2000 Dodge Dakota: harsh or hard shifting

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 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 Apr 13, 2005 · Suspension · 85,000 miles · TX

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.

Filed Jan 19, 2005 · Steering · 36,000 miles · TN

Steering column develops clunk. Is most notable on braking and acceleration. Original column replaced at end of 36000 mi warranty period. New unit developed same problem after 12000 mi. Concerned that failure may cause binding in steering and loss of control.

Filed Jan 13, 2005 · Suspension · NH

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

Filed Dec 23, 2004 · Suspension · TN

Popping and clunking noise coming from front wheels (ball joints) when turning at low speeds. Reported to dealer several times, and was told "that's common, don't worry about it." I've been reporting it to then each time I bring the vehicle in for service over the last year and they never bothered once to inspect it. Now there is a potential recall, and I'm afraid my ball joints won't last till chrysler gets the recall campaign going and will cover the repair/replacemnt costs.

Filed Dec 4, 2004 · Suspension · 35,000 miles · FL

Subject vehicle: 2000 dodge dakota r/t, iles: 49000; usage: daily driver-city/hwy only; complaint: excessive upper ball joint play early failure. *ak at approximately 35,000 miles I noticed a slight clicking sound coming from the front right suspension. I lubed the front end using the appropriate tool and grease nipples but found that there was no fitting on the upper ball joint. The clicking sound progressed to clunking over the next 10000 miles and on inspection I found excessive play in the upper front suspension on both sides of the vehicle. The left side being the most egregious. In addition I started to notice wandering in the steering track of the vehicle at higher speeds. I focused my attention on the upper ball joint assembly's and have since replaced both. The symptom has cleared. I have had an assortment of problems with this vehicle this having the most potential for catastrophic failure. Your attention to this problem would be appreciated james daly

Filed Nov 5, 2004 · Steering, Suspension · DC

Heard a clunking noise from front end. Vehicle also shakes when apply brakes. *bf while driving over 65 MPH the front end of the vehicle shook as though it was misaligned or unbalanced. It also shook when the brakes were applied at speeds of 50 MPH or higher. The vehicle's wheels have been balanced, the steering aligned, the brakes and rotors have been replaced yet the problem recurs.

Filed Sep 8, 2004 · Suspension · 67,022 miles · NY

The upper control arm broke at 5 MPH. This caused the left front tire to cave in. Vehicle was towed to dealer, who replaced the upper control are on both sides. *ak on right hand turns, there was a clunk noise and the steering had become difficult. The tire collapsed in the wheel well. The control arm broke.

Filed Aug 2, 2004 · Suspension · 40,960 miles · NY · 1 injury

"clunking noise" coming from front of auto when driving over uneven surfaces/bumps. Front right wheel assembly detached from vehicle at upper ball joint. Lower ball joint remained attached. All four ball joints replaces. Right brake line replaced. Warned of damage to cv shaft, however dealer only replace outer cv boot

Filed May 6, 2004 · Suspension · 65,000 miles · MI

2000 quad cab 4 x 4 dakota. I bought the dakota used with 59,000 miles. Shortly after the front end began to squeak and clunk. A dealership diagnosised the problem to be the upper ball joints. This is aweful early to have ball joint failures. I had the ball joints replaced for $360. The service manager also informed me that daimlerchrysler is aware of the problem but will not issue a recall because they do not believe it to be a safety issue. If an upper ball joint fails, then it will seperate from the knuckle. The knuckle holds the wheel in place. So, if the ball joint fails there as high probability that the wheel will come off.

Filed May 2, 2004 · Suspension · 67,450 miles · MN

Had seen a news story regarding 2000 dodge dakota upper ball joint failures where front wheel would come off. I suspected mine were making clunking noises so I asked the dealer to check them at about 62,000 miles. I told them I had had heard of complaints/possible issues related to this problem. They indicated they were "ok". On may 2nd ( at ~67,000 miles), while jacking the front end up to check brakes and rotate tires, the upper ball joint completely dropped out of the socket on the front passenger side wheel. I consider myself very fortunate, this ball joint didn't pop out while driving. I am furious that chrysler hasn't recalled (that I am aware of), or at least sent out a service bulletin on this problem.