2003 Dodge Dakota: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Aug 31, 2026 · Wheels · TX

The lower ball joint just snapped the whole right front end assembly hub

Filed Apr 26, 2020 · Electrical, Fuel system · 130,000 miles · NY

1. While sitting in park on a automatic transmission. In a still position rolled front or back more than a couple inches. Had to step on brake while in park and had to block wheels when engine was off to keep from rolling. Emergency brake does not hold or work properly either. 2. The heater has only high position working now. The dash gets to hot to even keep heat on very long. Fuel cap with key. When getting fuel truck has to be turned off before pumping otherwise engine light comes on the dash and needs to be reset or driven miles before engine lightor goes back off.3. The upper ball joints had to replace twice now. Breaks had to replace twice also due to suspension being out of whack and problem above. Now there is noise in front driver side wheel area. 4. Put all new break lines on it because they kept blowing out. Leaking in different locations by too much pressure build up in sections of lines. 5. I bought it in 2018 used from a dealer. But I have put so much work on it that now there's a transmission problem. 6. Having no or little breaks all of sudden in a crowded intersection or having to block wheels so it doesn't roll into another car but no accident yet but could happen.

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 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.

Filed Jul 25, 2012 · Suspension · 93,400 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge dakota. The contact stated that while parked, the front driver's side tire detached from the vehicle as a result of a fractured ball joint. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home and was not taken to dealer. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that were not familiar with the failure as described by the contact. No assistance was provided and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 93,400.

Filed Jul 2, 2012 · Suspension · 63,569 miles · MA

I was told the ball joints are no good on my 2003 dakota 4x2 and need to be replaced. The warranty on the ball joints was given a 10 year extension on 4x2 and recalled on 4x4. I was told that even though the ball joints are clearly the faulty ones my manufacturing date was 20 days after the dec 31 2002 cut off for warranty extension. How is that my truck is not covered, despite being effected by the same recalled parts. It would seem 20 days is quite a small window to be completely excluded from the extension, and that there is a reasonable margin of area.