2000 Dodge Dakota: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed May 9, 2011 · Suspension · 98,000 miles · CA

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.

Filed Apr 24, 2009 · Suspension · 99,100 miles · NJ

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.

Filed Sep 4, 2008 · Suspension · 8,000 miles · ID

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.

Filed Jul 16, 2007 · Suspension · 95,000 miles · FL

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.

Filed May 4, 2007 · Steering · 57,400 miles · PA

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 dodge dakota quad cab. While driving 60 MPH, the contact experienced difficulty steering the vehicle. The mechanic stated that the rack and pinion, ball joints, and tire rod needed to be replaced. The mechanic performed the repair. Approximately four years later, the vehicle experienced the same failures. The current mileage is 85,100 and failure mileage was 57,400.

Filed Mar 2, 2007 · Steering, Suspension · 71,528 miles · WI

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.

Filed Jan 11, 2007 · Steering · 115,000 miles · UT

Truck started to pull to right upon mid-level braking. Was told brakes ok, tie rod ends bad/replaced, no change. Then told rack & pinion bad/replaced, slight change, still pulls to right, getting worse. Now 3 months later and after $400.00 in repairs, I go with a different shop, I was told brakes caliper bolts are stripping out. This causes the brake shoes to move when braking, binding, then pulling the steering wheel out of hands. Has also caused right tie-rod end to go bad again. The biggest danger is that upon braking the steering wheel turns to the right and I could lose control of the truck. Have been trying to find a good used steering knuckle and all the ones found have the same problem. The fix is, if caught soon enough, heli-coil new threads or replacing the steering knuckle ($415.00 part alone).

Filed Sep 21, 2006 · Suspension · 57,122 miles · MA

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.

Filed Aug 22, 2006 · Brakes, Suspension · 4,000 miles · IN

I own a 2000 dodge dakota 2wd. There are defective ball joints on the front end. There was a recall on 4wd dakotas, however, there has been no recall for the ball joints on the 2wd models. There was an "extended warranty" that was silently (as in I never knew there was an issue) on the ball joints on the 2wd models. I have had 6 years of continuous trouble with the front end of the vehicle (I bought it brand new 07/2000). As in I have replaced the rotors on the front end at least every 3 months for the first 18 months of owning it. I have had it aligned (front and rear alignments) over a half dozen times. All work done in the first 18 months was done at the dealer, who should have been, and probably was made aware of the issue. After 18 months of paying to fix the problem (out of my own pocket because dodge's warranty isn't worth the paper it's written on) I conceded defeat (and took the word of the dealer) that nothing was wrong, and there was nothing to worry about but maintaining the rotors and purchasing new tires ever 12-16 months. When made aware of the problem, dodge is unwilling to correct the defect. If no one has died, there is no problem. Let all buyers beware, safety is not always the most important issue.

Filed Apr 13, 2006 · Steering · 106,395 miles · IN

Dt*: the contact stated while backing out of an angled parking space, the passenger side tire would not turn. The contact determined the outer tie rod came apart. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and the contact repaired the vehicle. The manufacturer was alerted.

Filed Mar 30, 2006 · Suspension · MO · crash

Consumer complaint regarding upper ball joint recall (04v-596000)that caused possible collision and death of passenger. *ts

Filed Feb 13, 2006 · Brakes, Suspension · 110,000 miles · MN

2000 dodge dakota constant mechanical failure due to the type of rotors, brake pads, and ball joints they use. They use inferior products that do not last on a vehicle based on normal wear and tear. Have to constantly replace brake pads and rotors about every 20,000 miles. That is not acceptable. Dodge products from the earlier years really suck. I am not sure about the newest models such as 2004 and 2005.