Premature ball joint failure resulting in extensive repair costs, premature transmission failure resulting in replacement of transmission, excessive oil sludge build up causing loss of oil pressure, possible damage to engine.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

My son escaped danger when the transmission/torque converter of his 1999 Dodge Dakota went out on an interstate highway. After replacing that and heading back home, his U joints and wheel bearings went out almost causing another wreck. These were all repaired. So far $3000 in repairs in a month. Then the oil pressure dropped to zero as he was driving. Now the oil pump needs replaced. Along with the tie end rods, the timing chain, and the serpentine. He'd already had the total brake system replaced this summer. Having all the receipts showing regular oil changes, the warranty company refuses to pay for the oil pump because of some sludge in the pump. Now I find from researching on the computer that this is a very common problem in durangos and Dakotas. We've put $5000 in this truck in less than one month. The manufacturer needs to admit the flaws in this vehicle. They have some responsibility here. We are just glad he was not injured or killed. But we've put over $5000 in a '99 vehicle - which is unfair when the problems are related to the design and manufacture of the vehicle.

- Logansport, IN, USA

Dodge Dakota 1999 numerous problems with vehicle ball joint and steering mechanisms. There were also problems with the rear end, transmission, engine malfunction lights, poor engine performance which consisted of hesitation and loss of power especially when under a load-going up and hill and seemed to get worse as the gas level in the tank lowered, hard abrupt shifting when in reverse and park to reverse, loud rubbing which was intermittent when making left turns and when stopping, the front would shake, the four wheel drive light was not visible on the dash when activated and would only show when the all wheel drive was activated, and there was a wobble, flexing and or vibration that would be present when braking along with a loose feeling or wobble when turning the front wheels.

- Naugatuck, CT, USA

While driving engine check light came on and vehicle stalled 2 seconds later. This occurred because of oil pump failure. The oil pressure wasn't being evenly distributed, and it destroyed the engine.

- Morrisville, NC, USA

I took my truck in because the oil pressure was intermittently dropping to 0 then back up to 40. The dealer performed multiple electrical tests before going to the problem. I donT feel I should have to pay for the tests done when the oil pump has a known problem posted all over the Consumer Affairs and NHTSA websites. They should have checked that first.

- Goshen, NY, USA

Consumer advised that engine has failed twice while driving. Dealer diagnosed both incidents as the oil pump clogging due to oil being turned to sludge. First incident was in 09/01. 2nd incident in 12/02.

- Battle Creek, MI, USA