1999 Dodge Dakota 4X4 (83,000): Vehicle "wanders". noisey front suspension. Local shop diagnosed as worn ball joints and tie rod ends.

- Coon Rapids, MN, USA

The consumer request that the manufacturer expand the ball joint recall to include 1999 Dodge Dakotas.

- Washington, DC, USA

Dodge Dakota 1999 consumer replaced ball joints three times. The consumer was very disappointed to find out that his vehicle was not included in the recall.

- Washington, DC, USA

A clanking noise started coming front the front end when turning. Left and right upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced.... the wheels felt like they were bonding when turning. The noise and binding was more noticeable at lower speeds. Took vehicle to Goodyear automobile service, was told upper an dlower ball joints and inner and outer tie rods were needed. Servic ecenter stated there was a recall from Chrysler for these parts, even though the recall was for 2000 year models forward the parts were exactly the same. Consumer contacted daimler Chrysler and was told to take the vehicle to a Dodge dealer for an estimate. Was told by the Dodge dealer the parts should be covered because of the recall. Contacted daimler Chrysler again with an estimate and was told because of the mileage on the vehicle it could not be covered under the recall.

- Lansing, MI, USA

My 1999 Dodge Dakota 4WD extened cab was in the shop for a front end alignment and I was told the ball joints were worn out. I then took it to the local dealership to have the ball joints inspected and was informed that all four (4) needed to be replaced. The dealership advised me to contact a representative at daimler Chrysler, who eventually hung up on me after denying my claim of defective parts. I informed the dealership of my conversation and they were kind enough to work out a satisfactory resolution. They were going to try to get it warranted through daimler Chrysler but were unable to.

- Fargo, ND, USA

On February 6, 2004 my 1999 Dodge Dakota had both the upper and lower ball joints on both the driver and passenger sides replaced because of excessive wear and deterioration. The truck had 46,500 miles at that time and is driven under normal road conditions. It is not used commercially. The cost for repairs came to $1078. Subsequently, on March 4, 2005 I had to have to have my upper ball joints replaced on both sides, again because of wear and deterioration. The cost to repair was $338. It would appear that the original ball joints used by Dodge are sufficiently lacking in quality, and so are the replacement parts, as well.

- Freehold, NJ, USA

I have a 1999 Dodge Dakota the upper and lower ball joint are shot, my machanic told me that they will come apart at anytime.

- Sour Lake, TX, USA

Vehicle is experiencing problem with the ball joints. Owner recently had the vehicle go through the state inspection where it was discovered that the ball joints were defective causing the ball bearings to wear prematurely. Owner contacted the manufacturer but was informed that this year, make, and model is not included in the current recall for ball joint wear. Provide further details.

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

The consumer owns a 1999 Dodge Dakota 4X4 which had the same ball joint failure as the other models recalled. The consumer wants to know why the 1999 models were excluded from the recall. The consumer was told that the failure was do to normal wear and tear.

- Washington, DC, USA

The consumer would like to know why the ball joint recall did not include the 1999 dakaota which had the same problem. The consumer believes the scope ofe the recall should be expanded.

- Washington, DC, USA

The consumer owns a 99 Dodge Dakota 4X4 which has the same upper ball joint problem as the 2000-2003 models. The consumer wants to know why the 1999 model was excluded. The consumers vehicle had 35K miles on it at the time of failure.

- Washington, DC, USA

The upper and lower ball joints, control arm bushings and now wheel bearings have been replaced on this vehicle. Every year when the emisson testing and safety inspection is done it seems there is a nother problem. How long before Dodge will have to own up and recall and repair these items at their expense not ours. This vehicle has only 72200 miles and has had both side done and now has to be done to the left sid again. This is a disgrace. Thanks for your assistance in this matter. How many problems does it take to have a recall initiated.

- Granville, MA, USA

The 1999 Dodge Dakota front end has failed. The upper and lower ball joints, tie rod and both front tires had to be replaced. Consumer wants to know why not include all Dodge trucks in the recall. Nar - see response to ODI no. 10109594

- Mercer, MO, USA

While driving at any speed driver heard a loud squeaking noise coming from the front. Suddenly, the vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that both frontal ball joints needed to be replaced, and replaced them. However, the problem recurred, and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer. After tightening both frontal ball joints the problem recurred. Mechanic determined again that the upper ball joints needed to be replaced.

- Hopkins, MN, USA

While driving at high speeds the steering wheel vibrated. Dealership informed the consumer that the problem pertained to the front ball joints. The problem was not repaired.

- Shawnee Mission, KS, USA

Vehicle experienced problems with the upper ball joints. Owner took the vehicle to an independent mechanic shop to have the tires replaced. It was discovered that the ball joints wore out completely. When turning the vehicle in either direction the wheels squeaked and clanked when turning and going over bumps. Dealer found right upper control arm bushing noisy. Cooling system leak. Thermostat and gasket replaced.

- Miami, FL, USA

Upon taking the vehicle in for a routine oil change consumer found that the ball joints were bad. There was a clanking noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. Consumer contacted Dodge. However, Dodge will do nothing to assist the consumer.

- New Castle, IN, USA

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.

- Disputanta, VA, USA

Vehicle experienced problems with the brake line. The brake line was rotting off the vehicle. Owner went to apply the brakes, and discovered that there was a hole in the brake line. Also, owner had to replace the ball joints on four occasions. Owner contacted the manufacturer, who claimed that vehicle had too many miles on it, and he will do nothing to assist the owner.

- Pineland, SC, USA

Recall campaign 04V596000 concerning upper ball joints. Consumer brought vehicle to dealer for brake work and discovered the upper ball joints were defective. This vehicle is not included in the upp ball joint recall due to VIN.

- Monmouth, IL, USA