: the contact stated while backing out of an angled parking space, the passenger side tire would not turn. The contact determined the outer tie rod came apart. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and the contact repaired the vehicle. The manufacturer was alerted.

- Lowell, IN, USA

While servicing vehicle for NHTSA recall campaign 04V596000 concerning upper ball joints it was determined that inner tie rods were bad due to wear.

- Newburgh, NY, USA

On the evening of November 4, 2004, the right front tire assembly of my 2000 Dodge Dakota pickup truck fell off. My 17 year old son was making a right turn into the driveway of a friend's home when he heard a loud bang. When he got out of the truck he found the right front-end of the truck resting on the wheel assembly. The following morning, the truck was towed to a local repair shop that I use for car maintenance and repair. Upon arrival at the repair shop, the shop owner told me that the upper ball joint had failed. As a result of the failure, the lower ball joint and outer tie rod were also damaged and had to be replaced. Based upon the mileage on the truck, the shop owner told me that the ball joint should not have failed. Total cost to repair the upper and lower ball joint and the outer tie rod was $595.67.

- Norman, OK, USA

Consumer stated she had to have the lower ball joint, and tie rod replaced.

- Dallas, PA, USA

Dodge Dakota tie rods. Tie rod actually broke. The consumer sent in a complaint to the NHTSA on line but had trouble.

- Cross Plains, WI, USA

Driver side tie rod end needed replacement at approx. 55,000 miles. This unit is sealed at the factory and not servicable by the owner. It was replaced by vissing Dodge, jeffersonville. In. service manager noted that this unit could fail resulting in loss of steering control, (worst case senerio). I was concerned about driving back to cal. With this problem and its safety related issues. Passenger side unit is now squeeking and will need replacement. Truck now has approx. 58,500 miles.

- Chester, CA, USA

Tie rod broke. Replaced toe rod and all ball joints.

- Cross Plains, WI, USA

While pulling inside of the parking lot, the vehicle started to vibrate. The noticed that the driver and passenger wheel failed to move on its own. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the consumer that the upper and lower ball joints and tie rod needed to be replaced. Please fill in additional information.

- Cross Plains, WI, USA

I own a 2000 Dodge Dakota quad cab VIN [xxx]. this vehicle currently has 58000 miles. During an inspection of my brakes, I discovered several front end parts with unacceptable wear. At my own expense, I am replacing upper and lower ball joints on both sides as well as both outer tie-rod ends. I was lucky enough to have discovered these problems before any actual failure occurred. The truck is not new but these parts should have no where near this amount of wear at only 58000 miles. I have since discovered that I am only one of many that has experienced these problems with this type of vehicle. I plan to save all the old parts as well as my receipts in hopes that eventually I might be reimbursed. Updated 07/24/2012 information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

I own a 2000 Dodge Dakota quad cab truck, and wanted it to be noted that both front tires came off the truck due to inner tie rod socket disconnected from main rack and various ball joint repairs have been made. Thus far, I have not crashed or injured anyone, but that may be because I am afraid to drive the truck.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

While driving, heard a rubbing noise from front wheel area. Ball joints and tie rod on front driver side had went bad. Did not hear any pre-warning signs. Only noticed when the noise of rubbing started. Had to replace both ball joints and tie rod.

- Muncie, IN, USA

Driver's side front wheel separated and fell off while driving at 10 mph. No injuries or damage were sustained because of the low speed being driven at the time of the incident. This occurred because front upper ball joint and tie rod separated and fell off.

- La Follette, TN, USA

While driving at 45 mph ball joints on driver's side exploded underneath the pickup, breaking into bits and pieces. The tire completely disengaged. The axle was bent, and the inner tie rod had to be replaced.

- Harrison, AR, USA

Only 70000 on the 2000 Dodge Dakota. Tie rods broke without warning. Had to replace 2 outer and 1 inner tie rod. At the same time the ball bearings were found to be in horrible shape. Those had to be replaced too.

- Sullivan, IN, USA

Failed va state safety inspection because of loose inner tie rod, the entire rack was replaced inorder for it to pass.

- Manassas, VA, USA

Heard a lot of squeaking and clunking, took to dealer and was told upper ball joints have gone bad along with inner tie-rods. This would cost around $1200 to fix, that cost could be reduced alot if a person could find non-oem parts but instead you are forced to buy from Dodge and then you cant even buy the individual tie-rods you have to buy the entire steering assembly. Dodge knows this is a problem and did help with the cost of the parts but this is not something that should go out on a vehicle with only 45000 miles, especially when if either part had failed completely I could have lost total control of the vehicle.

- Bismarck, ND, USA

2000 Dodge Dakota worn out ball joints on front of truck. Was told this is a very common problem on all Dakota's of this type by several mechanics. There is no way to grease the ball joints. Was told parts are in very high demand due to so many trucks with failures. My truck pulls to the right very badly.

- Liberty, TX, USA

At about 30,000 miles premature failure of upper control arms, ball joints, tie rods and then tires and allignment costing over $1200 on 2000 Dodge Dakota 2wd. *

- Grabill, IN, USA

Tie rods and ball joints failed prematurely, causing the left front tire to blow out at 10,000 miles. Also, the rim was destroyed.

- Algonac, MI, USA

The vehicle was taken to repair shop for heater core replacement. The mechanic was on a test drive when the tie rod broke.

- Grand Island, NY, USA