 28k, left top ball joint worn (no recall yet)a/c needed charging, right front hub and bearings replaced 49k, rear leaf spring noisy, transmission hesitation occasionally. great truck to drive and haul but reliability really in question with only 49k. probably back to nissan or toyota.

Consumer received a manufacturer's recall notice d47 for upper ball joints .*ak the dealer had the parts but refused to do the work stating they could only do 1 or 2 repairs a day and were booked until end of june. *bf *nm

While driving 30 mph the front driver's side upper ball joints failed. as a result, the front end collapsed, owner had the vehicle towed to his home. a recall was issued, and consumer stated he has been waiting for two months for repair. please provide additional information.

recall campaig 04v596000 was received for the upper ball joint wear. consumer took the vehicle to dealer for the repairs, and discovered that the lower ball joints were also defective. *ak

Consumer received recall 04v596000 concerning upper ball joints. while driving 10 mph suddenly the right front wheel came off, causing the vehicle to strike the ground. vehicle sustained front end damage. the police arrived, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the consumer made contact with his insurance company. it was discovered later there was a recall for the upper ball joints. currently, the insurance company was not filing the consumer's claim. consumer contacted the manufacturer, who sent an independent contractor to examine the vehicle, and consumer heard nothing from the manufacturer since then. *ak

Nhtsa campaign 04v596000; daimler chrysler issued an front upper ball joint recall. this vehicle was included in the recall, but when taken in for service, owner was informed that the lower ball joints need to be replaced as well. owner was informed that the wheels can fall off if not replaced.

The consumer believes the vehicle's front ball joints are loose. *nm *jb

Recall campaign 04v596000 concerning ball joint wear. owner received notification from the manufacturer in january 4, 2005. owner contacted the dealer, and was told that parts were not available, and there was no indication as to when the parts will be made available. also, contacted the manufacturer, and they too were unable to give a dare as to when parts will be made available. *ak the consumer stated that the vehicle sways from side to side. *tc

Nhtsa campaign 04v596000; daimler chrylser issued an upper ball joint recall. this vehicle was included in the recall, but there were no available appointments until may, which could be dangerous because the wheels can fall off. *jb. consumer stated no available appointments until may was ridiculous since this was a safety issue. *ak

Nhtsa recall 04v596000 on the ball joint wear. consumer contacted the dealer and was informed that the next available appointment is on may 26, 2005. please provide further details. *jb

Recall 04v596000 concerning ball joint wear. consumer received notification from the manufacturer regarding the recall on ball joint wear. consumer notified the dealership and scheduled an appointment. when the consumer took the vehicle to the dealership for the scheduled appointment consumer was informed that the parts needed to repair the vehicle were not available and there is no date of expectation either. *ak......*ak

No parts were available for recall d47 concerning ball joints. *ak as of 2/20/05 the dealer still had no parts and was unable to tell the consumer when the parts would become available. *nm

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 late march 2005. *ak

Nhtsa recall campaign 04v596000 concerning front ball joints. this vehicle was included in the recall, but there were no appointments available until may, which could be dangerous because the wheels could fall off.*ak

Vehicle was taken to dealer for the upper ball joint recall. dealer told consumer that the lower ball joints wore out as well, and needed to be replaced. manufacturer stated no recall.*ak recall campaign; nhtsa campaign id number : 04v596000 dealing with upper ball joints. the recall did not include the lower ball joints with the same defect. nhtsa campaign id number : 04v216000; dealing with the windshield wiper motor. the consumer stated that the windshield wiper motor was serviced and had at least one failure since the repair. nhtsa campaign id number : 03v389000 dealing with the dash wiring harness repaired by the dealer. *tc

Recall campaign: 2002 dodge dakota have upper ball joints problems. replaced upper ball joints. *bf recall campaign; the consumer received a safety recall notice to have the upper ball joints replaced. the consumer was told that the tie rod replacement and front end alignment would not be covered. *tc the consumer had the ball joints replaced prior to receiving the recall notice. *jb

Consumer complained about upper ball joints problem. consumer took the vehicle to the dealer several times. dealer inspected it, gave it a wheel alignment, and then said there was nothing wrong. currently, manufacturer is recalling the 4 wheel drive. however, this vehicle is a two wheel drive. *ak

Consumer received nhtsa recall 04v596000 concerning ball joint wear. dealer refused to honor the recall because the vehicle was not purchased at that particular dealership. *ak

Vehicle is 2002 dodge dakota sport plus quad cab 4x4, with 58,000 miles on it. when i took the vehicle to a brake repair shop for rotor / drum resurfacing, it was discovered that the ball joints in the front suspension of the vehicle have worn out, are loose, and need to be replaced, at a cost in excess of $850. i have not replaced the ball joints yet, but will have to soon. i feel the ball joints should have lasted longer than 58,000 miles.*ak

i have heard news that there may be a recall of dodge dakota trucks for reason of unsafe ball joints. i own a 2002 dodge dakota quadcab 4.7l two wheel drive truck. since i bought the truck, i have heard a loud clunk noise when i turn a corner or go up a bump or driveway. this is not a normal noise on cars or trucks. for a truck that can haul heavy weight, this is not acceptable. i am always aware of the noise and know this is unsafe. anytime you have metal making rubbing in such a manner, there is an obvious problem. i do not believe these vehicles are safe with parts that are not sound and durable for the weight of the vehicles. i ask that the two wheel dakota trucks also be considered for recall for more durable and safe ball joints and suspension parts. i do a lot of highway travel and when you pay thousands of dollars, you should not have to feel your wheel may fall off at any time. *jb

Sir, i read about dodge dakota has upper joint plm. gates(chrysler) says, they can hear noise from joint but u forget about deaf people have own too. i am deaf and my truck is 2002 4x4 dodge dakota. they should concerns about deaf people too. please inform me soon before happens anytime!!! thanks. *ak

I have a 2002 dodge dakota 2wd truck. i have just been rejected a virginia inspection because the upper ball joints in my truck are about to come out. the local dodge dealer told me that the 2wds are not included in the recall. if the dakotas are made with the same parts for the same place. isn't it likely that all the parts are faulty. now i have a truck that will not pass inspection and a $400.00 problem to fix on a truck that only has 40k miles.*ak

The recall for the upper ball joints have been issued, however the dealer states the parts were unavailable. the consumer has been waiting since december. please provide additional information. *jb