Front ball joints went bad on my 1999 Dodge Dakota. It was caught because my tires which were 6 months old were wearing on a slant.

- Houtzdale, PA, USA

Consumer complained about a ball joint problem. Consumer heard a clicking sound when turning the vehicle in either direction. Tires wearing out prematurely due to ball joint failure.

- Mishawaka, IN, USA

While driving 55 mph a loud knocking noise was heard coming from the front. The consumer was able drive the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and the mechanic determined that the upper and lower ball joints needed replacement due to worn out parts.

- Wallingford, KY, USA

Unsafe ball joints required costly repair just after warranty expired

- Oil City, PA, USA

Upper control arm and ball joints had been replaced twice within 22,000 miles.

- Northglenn, CO, USA

The vehicle was taken to the dealer after the consumer saw a tv report about ball joint failure. The consumer had no indication that there was a problem with the ball joints before the news report. The dealer mechanic determined that the lower ball joints were worn out and the vehicle cannot be driven in this condition. Also the mechanic informed the consumer that the ball joints are on back order.

- Olivebridge, NY, USA

Dealership informed consumer that front ball joints were worn out. Consumer was not having any problems at this time.

- Centre Hall, PA, USA

Had to replace upper and lower ball joints on a 1999 Dodge Ram 4 X 4 pickup with only 29,000 miles on

- Littleton, ME, USA

I have a 1999 Dodge dakaota with 50,000 miles and the dealership said I needed my ball joints replace. I think this is rediculus. I need to get this fix, but I will not pay for something that is defective. Do I keep driving? and risk my life. I would gladly pay for it if Chrysler will reimburse me later with a promise.

- Paw Paw, MI, USA

I have had to replace the shocks three times within the first year and two other times since. The bolts kept breaking off of them, upper and lower ball joints, inner and outer tie rods and the steering box. I have spent aprx $5,000 taking care of these problems and they are still not correct.

- Florissant, CO, USA

Having new tires replaced on my 1999 Dodge Dakota 4WD, I was informed and shown that the front ball joints and tie rods were rusted and worn out. It was definitley danerous to drive the pickup and that the wheel would fall off! I do not have the $1,000 to repair it and from what iv'E been told, they just replace the worn parts with the same new defective parts. Kinda like a bandaid. Help!!

- Morrison, CO, USA

My 1999 Dodge Dakota has about 31,000 miles on it. The ball joints are bad. Can't be properly aligned without new ones. Ruining brand new tires. Chrysler not doing anything about this problem. Lots of complaints on internet web sites. Safety is at stake.

- Tallahassee, FL, USA

Upper and lower ball-joints need to be replaced.

- Pomona, KS, USA

Ball joint replacement. I am on my third set of ball joint on 1999 Dodge Dakota 4 by 4. with the 5.2 liter V8. Last year at annual insection and again this year at annual inspection.

- Granville, MA, USA

Own a 19'99 Dakota ext cab 4X4, 5.2L. 52K miles. Upon inspection of ball joints there is starting to be some loosness, but are still within spec. There is unusal noises coming from the front end when going over bumps, indicating some type of looseness. All 4 joints are leaking grease indicating failure could possibly happen within the next 10K miles which would put it in the range of other failed trucks.

- Blackwood, NJ, USA

When making sharp turn a popping noise was coming from the steering wheel. Took vehicle to mechanic who determined that ball joints needed to be replaced. The reports were made when the vehicle had relatively low miles. Visual inspection of the ball joints indicated they needed to be replaced. The consumer received a quote to replace the upper ball joint but they have not been repaired yet. The lower ball joint also needs to be replaced. The consumer also heard a rattling noise under the vehicle. The technician determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced due to excessive wear. While driving 40 mph or higher the consumer complained of wind noise. The technician replaced the right front door weather strip.

- Hialeah, FL, USA

Ball joint failure and needed to be replaced.

- Lumberton, NJ, USA

Failing/lose ball joints on 1999 Dodge Dakota.

- Urbandale, IA, USA

The lower ball joint on my 1999 Dodge Dakota failed. This caused the driver's side of vehicle to slam violently to the ground. The rack and pinion was damaged as a result. Steering alignment was greatly affected as well. Front bumper was also damaged. I understand that these ball joints are a growing concern with Dakotas and durangos and would like to see some action taken by the manufacturer.

- Lexington, KY, USA

I have a 1999 Dodge Dakota with 29,985 miles. I bought it new. The ball joints are in bad shape. The dealer (russell Dodge - now under new ownership) says they expect a recall to occur on this as this is a common problem. But they keep telling me to wait. I am very concerned about my safety. I have emailed Chrysler twice, but all they say is that there is no current recall. Are they waiting for injuries or deaths" I see numerous complaints on the web about these ball joints breaking. Is NHTSA doing anything about this? is Chrysler doing anything about it" also, I just bought 4 new Michelin tires to replace the dangerous Goodyear tires that came with this vehicle. Not replacing all the ball joints could ruin these expensive tires and void their warrantee. In the "incident date" box below, I have entered todays date, but this has been an ongoing problem over many months. Please help.

- Tallahassee, FL, USA