We have a 2002 dodge dakota and a 2007 dodge caliber that both have severe front end problems. The vehicles both shake uncontrollably, especially when hitting a bump or applying the brakes. We've tried to get this fixed but chrysler says there is nothing wrong. A mechanic told us its our rotors but we've had them turned and have had the rotors on the truck replaced twice. It affects the braking speed and it is difficult to keep control of the steering wheel while braking and while driving in the rain. I know others have had this problem, is it going to take someone getting injured or killed to fix it?
2002 Dodge Dakota suspension complaints
Page 2 of 9: complaints 11 to 40 of 226, newest first, as owners wrote them.
While driving my 2002 dodge dakota 55 miles per hour I was thrown to the left pushed on brake pedal and the truck shot right when I got out the front rotors were red hot and smoking truck would not move had it towed home where it still sits I thank god I was not killed or hurt or killed some one else come to find out this is a common problem with this truck and to try and repair it that it will only return.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
As a 2002 dodge dakota owner, I have had the upper ball joints replace once out of my own pocket and once at the dealership. I have received my refund. My chief complaint is the fact that when the dealership replaced my upper ball joints they failed to inform me that my lower ball joints also had excessive/unacceptable movement and needed to be replaced. I have also had to replace my rotors and brakes for the third time and I only have 72,000 miles. I don't do any off-roading either. I believe that the upper ball joints caused my lower ball joints to go bad as well in addition to causing the replacement of my rotors and brakes.
Dt*: the contact stated while backing up at 10 MPH the driver side front wheel detached. The dealership and manufacturer was alerted. They determined it was a lower ball joint failure, however no repairs were made.
I owe a 2002 dodge dakota and had a recall for upper ball joint that was repaired by merrick dodge in merrick ny. The dealer advised me that the way they do the recall an alignmentwas not necessary. I was informed by chrysler that a toe alignment was required. This recal was done in january 2005. The new tires that were installed in november of 2004 have excessive wear on the inner edges of both front tires evenly. The alignment was never done or done improperly and the dealership refuses to correct or even address said issue. All I ask is a front end alignment so that the tires will wear in a safe and correct manner.
2002 dodge dakota starting making clunking sound when turning. Had received recall letter for upper ball joints. Upon bringing to dealer, was told both lower and upper ball joints needed replacement. Seems like this is common based on what I have read online. We have also had transmission replaced and goodyear tires split. All of these complaints are posted on this website. 99.9% will never buy another dodge. We now have 2. Previous service department interactions stopped me from buying a dodge in june of 2005 so I purchased a nissan.
Ever since this truck was new it feels as though some component in the front end suspension is loose, I can feel it through the steering column. Five trips to the dealer to find and correct the problem have resulted in: nothing out of specs on the first visit; replaced the front shocks on the second visit; replaced the rack and pinion assembly on the third visit; replaced the upper ball joints on the fourth visit; and aligned the steering column on the fifth visit. Looking though the consumer complaint section I found many other consumers with the same exact complaint with their dakota trucks.
2002 dodge dakota right front wheel bearings and the hub needed to be replaced.*mr the consumer experienced intermittent problems with the air conditioner. Hot spot on the front rotors caused pulsation when braking. The vehicle's transmission made noise and intermittent delayed shifting. The right front hub and bearing were replaced. The right front outer tie rod end was replaced. The left front upper ball joint was replaced.
Dt: the consumer was upset that after the recall work was done the dealer recommended a full alignment, but chrysler will only pay for one third. Specially, chrysler will only pay for the tow in adjustment, after ball joint replacement. The recall was 04v596000. The tow in adjustment was not affected as much as the other camber and caster. The recall work was done on the truck. The owner was looking at a charge of about $60.00 that should be covered by the recall. The vehicle would have control issues without the alignment, which would be the owner's expense.
Thought I would "buy american" and get the dodge dakota 4 dr crew. Love its style, comforts, more power than I need (4.7l v8) 2wd has no traction in snow or ice. Very easy to drive and comfortable 6ft.2 220lbs.(2 trips nj to calif.) gas mileage stinks...13-18mpg, no loads. Brake rotors replaced 28k, left top ball joint worn (no recall yet)A/C needed charging, right front hub and bearings replaced 49k, rear leaf spring noisy, transmission hesitation occasionally. Great truck to drive and haul but reliability really in question with only 49k. Probably back to nissan or toyota.
