10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 5 / 1
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 1 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 32,675 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
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.
- Apple Valley, MN, USA
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.
- Minden, NE, USA
No parts were available for recall campaign 04V596000. Concerning ball joints. Lithi Dodge, 425-255-7220.
- Renton, WA, USA
Consumer was a part of a recall for the ball joint. He contacted the dealer, and was told there were no parts. Was told he would be placed on a list.
- Marshall, MO, USA
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. 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.
- Cuba City, WI, USA
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.
- Indianapolis, IN, USA
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. 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
- Colebrook, NH, USA
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
- Ochlocknee, GA, USA
On the evening of November 4, 2004, the right front tire assembly of my 2000 Dodge Dakota pickup truck fell off. My 17 year old son was making a right turn into the driveway of a friend's home when he heard a loud bang. When he got out of the truck he found the right front-end of the truck resting on the wheel assembly. The following morning, the truck was towed to a local repair shop that I use for car maintenance and repair. Upon arrival at the repair shop, the shop owner told me that the upper ball joint had failed. As a result of the failure, the lower ball joint and outer tie rod were also damaged and had to be replaced. Based upon the mileage on the truck, the shop owner told me that the ball joint should not have failed. Total cost to repair the upper and lower ball joint and the outer tie rod was $595.67.
- Norman, OK, USA
Consumer stated she had to have the lower ball joint, and tie rod replaced.
- Dallas, PA, USA
Vehicle was taken to the dealer for a routine inspection, and mechanic determined that both frontal lower ball joints needed to be replaced due to worn out parts.
- Bemidji, MN, USA
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.
- Front Royal, VA, USA
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.
- Knoxville, TN, USA
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.
- Grover Beach, CA, USA
Bad front ball joints.
- Gastonia, NC, USA
I bought a 2000 Dakota 4X4 used, with 42,000 mi. In Oct. 03. went to get a Missouri state inspection certificate, I was told upper & lower balljoints were "going bad". July 04, truck started to pull to the right.it"S an expensive repair that I cannot afford right now. I saw a news story on this issue and realized I am not alone. I belive Dodge makes a great truck. They should stand behind there name, as well as product.
- Columbia , MO, USA
Dodge Dakota tie rods. Tie rod actually broke. The consumer sent in a complaint to the NHTSA on line but had trouble.
- Cross Plains, WI, USA
Tie rod broke. Replaced toe rod and all ball joints.
- Cross Plains, WI, USA
I have a 2000 Dodge Dakota. On November 2,2004 while driving on city side streets the front passenger wheel fell off the vehicle. While waiting for a tow truck to arrive, I called the Dodge dealership where I purchased my vehicle and was told this would not be covered under warranty. I had my vechile towed to my mechanic who did most of the repairs (totaling about $1,300). He handed me a box with the ball joints from my vehicle and told me to hang onto them. The upper and lower ball joint on both sides needed to be replaced. The cause of the accident was the upper ball joint losing all it's grease (this is supposed to be a sealed unit!), causing undo stress on the joint until it eventually sheared away from the vehicle. I still have to take my vehicle in for some repairs that need to be completed (cv boot replacement and a tie rod that is twisted) - which is estimated to be an additional $400. I do have the ball joints - all in varying degrees of defective damage along with photos of the vehicle at the place of the accident. Photos include close up shots of the wheel and ball joint. I have written a letter to Dodge corporation as I feel they should pay for the repairs since the parts were obviously defective. This is also a serious safety concern as if this wheel had fallen off my vehicle just 2 miles sooner, I would have been traveling at 65 mph coming down the highway from the rocky mountains! the wreck would have almost certainly killed me!! the wreck would have also taken out any vehicles traveling near me! this is a very serious safety risk.
- Denver, CO, USA
- Hanover, MA, USA