Upper and lower ball joints

- Ravenswood, WV, USA

The front end of my 2000 Dodge Dakota quad cab 4WD knocks during turns. Front tires badly worn. Brought to independent shop and was told front ball joints, shocks, and tie rod ends badly worn and not safe to drive. Will cost over $900 to repair. First noticed front end noise around 60000 miles.

- Anchorage, AK, USA

Begining symptoms of ball joint wear and possible failure on my 2000 Dodge Dakota. Have also replaced my front rotors four times with only 61,000 miles on vehicle.

- Corpus Christi, TX, USA

While driving 20 mph the passenger side wheel snapped off. The consumer stated that steering did not feel right in the front end.

- Northborough, MA, USA

Upper ball joints prematurely wore out. Fell apart during changing of ball joints.

- Sophia, WV, 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

There were no warning signs leading up to the upper ball joint failing, and the front left tire folding over, causing the truck slow quickly and pull to the right. So far the dealership has not called with any repair prices.

- Wyanet, IL, USA

2000 Dodge Dakota quad cab 52000 miles dealer maintained regularly turned into parking lot where entrance crossed over city sidewalk, mild to moderate bump, heard a loud thump, then grinding, and lost steering control. Stopped car and found right front upper ball joint separated with wheel almost complete flat on ground. Allied dealer refused to cover repair. Vehicle towed, replaced ball joint. ~$160 concerned about the rest of ball joints on vehicle!!!!!!!

- Slingerlands, NY, 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 30 mph, the vehicle jerked and vibrated uncontrollably. The driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle and pulled over. The vehicle was towed to a body shop. The mechanic informed the driver that the upper and lower ball joint were broken and needed to be replaced. The consumer swerved to avoid hitting a deer. After swerving the left front of the vehicle fell to the ground and caused the vehicle to slid into a guard rail.

- Palmyra, IN, USA

At 72,000 miles had the upper ball joints replaced three times.

- Concord, CA, USA

8/18/04: My son was driving West bound on 2nd ave (tx hwy 22). Just prior to turning left from 15th St (also hwy 22), he heard a popping noise in the front end of the truck. After traveling approximately 2 blocks, his front driver side wheel fell off, causing him to lose control and pull to the left across three lanes of traffic. Fortunately, he did not hit a car and came to rest in a parking lot for an A/C company. Although the damage is being fixed under an extended warranty, Chrysler and the dealership (berry Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge, corsicana, tx) are refusing to replace the tire that was dragged on its sidewall approximately 200ft; the tire was pinned under the truck. The cause of the accident was two broken ball joints on that wheel. I orignally believed this problem to be faulty craftsmanship on the dealership which had repaired another problem on that wheel a year ago; the brake caliper fell off. I now believe this to be the manufacturer as many Dakotas and durangos have been reported with the same problem and often similar consequences.L.

- Corsicana, TX, USA

Front ball joints fail on a regular and far too often basis.

- Smyrna, GA, USA

While making a left turn, the right front passenger tire fell off. After towing the vehicle it was discovered that ball joints were defective. The mechanic stated that the problem was the upper ball joint.

- New Palestine, 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

I own a 2000 Dodge Dakota with just over 75,000 miles on it. On a recent service visit I was informed that my upper and lower ball joints, on both the driver and passenger side need to be replaced. While looking online I saw that this is a recurring problem with the Dakota and durango so I wanted to report it.

- Oakdale, NY, USA

"clunking noise" coming from front of auto when driving over uneven surfaces/bumps. Front right wheel assembly detached from vehicle at upper ball joint. Lower ball joint remained attached. All four ball joints replaces. Right brake line replaced. Warned of damage to cv shaft, however dealer only replace outer cv boot

- Syracuse, NY, USA

Email consumer letter add to ODI number 10051116 regarding upper ball joints on 2000 Dodge Dakota. The consumer stated his vehicle exhibited a popping noise.

- Unknown, DC, 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

While driving at 45 mph the consumer heard a loud bang come from under the vehicle. The consumer saw the wheel from the vehicle roll across the road. The vehicle skidded across the road and ended up in a ditch. The consumer nor the passenger was injured in the accident. A tow truck mechanic informed the consumer that the ball joints collapse on the vehicle.

- Duluth, MN, USA