Loud clunking noise while turning, stopping or even getting into truck diagnosis found lower right ball joints loose - recommended replacing. I have not done this yet - if you look at my history, I have had my local dodge dealer make the repairs to the front ball joints previously at 45,120 miles and 59,072 miles. Chrysler recalled 2000-2003 dodge dakotas stating that "excessive wear of the upper ball joint may cause the front wheel to separate from the vehicle and result in loss of control" in the same recall they also stated' " water may enter into the front suspension upper ball joints and cause corrosion and premature wear."
2005 Dodge Dakota suspension complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 51, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Low noise in front while turning - dealership verified complaint and found both outer tire rod ends to be loose and left lower ball joint to be noisy - replaced both outer tire rod ends and set toe also replaced the left lower ball joint.
Loud noise whenever turning - tech found upper ball joint very dry, also found sway bar links worn - replaced left upper ball joint and both sway bar links.
Have had to replace tie rod ends,sway bar link rods,and now lower control arms to keep the truck safely on the road. The dealer says this is normal. I have never had to replace these items on a vehicle with less than 100000 miles.
In october of 2010, I was driving out of a driveway onto a main street making a right turn when I heard a metal snapping sound. As I continued to drive, I felt some slack in the steering when I made a turn afterwards. I inspected the suspenion system several times in the next week but didn't see the cause. Later I found the front sway bar link broke apart where it attached to the sway bar. I didn't see this on earlier inspections because the 2 parts came together when static to conceal the break. I purchased a replacement kit and replaced both right and left side sway bar links myself. (damaged parts still available) in the early part of 2011, I began to hear creaking noise from the suspension system as I drove and on turns. I inspected the system several times and concluded that 1 or more of the ball joints were dry and needed grease. The ball joints had no fittings to apply grease so a needle valve was used to inject grease into the boots. This helped for a short period but the creaking came back a few months later. I sent this vehicle into the repair shop and they said the lower ball joints were dry and had excess side play. They recommended replacement for safety and alignment concerns at less than 40000 miles. I am very concerned that these suspension parts are failing far too soon. The consumer has no way to add grease to these parts and must rely on the original parts being properly lubricated to have reasonable durablity. Failures at this early stage indicates defective parts and processes that must be addressed asap. Needless to say, I will be forced to have these parts repaired for safety concerns and a high cost to the vehicle owner. These parts should be required to last longer than the short period I have experienced on this vehicle.
Tl*the contact owns 2005 dodge dakota. The contact stated that a loud squeaky noise was heard while driving at various speeds. The contact inspected the vehicle and stated that the front ball joints were loose. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered no assistance because the vehicle was not under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 50,000 and the current mileage was 56,000.
After only 62,000 miles my ball joints are shot. I have owned many cars in the past and never had to replace ball joints. This is not alot of miles to wear down ball joints on a truck, it is obvious there is a defect.
At speeds between 55 - 75 intermitantly the truck will begin to vibrate. If you take your foot off the gas it gets worse. If you then apply the brakes the steering wheel begins to shake almost violently, and the brake pedal pulses. If I slow down to about 30 MPH it stops and may happen again quickly or may not happen again for a while. I have had the truck to the dealership 3 or 4 times and they state they can not duplicate problem. I have replaced the front ball joints, front wheel bearings 3 times and recently put on the 3 set of brakes and rotors all on advise from dodge dealership. Problem still exists. Very unsafe. Hard to control the truck. I no longer drive the truck on the highway. Have called dodge chryslar and they state to take the truck to the dealership. I get the run around and sent on my way. As for at date of incident, this happens frequently. I just picked a date.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 dodge dakota. The contact stated that while in the process of making a turn, the steering wheel tightened and was difficult to turn. The failure recurred while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop for a failure diagnostic, where the contacted was informed that the steering linkages failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contacted also stated that the front stabilizing bars were missing bolts. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop, where the missing bolts were installed. The failure mileage was 58,000 and the current mileage was 58,355. Updated 8/30/11 *cn updated 09/21/11
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 dodge dakota. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle exhibited an abnormal popping sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician stated that the sway bar and the lower ball joints would need to be replaced because they were worn. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
While entering highway (40mph) my vehicle went into an uncontrollable spin that resulted in minor impact damage with brush and ditch. When I removed the flat tire (left front), I found that the sway bar link had snapped. This 2005 dodge dakota only has 58,00 miles and has never been used for anything other than house hold chores and local driving. I found many complaints through on-line forums about these sway bar links, but dodge has no recall posted. This incident could have resulted in a much worse accident had there been other vehicles or pedestrians on or beside the road when my vehicle went out of control. I cannot prove, but believe that the sway bar failure caused my spin-out and that dodge should be held accountable for resultant damages.
