2002 Dodge Dakota: harsh or hard shifting

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 Jan 10, 2006 · Suspension · 73,000 miles · LA

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.

Filed Aug 2, 2005 · Brakes, Suspension · NJ

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.

Filed May 25, 2005 · Brakes, Suspension · 28,000 miles · NJ

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

Filed Dec 12, 2004 · Suspension · IL

I have heard news that there may be a recall of dodge dakota trucks for reason of unsafe ball joints. I own a 2002 dodge dakota quadcab 4.7l two wheel drive truck. Since I bought the truck, I have heard a loud clunk noise when I turn a corner or go up a bump or driveway. This is not a normal noise on cars or trucks. For a truck that can haul heavy weight, this is not acceptable. I am always aware of the noise and know this is unsafe. Anytime you have metal making rubbing in such a manner, there is an obvious problem. I do not believe these vehicles are safe with parts that are not sound and durable for the weight of the vehicles. I ask that the two wheel dakota trucks also be considered for recall for more durable and safe ball joints and suspension parts. I do a lot of highway travel and when you pay thousands of dollars, you should not have to feel your wheel may fall off at any time.

Filed Nov 29, 2004 · Steering · 30,000 miles · CA

2002 - dodge dakota: truck mechanically sound when it comes to the engine. Recently had a tune-up & 27 point inspection @ 50,000 miles and was informed that the upper and lower ball joints need replacement and would cost about $1200.00 to fix. The dealers mechanic asked if I have been hear a "clunking" sound when making sharp turns. I advised the mechanic that this sound started happening around 30,000 miles but did not pay to much attention. I asked the dealership if it was common for this to happen so prematurely. No answer. Any recalls in the works. There seems to be may issues from others surrounding the balljoints!!! If I would have known about the additional cost of $1200.00 maybe I would not have considered purchasing the truck in the first place.*ak fp

Filed Nov 2, 2004 · Suspension · 35,000 miles · MN

Premature ball joint failure in 2002 dodge dakota 4x4. Ball joints where making clunking sound and were bad at 35000 but dealer refused to fix. Now when I returned at 79000 and they are really really bad and unsafe they admit that they are bad and that they know dodge has a problem with the ball joints but still refused to fix under warranty.

Filed Oct 15, 2004 · Suspension · 33,824 miles · NJ

Due to the worn front upper ball joints, the consumer would hear a clunking noise when driving. The dealership is aware of the problem, but did not resolve. Please provide more information.

Filed Aug 19, 2004 · Suspension · 18,000 miles · NY

I have had clunking and squeaking noises coming from the front end of my 2002 dodge dakota quad cab since about 18,000 miles. I have mentioned it to the dealer and they say they do not know what it is. After viewing the internet I have realized that there is many problems with the upper and lower ball joints. I will soon be returing to the dealer with the info to try to get it fixed.

Filed Aug 8, 2004 · Suspension · 33,000 miles · TX

After approximately 1 year and about 15,000 miles I took my 2002 dodge dakota slt quad cab 4.7l v8 4x2 in to the dealer for a "clunking" noise in the steering. The dealer stated that the upper ball joints were worn and replaced the parts under warranty. On 4 july 2004, after having the truck for about 2 years and 32,000 miles, while going over a speed bump at approximately 10 miles per hour, a lound crash was heard followed by a griding noise. It turns out that the upper ball joint on the passenger side just snapped and the steering arm slammed in to the rim of the wheel scraping the edge of it barely missing the tire by 1-1.5 inches. The vehicle is now having that same "clunking" noise when going over bumps and it can be felt in the steering.

Filed Jun 11, 2004 · Brakes, Steering · CA

Dodge dakota 4x4 2002 /have been experiencing front end problems with truck since purchase. Brought in numerous times to dealer for brake issues[front rotors,pads,rear drums and discs].told multiple times there is no problem, its the way you drive. Truck has never been abused,very well cared for. After the 5th time to dealer finnally told that the upper ball joints need replacment.this was after one full year of denial.notified dealer of noise at the steering wheel,told they could not vrify the complaint would probably go away after replacing upper ball joints.one week later after replacment of upper ball joints ,same noise reoccured [loud clunking sound at front end]took back to dealer only to be told that the bottom ball joints need replacment,no mention one week prior about wear on lower area.dealer also stated that the noise noted coming from stering wheel from previous complaints was now thought to be an intermiediate shaft in the steering column,this same noise that one week earlier could not be identified.at 30,000 miles my entire differential gear assembbly needed replacment.I have been charged multiple warranty deductibles on what seems to me to be, the same problem and possibly a canidate for lemon status.at what point will the consumers right's be protected.I am joining a class action lawsuit in regards to chrysler/daimler and suggest to everyone who reads this to do the same.check out www.dodgetalk.com for info and links.also I reccomend to anyone who has had problems with their daeler in terms of denials/non repairs/faulty workmanship/or any related costs out of pocket to file formal complaints and contact a local lemon law attorney in relation to their actions and lack of proper business ethics.only until we make change happen can we acctually achieve it.good luck to everyone who reads this.

Filed Apr 27, 2004 · Suspension · 42,000 miles · NH

At 42,000 miles noticed a clunking noise coming from the front end of the vehicle during sharp turns over bumps at low speeds. Brought vehicle to the dealer and they indicated that both upper ball joints need replacement at a cost of ~$500. Will be having both ball joints replaced and will request that the defective parts be saved.