DaimlerChrysler motor corporation P.O. Box 21-8004 auburn hills, mi 48321-8004 attention: Quality assurance my Dodge presently has 49,200 miles. It has been serviced at recommended and required intervals at manahawkin Dodge approximately every 3,000 miles. Early into my ownership I had intermittent trouble with the air conditioner and they tried to assess the problem. They did a recharge of the system and corrected the problem. I was told at 28998 miles that the "pulsing" when my brakes were applied was due to "hot spots" on my front rotors. When I inquired as to how this could happen to a relatively new truck that is used as a personal transportation vehicle I was told they really "did not know but have had to replace others." It is noted that I never had to replace rotors on my previous Nissan. That ended up costing me $393. I began hearing a noise in the transmission and intermittent delayed shifting into gear resulting in the transmission being serviced which included changing filters, lubricant, etc. I was also told that my upper ball joint was worn and replaced one side only. This I subsequently learned has been a problem for some Dodge vehicles and I have since received a letter from DaimlerChrysler regarding an extended warranty on the part. Today I was told that I had play in the right front ball bearing and the hub needed a total replacement. Along with that a strut had to be replaced and an alignment once it was completed. When I asked how axle bearing could go bad with this low a mileage I was told that the hub is sealed and no way to lubricate and that it should not have gone bad. In addition, I have a noisy left leaf spring that needs a part. The cost for the front hub is over $600. I rarely get over 16 miles per gallon even I the best driving conditions. Sincerely, charles w. stauffer cc: NHTSA NJ division Consumer Affairs file

- Manahawkin, NJ, USA

My 2002 Dodge Dakota sport 4X2 has approximately 15,200 miles on it. At approximately 13,000 miles I began to notice that the front end started to rattle and seem loose when going over bumps. After doing some research and having someone look at it, I found that the ball joints are failing prematurely.

- Charleston, SC, USA

I am concerned about the front bake rotors on Dodge Dakotas. Mine were warped after less than 8000 miles of regular use, no towing or hauling with the vehicle. I have talked with and searched for others with similar problems and find that numerous other Dakota owners have had the same problem. These rotors warp so badly that it becomes difficult/dangerous to stop the vehicle safely. When I took the vehicle in for service I was told that this is an uncommon problem and that it was most likely due to my use of the brakes. Now after a total of 17,000 miles the brakes are now warped again. I have owned several other vehicles, many weighing more than a Dakota and have never encountered any brake problems. I wonder if there is a design flaw with the Dakota's brakes that is causing repeated warping. This warping does make it difficult to saftely and effectively stop the veheicle, especially in emergency situations.

- Leavenworth, WA, USA

2002 Dodge Dakota 4X4, mileage 20800, the front brakes were pulsing and ineffective, the rotors were so badly pitted that they had to be replaced. The Dodge dealership indicated that other trucks were coming in with the same problem. This is a safety problem, defective rotors, and Dodge should issue a recall.

- Medina, OH, USA

A slight vibration in the brake pedal accompanied by shaking of the truck chassis.

- Seattle, WA, USA