While driving consumer heard a knocking noise coming from the upper ball joints. Dealership repaired the problem four times, but problem recurred.

- Salisbury, MA, USA

I have a 2001 Dodge Dakota and my ball joints are abnormally worn and I'm going to have to replace them here soon. I know about the problem with the ball joints not being lubed and I'm asking that you guys push daimler/Chrysler into recalling the Dodge Dakota 2001 with the defective ball joints. I know I'm not the only one, this problem has been noted with Dodge durangos but the Dakotas use the same ball joints. Recall please. I don't want my wheels to fall off because of the ball joints. Recall. Urge daimler/Chrysler please, protect us the consumer. 2001 Dodge Dakota cabplus 35000 miles4X4 thank you.

- Des Moines, WA, USA

Failure of upper ball joint/socket assembly.

- Middle River, MD, USA

Wheel and assembly came off while traveling on the highway. Cv joint, ball joints, brake removed.

- Cambridge, OH, USA

2001 Dakota club cab ball joints worn completely out at 59K miles. 1 joint had 7/8 of up and down movement, almost completely out of socket. All miles hwy miles.several other problems since new also. Very poorly built. Will never purchase another Chrysler product, never.

- Lexington, NC, USA

Within several thousand miles of ownership vehicle experienced heavy vibration coming from the front. Several parts were replaced, except the original ball joints. Vehicle was back at dealership several times with no change in condition or replacement of the original ball joints.

- Pittsfield, MA, USA

While driving at about 50 mph right upper ball joint broke apart, causing the rim to pivot into what was remaining. It destroyed the rim and broke the brake line. Luckily, no other traffic was close so no accident with another vehicle occured. The truck was hauled (wrecker) to the dealer and a new ball joint, rim, and brake line were installed.

- Goshen, IN, USA

I own a 2001 Dodge Dakota quad cab 4X4 sle that we purchased new. In the last 6 months, and with only 49000 miles on the truck currently, the following failures have occurred: (1) (from February 2004 to present) the factory-installed external wiring harness (for towing a trailer) melted from the inside out, shorting out the electrical system. (2) brakes would pulsate anytime brakes were applied. Dealer attributed this to warping of rotors and replaced pads and turned the rotors. Dealer noted a spring on driver-side caliper was missing and replaced it as well. (3) the heater/ac controls failed. (4) went for state inspection and inspector failed truck due to failure of upper ball joints and brakes. The same brakes I just had fixed in February. Premature failure of ball joints attributed to "typical problem for Dakotas/durangos". well if it's typical, why isn't there a recall?? the dealer had no answers. Failure was a result of calipers not releasing properly causing the rotors and brake pads to "glaze". dealer opted to pick up the tab for the new rotors and the new pads, only at my request. The new calipers and brake lines still cost me $800. Again I'm wondering why I'm paying for so much on a truck that is only 3 years old with only 49000 miles. (5) unknown problem at startup when engine is cold. Pressing the accelerator causes the engine to sputter. Problem exists until engine is warm then goes away. Two Dodge dealerships and neither can figure out the problem as there is no computer error code coming up. All items mentioned were paid for by me unless otherwise specified. Had any of these issues been a result of negligence, or lots of mileage, or had the Dodge dealership(s) opted to pay for items that were the obvious result of poor craftsmanship, I wouldn't complain. But, the failures relating to the brakes could quite possibly have resulted in an accident which risks my life and that of my wife, and Dodge doesn't seem to care.

- Glenn Dale, MD, USA

PE 03-032, front susp. Upper ball joint:the vehicle was taken in for an oil change and the consumer found that the upper ball joints were worn. The vehicle's rotors were also warped.

- Poynette, WI, USA

Webmaster FOIA request all complaint/notices/documents or warning between NHTSA nd daimler Chrysler re: Problems malfunction, failures of the upper/lower ball joints associated with the Dodge Dakota truck for my 2001. (nar)

- Logan, WV, USA

While pulling out of a driveway the front driver side tire separated from the vehicle. As a result the front end collapsed. The dealer stated that upper ball joint failed.

- Forestport, NY, USA

While driving through a parking lot and making a left hand turn the right upper ball joint disengaged. Vehicle was moving about 5 mph at time of incident.

- Dillsburg, PA, USA

My pick-up passed Virginia state vehicle safety inspection on 28 of May 2004. On June 9, I was driving home on a bumpy road and the upper right ball joint separated.

- Manassas, VA, USA

Upper and lower ball joints need to be replaced at 20,000 miles. Known issue on Dodge durangos that share the same suspension components. Not covered under warranty and a definite safety hazard. Ball joints are the only thing holding the wheels in line and failure could result in a severe accident.

- Dallas, TX, USA

Premature ball joint failure.

- Burbank, IL, USA

While driving 35 mph consumer heard a knocking sound coming from the front. Consumer had the vehicle serviced, and was informed that the ball joints needed to be replaced.

- Detroit, MI, USA

Upper ball joints wore out. Dealer stated the parts were on back order and not available.

- Newton, TX, USA

Upper ball joint and left right tie rod end failure.

- Barrow, AK, USA

The consumer was concerned with the upper ball joints incidents and how to "fix" the problem.

- Unknown, DE, USA

Local Dodge dealer service dept informed me today that most likely ball joints on my 2001 Dodge Dakota probally need to be replaced. With less than 30000 miles this is unbelieveable. Jwk

- Pontiac, IL, USA