Dt: the contact states there is a recall on 2003 dodge dakota concerning the upper ball joint. The contact feels the problem is going to continue because water runs down between where the door opens leading to the front suspension. The consumer has contacted two service dealers . The consumer has not contacted the manufacturer.
2003 Dodge Dakota suspension complaints
Page 3 of 4: complaints 41 to 70 of 100, newest first, as owners wrote them.
2003 dodge dakota upper left ball joint had to be replaced.*mr the consumer requested that the dealer also replace the upper right ball joint but they refused stating that the manufacturer wouldn't cover the replacement until it failed.
1) at about 40,000 miles my front drivers side lower ball joint started making an extremely loud crunching noise as if metal were grinding with metal. 2) I subsequently took my truck to a local dealer who notified me that the lower ball joint was loose and that it was not covered by the previous recall which covered the upper ball joint only. 3) the parts and labor to replace this part cost in excess of $270.00 not including the $40 inspection fee
2003 dodge dakota experiencing problems with the ball joints as well as the welds of the truck bed at the upper part near the rear window.*mr a recall was issued for the upper ball joints (04v596000) but the dealer wanted the consumer to pay to diagnose the problem. There are plastic rivets on both side panels that attach to the rear panel truck bed. The rear panel truck bed is so weak that about five pounds of pressure bent the panel. The consumer believes the plastic bed liner is stronger than the rear truck bed panel
Consumer states: lower control arm ball joint right front separted and wheel and came off vehicle while in motion
With regards to the recal # 04v596000 on the 4x4 dodge dakota truck. I am having the same noises and problems on the 2x4 truck will this recall be exspended to 2x4?
The right front lower control arm ball joint separated causing my 2003 dodge dakota to run off the road and swerve to the right. The truck hit a parked car and both vehicles were totaled. There was no noise or indication of any problem prior to the incident. Mileage was 31,600.
Rear brakes howl in reverse. Dealer stated needs break in. At 41.000 miles, still howls. Recall on upper ball joints received in february. As of 03-29-05, dealer states there is a 2 month backorder on parts for repair.
The federal safety agency recall campaign 04v596000; daimler chrysler issued a front upper ball joint recall. This vehicle was not included in the recall, but the left front ball joint fell off.
The federal safety agency campaign 04v596000; daimler chrysler issued an upper ball joint recall. This vehicle is included in the recall, but there are no parts available in order to repair, which is dangerous because the wheels can fall off.
I own a 2003 dodge dakota 4x4 has problem with ball joints. Front end alignment pulling to the right. Consumer wants to be reimbursed for time and labor. *bf the engine light illuminate. The dealer found that there was an evaporator leak which was caused by an aftermarket fuel cap.
The vehicle failed a required state inspection because the vehicle's upper ball joints were unsafe. *nm the consumer has since learned that there was a safety recall and warranty extension on the upper ball joints. He feels he should be reimbursed for the upper ball joint repair.
Squealing brakes, unusual front tire wear, grinding noise on left front wheel when turn hard left, worn outside walls on front tires and replacement and brake work done at midas .
The federal safety agency campaign 04v596000; daimler chrysler issued an upper ball joint recall. This vehicle is included in the recall, but there are no appointments available until march, which could be dangerous if vehicle is driven because the front wheels could fall off.
2003 dakotaquad cab is having ball joint popping similar to durango. The problem is this is a highway driven truck, not an offroad truck. Problem started at 20,000. Could cause a serious accident if not repaired.
The truck was taken to the dealership to have the ball joints inspected because of the tv broadcast. Upon inspection the dealership indicated that both the upper and lower ball joints were worn and needed replacement. Only the upper ball joints were replaced.
While driving at 30 MPH vehicle all of a sudden and without warning pulled to the right and lost steering control. It was towed to the dealer, who n informed the consumer that the entire upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced.
Uneven tire wear LED me to have truck serviced at midas tire co. They reported excessive loose play in both top and bottom frontend ball joints. Vehicle is under warranty w/daimlerchrysler so took to sales/service dealer "soutars" in barstow, ca two different times w/same concern. They reported nothing wrong w/ball joints both times. San bernardino sun telegram 12/11/04 news reports serious problems w/ball joints in dodge dakota 2003 models causing wheels to fall off.
Consumer hears a clicking noise coming from the upper ball joints. This is causing the vehicle to shake lightly especially when traveling at low speeds and making turns. Consumer will wait to take vehicle to dealer for repairs.
I purchased my 2003 dakota quad cab 2wd in early january of 2004. It has approximately 21k. Signs of the steering making a creaking sound when being turned were first noticed at approximately 8000. It is more pronounced when entering an elevated street or a driveway, while making the turn. I believe the same defective steering components utilized in the 4x4 dakota also apply to the 2wd versions. I would like the initiative be taken to include the 2wd dodge dakotas in the recall as well. My truck has not yet been serviced, but if study information is required, such as an analysis of the joint, I am willing to volunteer my vehicle for such a study if it would help in moving forward with the recall.
I am posting this complaint due to recent problems I am having with my 2003 dodge dakota slt plus 4x4 pickup. My vehicle has approx. 13,000 miles and is already displaying considerable wear due to defective front end ball joints. The vehicle is making a popping noise when turns are made into my driveway and parking deck at work. The vehicle has been checked independently and confirmed that this is the issue. I urge the federal safety agency to continue in their efforts to fight for a recall of these defective ball joints from the manufacturer, daimlerchrysler. Please feel free to contact me if you would like any additional information.
My 2003 dodge dakota quad cab has had the brake rotors warped at less than 20,000 miles with no severe use. And also the ball joints are worn out at 35,000 miles. These parts should last a lot longer on a ligh use vehicle.
Recent inspection by authorized mechanic reveals heavily worn ball joints on 2003 dodge dakota with 24,000 miles
2003 dodge dakota ball joint failure at low miles. Ball joints squeaking, noise was constant, replaced both upper joints. *bf the vehicle ball joints began to squeak at 20000 miles but the consumer didn't realize the severity of the noise. At 40000 mile the consumer inspected the joint because the squeak had turned into a clunk and was constant. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the consumer that both upper joints had to be replaced.
The vehicle's ball joint had to be replaced at 24,000 miles. *nm the rear limited slip differential fluid needed to be replaced. *sc
Vehicle would shimmy while driving 30 MPH. Vehicle was taken to the dealer. Dealer informed that the right front upper ball joint needed to be replaced.
Took vehicle in for a blower fan problem, and told the service manager of a squeak going around corners. Found that the ball joints were worn and require replacing. Only 32,000 miles on vehicle.
When making sharp right turns a popping noise can be heard coming from the front of the vehicle. The owner suspects there may be a problem with the ball joints, but the vehicle has not been diagnosed by a dealer. *ak
Vehicle will either go into neutral when put in reverse or while reversing pop out of reverse into neutral. This mostly occurred when the vehicle was in 4-wheel drive. The dealership serviced the vehicle several times for this issue, but since they were unable to duplicate or resolve the problem. *ak the consumer had two transmission problems. The transmission module shorted out on four separate occasions. This problem caused the consumer to be nearly rear ended three times. The transmission shift indicator showed that the vehicle was in reverse but acted as if it were in neutral. The vehicle pulled to the left, the brakes would squeak and the vehicle had poor gas mileage. *sc the battery was replaced because the vehicle did not start at times.
Pe 03-032, front suspension upper ball joint failure: after inspecting the wheels, the consumer noticed that the upper ball joints are rusting out on both side.
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