Owner of 1999 Dodge Dakota reporting defective ball joints in Dakota and durango. The consumer stated the upper and lower ball joints were replaced on his vehicle as well as the control arms and tie rods at a low mileage.

- Mercer, MO, USA

Dodge dealer advised me that upper ball joints on my 1999 Dodge Dakota 4WD were dry and needed replacement. The truck had 18562 miles. Having already seen the cbs special, I knew there would eventually be a recall. The recall is for 2000-2003. My 1999 has the same problem. It now has 23505 miles, with the same dry ball joints in need of replacement.

- Paia, HI, USA

To date, I have replaced the following: 1) upper ball joints - both sides 2) lower ball joints - both sides 3) calipers - both sides (front) 4) water pump 5) wheel hubs - both sides (front) 6) catalytic converter 7) headlamp switch. Now, I have the following problems: 1) headlamp switch (again) 2) transmission will not shift between gears 3) upper control arm bushings.

- Fredericksburg, VA, USA

The vehicle's upper and lower ball joints had to be replaced at 43,826 miles.

- Middletown, OH, USA

While turning/driving consumer noticed a clicking noise coming from the vehicle. Vehicle was taken to dealer, who was unable to locate the problem.

- Savannah, GA, USA

Front tires were wearing unevenly. Vehicle was taken to the local repair shop to investigate the cause of uneven wear of the tires. Upon inspection of the tires dealership determined that the upper and lower ball joints/tie rods, and drag link were worn out, and needed to be replaced.

- Mercer, MO, USA

In September of 2003 the right front suspension began making creaking sounds anytime the truck went over a bump. When the vehicle was turned fully to the left, the right front suspension make a loud clunch sound just prior to hitting the wheel turn stop. The vehicle was looked at by an independent mechanic and he determined that the upper and lower ball joints on the right front were failing. He also noted that the left upper ball joint also had some movement. The vehicle was then looked at by the local Dodge dealership, and they determined that only the right side upper and lower control arms and ball joints neeeded to be replaced and repairs were made. Two weeks later I returned the vehicle to the dealership and showed them the movement on the left side. That side was then replaced.

- Keller, TX, USA

I have experienced clanking and front end jumping when making turns in the front end of my 1999 Dodge Dakota. This was presented, which was adressed by rotating and balancing the front and back tires come to find out it was my upper ball joints in my suspension !!!!!!!! due to the milage put on my front tires, abnormal wear has occured due to the suspension. I must also replace the damaged tires caused by a Dodge defect!!!!!!! I am also suspecting excessive brake wear in the front end due to this.

- Torrington, CT, USA

Computer controls, loud spark knock under moderate acceleration, updated osftware on PCM exhaust/emission, loud popping sounds (bad converter) suspension, loud popping from right front side upon shifting, braking, exiting and entering vehicle, repl right upper and lower control arms, alignment

- Lawrenceville, GA, USA

Consumer complained about a ball joint problem. The mechanic determined that the rubber bushings wore out. The consumer was told that the lower bushings were gone and that the upper ones were failing. The consumer found that others have experienced the same problems. There was a screeching noise when turning the wheel to the right or left. The service dealer found the left plate rubbing the rotor.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

When turning left or right or hitting a bump there's a little bump in steering. Consumer can pull in and out on front wheels with bare hands.

- Inverness, FL, USA

Tire center indicates that tow end throws alignment out and wears the tire tread out. The consumer has gone through 4 sets of tires in 40,000 miles. Tire technician says problem is inherent with Dakota trucks.

- Atlantic Beach, FL, USA

Vehicle been experiencing ongoing problem with vibration. Also, whenever vehicle runs over a rough surface or a bump, it causes erratic operation of power steering. Dealer notified and correction still unresolved. Can NHTSA help in this matter.

- Saint Peters, MO, USA

Daimler Chrysler advertised and sold the Dakota R/T vehicles as having a 6400 lb. Towing capacity. They have now downgraded this towing capacity to 2000 lbs. Many of these vehicles are being used to tow considerably more than 2000 lbs. This appears to be a severe safety hazard.

- Keller, TX, USA

The manufacturer sent of a change that dropped tow rating from 6400lbs to 2000lbs on the R/T models. They give no reason for the change. Think it is important to know this information.

- Hixson, TN, USA