The consumer was asked to call back within a week because the parts were still unavailable. When the consumer called back, the dealer told him that they again did not have parts and they would contact him when they did.

- Fullerton, NE, USA

While driving 40 mph, the driver heard a loud knocking noise coming from the front. Suddenly, the vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the front right upper ball joint needed to be replaced.

- Houston, TX, USA

Left wheel started to make noise when turning to the left or right. Took it to the Dodge dealer and was charged $747 to replace "failed ball joints" my VIN number is included in the range covered aby the recent Dodge recall - but they say it only applies to 4 wheel drive, ,,,regardless these ball joints were replaced as failures.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

2001 Dodge Dakota was recalled to replace upper ball joints. During repair lower ball joints were also found to be defective. Had to pay out of pocket for them to be replaced. The failure of the upper ball joints could also lead to the failure of the lower, and this should be included in the recall.

- Silver Spring, MD, USA

NHTSA campaign 04V596000; daimler Chrysler issued an upper ball joint recall. This vehicle was included in the recall, but when taken in for repair, results showed that the lower ball joints needed to be replaced as well. Also, inner tie rod wore out, failed state inspection due to excessive wear. Sideto side play in tire when jocke dup. Dealership stated this was a common problem.

- Roanoke, VA, USA

Dealership was not performing the upper ball joint wear recall 04V596000 repairs within a reasonable time. The next available appointment date is April 5th 2005.......the safety recall states that consumer can loose control of vehicle and crash. He is afraid to drive it, especially on long trips. Dodg ehas not helped consumer.

- Massillon, OH, USA

Recall 04V596000 concerning ball joint wear: Consumer received this recall notice, and contacted his local dealer, who informed the consumer that no parts would be available until March 2005.

- Swedesboro, NJ, USA

The dealership is refusing to perform the upper ball joint wear recall 04V596000 because the consumer didn't purchase the vehicle from them.

- Honesdale, PA, USA

The control arm and upper ball joints, when is the recall going to happen?? my truck is really really bad. The front end alignment I got is no good and my new tires are being eaten up by this. I need my truck for work and this is so dangerous to drive in this condition.

- Houston , TX, USA

My husband and I own a 2001 Dodge Dakota quad cab, for about 2 1/2 years we are having problems with the front end. Now a recall on the ball joints has come in and Dodge will not even look at our vehicle until the recalls go in the mail. I have brought to their attention how many times I have called with this complaint, I am scared something is going to happen to me and my family but Dodge just tells me to stop driving the vehicle. How can I do that when it is my only one and I cant get to work or my kids to school.. please help in this. My husband can give more info if needed please call him at 707-689-2333 if you need more info.

- Vacaville, CA, USA

The consumer took the vehicle to have the upper ball joints repaired under recall. It was also discovered that the lower ball joints were defective. The vehicle had 40,000 miles on it. The consumer contacted the manufacturer and received no assistance. Provide further details.

- Newhall, CA, USA

The upper ball joint is making a clicking noise and causing the front left wheel to wobble, especially down hill at lower speeds. Consumer will inform the dealer.

- Quemado, NM, USA

2001 Dodge Dakota quad cab was serviced on six separate occasions for clunking in the front end while going over bumps and during turns. Several parts were replaced while under warranty but dealership insisted that ball joints and cv joints were fine. They also stated that no other complaints had been filed and that there was not a service bulletin regarding this problem. The problem became apparent within the first 17,000 miles and continues to persist.

- Absecon, NJ, USA

On April 16, 2004 I was driving my 2001 Dodge Dakota "sport" 4X4, at approximately 15-20 mph when it appeared my had "fallen off", but was still somehow attached to the vehicle. The wheel collapsed inside the wheel well with the top of the wheel towards the engine. The brake line was ripped out and I lost control of the vehicle and had no brake power. The vehicle slid to the side of the road and eventually stopped. The result was the upper ball joint separated in the front right tire causing the suspension to collapse, the right front wheel falling off, the brake line being ripped out and losing braking ability, and lost control of the vehicle. To correct the failure, the truck had to be towed to a repair shop, replaced the upper front right ball joint, brake line work, and the cost of labor. The towing cost $45, the ball joint cost $56.80, and the labor cost $75 for a total of $187.41.

- Lambertville, NJ, USA

Recently the ball joints were recalled for Dodge Dakotas/durangos 2000-2003, but only for 4 wheel drive. My 2001, Dodge Dakota needs new ball joints. It also uses the same bal joint as the 4 wheel drive. If there's are bad, why isn't mine?

- Pearland, TX, USA

This complaint is about the fact that only the 4X4 Dodge Dakotas have been recalled about the ball joints. The fact is that they all use the same ball joints and well how do we know that the 4X2 are not going to go. What are you going to wait until someone get hurt before they recall the 4X2? I don't think that is right that they only recall the 4X4 they should recall all the Dakotas and durangos of those years. I am not one for that I buy a truck and the manufacture has don't wrong by giving faulty parts and I would have to suffer the consequence. That just is not right if they already know that they have faulty parts on the trucks. So this is a complaint that they should recall all the Dakotas if not all then also the 4X2.. there was no incident as of December 11, 2004 but the complaint required that I put a date in but there was no incident. This is just a complaint.

- Boyertown, PA, USA

Tires on the front end of my 2001 Dodge Dakota 4WD 3.9L V6 were wearing really unevenly. Come to find out that I had one upper and one lower ball joint on opposing sides that went bad. My truck only had 40,000 miles on it and they were all highway. Both ball joints have been replaced and was done in December 2003. It wore out two brand new tires.

- Floyd, VA, USA

2001 Dodge Dakota quad cab 4X4, VIN no. [xxx] - failure of the front ball joint and the tie rod end that had to be replaced at my cost and will have to replace the the other side next year accourding to the dealer that replaced the the ball joint.. the front end of my truck has been making noise from the time I bought the truck with 59 miles for the dealer and I was told it was becuase of the greaseless ball joint and the only way to have it. Updated 07/24/2012 information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Clinton Township, MI, USA

I just replaced the ball joints on my 2001 Dakota. They were very loose and had alot of "play". I'm lucky I got mine repaired before it caused an accident like others I've recently heard about. I've also replaced the front drive shaft, rear U-joints and rear differential all within the last year. I have to believe that all this is related. I'm probably up over $3,000 in repairs for these things.

- Freeland, MI, USA

I have seen several reports of the us government asking DaimlerChrysler to recall 2000-2004 Dodge durangos and Dakotas, 4 wheel drive. The 2 wheel drive Dakotas have the exact same ball joint and failure! will these also be included in the recall? mine have yet to fail but make a horrible popping/rubbing noise when I make turns at a slow speed. This is a 2001 Dodge Dakota 2 wheel drive with 50,000 miles.

- Monett, MO, USA