2004 Dodge Dakota suspension problems

Filed Aug 10, 2015 · Suspension · 130,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge dakota. While accelerating at a low speed, the contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. In addition, while a stop, the vehicle overheated and the temperature gauge increased. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to multiple independent mechanics, who diagnosed that the front, upper and lower ball joints, struts, control arms, idle arms, control arm bushings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

Filed May 31, 2013 · Suspension · 94,480 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge dakota. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH over a railroad track, the front driver's side dropped abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection where they stated that the upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 94,480.

Filed Oct 19, 2012 · Steering, Suspension · 166,650 miles · CT

A good friend of mine has the exact same truck and his whole tire fell off going down the highway. He thank god did not get hurt or hurt anyone else in the prosess. He told me that in 2004 their was a recall on the ball joints of this vehicle. I bought my truck from a private owner and do not have a recall notice of my own, is there a way now that I am the 2nd owner of this vehicle that I can still have this recall be taken care of at a dealership being that it is under 10 years within the recall time limit. I don't want to have what happened to my friend happen to me. Thank you.

Filed Aug 2, 2012 · Suspension · 100,000 miles · NY · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge dakota 4x4. While driving approximately 10 MPH, the contact attempted to make a turn then unexpectedly the front driver's side wheel collapsed due to a fractured ball joint. The vehicle crashed into a cement post in a parking lot. There were no personal injuries. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. There was a recall associated with the federal safety agency campaign id number 04v596000 (suspension:front:control arm:upper ball joint); however the VIN was not included. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Dec 31, 2010 · Suspension · 85,000 miles · IL

Steering on my 2004 dodge dakota became hard to steer won't retract have to do it by hand. About six months before this started happening I had went to get a alignment and was told my upper and lower ball joints needed replaced. We bought this truck new and it has worn out every front tire that has ever been on it. 4 sets by 100,000 miles this began to happen at 25,000 miles there should be a recall on the front end, no vehicle should have bad ball joints at 85,000 miles or sooner because I thought it was wearing tires out because it needed a alignment!!!! I have not repaired it , we only drive it around town, I am waiting for chrysler to recall this. I see on this site that several others are having the same problem. I would hope chrysler don't wait until people are killed or injured like toyota did!!!!

Filed Aug 2, 2010 · Suspension · 85,000 miles · WA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge dakota. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to a local repair facility for an alignment when the contact was informed that the lower ball joints were severely worn to the point where they were unable to perform an alignment. The lower ball joints were causing the tires to wear unevenly. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000 and the current mileage was approximately 97,700.

Filed Dec 11, 2009 · Suspension · PA

I purchased a new 2004 dodge dakota pickup in 2004. Every year for inspection, I have needed several ball joints replaced. I was told this past year that I was really close to having the ball joints completely break off, which obviously is a major safety concern for me, especially since they have needed replaced every year.

Filed Sep 21, 2009 · Brakes, Steering · 71,000 miles · IN

I own a 2004 dakota quad 4x4 with 78k miles on it. I bought the truck new and have taken care of it. Most of the miles are highway and it has not been driven off road. Since its no longer under warranty I got online to research a diy solution. I found that many of the problems I have had and are having are not just being experienced by myself but other dakota owners. 1) steering issues the steering wheel becomes extremely hard to turn at times both going into and coming out of a turn. This started happening in feb 2009 with 71k on it. It is much more prevalent in cold weather. I was unable to drive the truck until the weather warmed up. (I have not had this fixed yet.) 2) brake issues 27k I had to have the front rotors and the rear drums turned and new pads and shoes installed and had the brake fluid changed. 46k I had to have new front rotors and pads along with the brake fluid changed 77k rear brakes began making noise. The parking brake pad had fallen off. I now need new rear drums and shoes and parking brake shoe. ( I have not had this fixed yet) 3)suspension 77k I need a front upper ball joint probably due to excess strain from the defective steering. ( I have not had this fixed yet).

Filed Sep 9, 2009 · Brakes, Suspension · 103,000 miles · NY

While driving, heard clunking noise that seemed to come from under the vehicle. The outside of the vehicle appeared normal, including the wheels. I checked under hood and under front end and found nothing broken, missing or leaking and continued driving. The left front wheel later fell off with all studs sheared off. Also, one lug nut on the right front wheel was missing and several others were found to be loose, with several studs cracked. Both wheels had been properly installed and tighten some months earlier. To correct, the left front wheel was replaced. All studs on both front wheels and all lug nuts were replaced. Also, the front brake rotors and pads were replaced because the vehicle fell onto the left front rotor.

Filed Jan 12, 2009 · Steering, Suspension · 70,000 miles · NY

Steering began to feel loose and heard a clunk infront end. Ball joints were bad and had to be replaced. After work was completed still had steering issues. Dealer said that it was normal, local mechanic found that the intermediate steering shaft was failing. When it was removed to be replaced the lower u-joint came apart. Imagine that happening at 55 MPH.