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.
I took my 2001 Dodge Dakota quad cab to a dealer to check a noise coming from the front end of my vehicle. They informed me that my upper and lower ball joints were wearing down and that I could loose the tires on my vehicle while driving. My complaint is based on the fact that all four ball joints should not need to be replaced on a vehicle until at least 100,000 miles. From my research this is an obvious problem that needs correction in these models.
I have a 2001 Dodge Dakota quad cab 4X4 and had the passenger side upper ball joint fail (luckly I was having my mechanic change the oil) when he said that the upper ball joint simply fell out. I think that Dodge should have made owners aware of this problem rather than cause injuries to consumers. Also why is it that you cannot purchase a replacement ball joint from Dodge (you must purchase the whole upper control arm assembly?)
While driving 55 mph, a clanking noise was heard coming front both sides of the vehicle. The driver was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic determined the passenger side upper ball joint needed replacing due to worn out parts. The sway bar squeaked. The broken seal caused the ball joints to dry.
Front end felt loose and the steering wheel shook. Vehicle was inspected by a dealer, who determined that upper and lower ball joints were worn out and must be replaced.
2001 Dodge Dakota has never held it's alighnment since it was bought brand new. When we heard the report on cbs news about ball joint problems on this type of vehicle, and checked in internet about same problem we became very alarmed. I took the truck in again to see what was wrong with it and had them check the ball joints just in case. They said it has problem, and we are not the only customers with this problem on this year or type of truck. The dealer can not get the ball joints in because they are on back order, too much demand. There is not a recall as of yet. This truck has had a problem since we bought it that keeps it from holding an alighnment. There are other cases of problems with this type of truck, and durangos (use the same ball joint). The company does not want to face the problem. I believe that an investagation should be done on these trucks before someone is hurt or killed. I also believe that many cases of the problem were not reported, they were probley just fixed or traded off. I am useing the most recent date only to be able to preceed.
- Lovington, IL, USA
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Premature ball joint damage @ 32,000 miles had the ball joint replaced before any damage could be done.... thats to the news report on other Dodge Dakota ball joint failuers.
Premature wear of the upper ball joints on 2001 Dodge Dakota. Dodge Dakota quad cab 4X4 VIN: [xxx]. ball joints were replaced before separation failure occurred. Diligence by the owner identified the problem and ensured replacement thereby preventing the possibility of danger to others. Lower control arm (ball joint) replaced [xxx] qty 2. Sept 20, 2002 upper control arm (ball joint) replaced - left [xxx] qty 1. Mar 13, 2003 [xxx] updated 07/26/2012 information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I own a 2001 Dodge 4X4 4.7L qc Dakota. My mechanic has told me the popping sound in the front end is due to wear on the ball joints and bushings being loose. The truck only has 41000miles on it and has been taken care of. Add my complaint to your growing list of unsatisfied owners.
While driving between 25 and 30 mph, consumer heard noise coming through the front end. Dealership replaced driver side upper and lower ball joints. At consumer's expense.
Consumer heard a noise in the front end. It was diagnosed as a problem with the ball joints. Consumer replaced the ball joints 3 times in the past 55,000 miles. Currently, he was about to put on a new set of ball joints.
Upper and lower ball joints defective and worn after 60,000 miles. Ball joints replaced by 3rd party autoshop for less than 1/3 of quoted price from dealer.
2001 Dodge Dakota quad cab. Loud groaning noise from front end when making hard left turn over bump (e.g., driveway apron) at slow speed. Fear it may be a ball-joint problem. Will be inspected at next service. 22K000 miles on vehicle.
Want to check to see how many complaints about the airbag clock spring on a 2001 Dodge Dakota. Also want to no more about the ball joint on the same truck and what cause the problem and roughly how many miles on these vehicle before this occurs. Thanks.
At 53000 the upper ball joints on my 2001 dalota quad cab needed to be replaced. The fact I caught this defect early I'm certain prevented an accident. Perhaps even a fatality. Dodge engineering seems to be somewhat faulty in this case compunded by the fact that I'm not alone with this problem.
At any speed when vehicle hits a bump a rattling sound is heard in the front end. Dealer examined the vehicle and did not find a problem with the suspension.
My wife and I own a 2001 Dodge Dakota and a 2003 Dodge durango. Ever since I bought my Dakota new there have been problems with popping noises from the front end. After seeing the recent news story about bad upper ball joints I am convinced this is the problem. Now I am worried we will have the same problem with our durango, and my Dakota is no longer under warranty. I think there should be a recall from the sounds of this problem, and after doing some more research on my own.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Minneapolis, MN, USA