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.

- Newburgh, IN, USA

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 the upper ball joints were replaced as well. Updated 09/16/08.

- Boxspring, GA, USA

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.

- Houston, TX, USA

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, 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.

- Lansing, KS, USA

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 to replace.

- Aberdeen, NC, USA

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.

- Labadieville, LA, USA

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.

- Manahawkin, NJ, USA

2002 Dodge Dakota recall.** answer required***. consumer receive warranty extension for upper ball joints. However, consumer wants to know why the 2wds were not included in the recall for the upper ball joints.

- Unknown, DC, USA

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 Nissan. 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

- Manahawkin, NJ, USA

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.

- Rhinelander, WI, USA

Consumer received a manufacturer's recall notice D47 for upper ball joints. 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.

- Kihei, HI, USA

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.

- Cumberland, MD, USA

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.

- Falmouth, ME, USA

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.

- Solsberry, IN, USA

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

- San Bernardino, CA, USA

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.

- Hyde Park, VT, USA

Recall campaign#04V596000: The vehicle's ball joints failed prior to recall notification. The ball joints had worn out. The consumer reqested reimbursement.

- High Bridge, NJ, USA

Re 2002 Dodge Dakota truck that makes a noise in the front because of defective ball joints. Consumer inquiring why she have not rec'd a recall letter.

- Ormond Beach, FL, USA

The consumer believes that the scope of the ball joint recall should be expanded. The ball joints on the consumer's vehicle failed yet the vehicle was not covered under the consumers 100K miles limited warranty. The vehicle's transmission also failed. The consumer stated that the vehicle transmission stalls and gets stuck in low gear when the engine is cold.

- Washington, DC, USA

NHTSA recall campaign 04V596000; daimler Chrysler issued an upper ball joint recall. This vehicle was included in the recall, but there were no available parts in order to do recall repairs. This was dangerous because the wheels could fall off.

- Medford, NY, USA