2 lower ball joints, 2 upper ball joints and 2 inner tie rods all replaced at 48,600 miles in 2/02. New recall only covers 2000-2004 dakotas when it is obvious that the 1999 model should also be covered. Reimbursement from chrysler for parts/labor/alignment at $806 for defective parts should be expected.
1999 Dodge Dakota suspension complaints
Page 5 of 13: complaints 101 to 130 of 342, newest first, as owners wrote them.
The consumer experienced problems with the upper ball joints as well as having to replace the upper control arms on both sides. The owner took the vehicle to the dealer and had the services performed. Provide further details.
The consumer owns a 99 dodge dakota 4x4 which has the same upper ball joint problem as the 2000-2003 models. The consumer wants to know why the 1999 model was excluded. *bf *nm *sc the consumers vehicle had 35k miles on it at the time of failure. *tc
The consumer owns a 1999 dodge dakota 4x4 which had the same ball joint failure as the other models recalled. The consumer wants to know why the 1999 models were excluded from the recall. *bf *sc the consumer was told that the failure was do to normal wear and tear. *tc jb
The consumer would like to know why the ball joint recall did not include the 1999 dakaota which had the same problem. The consumer believes the scope ofe the recall should be expanded. *bf *nm *sc *tc
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. *bf *nm nar - see response to odi no. 10109594 *jls
3 different mechanics told me that my ball joints were about to decay and possibly make my wheels collapse. I had to get them replaced after hearing and reading about other 1999 dakota problems and dangers with the ball joints.
The right front tire completely wore from the inside. The vehicle was taken to dealer for a front end alignment, and the upper ball joints were found to be defective.*ak
Dodge dakota 1999 ball joints failed and had to be replaced. Consumer wants to know why wouldn't a recall be issued on the 98 -99 not just the 2000-2005 models. *bf the consumer stated that the manifold bolts snapped off in the engine compartment and they needed to be removed.
Dodge dakota 1999 ball joints failure. Consumer wants to know why wouldn't a recall be issued on the 97-99 like for the 2000-03 models, for the durango/dakota's. *bf the consumer stated the upper and lower ball joints were replaced twice on the passenger side and has failed again.
"recall campaign 04v596000" concerning ball joints: consumer stated the ball joints disintegrated completely. Consumer contacted the dealership and manufacturer. However, the problem still exists.
We have a 1999 dodge dakota that was riding rough. After driving another vehicle, and then driving the dakota you would notice that the smoothness was gone, and when going over any uneven pavement or bumpy roads you really had to grip the steering wheel to have control. Took the vehicle in for inspection and ended up having the upper and lower ball joints replaced. The vehicle had 44,000 miles on it. The replacement took care of the problem with an out of pocket cost of $633.00.
The consumer experienced "a" frame and upper ball joint problems. The manufacturer reimbursed the consumer for the parts but not the labor. *nm *sc
The upper ball joints are wearing out prematurely and need to be replaced. The cause has yet to be determined. *ak......the truck wa sonly driven on road, very low mileage for ball joint failure. 150 other complaints in the federal safety agency data base on same issue.
1. Front suspension making clunking noises. Tires cupping. Steering felt loose. . I didnt allow the failure to occur. . Replaced upper and lower ball joints.
I believe the ball joints on my 1999 dodge dakota 5.2l v8 were defective. I had alignment problems and was told the ball joints were bad (both upper and lower) and needed replacement. Had I not gotten this fixed, the wheel may have eventually fallen off, resulting in injury or even death. The vehicle had approximately 54,500 miles on it at the time and the ball joints were replaced on 12-01-04. I believe that the recall already in effect for dodge durango and dakotas 2000-2005, should be extended back to at least to1999, as they are likely using the same defective parts.
Upper ball joint bad after less than 61,000 miles on my 1999 dodge dakota. There was no crash or injury as a result.
Consumer heard a clicking noise when making turns and at low speeds, making it difficult to control vehicle. Consumer took vehicle to dealer for upper ball joints repairs twice.
All four ball joints were replaced. However, the problem recurred. Contacted dodge, and was not willing to assist the consumer with fixing the vehicle. *ak...mechanic notified consumer that one of the upper ball joints was defective to the point the wheel was in danger of breaking off at the ball joint.
1999 dodge dakota with 27355 miles - front wheels about to fall off, had to replace upper ball joints - cost to me at the dealer was $484.38. I am the original owner and purchased the vehicle new. I think it's absurd to have to have ball joints replaced with those few miles - have never had to have that done with other vehicles owned with more mileage. I think the manufacturer should have replaced faulty items at no cost to the owner. Front wheels susceptible to falling off - I think would be a major concern to the manufacturer and the federal safety agency.
Consumer took vehicle to the dealer for annual maintenance, and was told that the upper ball joints/idle arm , and tie rod ends were defective.
Vehicle experienced problems with the upper and lower ball joints. Consumer had the vehicle inspected, and discovered that both the upper and lower ball joints split. Both the upper and lower ball joints were replaced. Later, consumer contacted the manufacturer, who informed consumer that this vehicle was not recalled due to VIN.
Consumer complained about upper ball joint problem. After hearing noise consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, and was informed that the ball joints were busted and needed immediate replacement. The service technician stated that he never saw ball joints in that condition before. *ak .....
Is the 1999 going to be included on the ball joint recall? I allready replaced one,, now I got another going out. Replaced tires on the front twice.
Dodge dealer advised me that upper ball joints on my 1999 dodge dakota 4wd were dry and needed replacement. The truck had 18562 miles. Having already seen the cbs special , I knew there would eventually be a recall. The recall is for 2000-2003. My 1999 has the same problem. It now has 23505 miles, with the same dry ball joints in need of replacement.
Front end wear causing erratic handling and excessive tire wear. Replaced all four ball joints (upper and lower) on 3/1/2004 at a cost of $777.14. Excess tire wear reduced useful life of front tires by 20,000 miles. Replaced tires on 12/31/2004 at a cost of $547.09.
I have had my upper and lower ball joints replaced a few times under warrenty along with the intermediate steering shaft ! Always replaced with the same factory part prone to failure !at $100.00 deductable per incident along with the cost of a front end alignment after each repair (not covered) - and now my extended warrenty is up and it will cost me more for the privledge to own this useless truck !
Have stayed updated on tune-ups and keeping truck running, got new tires nov. 24, 2004 from leschuab. On dec. 1 2004, I was hit on the front end driver side. Took truck in for reapirs, and found out that ball joints were extremely worn.
Complaint received via e-mail." a month after purchase (10/25-02) I had a ball joint failure on the passenger side, it literally fell apart. I contacted dodge several times and took it to dodge for a diagnostics test and they said the ball joint was bad but would not fix it. They said that the warranty only covered the drive chain and o well. I had a mechanic fix it - not dodge. Here it is a year later and the other ball joint is starting to fall apart. The upper radius arm bushings are too close to the engine and heat causes the bushing to dry rot allowing space, the ball joints cannot handle the movement and collapse. The 1999 dodge trucks are not in the recall, why ? This model came out in 1997 I believe that all of them have this problem and it is a defect. One month ago I went to tate dodge and asked the mechanic if he knew of any other trucks with this problem or if they had to do a lot of front end repairs, he lied. He said I don't know anything and I haven't heard of one yet. A week later the recall came out. I notified dodge of my problems back in 2002, I bet a lot of accidents would have been nullified if they had listened."
Consumer complained about steering problems. He took the vehicle to dealer to be serviced, and it was determined that the vehicle had damaged ball joints. Consumer was aware of recall on dodge dakota and durango 2000-2003.
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