To whom it may concern: I was referred to you by www.carcomplaints.com.they felt that what I had to say may be safety related. I have a 2005 dodge dakota 4x4. I bought this truck new. Starting in may of 2010 I started to hear a clunking noise in the front, or maybe rear end, only when I turn left or right.I have been to 3 garages and the last one being a dealership. I have replaced both lower ball joints, both front stab links, both tie rods,both rear stab links, and as recent as this sept.,both leaf springs. The truck still has the same noise and I'm out 2000.00. The dealer doesn't even know what's wrong. Now, all this happened before the truck turned 50,000. Miles. I know it's out of warranty. I also,know now, the manufacturer's have studies on how long a vehicle is to last in order for the consumer to give it a passing grade as to by it again. I have had many trucks in my day and I maintained all just as well as this one. I had an s10 4x4 with 120,000 miles on it and the front and rear end was as tight as the day I bought it. An accident ended that vehicle. I think dodge should find out what's wrong and fix it at their expense. Not mine or the dealership but, theirs!!!!!! I know my purchase will not make or break dodge. However, I am one and done with dodge products and I will continue to spread the word about my troubles with my dakota. I'm asking you too, to go on line and google dodge dakota 2005 front end or suspension troubles. You will not be disappointed. Thank you for your time!
2005 dodge dakota club cab 4x2 s 105,636 miles have just replaced front sway bars, front upper and lower ball joints, right-front brake caliper.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 dodge dakota extended cab. The contact stated that the vehicle began to exhibit and unusual squeaking from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic facility for routine maintenance where the contact was informed that the front suspension lower ball joints and stabilizer bar could collapse at any time without warning and would need to be repaired. The manufacturer was called and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the vehicle. No other assistance was offered. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 72,908.
2005 dodge dakota. Defective steering components. 68,000 miles. Vehicle shakes during braking and at highway speed. One diagnosis stated 4 defective ball joints and upper control arms requiring replacement. Another diagnosis by a dodge dealer states one defective ball joint, defective rack and pinion and brake calipers sticking. Dodge states there is not a recall on the mentioned parts for my particular vehicle.
Front end shakes/vibrates starting at around 60mph. Makes car difficult to handle. Replaced tires, steering rack, tie rods and no change.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 dodge dakota. The contact stated that the vehicle made a clunking noise at slow speeds because the lower ball joints were defective. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership. The dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact continued to experience the failure. He took the vehicle back to the dealership where he was informed that the ball joints and sway bars were defective and needed to be replaced. The dealer agreed to give him a discount on the labor expenses. The contact had filed a complaint with the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000. The current mileage was approximately 62,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 dodge dakota. While driving 40 MPH, the contact noticed an unusual clicking sound in the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the front end bulbs and bolts. The failure mileage was 45,000 and the current mileage was 53,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 dodge dakota. The contact stated when driving at various speeds, the front wheels would exhibit an unusual noise and would veer the vehicle to one side. The dealer advised the hubs and bearings would need to be replaced. The repairs were performed at the owners expense and the failure did not recur. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000 and the current mileage was approximately 53,000.
Ball joints keep going bad.
Have a 2005 dodge dakota, 40400 mile on it, the whole front end has to be replace, due in my opinion to defective manufacturing. When coming to a stop the whole front end shudders. Have replaced ball joints once and now having to replace whole suspension, at my expense. These vehicles should be recalled and dodge should have to fix the problem. When researching this issue, I discovered that it is a major issue with dodge vehicles. What I would like to know is why this is not being investigated more extensively and why these vehicles are not being recalled. Just because there has not been a loss of lives, it doesn't mean that dodge owners should have to pay for these repairs out of their pockets. Dodge created this problem and dodge should fix the problem.
Both lower ball joints had to be replaced at 35555 miles. The garage said I was very lucky that the ball joints didn't break and cause an accident. We need to have these dodge dakota recalled before they cause a wreck. I had cars/trucks with 90,000 miles on them and never have problems.
Front end noise-passenger side front swaybar links broken.
Have a 2005 dodge dakota 4x4 with 56329 miles on it and just had to have both lower ball joints replaced, the front sway bar link kit and bushings replaced and the left outer tie rod replaced. This is a lot of repair work to be done on a vehicle that is just driven for pleasure. It is not taken off-road and rough housed. I feel that this is poor workmanship of parts that were originally put on this truck.
Right side ball joints on 2005 dodge dakota are worn out less than 37000 miles.
Bottom ball joints on 2005 dodge dakota are worn out less than 42000 miles.
Heard rattling in front end. Checked and noticed sway bar loose on right side. Drove less than 1 mile to dodge dealer and spoke with mechanic. He said that both links had been broken which he thought was unusual. I asked if he thought it was safe to drive to home 3 miles away since it would take several days to get parts and then repair. He said he would not advise driving it for extended period. While attempting to drive it from off the street parking to dealer parking lot to remain for repair. The right tire was punctured by sway bar. Decided to have car towed to have sway bar linkages installed and tire replaced at other garage that was less expensive.
2005 dodge dakota front end was making a rattling noise. Took it to my mechanic and he said the lower ball joint is bad. What gives with all of these problems with the front end of these dakotas without any recalls. Jeep had a recall on the same problem.
Front end noise-both front swaybar links broken-both outer tie rod ends bad. Tie rod ends replaced. Both links replaced with heavier-duty links at customer expense and told by service department this was normal wear-and-tear and they've been getting several of these lately. We live one mile out a gravel road and this truck is babied by a 53 year old female driver!!! Normal??
For the last 3 or 4 years, I have complained about my 2005 dodge dakota 4x4 jerking which seemed to get worse when I applied my brakes. I just took it in for inspection and was told that my lower & upper ball joints need replaced in order to pass inspection. This just doesn't seem right when the truck only has 22,400 miles on it and has been only driven on city streets. I did get on the internet and searched this problem and it seems like alot of people have been having this same problem. Shouldn't there be a recall when so many people are experiencing the same problem?
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