The right front tire came off while driving at 75 mph on the highway. Vehicle went into the median and stopped. Vehicle was towed. It was discovered that ball joints were defective, and caught on fire.

- Miami, FL, USA

There is a clicking noise when the vehicle is making turns, causing the suspension to become loose and maintain proper control. Vehicle was taken to dealer for front ball joint repairs for the fourth time.

- Ann Arbor, MI, USA

1. preparing to drive from California to North Carolina ib 2002 Dodge Dakota quad cab 2wd. Having tires replaced and front end alignment. Front end ball joint and assy needed to be replaced due to extreme wear. Mechanic stated I was lucky the wheels didn't fall off. Had front end ball assy replaced.

- Cary, NC, USA

Sir, I read about Dodge Dakota has upper joint plm. Gates(Chrysler) says, they can hear noise from joint but U forget about deaf people have own too. I am deaf and my truck is 2002 4X4 Dodge Dakota. They should concerns about deaf people too. Please inform me soon before happens anytime!!! thanks.

- Bristol, CT, USA

I noticed loud cracking-popping noises coming from the front suspension when turning or traveling over rough pavement. I took the vehicle to the dealership for service. I told them about the noises from the suspension. They checked the vehicle and said that I was in danger of losing a wheel if I hit a pot hole. They wanted over $1000 to replace the upper ball joints. I declined. I replaced the upper ball joints myself. I know I was over the 36000 mi. Warranty. I thought it was an excessive ammount of money to replace 2 ball joints that cost $50 each. I did not keep the old parts. One of the ball joints fell apart as I was removing it.

- Ocean View, DE, USA

There has been no failure of my front end yet, however I have noticed a rattle in the front. I have not notified my dealer yet. I dont believe the ball joints are under warranty. Just wanted to express my concern.

- Neptune, NJ, USA

I purchased my 2002 Dodge Dakota quadcab 4X4 new from the dealer. And at about 40,000 miles I notice suspension noise from the front. It was intermittent at first then as I approached 50,000 miles the noise became a metallic chatter at all times. I had the parts replaced by a local shop after the dealer failed to honor my appointment times. The mechanic said that the upper ball joints were out and that they had to be replaced. He also commented that he has never seen a ball joint wear out in just 50,000 miles. He gave me the old parts showed the play in the joint and the absence of grease in the boot. He claimed that the design must be defective to wear out that early and completely. I use the car for work and lose money when it is not operative. My main concern was safety and reliability since I am required to work in all weather conditions with my contract to the local utility, pg&E. now I am at 65,000 miles and they are giong out again. It is under warranty with the local shop but is it fair for this business to deal with a manufacturing problem? the date of repair was 8/23/04 but the problem was first noticed 4/5/04 and worsened to I felt I couldn't safely drive the vehicle anymore. Now the early signs are starting again 10,000 miles after repair.

- San Jose, CA, USA

Right front control arm failed which caused knocking in the front end.

- Livonia, MI, USA

I own a 2002 Dodge Dakota and had to have the ball joints replaced at 24,000 miles after doing some research I found that this is common. My hope is that you would investigate this and force Chrysler to do a re-call and fix the problem before someone gets hurt or killed.

- Tampa, FL, USA

While attempting to get the front end aligned on my 2002 Dodge Dakota it was discovered the upper ball joints have failed and separated. The vehicle had less than 30,000 miles. The mechanice states it is a defect of the parts.

- Reno, NV, USA

Premature ball joint failure in 2002 Dodge Dakota 4X4. Ball joints where making clunking sound and were bad at 35000 but dealer refused to fix. Now when I returned at 79000 and they are really really bad and unsafe they admit that they are bad and that they know Dodge has a problem with the ball joints but still refused to fix under warranty.

- Wyoming, MN, USA

Front end vibration and creeking. Dealer states both upper front ball joints worn and need replacing. Old parts available.

- Saunderstown, RI, USA

The tire retail store was unable to perform a front end alignment after replacing the front tires because 3 of the ball joints were defective, and the fourth wore out. The consumer stated that his vehicle has no lift and no oversized tires. The defective tires have 20 to 25% of the tread still on them showing indication of faulty ball joints.

- Fond Du Lac, WI, USA

My 2002 Dodge Dakota's upper and lower ball joints failed at around 48,000 miles of regular highway driving, and now at 58,000 it feels as if they are going again. They were replaced with Dodge parts, and Chrysler told me that they are not recalling it. After all the news I've seen on Dakota/durango ball joint problems, I figured I'd file a complaint with you guys, I'm just fed up I guess.thank you.

- Ocean Township , NJ, USA

This is in regards to my 2002 Dodge Dakota quad cab 4X4. I began noticing popping noise coming from the front right side wheel at approximately 20,000 miles. I took it into the dealer who claimed nothing was wrong. 6,000 miles later it was getting worse so I took it back to the dealer. Sure enough I had a bad upper ball joint, which they replaced under warrenty. I now have 40,000 miles on this truck and the right side is making the popping noise. I wish Dodge would make a recall a fix the problem for good. I feel that if I was not dillegent in my pursuit to have my truck repaired, that I would have been one of the many others who have had there front wheel fall off while driving their Dakota or durango.

- Abilene, TX, USA

Due to the worn front upper ball joints, the consumer would hear a clunking noise when driving. The dealership is aware of the problem, but did not resolve.

- Dayton, NJ, USA

The upper and lower ball joints continued to wear prematurely. Please provide additional informtion.

- Lockbourne, OH, USA

Upper ball joints of a 2002 Dodge Dakota quad cab 4X4 needing replaced with only 15,153 miles on truck.

- Youngstown, OH, USA

Upper control arm.

- Paint Lick, KY, USA

Noise in front end pickup moves side to side.

- Dayton, NJ, USA