The consumer took the vehicle in for routine maintenance. The mechanic noticed both front upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced due to corrosion. Please fill in additional information.
1997 Dodge Dakota suspension complaints
Page 3 of 6: complaints 41 to 70 of 142, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Suspension ball joint failure.
Ball joints bad on 97 dodge dakota 4x4.
I own a 1997 dodge dakota, v8 and for several months when I was turning, I experienced the terrible grinding sound from my front driver side wheel. I took it in to firestone today where they diagnosis upper and lower ball joints for all four wheels at a cost of over $1,000. The technician informed me this was common in dodge dakota's and durango's and that they are really bad. He states I could continue to drive it but worst case scenario is I'll be driving some day and the wheel could come off or lose control of the steering. I've researched the issue and found that there are thousands of complaints and daimler chrysler as yet has done nothing to correct the problem. I also note that your agency is supposed to be investigating this issue. I am waiting on your report before I pay to replace the joints although this may lead to a serious consequences on my part. When will daimler chrysler address this issue?
Upper and lower ball joints on the right and left sides of the vehicle were defective. While driving consumer heard a popping noise when ever making a right or left turn. Took vehicle to the mechanic, and was told to park the vehicle because it was very dangerous.
97 dakota serviced every 3000 miles. Ball joints worn out and need to be replaced. Truck has 87000 miles. I have never owned a vehicle where this has happened.
While driving 55 MPH vehicle pulled to the right. Vehicle was taken to a repair shop, and mechanic determined that the entire upper and the lower ball joints needed to be replaced. Also, the parts were available for analysis. Dealer was contacted.
The vehicle was taken to a independent shop for a routine general maintenance, and the mechanic noticed that all four ball joints felled worn out prematurely. Independent shop charge $1,200. Please provide further information.
While driving 50 MPH vehilce vibrated and wandered across the road. Vehilce was taken to a repair shop, and mechanic determined that both front upper ball joints were worn out and need to be replaced. *ak
Driving down I-55 by wilmington truck started to pull real bad to the left got off the highway next exit went straight to garage the mechanic put on the lift was able to remove the balljoint with his hand.
A weld that secured the lower right suspension failed on my 1997 dodge dakota due to "hard" braking. This failure could have resulted in a serious accident and significant property damage. I believe that such a failure should never occur due to normal use. I believe that this weld should be inspected on all vehicles with this particular suspension system. My phone call to chrysler customer service did not indicate any interest in follow up on this potentially dangerous manufacturing defect.
My 1997 dodge dakota-with 48ooo miles failed safety inspection, due to bad ball joints and unsafe steernig. During repair process I discovered that this is a common and even expected event with these vehicles (with low mileage) and also durangos. It is so commonplace that dodge repair people expect it. Obviouosly tis is a sfatey defect and should be remedied at no cost to consumer. It will only be a matter of time until the parts fail; and a catastrophe happens to some un suspectig driver,unless there is a recall and permanent quality replacment of the parts.
Consumer is experiencing an array of front suspension problems. *la *sc
There was a ball joint problem. They made a clanking sound along with a squeal. The problem was discovered when the vehicle was taken to dealer for a catalytic converter problem. *ak *sc
While driving at any speed, the consumer heard a squeaking sound coming from the front end. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, who examined the front end. The dealer determined that the upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced. *ak *sc
While driving at any speed vehicle vibrated from the front end. Consumer took vehicle to the dealership, and mechanic determined that the upper ball joints failed.
While driving 45 MPH steering wheel vibrated. The mechanic determined that the problem was due to the front ball joints being worn out. *ak the faulty ball joints resulted in bad alignment and caused the tires to wear improperly. *sc
New tires couldn't be aligned because the ball joint were so bad. *ph
I pulled into my driveway, ran in the house to pick up some paperwork, got back in the truck and back out of the driveway. The lower control arm broke away from the frame. One weld is broken and the other is ripped. No company will fix this vehicle because of the liability issues. I never hit anything that would break this arm. I was told by three different companies that they have never seen this happen. The ball joint was in tact and had not broken. Now I have to pay for a truck which is just a piece of junk.
Consumer took vehicle to an independent service dealer to have the brakes checked and the front end aligned. Upon performing the front end alignment the service dealer determined that the upper ball joints were bad and needed to be replaced. *ak the consumer was informed that the lower ball joints would need to be replaced in a year. *sc
I have replaced the upper and lower ball joints about six months ago and my left front already started squeaking again. I will have to replace them once more. I believe dodge should recall these vehicles for this purpose. It has caused my tires to wear unevenly and I have to replace them prematurely.
While driving at any speed consumer heard a clanking sound coming from the front end. Dealer examined the vehicle, and found that the upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced.
Front end failed. Consumer stated front end was on the verge of collapsing. *ak consumer also stated that ball joints, inner and outer tie rods failed.
Mechanic noticed that upper and lower ball joints were bad, and needed to be replaced while performing a front end alignment. *ak
At 54k miles, the ball joints had to be replaced. *ph *sc
Front ball joints failed at 48,000 miles.
There is a loud noise in the front of the vehicle when turning or going over a small bump. Dealer contacted. *ak
Consumer took vehicle for and inspection and it failed. Failure was due to excessive upper and lower ball joint wear.*ak
Consumer complained about a steering box problem. Also, dealer replaced the ball joints and idler arm. *ak consumer is keeping an eye on the fuel filler tube because it seemed to be rusted. Also, brake line is also rusted.
The consumer replaced the upper/lower ball joint and front wheel bearing. The consumer questioned whether or nor daimler chrysler would be taking the fault. *ph the consumer requested to be reimbursed.
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