- the contact owns a 1998 Dodge Dakota, whose left lower control arm on the front driver side broke off due to defective welding. The contact's dealer advised him that the vehicle was beyond the warranty period and not repairable. Per the contact, the lower suspension bolts fell off the vehicle while driving 25 mph. There was no collision at the time of the failure. Updated 2/2/2007 -

- Milpipas, CA, USA

This is in response to, and in support of, the reccommended recall of Dodge Dakotas. I have a 1998 Dakota and recently had work done (July '04) on the front ball joints and tie rods. After a few months of popping noises from the front end when backing out and turning the steering wheel and a definite feeling of loose suspension on turns I took it to the Dodge dealer for inspection and repair. They told me the truck was not driveable. The ball joints and tie rods were both failing and I was warned had I continued driving the vehicle in this condition I would have had a major accident. This, after having the same symptoms, but different repairs made by a different dealer, a year prior. The vehicle had one previous owner and 61,000 miles on it when I bought it in late 2002. I put on maybe 10,000 miles before the first incident and only a few thousand more before the second incident. I feel this vehicle is not only unsafe, but poorly manufactured and have contacted the manufacturer with my concerns. I feel the suggested recall should include the years prior to those reccommended (2000-2003). I have had two authorized Dodge dealers perform two sets of repair to the amount of nearly $3000. This is nearly the value of the vehicle and it's not even paid off yet.

- Saint Paul, MN, USA

Consumer states that vehicle wonders all over the road. Took to dealer and dealer replaced the tie rods, ball joints, upper control arm. Consumer states six months later problem reoccured.

- Saxonburg, PA, USA

In 1999 steering was tight/ hard to turn, and difficult to steer. Consumer tookvehicle to dealer, and they replaced rack and pinion. Currently, vehicle needs another rack and pinion. Consumer states he thought he saw where there was a recall regarding steering on his vehicle. Ball joints need replaced, however shop could not get the pin out to make repairs. Front end needed alignment, it was out of specs.

- Farmington Mills, MI, USA

The first ball joint on the right side had to be replaced at just over 36000 miles. It was covered under the warrantee. The 2nd. Ball joint failed at Apr 62000 miles. I contacted Chrysler but they said it was my responsibility. I find it hard to believe that with just 62000 mi. I've had to replace 2 ball joints. It seems to me that the 1998 Dodge Dakota has a problem and that they are the one's that should be responsible not me.. what would have happened if these ball joints would have failed doing 70 on I-75. I guess Chrysler wants to wait until someone gets killed before they will fix the problem. Thanks for listening.

- Caro, MI, USA

Steering coupler wears, front brakes and rotors wear excessively, serious ball joint wear even though greased regularely, (greased every 2,000 miles)

- Mmorgantown, WV, USA

Pre mature ball joint wear, even though serviced and greased regularly, which if not checked very often, could result in complete loss of vehicle control and injuries.

- Morgantown, WV, USA

Truck has only 46000 miles on it. Highway use, very little 4-wd usage. I find it suspicious that the ball joints wore out so quickly, and the parts are nationally backordered for 1 month.

- Oak View, CA, USA

Left front ball joint failed.

- Danville, WV, USA

Upper ball joints wore out. Also experiences oil leaks and ignition system malfunctioning.

- Burlington, WI, USA

Upper ball joints wore out. Also experiences oil leaks and ignition system malfunctioning.

- Burlington, WI, USA