I have a 1997 dodge dakota sport with four wheel drive, a v8 engine and automatic transmission. I noticed my front tires wearing on the inside. I took the truck to the dealer on 12-20-01. I was told it needed lower ball joint and upper control arms. On 1-31-03 I returned to the dealer complaining of a vibration in the front end, again I was told it needed lower ball joints and upper control arms. Now I am noticing the tires wearing on the inside again and the dealer tells me it again needs upper ball joints but that the new redesigned parts are on backorder from the manufacturer. These failures have happened at ten thousand mile intervals, the first repair was at 46,261 the second at 56,125 and now it has 67,261 miles on it. This truck has never been off road and is used as a daily commuter vehicle. The problem at 46,261 miles is early for this type of failure but I guess it could happen however two more times in 21,000 miles is premature failure. I've worked in the automotive repair business for twenty five years and this is the first time I've had this type of problem on my own vehicles which are meticulusly maintained. This is definately a saftey issue as this can cause separation of the control arm from the steering knuckle.
1997 Dodge Dakota suspension complaints
Page 5 of 6: complaints 101 to 130 of 142, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Upper and lower ball joints have worn prematurely (36000 miles) and are very expensive to fix. Unfortunately, it's not safe to continue driving without replacing them. Dodge needs to get a handle on this before any accidents occur.
While driving at low or high speeds a noise could be heard coming from the front of the vehicle. Dealer determined that the upper ball joints must be replaced.
While driving at low or high speeds, a noise could be heard coming from the front of the vehicle. The dealer determined that the upper ball joints must be replaced.
The upper and lower ball joints experienced premature wear. As a result, the ball joints produced a grinding noise. Please provide additional information. *jb
Threads on spindle were corroded and stripped.*mr the consumer requested a reimbursement for repairs made on his vehicle. *cb
Upper ball joint wore out prematurely and needed replacement, per dealership. Vehicle was kept in the garage with only 50k miles and the consumer didn't understand why he had expensive failures. *ph
Front end suspension failed, and caused the thread on the tie rod to become weak. The threads appeared corroded which almost caused an accident. Dealer notified. *ak *cb
Dealer replaced upper control arm and ball joints at 35000 miles, again was replaced at 80000. Dealer knew about the problems of the ball joints, but claimed they were still good and consumer could still drive although the ball joints were worn out prematurely.
I own a 1997 dodge dakota sport pickup. It is a 4x4 with a 318cid engine and auto. Trans. At about 35,000 miles, during a front end alignment, I had to replace the left upper ball joint. Having 25 years auto experience myself, this part was definitely bad and I replaced the whole upper control arm, as the ball joint alone was not available. Currently, at 84,000 miles, both lower ball joints are bad and have been replaced. This vehicle is not used much in off road conditions and then only on paved roads. This is premature part failure and a serious safety issue, as I drive at or above the poisted speed limits in my travels. Total failure of these parts would result in loss of control and an accident.
1997 dodge dakota club cab 2 wd pickup had excessive tire wear at 25,000 miles so all tires replaced. Tires had been rotated every 7,000 mi. After tire replaced took to dodge dealer for front end alignment. Dealer refused because they said front ball joints needed replaced costing $900. When asked if this was unusual dealer said no and that ball joints could wear out in 10,000 miles. I called daimler chrysler to complain and they refused my request for assistance saying no problems of this type have been reported. The truck was never driven off road, never involved in an accident, only driven to work and home within 40 miles of my home. Truck was never abused and I feel the ball joints (and tires) should not have worn out in this small amount of time. I am an engineer and believe there is a design or manufacturing problem that LED to this premature failure. I have continued to drive the truck without replacing the ball joints yet since no one has told me there is any safety reason not to. The truck drives fine, straight, and easy.
Clanking noise in right front wheel. Axle seal broke, replaced, 3 weeks later noise again ball joints needed to be replaced. Ph
Consumer states that the lower control arms failed prematurely, this caused wear on the front tires.
While driving at any speed there will be a vibration coming from front of vehicle. Consumer diagnosed problem as a faulty left/front wheel bearing. Dealership has not examined vehicle for this problem. Please provide any additional information / documentation.
There is a loud popping noise when backing up, found right upper control arm failed and was replaced.
Premature wear of lower ball joints. Dealer has been notified.
While driving vehicle would be hard to control. Vehicle would jump to left or right suddenly. Dealer has replaced ball joints 9 times, and problem still exists. *ak
Upper and lower ball joints have failed at 50,000 miles which could cause other damages. Tsb was sent out by manufacturer, but only covered 4 wheel drive vehicles.
Left hand upper ball joint is coming apart from steering tie rod which could cause complete loss of steering capability. Consumer has contacted the dealer. Please provide any further details.
Excessive tire wear aligned at 12000 still had wear took to an alignment specialist and found a bad ball joint.
Consumer noticed that front wheel bearing were separated. Bearings were beinga held on by 1 nut & brake rotor. Vehicle was making a thumping sound going 65mph. Consumer found out thriugh the manufacturer that t 600,000 were on back order. Consumer purchased 1 through the dealer in stock for $150. Dealer seemed to know that it was a very common problem.
Front upper and lower control arms broke, causing premature wear of the tires. Please give any further details.
Premature wear of the ball joints. Please provide further detail.
Prior to exp. Of warranty, (36000 miles) vehicle was brought into an independent shop for a complete inspection. Was informed ball joints and idler arm were completely worn out. Previous owner, (a personal friend) and myself never '4 wheeled' the truck. Normal city/highway use. Viewed internet bulletin boards on dakota maint problems, and found others have had the same problem with early ball joint/idler arm failures. 36,000 miles under normal use is far to early for this type of problem. I fear there are many dakota's out there with the same problem.
Three incidents of lower ball joint failure. 1st failure at 16-17k miles, 2nd at 36k mi. These were covered under warranty by dodge after some denial that there was a problem at all. 3rd failure at 60k mi. Dealer denies there is a problem with lower ball joints. Two independant repair shops have varified lower joints require replacement with one stating "vehicle should not be driven because of very worn condition of one ball joint!" upper ball joints are also worn and require replacement.
I've had to have the front end aligned twice now & upon having it in for the 3rd time, I was told that the lower right ball joint was out. This is why I've gone throw 2 sets of tires already, needing the 3rd set. I've had problems trying to find the ball joint. This is just one of the many problems I have had with my truck. The transmission still does not shift right. I've been told by 2 different dealers that I am in the computer so if anything does happen, it will be taken care of. I ran across a web site that discusses the problems other dakota owners are experiencing & I know what they are going through. This is the 1st brand new vehicle I have ever owned & I've had more problems with it than I ever had any ot the others I have owned. *ak( dot number: tire size: p215/75r15 )
52000 miles and I have replaced these items: belt tensioner, A/C compressor, 3 sets of front tires (the tires are wearing on the outside edge-the truck has been aligned each time the tires were replaced), 2 sets of rotors, 2 brake calipers, 4 sets of brake pads, the steering knuckle that broke into three (3) pieces while the truck was going 65 MPH, and now I have to take it to a transmission shop because the truck jumps from drive to neutral while the truck is in motion. All of these repair cost have been paid by myself. Dealer said there has been no other complaints about the dodge dakota I find that hard to believe. *ak( dot number: tire size: lt21575r15 )
Truck was purchased new/no off road to speak of and well maintained. No defect (s) listed in summary.
Defective driver's side tie rod end broke, causing a loss of vehicle control. Also, ball joints looked worn out. Please provide further information.
Loud noise is coming from front end. Dealer cannot determine cause of defect.
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