Tl* the contact owns 2000 dodge dakota equipped with cooper tires, tire line: futura, tire size: 275/75/r15. The contact stated that the tires were very loud while driving. The contact stated he took the tires to pepboys (7725 w newberry rd, gainesville, fl 32606, (352)332-6003) to be inspected. The contact was informed that the wheel bearings were faulty and needed to be replaced. The tires were not replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 235,100.
2000 Dodge Dakota suspension problems
282 complaints (35% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 50,000. 16 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 282
- of this car's complaints
- 35%
- typical mileage
- 50,000
- crashes
- 16
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Front: control arm: upper ball joint207
- Front: control arm: lower ball joint97
- Front20
- Front: control arm: upper arm5
- Front: control arm5
- Rear4
- Front: wheel bearing3
- Front: shock absorber3
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Dodge Dakota suspension problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2000 Dodge Dakota suspension
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint
- What is wrong
- On certain sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks equipped with four-wheel drive (4x4), if moisture leaks into the front suspension upper ball joint, evacuation of the lubricant and corrosion of the joint may cause the joint to wear over an extended period of time. This could cause a clunking noise in the front suspension, which may not always be heard by the vehicle occupants.
- Risk
- Excessive wear in the upper ball joint may allow it to separate, which could result in loss of control of the vehicle.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the front suspension upper ball joints. This safety improvement campaign began on december 21, 2004. Owners can contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 04V596000 · Recall details
Related investigations
Upper ball joint separation
Daimlerchrysler corporation (dcc) is recalling the target population of approximately 600,000 my 2000 through 2003 durango and dakota vehicles with four-wheel drive to replace the front suspension upper ball joints with redesigned parts that do not have the joint integrity concerns and have substantially improved joint retention capacity (the federal safety agency recall no. 04v‑596).though dcc does not admit to a safety-defect in the subject components, odi believes that the facts in this investigation show otherwise.because of the low rates of separation incidents in the remaining subject vehicles, a safety-related defect has not been identified in those populations and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that no safety-related defect exists in those vehicles.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.for additional information, see the attached closing report.
EA03023
What 2000 Dodge Dakota owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Bad rust issue to areas including front and rear bumber, the entire bed including mounting points, fenders, cab corners and frame. Lost fender flare twice due to rust and almost caused an accident the entire bed slid back and almost fell off and fenders and bumbers are basically rust and need replaced, wheel wells on bed are falling apart causing a safety issue if I haul anything
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 dodge dakota quad cab. While driving approximately 30 MPH the contact began to hear a squeaking noise and the steering wheel suddenly became loose. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop where they informed that the the steering wheel failure was related to the defective upper ball joints. The manufacturer was notified and the contact was advised the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with the federal safety agency campaign id number 04v596000 (suspension:front:control arm:upper ball joint). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 98,000 and the current mileage was 134,000.
The ball joints in 2000 dakotas were recalled on only the 4x4 models. I have a 2000 with 2 wheels drive. The manufacturer sent out a letter saying it was recalled, inspected it and said they were fine. That was at 50,000 miles. Now at 99,000 the ball joint disconnected from its unit, causing me to almost crash into a telephone pole. Manufacturer will not pay for towing to get seen, and will only replace the ball joint. Most of the suspension parts on the side of the defective ball joint were damaged.
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 dodge dakota. Whenever the contact turns the steering wheel while driving at any speed, the front end of the vehicle pops. She also hears a clanking noise in the front suspension. The contact took the vehicle to a repair shop and was informed of the federal safety agency campaign id number 04v596000 (suspension:front:control arm:upper ball joint). The failure mileage was 8,000.
Premature front wheel bearing failure: replaced left front wheel bearing at 72,026 miles; needs replacement again at 79,505 miles; 15 months later. (2000 dodge dakota: p/n: 52009528ae.
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 dodge dakota. The contact heard a clunking noise when he drove over a bump in the road. He noticed that the steering wheel was loose when he attempted to turn the vehicle. The dealer replaced the upper ball joint. The failure occurred immediately after the upper ball joint was replaced. The dealer performed a wheel alignment and stated that the front end was out of symmetry. The dealer stated that the lower ball joints needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the lower ball joints, rotors, calipers, and tires. However, the failure persists. The current mileage is 101,000 and failure mileage was 95,000.
Noise from engine compartment and vibration from steering wheel. Sounds as if power steering pump was low on fluid. Makes a load noise when steering became difficult to steer. Drove short distance to repair facility and was shocked that the high pressure hoses had split. Also the rack and pinion steering will have to be rebuilt if possible if not replaced. Also a boot was torn and has to be replaced. Work has not been started as I find it is necessary to get more than one estimate. The local garage wants in excess of $1200 for the repairs while the dealer wants over $2000. Approximately 12 months ago I had the upper ball joints replaced under warranty and had to get a front end alignment at an extra charge. No visual signs of wear was noticed.
I bought a 00 dakota r/t used not from a dealer in 2004. I had some alignment problems and took it to the dealer where the truck was originally purchased from. They said they needed to change some parts to align it which cost over $1000. About 1 1/2 years later it needed alignment again and now the alignment is still off. The wheels are fighting each other and there is a creaking sound when going over bumps and it also feels like there is no suspension at all. I have changed the shocks recently and it made no difference whatsoever.
Felt 'clunking' noises through steering wheel. During annual massachusetts vehicle inspection in august 2006 truck failed on front suspension test. Took to wcs automotive in rockland, ma. Mechanic determined both upper and lower ball joints on both right and left side required replacement. Total repair bill was $809.56. Old (original) parts no longer available.
Questions about the 2000 Dodge Dakota suspension
Does the 2000 Dodge Dakota have suspension problems?
Owners have filed 282 complaints about the suspension of the 2000 Dodge Dakota, 35% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2000 Dodge Dakota suspension problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 50,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2000 Dodge Dakota suspension?
Yes, 1 recall: 04V596000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Dodge Dakota have bad suspension?
The Dodge Dakota model years with the most suspension complaints are 1999 (342 complaints), 2000 (282 complaints) and 2001 (236 complaints).
Other 2000 Dodge Dakota problems
Brakes 263Transmission 74Steering 68Engine 58Airbags 29Visibility 25Tires 24Electrical 22Locks 16Acceleration 14Fuel system 14Wheels 14Body 9Seat belts 9Lights 5Seats 5
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