This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
My truck began having strange noises and vibrations. I had my dealership check it for me and the advised having 4 ball joints and sway bar bushings replaced, which I did at a cost of $1100. I have saved the old parts. I have asked Chrysler for compensation and they deny on grounds my truck is a 1999. My veichle has only 44,000 miles on it and I bought it new. I had the work done before an accident happened.
Dodge Dakota 1999 ball joints failure. Consumer wants to know why wouldn't a recall be issued on the 97-99 like for the 2000-03 models, for the durango/Dakota's. the consumer stated the upper and lower ball joints were replaced twice on the passenger side and has failed again.
At 46,000 miles the ball joints failed. There was grinding in the right front side of the vehicle. Had to have the tie rods and wheel bearings replaced.
2 lower ball joints, 2 upper ball joints and 2 inner tie rods all replaced at 48,600 miles in 2/02. New recall only covers 2000-2004 Dakotas when it is obvious that the 1999 model should also be covered. Reimbursement from Chrysler for parts/labor/alignment at $806 for defective parts should be expected.
We have a 1999 Dodge Dakota that was riding rough. After driving another vehicle, and then driving the Dakota you would notice that the smoothness was gone, and when going over any uneven pavement or bumpy roads you really had to grip the steering wheel to have control. Took the vehicle in for inspection and ended up having the upper and lower ball joints replaced. The vehicle had 44,000 miles on it. The replacement took care of the problem with an out of pocket cost of $633.
- Ludington, MI, USA
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"recall campaign 04V596000" concerning ball joints: Consumer stated the ball joints disintegrated completely. Consumer contacted the dealership and manufacturer. However, the problem still exists.
1. front suspension making clunking noises. Tires cupping. Steering felt loose.. I didnt allow the failure to occur.. replaced upper and lower ball joints.
I believe the ball joints on my 1999 Dodge Dakota 5.2L V8 were defective. I had alignment problems and was told the ball joints were bad (both upper and lower) and needed replacement. Had I not gotten this fixed, the wheel may have eventually fallen off, resulting in injury or even death. The vehicle had approximately 54,500 miles on it at the time and the ball joints were replaced on 12-01-04. I believe that the recall already in effect for Dodge durango and Dakotas 2000-2005, should be extended back to at least TO1999, as they are likely using the same defective parts.
Consumer complained about upper and lower ball joints problem. When driving there was a clanking noise. Could hear it when pulling in and out of parking spaces. Consumer contacted the manufacturer, and was told that the recall for these vehicles were between the years 2000 to 2003. They will not make an exception.
All four ball joints were replaced. However, the problem recurred. Contacted Dodge, and was not willing to assist the consumer with fixing the vehicle....mechanic notified consumer that one of the upper ball joints was defective to the point the wheel was in danger of breaking off at the ball joint.
Vehicle experienced problems with the upper and lower ball joints. Consumer had the vehicle inspected, and discovered that both the upper and lower ball joints split. Both the upper and lower ball joints were replaced. Later, consumer contacted the manufacturer, who informed consumer that this vehicle was not recalled due to VIN.
Front end wear causing erratic handling and excessive tire wear. Replaced all four ball joints (upper and lower) on 3/1/2004 at a cost of $777.14. Excess tire wear reduced useful life of front tires by 20,000 miles. Replaced tires on 12/31/2004 at a cost of $547.09.
Consumer complained about steering problems. He took the vehicle to dealer to be serviced, and it was determined that the vehicle had damaged ball joints. Consumer was aware of recall on Dodge Dakota and durango 2000-2003.
1999 Dodge Dakota right ball front ball joints went bad. Took it to the dealership to replace them. 61000 miles on the truck. No accident, or injuries, just unsafe conditions to drive with this vehicle. Just purchased this month.
I have had to service and replace both the upper and lower ball joints on this truck due to near failure three times in the two years I have owned this truck. Subsequent replacements of the ball joints have been covered under warranty since they all have occured within one year of each replacement. However, I fear in the future I will begin to either encure huge expenses with annual replacements not to mention the huge risk of ball joint failure. I have done considerable research regarding this problem and am amazed that the recent 2000-2002 Dodge Dakota recall was not extended to the numerous problems plagueing the 99 models. I hope soon the recall will be extended to include these terribly faulty ball joints as well.
There was a popping noise in the front end while turning. Vehicle was driven to the dealership, who indicated after inspection that the lower ball joints had worn out prematurely and needed to be replaced. The lower ball joints were replaced. However, failure recurred 4000 miles later with the upper ball joints.
Upper and lower ball joint failure in 1999 Dodge Dakota rt, aftermarket parts installed the first time at 39,000 miles and is in need of a second replacement now at 60,000 miles.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Disputanta, VA, USA