I own a 2001 dodge dakota quad cab 4x4 sle that we purchased new. In the last 6 months, and with only 49000 miles on the truck currently, the following failures have occurred: (1) (from february 2004 to present) the factory-installed external wiring harness (for towing a trailer) melted from the inside out, shorting out the electrical system. (2) brakes would pulsate anytime brakes were applied. Dealer attributed this to warping of rotors and replaced pads and turned the rotors. Dealer noted a spring on driver-side caliper was missing and replaced it as well. (3) the heater/AC controls failed. (4) went for state inspection and inspector failed truck due to failure of upper ball joints and brakes. The same brakes I just had fixed in february. Premature failure of ball joints attributed to "typical problem for dakotas/durangos". Well if it's typical, why isn't there a recall?? The dealer had no answers. Failure was a result of calipers not releasing properly causing the rotors and brake pads to "glaze". Dealer opted to pick up the tab for the new rotors and the new pads, only at my request. The new calipers and brake lines still cost me $800. Again I'm wondering why I'm paying for so much on a truck that is only 3 years old with only 49000 miles. (5) unknown problem at startup when engine is cold. Pressing the accelerator causes the engine to sputter. Problem exists until engine is warm then goes away. Two dodge dealerships and neither can figure out the problem as there is no computer error code coming up. All items mentioned were paid for by me unless otherwise specified. Had any of these issues been a result of negligence, or lots of mileage, or had the dodge dealership(s) opted to pay for items that were the obvious result of poor craftsmanship, I wouldn't complain. But, the failures relating to the brakes could quite possibly have resulted in an accident which risks my life and that of my wife, and dodge doesn't seem to care.
2001 Dodge Dakota suspension complaints
Page 5 of 9: complaints 101 to 130 of 236, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Consumer heard a loud bang from under the vehicle, after loading the back of the vehicle consumer examined the under side of the vehicle ,and noticed nothing was wrong. After a second examination of the vehicle consumer found that the rear spring broke in half. Dealer examined the problem, but will not repair it for free. *ak
While driving through a parking lot and making a left hand turn the right upper ball joint disengaged. Vehicle was moving about 5 MPH at time of incident.
At 42,000 miles the front wheel hub assembly failed. As a result, while driving driver's side tire bounced up and down. Also, a grinding noise was produced at slow speeds. The dealer stated tire loosened on the axle.
My pick-up passed virginia state vehicle safety inspection on 28 of may 2004. On june 9, I was driving home on a bumpy road and the upper right ball joint separated.
2001 dodge dakota had many problems with the drive train and brakes.*mr the consumer heard a clunking noise when shifting from park to drive, reverse, etc. The rear tire on the right side stuck out from the vehicle. The driveshaft seemed to have alot o slack in it. There was a popping noise in the front end when making sharp slow turns. There was a whining noise in the steering and rear end when turning. The vehicle was taken tot he dealer but they were unable to duplicate the problems. The brake, rotors, calipers had to be replaced between 55-8000 miles.
Upper and lower ball joints need to be replaced at 20,000 miles. Known issue on dodge durangos that share the same suspension components. Not covered under warranty and a definite safety hazard. Ball joints are the only thing holding the wheels in line and failure could result in a severe accident.
Premature ball joint failure.
2001 dodge dakota has been diagnosed with bad ball joints. *mr
While driving 35 MPH consumer heard a knocking sound coming from the front. Consumer had the vehicle serviced, and was informed that the ball joints needed to be replaced.
Front wheel bearings failed at 50,000 miles.*ak there was a whining noise while driving at low speeds. The vehicle was taken on a test drive and the noise could be heard from the left front bearing. The technician determined that there was play in the left front wheel bearing. The hub and bearing were replaced. Four months later there was a humming noise when turning left. The technician found play in the right front wheel bearing. The technician replaced the right front wheel bearing.
While making left or right turns consumer heard a popping noise. Consumer had the vehicle serviced by a technician, who determined that the front axle was defective, but failed to fix it until it would be recalled. A few months later, while driving 60 MPH consumer heard a popping sound again. Vehicle slid sideways and crashed into a tree. Vehicle was totaled.
