2002 Dodge Dakota: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Jul 16, 2013 · Brakes, Steering · 20,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge dakota. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH both front tires locked up and the steering became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician replaced the brakes and upper ball joints. The failure continued to occur after the vehicle was repaired. The technician stated that the front calipers had to be replaced. The contact stated the vehicle was repaired four times. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.

Filed Aug 22, 2012 · Steering, Suspension · 139,836 miles · OH

Pulling out of driveway and the bottom of the control arm broke free letting the wheel come free from the vehicle.....

Filed Oct 13, 2011 · Suspension · 66,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge dakota. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH he heard a clicking sound near the front suspension on the drivers side. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic who was unable to identify the problem. The contact noticed the federal safety agency campaign id number 04v596000 (suspension:front:control arm:upper ball joint) and called the manufacturer. The manufacturer stated due to the VIN the vehicle was not a part of the recall. The contact stated the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The failure mileage was 66,000.

Filed Nov 18, 2010 · Suspension · IL

I am a owner of a 2002 dodge dakota sport. 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. Excessive wear in the upper ball joint may allow it to separate, which could result in loss of control of the vehicle. Whole front end is messed up.

Filed Oct 13, 2008 · Suspension · 7,000 miles · CA

Since I've purchased this vehicle, about six months into driving it, I began experiencing front end problems with the control arms & ball joints. I've had it back to the dealer(big valley dodge) at least 10 times(@75.00 a visit) for them to repair/replace the ball joints/control arm. Now it's no longer under warranty and will cost $1500.00-$2500.00 from different quotes I received. I can no longer enjoyably drive the vehicle. And I can't even drive it on the freeway as the whole front-end shakes the entire truck above 50mph. Please help me. I love everything about the truck otherwise. I just want dodge to be responsible and fix their problem. They made a recall for the 4x4, why not the 2x4 with a very similar issue. Please help! This is not fair. Out of all the new trucks I could have bought, I had to buy the one with a problem the manufacture refuses to acknowledge, everyone I've talked to with the same truck from similar years (2000-2003) says they have the same problem. Please help! Also, front tires become excessively worn on the outside to where I have to replace at least once a year when I drive 10000-12000 miles a year(ridiculous). Please help!

Filed Jul 28, 2008 · Suspension · 125,000 miles · GA

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge dakota. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact would sporadically hear a loud squeaking noise. He took the vehicle to the dealer for a routine alignment and tire rotation. Upon inspection, a technician stated that the lower ball joints had severe wear and movement, and needed to be replaced. He also stated that the rubber grommets supporting the tie rods failed and created a metal to metal condition, which created a squeaking noise. The components have not been replaced. The failure mileage was 125,000 and current mileage was 128,000. Updated 09/10/08 *bf the upper ball joints were replaced as well. Updated 09/16/08.

Filed Oct 1, 2007 · Suspension · 84,000 miles · TX

2002 dodge dakota upper ball joint failure. It seems that the recall under the federal safety agency campaign id #04v596000 only covered four-wheel drive (4x4) vehicles but the same problem exist on two-wheel drive vehicles also. My vehicle has 84,000 miles and both ball joints need replacing. The replacement part is the same on both two or four wheel drives.

Filed Sep 13, 2007 · Brakes · 21,700 miles · NJ

After only 5 years and less than 22,000 miles, the front hydraulic brake lines from the frame to the caliper failed from intense rusting while the vehicle was on the road. Avoidance of a serious accident was only a matter of luck. The intense rust rate in the forward wheel well also caused brake pad release failures which caused increasing continuous drag and overheating of the brake and wheel assembly. No observation of the problem by dealer during ball joint recall work just 9 months prior to failure. Owner replaced hydraulic lines on both sides. Owner is now concerned with possible failure of front suspension components due to unusual rust rates.

Filed Feb 9, 2007 · Suspension · 73,000 miles · KS

The ball joints on the dakota series p/u are a chronic problem. I bought an '02 dakota 4x4 with 70k and immediately noticed noise and a loose feeling from the front end. I verified the ball joint recall had been completed. When I went to have it aligned, I learned that all four of my ball joints are bad, including the top two that had been replaced already. While researching the problem I came across this site, http://www.dodgedakotas.com/boards/dea/140-1.html, which is a dakota forum, with numerous complaints exactly the same as mine. Dodge needs to be held accountable for its failure to use quality components. Consumers should not be spending $600 every year to keep their vehicles aligned on the road.

Filed Dec 17, 2006 · Suspension · 52,000 miles · NC

Upper ball joints worn out at 52,00 miles. Went for tire change and front end alignment and found problem. Had extended warranty but did not cover. Am waiting for part at the cost of about $600.00 to replace.

Filed Nov 23, 2006 · Engine, Fuel system · 50,000 miles · OK

I have had several alarming failures with my dodge dakota quad cab. It is a 2002 v6 auto transmission pw pl. I have had the ball joints replaced because of the recall, my transmission has failed (twice), my front hubs & spindles completely disintegrated and could have killed my family, my water pump has failed and had to be replaced, the driver side taillight seems to fail often, the vacuum hoses have all had to be replaced because of the cheap rubber used by the manufacturer fail by cracking and causing all sorts of leaks causing engine lights, loud noises under the hood, and horrible gas mileage. I have done everything possible to be proactive in my maintenance of the vehicle. I have had the major repairs done professionally. I do not understand how a 2002 vehicle can have so many potentially fatal problems and be ignored. I have searched high and low for quality bulletins but cannot find anything. My gas mileage is now down to 14 mpg and the truck is falling apart.

Filed Sep 1, 2006 · Suspension · 43,000 miles · AZ

2002 dodge dakota quad cab both upper and lower control arm bushings failed on both sides. *kb the consumer stated she heard a noise every time she went over bump. When the vehicle was taken to a local garage, they could not find a problem. Finally, after not being able to take the noise any longer, the consumer took the vehicle to another establishment where they discovered the problem.