Popping, grinding noise while turning and over bumps. Dodge inspected and replaced one upper ball joint and both lower ball joints and both inner tie rod ends.

- Evansville, IN, USA

Consumer was replacing upper and lower ball joints every 35,000 miles. Also, consumer replaced the idler arm. Consumer contacted the dealer, who informed consumer that they will not warranty the suspension parts. Provide further details. The consumer stated the manifold plenum gasket was leaking oil into the intake. The consumer replaced the gasket himself.

- Eastchester, NY, USA

While driving 4 mph front left end ball joint collapsed. Vehicle was towed to a garage for inspection, and mechanic determined that the front lower ball joint needed to be replaced.

- Smyrna, GA, USA

Need to replace upper and lower ball joints on Dakota with 173,000 miles. This will be the 7th set of ball joints on this vehicle. Dealer states "no other customer complaints.

- Methuen, MA, USA

The consumer took the vehicle in for routine maintenance. The mechanic noticed both front upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced due to corrosion. Please fill in additional information.

- Attica, IN, USA

Suspension ball joint failure.

- Eighjty Four, PA, USA

I own a 1997 Dodge Dakota, V8 and for several months when I was turning, I experienced the terrible grinding sound from my front driver side wheel. I took it in to Firestone today where they diagnosis upper and lower ball joints for all four wheels at a cost of over $1,000. The technician informed me this was common in Dodge Dakota's and durango's and that they are really bad. He states I could continue to drive it but worst case scenario is I'll be driving some day and the wheel could come off or lose control of the steering. I've researched the issue and found that there are thousands of complaints and daimler Chrysler as yet has done nothing to correct the problem. I also note that your Agency is supposed to be investigating this issue. I am waiting on your report before I pay to replace the joints although this may lead to a serious consequences on my part. When will daimler Chrysler address this issue?

- Broken Arrow, OK, USA

Upper and lower ball joints on the right and left sides of the vehicle were defective. While driving consumer heard a popping noise when ever making a right or left turn. Took vehicle to the mechanic, and was told to park the vehicle because it was very dangerous.

- Robbinsville, NC, USA

97 Dakota serviced every 3000 miles. Ball joints worn out and need to be replaced. Truck has 87000 miles. I have never owned a vehicle where this has happened.

- Vashon, WA, USA

While driving 55 mph vehicle pulled to the right. Vehicle was taken to a repair shop, and mechanic determined that the entire upper and the lower ball joints needed to be replaced. Also, the parts were available for analysis. Dealer was contacted.

- Surprise, AZ, USA

The vehicle was taken to a independent shop for a routine general maintenance, and the mechanic noticed that all four ball joints felled worn out prematurely. Independent shop charge $1,200.

- Topsfield, MA, USA

Driving down I-55 by wilmington truck started to pull real bad to the left got off the highway next exit went straight to garage the mechanic put on the lift was able to remove the balljoint with his hand.

- Wilmington, IL, USA

My 1997 Dodge Dakota-with 48ooo miles failed safety inspection, due to bad ball joints and unsafe steernig. During repair process I discovered that this is a common and even expected event with these vehicles (with low mileage) and also durangos. It is so commonplace that Dodge repair people expect it. Obviouosly tis is a sfatey defect and should be remedied at no cost to consumer. It will only be a matter of time until the parts fail; and a catastrophe happens to some un suspectig driver, unless there is a recall and permanent quality replacment of the parts.

- Eighty-Four, PA, USA

There was a ball joint problem. They made a clanking sound along with a squeal. The problem was discovered when the vehicle was taken to dealer for a catalytic converter problem.

- Boise, ID, USA

The upper and lower ball joints and tie rod ends wore out completely. Consumer was concerned that the wheels will fall off while driving.

- Creswell, NC, USA

I pulled into my driveway, ran in the house to pick up some paperwork, got back in the truck and back out of the driveway. The lower control arm broke away from the frame. One weld is broken and the other is ripped. No company will fix this vehicle because of the liability issues. I never hit anything that would break this arm. I was told by three different companies that they have never seen this happen. The ball joint was in tact and had not broken. Now I have to pay for a truck which is just a piece of junk.

- Mauston, WI, USA

I have replaced the upper and lower ball joints about six months ago and my left front already started squeaking again. I will have to replace them once more. I believe Dodge should recall these vehicles for this purpose. It has caused my tires to wear unevenly and I have to replace them prematurely.

- Austin, TX, USA

Front ball joints failed at 48,000 miles.

- Lincoln, NE, USA

While driving at any speed consumer heard a clanking sound coming from the front end. Dealer examined the vehicle, and found that the upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced.

- Little Chute, WI, USA

Noticed improper tire wear on the front end. Took for an inspection and all ball joints were found to be in need of replacement. Mechanic stated that the they could have failed at any time.

- Aiken, SC, USA