I have replaced the ball joints twice now on my 1998 Dodge Dakota in the past four years. On a recent visit to my mechanic for an oil change, I was advised that I will again need to replace my ball joints and that one in particular was close to failure and was unsafe. In his words: "you got lucky. This could have failed at any time." I have scheduled another appointment to once again replace my ball joints.

- Chatham, MI, USA

When turning or driving at low speeds there was a dry shuttering noise in the front end. Took vehicle to dealership for inspection, and dealership indicated that the upper/lower ball joints were defective and needed to be replaced. Parts were replaced. Failure recurred 3 years later on upper ball joints only. Control arm, ball joint, and tie rods were replaced again at 136,807.

- Anoka, MN, USA

While driving 35 mph vehicle swerved to the right and suddenly consumer heard a loud noise coming from the front, and the vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that both frontal lower ball joints needed to be replaced.

- Allegan, MI, USA

My mechanic informed me that all 4 ball joints and the inner & outer tie rod ends need replacing on my 1998 Dodge Dakota. Since there is currently a recall for 2000-2003 Dakotas & durangos and a class action lawsuit pending for 1998 durangos, I wonder if there is merit to my 1998 Dakota failure and the resulting expense.

- Satellite Beach, FL, USA

Noises in front end, upper and lower ball joints on a 1998 Dodge Dakota 4-wheel drive defective. Lower ball joints replaced under warranty at 34,853 miles. Replaced lower joints again and upper ball joints at 59,629 at a cost of $1123.55. Luckily it was caught before any serious accident occurred. Your recall indicates year 2000-2003 but problem was there prior to that.

- Portland, CT, USA

1 - took the Dodge Dakota truck in to have the snow tires put on and was told that the upper & lower ball joints where ready to fail. The automotive shop then replaced the upper & lower ball joints.

- Bridgeport, NY, USA

A recent recall announcement for Dodge Dakotas and durango only included the model years of 2000-2004 for failed ball joints and wheels falling off. This compliant is to notifiy the NHTSA that early model years also experience the sample problem. In 2001, my 1998 Dodge Dakota had the right front wheel colapse while in motion due to a failed ball joint. The NHTSA should expand this recall to earlier models.

- Boulder, CO, USA

1998 Dodge Dakota, current mileage:426,000. Have had to replace all control arms twice. Ball joints unavailable, requiring entire A-arm replacement. Bummer.

- Concord, CA, USA

Lower ball joint failure in 1998 Dodge Dakota 4WD. Query: Why isn't the recall re. Ball joints covering Dakotas manufactured prior to 2000? mine experienced lower ball joint failure at 30,000 miles and I was told by the dealer that there is a design defect that will cause repeating ball joint failure. Now I am informed there is a recall of 2000-2004 models with a similar defect, because wheels have come off. This is a serious safety issue and should be comprehensively addressed to include prior model year problems. Most of these vehicles are still on the road !

- Placerville, CA, USA

I've submitted a complaint about my plight previously but I have another episode to report. My first complaint (last year) detailed problems with my 98' Dodge Dakota truck. The ball joints on this vehicle are substandard to say the least and are actually downright dangerous. My truck has less than 70000 highway miles on it and I have replaced two ball joints already (as noted in my previous complaint) and now a third is failing and in need of repair. You may ask how I know it failing when I haven't had it repaired yet"... because it's happened so many times before and I know the symptoms. That makes 3/4 of the ball joints on the front of this truck that will have been replaced in the last two years. I was elated to see where the NHTSA has requested Chrysler to recall the Dakota and durango as a result of these ball joint failures. I was equally dismayed to see that it only covered 2000-2003!!!! why"!!! as you read above, my truck has failed equally if not worse than the models the NHTSA recommended be recalled. Numnerous web sites are filled with complaints about these same issues on vehicles that are older than 2000. I suspect it has to do with money = anything more than 4 model years and Chrysler will start screaming. If the failing ball joints are dangerous on the 2000-2003 models, then the same failing ball joints are dangerous on the older models too. Please explain to me why my safety is less important than those with trucks two years newer than mine. Thank you.

- Chelsea, AL, USA

1998 Dodge Dakota upper and lower ball joint failure. Reported by repair shop when asked to perform a front allignment. I was told that tey have never seen a worse case of worn out ball joints. They told me that an allignment cannot be performed without the ball joint repalcement. Fron end is loose and makes a popping sound when turning. Truck has approximately 85,000 miles. No repair completed as yet. I was informed by the repair shop that a recall to correct this defect is likely to be initiated soon and that I should wait for the recall and avoid driving the truck until fixed.

- Valencia, CA, USA

I started to notice a loud popping noise coming from the drivers side front wheel well on my 1998 Dodge Dakota slt club cab. I took my truck to an independant garage and was told that my ball joints were in desparate need of replacement. I was told by the ase certified mechanic that the ball joints are sealed and could not get the proper lubrication causing premature failure. The mechanic also stated that the ball joints could have failed at any time causing the wheel to fail which would result in loss of control of the vehicle. I asked the mechanic if the replacement ball joints were greasable. He told me yes. I feel that the original ball joints were not designed properly by daimler Chrysler, and this is a safety issue that warrants a recall.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

Left and right ball joints on my 1998 Dodge Dakota pickup truck failed with only 46,000 miles on the truck. I had to replace them in order for the truck to pass its state safety inspection.

- Stafford, VA, USA

There is a squeaking noise in the front end while driving. Dealership indicated that all 4 ball joints needs to replaced due to premature wear.

- Baton Rouge, LA, USA

The upper and lower ball joints wore out completely at 27,000 miles. The consumer stated that a consistent rattling noise was heard coming from the front steering suspesion area. The consumer stated that the play inside the ball joint was severe.

- Houston, TX, USA

Discovered upon vehicle inspection; abnormal wear to front tires, front brakes and rotors, upper and lower front ball joints.

- Vestal, NY, USA

While driving, a loud popping noise was heard coming from the front of the vehicle. The consumer was able to drive it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the consumer that the front lower ball joints needed to be replaced. Please fill in additional information.

- Maumee, OH, USA

I went in to get my truck aligned because the outer end of my tires are woren. However, I was informed that all four of my ball jionts were worn out and that this is a very common problem with Dakotas. I am looking into fixing them but if they are defective and will be recalled I would like the manufacture to pay to have them fixed.

- Fairfield, CA, USA

The vehicle had to have both lower ball joints replaced. The vehicle has only 29,045mi on it. (right and left lower ball joints) there was excessive tire wear. The mechanic determined that the lower ball joints to be worn within excess of the specifications and could not be aligned.

- Glen Arm, MD, USA

While driving at any speed, a squeaking/popping noise was coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. Who informed the consumer that both front lower ball joints needed to be replaced.

- Sugar Land, TX, USA