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.
2000 Dodge Dakota suspension complaints
Page 2 of 11: complaints 11 to 40 of 282, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Consumer complaint regarding upper ball joint recall (04v-596000)that caused possible collision and death of passenger. *ts
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.
2000 dodge dakota recall #119667 (upper ball joint replacement). I took my vehicle in to get the recall performed and I was told I needed to pay for an alignment to set caster, they are telling me that the toe adjustment is included in the recall but not the caster, dodge customer service agrees with them. I have been in the business of repairing cars for 18 years and 99% of vehicles that have upper ball joints replaced need a caster adjustment. Dodge needs to include this in the recall and give the people that have paid for this adjustment their money back.
Dt: the contact owns a 2000 dodge dakota. The consumer stated that he had the recall work done for the upper ball joints and that after the recall work was done the vehicle pulled to the right. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who indicated the vehicle needed a front end alignment which would cost $60. The consumer indicated that he did not have a problem with the vehicle's alignment before the recall work was done. *nm
2000 dodoge dakota - immediate, catastophic failue of upper ball joint. Vehicle operated fine just days before then suddenly loud clunkomg and steering pull to the right. Tandard auto parts houses do not carry the proper parts - citing dodge says you must replace the entire lower control arm.
No parts were available for recall campaign 04v596000. Concerning ball joints. Lithi dodge, 425‑255‑7220. *ak *sc
Consumer received recall 04v596000 concerning ball joint wear in december 2004. Consumer contacted 3 dealerships, and was told that they could not get the parts.
While servicing vehicle for the federal safety agency recall campaign 04v596000 concerning upper ball joints it was determined that inner tie rods were bad due to wear.
While the vehicle was at the repair shop for a front end alignment, the mechanic informed the consumer that the upper and the lower ball joints needed to be replaced. *jb consumer believe 2 wheel drive and 4 wheel drive dodge dakota trucks have the same front ball joints, therefore repairs should be paid for under the current recall. *bf
The vehicle would make a whining noise while driving 30 MPH or more. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop. The mechanic informed the consumer that the differential unit needed to be replaced. The consumer stated this would be the forth replacement within a year. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified. *jb dealer however. There is vibration at 40 MPH. Tires and suspension inspected, no problem found. Engine hard to start following overheating. Dealer found no condition that merits a repair.
' recall campaign' issued for 2000 dodge dakota 4x4 for upper ball joints, parts not available. *bf recall# 04v596000. *sc
The federal safety agency recall campaign 04v596000; daimler chrysler issued an upper ball joint recall. This vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN, but the front right tire fell off at 55 MPH.
Consumer was a part of a recall for the ball joint. He contacted the dealer, and was told there were no parts. Was told he would be placed on a list. Please provide any further information.
Dodge dakota 2000 consumer states vehicle shakes when brakes are applied. *bf the consumer took the vehicle to the dealer because he heard about a recall on the dodge dakota. The dealer explained that the recall was for 4x4 vehicle's only.
'recall campaign' dodge dakota 2000, consumer replaced ball joints . *bf the consumer was notified by phone that he would be reimbursed for the ball joints which failed. The tie rods also had to be replaced and consumer feels he should be reimbursed for that as well.
A loud clanking noise started coming from the rear of the vehicle. The driver also noticed that the vehicle would sway from left to right on its own. The consumer was able to drive to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the suspension needed replacement due to wear and tear. Please provide additional information.
All the balljoints on my 2000 dodge dakota quad cab 2wd with 51,000 miles, have gone bad. The lowers I replaced because there was no recall or notice of extended warranty. While replacing the lowers, one the the dust boots fell off the upper ball joint on the passenger side. I then inspected the boot to find that there was dried grease(flaky) and the balljoint was extremely easy to rotate by hand. I then realized that the boot should not have been able to come off on its own. So I called two local dodge dealerships and explained the issue. They explained that even though the boot came off(and did confirm it should not have), and that the grease maybe dried out, that they would not replace the balljoint until it actually has play in it. Now I know that without grease, the balljoint will wear out faster, and that these have already been an issue. I am really concerned that they do not want to correct the problem before it becomes dangerous. I do have high resolution pics of the balljoint described above. Thanks.
The federal safety agency recall 04v596000 concerning ball joint wear. Consumer contacted the dealer, and was informed that the next available appointment would be may 07, 2005. *ak
While pulling inside of the parking lot, the vehicle started to vibrate. The noticed that the driver and passenger wheel failed to move on its own. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the consumer that the upper and lower ball joints and tie rod needed to be replaced. Please fill in additional information.
Recall campaign 04v596000 concerning ball joint wear. Unable to get the dealer to honor the recall. Consumer stated, it has been over three months.
While driving 30 MPH the upper ball joints failed. As a result, the steering also failed, causing the vehicle to crash into a guard rail. No injuries reported.
The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the upper ball joint recall. The mechanic replaced the upper ball joint and informed the driver that both lower ball joints needed to be replaced due to the parts being dective please provide further details.
Dealer has not had parts for three weeks. This is for the federal safety agency's recall # 04v596000 regarding ball joints.
On the evening of november 4, 2004, the right front tire assembly of my 2000 dodge dakota pickup truck fell off. My 17 year old son was making a right turn into the driveway of a friend's home when he heard a loud bang. When he got out of the truck he found the right front-end of the truck resting on the wheel assembly. The following morning, the truck was towed to a local repair shop that I use for car maintenance and repair. Upon arrival at the repair shop, the shop owner told me that the upper ball joint had failed. As a result of the failure, the lower ball joint and outer tie rod were also damaged and had to be replaced. Based upon the mileage on the truck, the shop owner told me that the ball joint should not have failed. Total cost to repair the upper and lower ball joint and the outer tie rod was $595.67.
I have had wobbling on the freeway and had to replace both upper ball joints and one lower one to get the problem corrected. My 2000 4x2 dakota only has 45,000 miles on it and I replaced the first joint at 38,000. I have sent a letter to chrysler requesting reimbursement for parts and labor and am awaiting a response.
I own a 1999 dodge dakota 4x4 which has the same problem as the 2000-2003 ball joints problems. Consumer wants the vehicle to be included in the recall. *bf the front end felt loose with shaking and clunking noises. The consumer was informed that the ball joints were bad and needed to be replaced. This problem caused damage to the front end. The consumer requested reimbursement. Recall campaign 04v596000 *sc
The state vehicle inspection station was inspecting the vehicle. The inspector informed the consumer that the vehicle failed the inspection because both upper ball joints needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified, and informed the consumer that this vehicle was not covered under that recall.
The upper ball joints wore out prematurely on the passenger's side.
While driving 20 MPH front passenger side wheel separated. Dealer stated the upper ball joints failed.
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