2002 Dodge Dakota 4X4 quad cab pickup - both upper ball joints experienced premature failure. Signs of failure began around 30,000 miles, but misdiagnosed by local mechanic as "no problem found." I later took the truck to Dodge when knocking noise kept getting worse (after warranty expiration). Both upper ball joints were replaced and front end alignment performed for approximately $500. Since this is a safety issue, I believe a recall should be implemented.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

Denial of inspection in nh for bad upper ball joints. Told to take it to dealer. Dealer says it's ok and charged me $15! iinspector showed me how much movement when I brought it back again to complain they were wrong. I agree with the inspector, this is unsafe. Any movement is a problem, they shouldn't be allowed to say.60 is ok.

- Enfield, NH, USA

Driver's side upper ball joint wore out prematurely. As a result the dealership was unable to perform a front end alignment. The ball joint was replaced.

- Butler, PA, USA

Consumer noticed uneven wear on the outside edge of the front tires. There was a groaning sound coming from the axle area when turning corners and the steering column was very loose. The dealer informed the consumer that the upper ball joints were defective.

- Henderson, NV, USA

Upper and lower ball joints are exhibiting premature signs of failure at 10,000 miles load popping sounds when turning and braking. Vehicle now has 23,000 miles and is showing signs of steering vibrations. Why haven't the Dakota models been included with the durango suspension engineering investigation. There are almost 100 complaints on the website?

- Trenton, NJ, USA

I own a 2002 Dodge Dakota with 40,385 miles. After seeing a piece on cbs about the upper ball joint problems, I had my truck checked at the dealer. Both upper ball joints had to be replaced at a cost of $384.55. Upon going to this site I saw an open investigation so, decided to file a complaint hoping to eventually have a recall on this obviously defective part.

- Newbury, VT, USA

I am owner of a 2002 Dodge Dakota quad cab pick-up with defective front ball joints. I have noticed noise from the front end of vehicle and took it to dealer. Even took the shop forman on road test and he also heard the noise I was experiencing. Then the dealer blamed it on the side bars that I had previosly installed. (the noise was there before the the bars were installed). Needless to say, I was given the run around. I am a experienced mechanic by trade and I know about these things. I am very concerned that I am driving a potential time bomb just like the durango's which share the same front suspension that are having critical balljoint failures which there is now a class action law siute in process. There needs to be a recall initiated because lives are in danger!

- Morgan Hill, CA, USA

Premature failure of the upper ball joints on my 2002 Dodge Dakota club cab pick-up with 26,465 miles. Took the vehicle to dealer to diagnose a clanking noise in the front end when turning they did not find any problem on the first visit, I returned for a second visit and I identified the upper ball joints as the problem, they checked them and agreed. They were replaced under the warranty. After reading a large number of complaints on different web sites this seems to be a common problem with the Dakotas and durangos. How about a recall! (premature front disc brake rotor failures is another common problem on both of these vehicles. Mine had to be replaced at 26,120 miles and was not covered under the warranty.)

- Montague, MA, USA

We own a 2002 Dodge Dakota quad cab truck. It's getting ready to be taken back into the shop for a ball-joint problem we supposedly already had fixed. We purchased this Dodge truck as our main family vehicle. How can I feel safe transporting my family in a vehicle that could have a tire collapse at any time" I've researched information about this very problem and am disturbed to find out that it's happening to a lot of vehicle owners. For most of us, a vehicle is one of the most costly purchases we make in our lifetimes... how long are we going to have to wait for daimler/Chrysler/Dodge to stop sweeping this problem under the rug and take the safety of all passengers seriously"

- Chapel Hill, NC, USA

Premature failure (40000 miles) of ball joints in a 2002 Dodge Dakota quad cab.

- Haverhill, MA, USA

Upper ball joint on 02 Dodge Dakota quad cab needs to be replace w/ only 27,200 miles on truck.

- Butler, PA, USA

2002 Dodge Dakota dealer identified lt ball joint/control arm assembly in need of replacement @ 42,000 mi. Problem existed some 6000 - 7000 prior based on drivability/noise. Veh has had repeated evap leak since 14,000 mi.

- Westminster, MD, USA

I have problems with the front suspension in my Dodge Dakota. The front end vibrates at speeds over 60mph. I feel this is not right, correct, or safe. I got another opinion from daigle steer-O-master.they found that the right balljoint is the problem.the dealer claims the balljoint on all the wheels are within specs. After another opinion the right front wheel still has excess play, which I feel is not safe at any speed. It also would not pass the state inspection. My Dodge Dakota only has 17,152 miles. I think that the dealer will not correct this problem until the warranty has expired or there is a recall.

- West Springfield, MA, USA

Upper control arm ball joint failure.

- Cape Girardeau, MO, USA

Heard and felt a clunking sound in steering when vehicle hit a bump/ ball joints and arms replaced. The consumer felt and heard a clunking sound in the steering when a bump was hit or turning a corner. The dealer replaced the upper ball joints and a arm under warranty.

- Chardon, OH, USA

2002 Dodge Dakota 4X2 pickup has premature failure of upper ball joints and severe tire wear. 32,000 miles having to replace upper ball joints, bad front end suspension and handling.

- Clearlake Oaks, CA, USA

Dealer replaced both upper and lower ball joints and control arms. Consumer stated this vehicle was the version of durango, therefore, they used the same parts.

- Chardon, OH, USA

Premature failure of upper ball joint.

- Pepperell, MA, USA

I have a 2002 Dodge Dakota 4X4 pick up truck which needs to have itsupper left ball joint replaced after 10 months of ownership. I previously owned a 2000 Dodge durango which had the same part replaced on three occasions.

- Lafayette, NJ, USA

The investigation on the 1998-2003 Dodge durango ball joints needs to be expanded to the entire line of Dakota trucks. These vehicles, from the "B" pillar forward are virtually identical. Go to this site to see hundreds and hudreds of complaints: www.dodgedakotas.com use the search engine. The ball joints are completely worn on my 2002 Dakota quad cab, to the point where the suspension has become unpredictable under certain road conditions. This vehicle has only 21K miles on it.

- Wylie, TX, USA