NHTSA campaign 04V596000; daimler Chrysler issued an upper ball joint recall. This vehicle is included in the recall, but there are no parts available in order to repair, which is dangerous because the wheels can fall off.

- Walton, WV, USA

I own a 2003 Dodge Dakota 4X4 has problem with ball joints. Front end alignment pulling to the right. Consumer wants to be reimbursed for time and labor. The engine light illuminate. The dealer found that there was an evaporator leak which was caused by an aftermarket fuel cap.

- Feeding Hills, MA, USA

Squealing brakes, unusual front tire wear, grinding noise on left front wheel when turn hard left, worn outside walls on front tires and replacement and brake work done at midas.

- Barstow, CA, USA

NHTSA campaign 04V596000; daimler Chrysler issued an upper ball joint recall. This vehicle is included in the recall, but there are no appointments available until March, which could be dangerous if vehicle is driven because the front wheels could fall off.

- Mastic, NY, USA

2003 dakotaquad cab is having ball joint popping similar to durango. The problem is this is a highway driven truck, not an offroad truck. Problem started at 20,000. Could cause a serious accident if not repaired.

- St Augustine, FL, USA

The truck was taken to the dealership to have the ball joints inspected because of the tv broadcast. Upon inspection the dealership indicated that both the upper and lower ball joints were worn and needed replacement. Only the upper ball joints were replaced.

- Memphis, TN, USA

While driving at 30 mph vehicle all of a sudden and without warning pulled to the right and lost steering control. It was towed to the dealer, who N informed the consumer that the entire upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced.

- Mount Airy, MD, USA

Uneven tire wear led me to have truck serviced at midas tire co. They reported excessive loose play in both top and bottom frontend ball joints. Vehicle is under warranty w/DaimlerChrysler so took to sales/service dealer "soutars" in barstow, ca two different times w/same concern. They reported nothing wrong w/ball joints both times. San bernardino sun telegram 12/11/04 news reports serious problems w/ball joints in Dodge Dakota 2003 models causing wheels to fall off.

- Barstow, CA, USA

I purchased my 2003 Dakota quad cab 2wd in early January of 2004. It has approximately 21K. Signs of the steering making a creaking sound when being turned were first noticed at approximately 8000. It is more pronounced when entering an elevated street or a driveway, while making the turn. I believe the same defective steering components utilized in the 4X4 Dakota also apply to the 2wd versions. I would like the initiative be taken to include the 2wd Dodge Dakotas in the recall as well. My truck has not yet been serviced, but if study information is required, such as an analysis of the joint, I am willing to volunteer my vehicle for such a study if it would help in moving forward with the recall.

- Leander, TX, USA

Consumer hears a clicking noise coming from the upper ball joints. This is causing the vehicle to shake lightly especially when traveling at low speeds and making turns. Consumer will wait to take vehicle to dealer for repairs.

- Richmond, VA, USA

I am posting this complaint due to recent problems I am having with my 2003 Dodge Dakota slt plus 4X4 pickup. My vehicle has approx. 13,000 miles and is already displaying considerable wear due to defective front end ball joints. The vehicle is making a popping noise when turns are made into my driveway and parking deck at work. The vehicle has been checked independently and confirmed that this is the issue. I urge the NHTSA to continue in their efforts to fight for a recall of these defective ball joints from the manufacturer, DaimlerChrysler. Please feel free to contact me if you would like any additional information.

- Richmond, VA, USA

My 2003 Dodge Dakota quad cab has had the brake rotors warped at less than 20,000 miles with no severe use. And also the ball joints are worn out at 35,000 miles. These parts should last a lot longer on a ligh use vehicle.

- Burleson, TX, USA

2003 Dodge Dakota ball joint failure at low miles. Ball joints squeaking, noise was constant, replaced both upper joints. The vehicle ball joints began to squeak at 20000 miles but the consumer didn't realize the severity of the noise. At 40000 mile the consumer inspected the joint because the squeak had turned into a clunk and was constant. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the consumer that both upper joints had to be replaced.

- Milford, CT, USA

Vehicle would shimmy while driving 30 mph. Vehicle was taken to the dealer. Dealer informed that the right front upper ball joint needed to be replaced.

- Stafford, VA, USA

Took vehicle in for a blower fan problem, and told the service manager of a squeak going around corners. Found that the ball joints were worn and require replacing. Only 32,000 miles on vehicle.

- East Burke, VT, USA

PE 03-032, front suspension upper ball joint failure: After inspecting the wheels, the consumer noticed that the upper ball joints are rusting out on both side.

- Edmonton, 00, USA

At 24775 miles; the right upper ball joint failed on my 2003 Dodge Dakota 4X2.

- Ashaway, RI, USA

Worn ball joints at less than 30000 miles.

- Winchester, VA, USA

Consumer took vehicle to dealer for an annual inspection, and mechanic determined that upper ball joints needed to be replaced, and replaced them with new ball joints. Several weeks later the driver's side wheel collapsed. Consumer is seeking Chrysler to replace the vehicle.

- Steeles Tavern, VA, USA

While driving 10 mph consumer heard a noise coming from the front of the vehicle. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced.

- El Segundo, CA, USA