2003 Dodge Dakota suspension problems

100 complaints (34% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 32,000. 8 crashes reported.

owner complaints: 100
of this car's complaints: 34%
typical mileage: 32,000
crashes: 8
recalls: 1

Which part fails

Front: control arm: upper ball joint
54
Front: control arm: lower ball joint
22
Front
15
Rear
3
Front: wheel bearing
2
Front: control arm
2
Front: stabilizer bar
1
Front: control arm: upper arm
1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k

25k-50k

50k-75k

75k-100k

100k-125k

125k-150k

150k-175k

175k-200k

200k+

Dodge Dakota suspension problems in other years

Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 Dodge Dakota suspension

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Ball joint 86

Related recalls

Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball jointReported December 21, 2004 · 592,707 vehicles affected

What is wrong: 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.
Risk: Excessive wear in the upper ball joint may allow it to separate, which could result in loss of control of the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front suspension upper ball joints. This safety improvement campaign began on december 21, 2004. Owners can contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 04V596000 · Recall details

Related investigations

Upper ball joint separationOpened November 19, 2003, closed February 11, 2005

Daimlerchrysler corporation (dcc) is recalling the target population of approximately 600,000 my 2000 through 2003 durango and dakota vehicles with four-wheel drive to replace the front suspension upper ball joints with redesigned parts that do not have the joint integrity concerns and have substantially improved joint retention capacity (the federal safety agency recall no. 04v‑596).though dcc does not admit to a safety-defect in the subject components, odi believes that the facts in this investigation show otherwise.because of the low rates of separation incidents in the remaining subject vehicles, a safety-related defect has not been identified in those populations and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that no safety-related defect exists in those vehicles.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.for additional information, see the attached closing report.

EA03023

What 2003 Dodge Dakota owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 17, 2022 · Driver assistance, Suspension · TN

The front end got a hard vibrate i replace the shocks two times and its not fix the problem seem like something going too brake off like a wheel or something dont feel safe driving it

Filed Jun 8, 2015 · Suspension · 114,208 miles · IA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge dakota. While driving approximately 3 MPH and making a left turn, the front driver side upper left ball joint suddenly failed and caused the wheel to separate from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who indicated that the failure was caused by rust and corrosion of the ball joint. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 04v596000 (suspension). The failure mileage was 114,208.

Filed Jan 13, 2015 · Suspension · 100,497 miles · NV

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge dakota. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, there was an abnormal noise coming from the front of the vehicle. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ball joint failed on the front suspension. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 04v596000 (suspension).the approximate failure mileage was 100,497.

Filed Jan 8, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 220,000 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge dakota. The contact stated that the windshield wipers failed and the exterior lighting sporadically malfunctioned. Also, the side cap to the main radiator spewed antifreeze approximately five feet in the air. The contact shut off the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were made aware of the failure. In addition, while driving at a low speed, a loud popping sound emitted from the vehicle. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the ball joint fractured. The contact was made aware that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 04v596000 (suspension). The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence where he performed the repair. The failure mileage was 220,000.

Filed Dec 28, 2014 · Suspension · OH

I've had my 2003 dodge dakota 4x4 for 2.5 years and the front suspension has always had a cluncking noise in it. I seen the recall from daimler/chrysler in reference to suspension(front control arm:upper ball joint) the federal safety agency campaign id number: 04v596000. The federal safety agency action number: ea03023. I thought for sure that my truck would have been included in this recall,however, it appears to me that it isn't. My vehicle only has 75,000 miles on it now and I am worried that the ball joints may separate and cause me or my wife to loose control of the truck because of evacuation of the lubricant due to moisture leaks into the front suspension upper ball joints.

Filed Sep 2, 2014 · Body, Electrical · 92,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge dakota. While driving over a bump or making a turn at any speed, the contact could hear an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle. The dealer stated that the central timing module needed to be replaced. The technician also stated that the ball joint was rusted and corroded and might fracture. The contact discovered that the underbody was corroded. The vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 04v596000 (suspension) and the federal safety agency campaign number: 08e064000 (suspension). The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 92,000.

Filed Jul 6, 2014 · Suspension · 104,000 miles · IA

While driving there is a loud humming noise in front end and knocking from front and a squeeky noise from underneath.

Filed Mar 27, 2014 · Steering, Suspension · 111,800 miles · WI

Upper ball joints determined to be seriously worn. Need to be replaced asap. Was told dodge had recall/extended warranty on these parts but chrysler will not cover replacement at current time and with current mileage. Was told by chrysler to initiate the federal safety agency contact relative to chrysler case #[xxx]. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Aug 13, 2013 · Suspension · 115,000 miles · PA

I backed out of a parking spot, turned the wheel to straighten out the vehicle. As I straightened out the drivers side front wheel upper ball joint failed trapping the wheel beneath the truck.

Filed Jul 5, 2013 · Suspension · 100,210 miles · NJ

While traveling over a set of railroad tracks, the driver side front tire along with the upper ball joints separated from the vehicle causing me to temporary lose control of the vehicle. When I researched to see if this was a common problem relating to this vehicle I found about the recall. However, when I contacted daimlerchrysler I was informed that the recall was VIN specific and that my vehicle was not covered.

Questions about the 2003 Dodge Dakota suspension

Does the 2003 Dodge Dakota have suspension problems?

Owners have filed 100 complaints about the suspension of the 2003 Dodge Dakota, 34% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2003 Dodge Dakota suspension problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 32,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2003 Dodge Dakota suspension?

Yes, 1 recall: 04V596000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Dodge Dakota have bad suspension?

The Dodge Dakota model years with the most suspension complaints are 1999 (342 complaints), 2000 (282 complaints) and 2001 (236 complaints).