Failing Dodge Dakota ball joints (both upper and lower). In mid October I had both the upper and lower ball joints replaced on my 1999 Dodge Dakota. The machanic informed the upper one were shot and the lower ones where starting to go. I know that there may be a recall in the forseable future, however, I do not think the consumers should pay the bill for an obvious design flaw. Luckly I caught the problem before the wheel fell off (I have heard that this has happened). Please let me know what the status of the 1999 Dakota ball joints.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

Ball joints and tie rods are defective. This is very dangerous safety issue. My 1999 Dodge Dakota sport has 55,000 miles. Via internet and word of mouth I have been made aware of many other Dakotas with the same problem with much less miles.

- Leonardo, NJ, USA

I had the tell-tale sign of popping sounds in the front end - especially when turning. Sure enough, both upper & lower ball joints were bad. Both sides! given the cost of labor, I am doing it myself (IM a C mechanic part-time). The play was so bad; Firestone could not do an alignment! I am replacing all ball joints. Have receipts & saving all parts for any possible investigation by NHTSA. I did notice, after doing 1 side, that the ball joints look like the wear surface inside is totally gone! it is metal-metal contact. The upper joints come from the factory sealed (lubed for life). Some flakes of plastic did fall out of the upper ball joint.

- Farmingville, NY, USA

I have had to prematurely repair/replace the ball joints on my vehicle. I have noted an inordinately large number of repairs related to this issue when researching the repair process online and with my dealer. Because of the potential for injury or loss of life, I have had to severely limit my usage of the vehicle until I can afford the large amount of money required to repair this issue. This problem was first noted in 2001, when the vehicle was only 2 years old. Since then, I have driven the vehicle only when absolutely necessary, and it has caused unjust disruption in my personal and professional life. I am requesting that the NHTSA follow through with contacting daimler/Chrysler on my behalf so that I may receive financial compensation for the repair. Total cost of repair is $492.

- Central Point, OR, USA

While applying the brakes a loud squeaking noise was heard coming from the front. The driver noticed suddenly a vibration uncontrollably while making a left or right turn. The driver was able to drive it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the upper and lower ball joints needed replacement due to corrosion. Please fill in additional information.

- Sioux City, IA, USA

At my last regular service (oil, filter change) the service technician advised me that the upper right ball joint was on the verge of failure. I believe this to be a premature failure do to the low mileage and the fact that it has been regularly serviced by the same dealer since new.

- Kiel, WI, USA

I drive mainly on public roads, so I occasionaly have a few potholes. I have to keep taking my truck to the dealer for balljoints and control arms. The dealer says it fixed and within two weeks time I hear a bonk in the frount end and need to see the dealer again.

- Jefferson, OH, USA

While driving at any speed vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. Mechanic determined that upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced due to worn out parts. This information was provided by Mrs. Williams husband curtis england.

- Cameron, MO, USA

I had noticed the front tires cupping and brought it to a dealer for an alignment, there they told me it needed upper ball joints, lower ball joints, and a tie rod end. I then brought it back the dealer where I bought it and they told me the amount of "play" is acceptable according to Dodge measurements, however they did recommend to replace the tie rod end, which I had them do and had to bring it elsewhere for an alignment as they didn't have an alignment rack. I then brought it to a place they recommended close to where I live for the alignment, where I was told the upper ball joints were shot and they would not be able to align it. I then had the shop replace the upper ball joints with aftermarket parts that can be lubed and had a warranty along with an alignment. The truck is a '99 club cab V8 4X4 w/47500 miles.

- Watertown, SD, USA

Both unper and lower ball joints on both sides of my 1999 Dodge Dakota failed and had to be replaced this March with less than 50,000 miles on the vehicle. The mechanic said the ball joints were ruined and that it was in large part to there being to small and also having no grease fittings.

- Terryville, CT, USA

Bad ball joints and tie rod ends

- Lenoir, NC, USA

1999 Dodge Dakota 77,250 miles. Front upper ball joint failure. Having ball joints replaced.

- N. Little Rock, AR, USA

Consumer noticed that the rear axel seal leaked and was dripping fluid onto the rear brakes. This problem was repaired twice, problem recurred. Also, ball joints wore out excessively on both sides, upper and lower.

- Columbus, OH, USA

I pulled out of a parking lot and heard a loud thump coming from the passenger side of the truck. I got out and pulled on the top side of the wheel because it sounded like the wheels wanted to come off. When I pulled the tire moved an inch. Further investigation found the ball joint boot split in half and no sight of the back side control arm bushings.

- Ft. Worth, TX, USA

Vehicle was taken for a routine general maintenance, and the mechanic noticed the upper ball joints worn out prematurely. Dealer and manufacturer has been notified.

- Kearney, MO, USA

Consumer have rotors replaced twice. The consumer is now being told that the ball joints are cracked. The consumer stated that the vehicle was never driven off road therefore it is not normal and highly unusual for these types of abnormalities to exist. The consumer believes a recall should be initiated for this vehicle.

- Waco, TX, USA

Ball joints on 2000 Dakota failing with only 35K mi. I went to the websitewww.dodgedakotas.com/boards/V8/208.html....I think it pretty well sums up the problem...extremely cheap parts...how long will it take for Dodge to recall these when people start dying from front end failure...you guy's need to read all of these complaints and look at the mileages shown. Because of the price I have not yet replaced the part...I just started driving my truck lately again after my son finished driving it to and from college and he did not say anything about it. I truly hope you do share this with Chrysler Corp because when I can go online and read so much collective info and see people with cheap ball joints breaking down at as low as 7K mi. If they do not react esp. When someone dies from a serious breakdown...I will never purchase another one of their vehicles.

- Bridgeton, MO, USA

While driving front upper/lower ball joints wore out.. this could cause the vehicle to shimmy. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.

- Sextonville, WI, USA

I have a 1999 Dodge Dakota 4X4. At 50,000 I installed new tires and took my truck to a mechanic for a wheel alignment. I recently moved and the mechanic was new, but had good reports. He told me that he could not do the alignment because of bad ball joints and tie rod ends. I was outraged, thinking that he might be trying to rip me off. I told him at 50,000 miles I should not have to get new steering parts, but the mechanic said that he has replaced ball joints and tie rod parts on several Dakotas and durangos at that mileage. I told him to replace the parts and do the alignment. When I picked up my Dakota, he showed me the parts, they were bad. I have worked for two large agricultural machinery manufacturers and have seen them cut costs by installing cheap chinese parts. The cost to produce the product goes down and the consumer price of the product goes up increasing the margins and lining the pockets of Mr. CEO and other higher ups without a concern to the consumer. It happens everywhere. This on the other hand is serious involving cheap parts on the steering components on a highway vehicle. This is a safety concern and I pray that Dodge does not have blood on their hands if someone gets in an accident because of their neglegence. I have also had brake issues with my Dakota. The Dakota with the 5.2 goes like a bat out of hell, but the handling components such as steering and brakes are less than to be desired.

- Oakes, ND, USA

I have a Dodge Dakota,1999, all the ball joints are bad and dangerously worn. The biggest problem is they are the same as the durango!!!!! and I can't get them. They are out of stock all over at a cost of $2000approximately.!!! I understand there is an investigation underway for the durango but did you realize the Dakota is the same part.............. not only cant I afford this repair it is a 53,000 mile vehicle that is well cared for and this is abosorbent and gouging the public. Please consider including the dakkota with the durang investigation. Thank you frank yunits sr.

- Geneva, NY, USA