10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
27,885 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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.

2002 Dodge Dakota suspension problems

suspension problem

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2002 Dodge Dakota Owner Comments (Page 6 of 9)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #62

Mar 102004

Dakota

  • 41,678 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving consumer heard a clanking noise coming from the front ball joints. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.

- Madera, PA, USA

problem #61

Mar 112004

Dakota

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles
Four months ago while driving at 45 mph consumer heard noise coming through the front end. Vehicle was taken to the dealership, and technician determined nothing was wrong with the vehicle. Four months later and without warranty dealership indicated to the consumer the need to replace upper and lower ball joints.

- Bracey, VA, USA

problem #60

Dec 152003

Dakota 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 39,000 miles
While driving at any speed a noise was heard from the front end. The dealer determined, that the upper and lower ball joints had to be replaced.

- Woodacre, CA, USA

problem #59

Feb 222004

Dakota

  • 24,732 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While making right hand turns consumer heard a loud noise coming from the front end. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.

- Bakersfield, CA, USA

problem #58

Apr 202004

(reported on)

Dakota 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • 15,000 miles
When driving and/or while turning in either direction, the driver heard a popping noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealer twice and was not able to determine the cause of the noise. After watching a tv report about the ball joints, the consumer suspected the problem may have been the ball joints. The consumer stated when the vehicle was placed in reverse, it did not engage. The air condition was inoperative.

- Mount Vernon, WA, USA

problem #57

Mar 042004

Dakota 4WD 6-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
I own a 2002 Dodge Dakota pickup. After hearing and reading cbs news piece on the durango and Dakota having faulty ball joints, I had my local Dodge dealer check the upper ball joints on my truck. One upper joint was loose and they recommended it be replaced. The cost was $188. I feel since there have been over 700 complaints about this, that daimler Chrysler should recall affected vehicles and fix the problem. The fact that Dodge has had so many complaints and it took a cbs news report to educate the public is tragic. What's more tragic is that it put the life of myself and my son in danger. I feel that Dodge should reimburse my $188.

- Salem, NY, USA

problem #56

Mar 012004

Dakota 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 54,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving consumer heard a rough sound coming from the front. Vehicle was taken to a dealer, where the mechanic replaced the upper and lower ball joints on the right side.

- Northern Cambria, PA, USA

problem #55

Feb 272004

Dakota

  • 64,000 miles
While driving consumer lost control. Dealership informed consumer that the problem pertained to the front upper ball joints.

- China, ME, USA

problem #54

Mar 042004

Dakota 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Popping noise in the front ball joints of my 2002 Dodge Dakota. I noticed this the day I bought this unit. And just today (3-4-04) I found out on cbs that it is a manufacturer defect. And would like very much to have the problem resolved before something bad does happen on the highway.

- Lincolnton, NC, USA

problem #53

Mar 042004

(reported on)

Dakota

  • 500 miles
Vehicle was taken to dealer 4 times for popping and cracking sound heard in the front of vehicle when making turns. Also, consumer heard a popping and cracking noise when driving on bumpy roads. Ball joints were changed. However, after 500 miles the problem recurred.

- Gonzales, LA, USA

problem #52

Mar 042004

(reported on)

Dakota

  • 35,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

When making a left turn there was a popping noise in the steering. Dealership replaced the steering shaft sector, rack and pinion, and upper and lower ball joints.

- Malvern, AR, USA

problem #51

Jul 012002

Dakota 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 2,500 miles
I bought my 2002 Dodge Dakota new in March of 2002. Ever since approximately July of that summer, I heard the now infamous clunking noise in my front end. It wasn't until last fall of 2003 and several visits to 3 different dealerships, that they finally somewhat fixed my vehicle. I have since seen the reports by cbs news in regards to the ball joints and that has put further concern in the reliability of my vehicle. Even though several parts, including the ball joints have been replaced by the dealerships (none of whom said they could figure out what the problem was, or even claimed that I didn't know what I was talking about when I said I heard the noise), I still hear the clunking and feel that it will never be fixed. I have put in several complaints at Chrysler, so my problems should be very well documented, but feel it is Chrysler responsibilty if anything futher would happen to my vehicle, or any other for that matter. Please continue to do your investigation into this matter before someone does get seriously hurt.

- Keokuk, IA, USA

problem #50

Feb 042004

Dakota 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 48,000 miles
Vehicle has definitive clunk when crossing over small bumps or turning tightly. Worn ball joints are to blame. Vehicle has 50,000 miles.

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #49

Feb 272004

Dakota 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 21,000 miles
All four ball joints bad at 21000. Heater switch bad at 21000K and also canister hose cracked at 21000. My main concern is faulty, failing ball joints.

- Marshfield, MA, USA

problem #48

Feb 272004

Dakota 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 21,000 miles
My 2002 Dodge Dakota quad cab 4X4 has 21,000 miles and now all four upper ball joints are bad.

- Marshfield, MA, USA

problem #47

Feb 172004

Dakota

  • 40,000 miles
Vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for a front end alignment. Mechanic determined that the right upper ball joint needed to be replaced.

- Shepherd, MT, USA

problem #46

Feb 202004

Dakota

  • 53,000 miles
While driving 30 mph upper ball joints fell out.

- Auburn, WV, USA

problem #45

Jan 212004

Dakota 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 23,359 miles
With 23,359 miles on my Dodge Dakota the right upper ball joint exhibited excessive play and had to be replaced. I believe there should be a recall and all the upper and lower ball joints should be replaced on all Dakotas and durangos.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #44

Feb 192004

Dakota 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25,000 miles
During a routine inspection the consumer was informed that the upper ball joints were severely worn. The manufacturer and the dealer are aware of the problem.

- Cheshire, MA, USA

problem #43

Feb 122004

Dakota

  • Automatic transmission
  • 36,000 miles
While parking consumer heard a loud noise coming from the front end. Vehicle was taken to the dealership, where they replaced the upper ball joint.

- Midlothian, IL, USA

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