Consumer experienced problems with the upper ball joints on is 2001 dodge dakota 4x4 quad cab. *ph the ball joints were replaced but the front end noise returned after a few weeks. The consumer believes that the front suspension is not designed or the extra weight that it carries over the standard or extra cab models.
Upper ball joints wore out. Dealer stated the parts were on back order and not available.
While driving 55 MPH, a clanking noise was heard coming front both sides of the vehicle. The driver was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic determined the passenger side upper ball joint needed replacing due to worn out parts. *ak the sway bar squeaked. The broken seal caused the ball joints to dry. *sc
Ball joints have failed after 29,000 miles. I brought it to the dealership twice complaining of the problem. They told me that there was not a problem and did not fix it. I took the truck to another mechanic he determined that it was a ball joint issue. The vehical is now out of warrantee, and I am affaid that the dealership is going to ask me to pay for the fix. I am waiting for the dealership to contact me.
Local dodge dealer service dept informed me today that most likely ball joints on my 2001 dodge dakota probally need to be replaced. With less than 30000 miles this is unbelieveable. Jwk
Upper ball joint and left right tie rod end failure. *ph
The consumer was concerned with the upper ball joints incidents and how to "fix" the problem. *ph
I took my 2001 dodge dakota quad cab to a dealer to check a noise coming from the front end of my vehicle. They informed me that my upper and lower ball joints were wearing down and that I could loose the tires on my vehicle while driving. My complaint is based on the fact that all four ball joints should not need to be replaced on a vehicle until at least 100,000 miles. From my research this is an obvious problem that needs correction in these models.
I have a 2001 dodge dakota quad cab 4x4 and had the passenger side upper ball joint fail (luckly I was having my mechanic change the oil) when he said that the upper ball joint simply fell out. I think that dodge should have made owners aware of this problem rather than cause injuries to consumers. Also why is it that you cannot purchase a replacement ball joint from dodge (you must purchase the whole upper control arm assembly?)
A continuous "clunk" in the front left suspension which the consumer was told was the ball joints. *ph the left side was at "380 degree" and the oe specific was "0," and needed to be replaced. A non dealer told the consumer that the original design was poor.
While driving, the front of the truck began to shake along with a noise. The consumer inspected the front and noticed the passenger side tire had come off. The consumer was able to pull the entire tire off with his hands because the ball joint had failed. *jb.
Found out that my front wheel bearings are both going out. This vehicle only has 42,000 miles.
Front end felt loose and the steering wheel shook. Vehicle was inspected by a dealer, who determined that upper and lower ball joints were worn out and must be replaced.
2001 dodge dakota has never held it's alighnment since it was bought brand new. When we heard the report on cbs news about ball joint problems on this type of vehicle, and checked in internet about same problem we became very alarmed. I took the truck in again to see what was wrong with it and had them check the ball joints just in case. They said it has problem, and we are not the only customers with this problem on this year or type of truck. The dealer can not get the ball joints in because they are on back order, too much demand. There is not a recall as of yet. This truck has had a problem since we bought it that keeps it from holding an alighnment. There are other cases of problems with this type of truck, and durangos (use the same ball joint). The company does not want to face the problem. I believe that an investagation should be done on these trucks before someone is hurt or killed. I also believe that many cases of the problem were not reported, they were probley just fixed or traded off. I am useing the most recent date only to be able to preceed.
Premature ball joint damage @ 32,000 miles had the ball joint replaced before any damage could be done.... Thats to the news report on other dodge dakota ball joint failuers.
Upper ball joint failure on my dodge dakota, at 18500 miles.
I have a 2001 dodge dakota 2wd. I have a popping noise coming from the front end of my vehicle when making turns. I had the local dodge dealership look into this for me and they say the source of my problems is the upper control a-arms. Since my warranty has expired, they can not service my truck.
Upper ball joints failed. As a result, the front wheels wobbled back and forth.
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