Multiple suspension component failures please reopen investigations into dodge dakota/durango products. Stabilizer bushings have been replaced three times, upper ball joints failed and were replaced, steering input shaft failed and replaced once.
I love this vehicle, however will join the masses reporting a failed upper ball joint at 55,000 miles, 3 sets of warped front brake discs and lack of proper braking for the ABS system.
Daimlerchrysler motor corporation p.o. Box 21-8004 auburn hills, mi 48321-8004 attention: quality assurance my dodge presently has 49,200 miles. It has been serviced at recommended and required intervals at manahawkin dodge approximately every 3,000 miles. Early into my ownership I had intermittent trouble with the air conditioner and they tried to assess the problem. They did a recharge of the system and corrected the problem. I was told at 28998 miles that the "pulsing" when my brakes were applied was due to "hot spots" on my front rotors. When I inquired as to how this could happen to a relatively new truck that is used as a personal transportation vehicle I was told they really "did not know but have had to replace others." it is noted that I never had to replace rotors on my previous nissans. That ended up costing me $393. I began hearing a noise in the transmission and intermittent delayed shifting into gear resulting in the transmission being serviced which included changing filters, lubricant, etc. I was also told that my upper ball joint was worn and replaced one side only. This I subsequently learned has been a problem for some dodge vehicles and I have since received a letter from daimlerchrysler regarding an extended warranty on the part. Today I was told that I had play in the right front ball bearing and the hub needed a total replacement. Along with that a strut had to be replaced and an alignment once it was completed. When I asked how axle bearing could go bad with this low a mileage I was told that the hub is sealed and no way to lubricate and that it should not have gone bad. In addition, I have a noisy left leaf spring that needs a part. The cost for the front hub is over $600. I rarely get over 16 miles per gallon even I the best driving conditions. Sincerely, charles w. Stauffer cc: the federal safety agency nj division consumer affairs file
Mechanic detected failing ball joint, front right I was informed condition could fail, and vehicle could be dangerous to drive had mechanic repair defetive ball joint. Chrysler refused warentee, as their dealership did not repair defect.
Consumer received a manufacturer's recall notice d47 for upper ball joints .*ak the dealer had the parts but refused to do the work stating they could only do 1 or 2 repairs a day and were booked until end of june. *bf
While driving 30 MPH the front driver's side upper ball joints failed. As a result, the front end collapsed, owner had the vehicle towed to his home. A recall was issued, and consumer stated he has been waiting for two months for repair. Please provide additional information.
Rear leaf springs deteriorated. Consumer was concerned that while driving the leaf spring could fall apart, and the rear end will lose control. Dealer stated there was no solution at this time.
Consumer received recall 04v596000 concerning upper ball joints. While driving 10 MPH suddenly the right front wheel came off, causing the vehicle to strike the ground. Vehicle sustained front end damage. The police arrived, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the consumer made contact with his insurance company. It was discovered later there was a recall for the upper ball joints. Currently, the insurance company was not filing the consumer's claim. Consumer contacted the manufacturer, who sent an independent contractor to examine the vehicle, and consumer heard nothing from the manufacturer since then.
Recall campaig 04v596000 was received for the upper ball joint wear. Consumer took the vehicle to dealer for the repairs, and discovered that the lower ball joints were also defective.
No parts were available for recall d47 concerning ball joints. *ak as of 2/20/05 the dealer still had no parts and was unable to tell the consumer when the parts would become available.
The recall for the upper ball joints have been issued, however the dealer states the parts were unavailable. The consumer has been waiting since december. Please provide additional information.
Re 2002 dodge dakota truck that makes a noise in the front because of defective ball joints. Consumer inquiring why she have not rec'd a recall letter. *bf
The federal safety agency recall campaign 04v596000; daimler chrysler issued an upper ball joint recall. This vehicle was included in the recall, but there were no available parts in order to do recall repairs. This was dangerous because the wheels could fall off.
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