Upper ball joints on passenger side is making loud poping sounds and paint on hood is coming off. Have been unable to have it looked at by someone because of disability.

- Clovis, NM, USA

Found excessive wear - upper and lower ball joints & inner tie rods. Replaced upper and lower ball joints & the inner tie rods.

- Loveland, CO, USA

Ball joint failure at 53,000 miles. Also, leak in steering rack.

- Shawnee, KS, USA

Consumer replaced the upper and lower ball joints. This vehicle was not included in the upper ball joint NHTSA recall 04596000.

- Owasso, OK, USA

During a routine inspection, the consumer was informed of loose upper/lower ball joints. The problem was not resolved. The consumer stated all 4 of the ball joints needed to be replaced.

- North Springfield, VT, USA

Failed ball joints on 1999 Dakota at 32,000 miles and 67,000 miles.

- Victorville, CA, USA

Last year my 1999 Dodge Dakota, 5.2L slt fail it's annual inspection due to faulty ball joints. One year later and less than 10,000 miles the ball joints need replace again. I drive this vehicle part time as a second vehicle and do not drive on unsmooth surfaces. It cost $700 last year to replace the bottom ball joints and I am not looking foward to paying that again this year. The stearing is very loose and hard to control. I turn the wheel and the wheels do not react in a timely mannor. It is also hard to stay in the driving lane. The vehicle sways from one side to the other.

- Beaver Falls, PA, USA

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

Dodge Dakota 1999 consumer states vehicle front end wobble, brake vibration and upper/lower ball joint problem. The shock absorbers and transfer case was defective. The power steering pump leaked and there was extra play in the steering. A piece of the exhaust fell off the vehicle.

- Naugatuck, CT, 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

Consumer's vehicle experienced the very same problem as stated in recall 04V596000 concerning ball joint wear.

- Universal City, TX, 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

Last July at isspection the dealer said the front lower ball joints needed relaced on my 1999 Dakota. This was at 22000 miles. I have never taken it off road and take very good care of it.

- State College, PA, 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

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 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

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

During inspection the lower ball joints were found to be defective. The brakes pulsated and the vehicle was hard to stop.

- Naugatuck, CT, USA