Vehicle = 2002 Dodge Dakota quad cab - V6 (currently @ 49,000 miles) took vehicle to independent mechanic for annual inspection and was told that both the upper and lower ball joints were worn excessively and would totally fail in approximately 1000 miles. After further investigation on numerous websites I have found this problem to be quite common and is what was causing the feeling of loss of control when hitting bumps in the road at speed, strange noises when turning slowly, and it also seems this is what could have led to my premature brake failures (which I had to have my rotors ground at approx 25K miles). I will be speaking to my dealer tomorrow directly - my girlfriend had called them for me because I was out of town for work and it sounds as though they are claiming they have never heard of the problem. This appears to be quite a common problem and had my mechanic not caught the problem doing the annual inspection it would have definitely caused an extreme safety hazard. Hopefully something is being done to remedy this problem. Thanks.

- Saltsburg, PA, USA

I have a 2002 Dodge dokota SXT 2wd that has a clunking sound similar to that which I have heard described in regard to a front ball joint problem. I have spoking with other persons who also have 2wd Dakotas and have hed to replace the ball joints well before they should be. I currently have 43,00 miles on the vehicle but the clunk has been present for several thousand miles and I was hoping there might be a recall before I have it fixed. I have no ride or handleing problems but just the clunk when I go over an object or onto a sidewalk to park.

- Ma, MA, USA

2002 Dodge Dakota 4X4 quad cab pickup - both upper ball joints experienced premature failure. Signs of failure began around 30,000 miles, but misdiagnosed by local mechanic as "no problem found." I later took the truck to Dodge when knocking noise kept getting worse (after warranty expiration). Both upper ball joints were replaced and front end alignment performed for approximately $500. Since this is a safety issue, I believe a recall should be implemented.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

Popping sound in front end when turning at slow speed, driving over a speed bump at slow speed, stopping or pulling out from stop.

- Mcdonald, PA, USA

2002 Dodge Dakota quad cab. While braking there seems to be a vibration under the front end or sometimes while turning either left or right in motion it will make a popping sound. I did take it to the dealer 2 month ago for that problem, but all they found out that the brake disks needed to be turned. But the same problem still happens. Need to find out if there is anything wrong with the upper or lower ball joints, bushings that are not properly seated on the front end parts, or what?

- Lawton, OK, USA

Noise when making turns and over light bumps in front suspension of a 2002 Dodge Dakota crew cab pickup.

- Dayton, NJ, USA

Front brake rotors had to be turned/replaced at approx. 17000 miles. Dealership said they would not replace as brakes only have 1yr/12000 mile warranty. Repair facility only replaces with oem parts, so they will probably have to be replaced again in another 15-20000 miles. This is unacceptable. Also appears I will now have to replace ball joints at approx. 18500 miles. These parts should last much longer than this. Vehicle is 2002 Dodge Dakota cc 4X4 4.7L engine.

- Troy, MI, USA

The investigation on the 1998-2003 Dodge durango ball joints needs to be expanded to the entire line of Dakota trucks. These vehicles, from the "B" pillar forward are virtually identical. Go to this site to see hundreds and hudreds of complaints: www.dodgedakotas.com use the search engine. The ball joints are completely worn on my 2002 Dakota quad cab, to the point where the suspension has become unpredictable under certain road conditions. This vehicle has only 21K miles on it.

- Wylie, TX, USA