2007 Dodge Dakota: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Mar 16, 2016 · Suspension · 72,000 miles · OR

Pu began vibrating, ( like going over rough road), it would stop. But then go a mile or so farther and it would begin again. This was driven on hwy. Mechanic replaced lower ball joints and sway bar links. This did not correct the problem. He tried everything he could to remedy it but could not. Milage is 72,000.

Filed Dec 19, 2013 · Steering, Suspension · 45,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 dodge dakota. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, he heard a squeaky noise. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician diagnosed that the bolt joints, tie rod and sway bar were malfunctioning and would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 45,000 and the current mileage was 45,427.

Filed Mar 28, 2012 · Steering · 64,000 miles · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 dodge dakota. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH, the front tie rod fractured and bent the gear box, and the rack-and-pinion. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but not repaired. The contact repaired the vehicle independently. The manufacturer was notified of the failure who offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 64,000.

Filed Mar 24, 2012 · Brakes, Steering · 22,000 miles · WA

This vehicle was purchased 11/07 new. The corrosion on the drive components is incredible. You can chip the rust off . The brakes have seized up four times. The first time it was just past the three year warranty at approximately 22,000 miles. I called the dealer at the time, and they said there was no warranty. The last time was friday 3/23/2012, at 4 1/2 years old at 28,000 miles. It burned up the front pads. This is the fourth time I have had to redo the front brakes. I have redone the rear brakes once for the same reason. I called ram customer assistance, and at first their representative said they would buy the replacement parts. After talking with them a second time, a different representative refused to help me and said the case was closed. The steering column is falling apart, the muffler and driveshaft are ready to fall off, the front axles, ball joints and the struts are extremely rusty. You can chip the rust off of these components. I dismantled the brake system again, and the caliper pistons were frozen solid. Upon removal, I found the caliper pistons full of rust and pits on the inside. The body itself has no corrosion at all. I am looking at $2000 to $3000 thousand in parts alone. This truck has never towed a boat or been on a boat ramp. I live in an area where they rarely use salt or solution on the roads and have maybe 1-3 inches of snow a year. I need help as this truck is going to fall apart within the next year or so. I have documented all of this with pictures, and I have a case number with chrysler.

Filed Dec 12, 2011 · Steering, Suspension · 63,730 miles · KY

2007 dodge dakota with 63700 miles had tie rod end failure causing steering and control problems. Had this failure occurred at highway speed there could have easily been a serious and possibly deadly event. I had the problem repaired and contacted dodge about this. Dodge covered all expenses ($265.00) at 65500 miles I took the truck in for inspection because it was pulling to the right. The mechanic found a nail in the right front tire which caused the pulling problem but further inspection revealed that both the upper and lower ball joints on the right and left sides were noticeably worn. I then took the truck to my local dodge dealer where their inspection confirmed the previous findings. At both inspections I was told that the tie rod end failure and the ball joint problem had most likely occurred because these joints had no grease fittings for lubrication. I called dodge to see if they would repair the ball joint issue and they refused. I think that had these joints come with grease fittings these issues (tie rod ends and ball joints) would not be a problem at 60000+ miles under normal conditions. Quote for repairs at dosage dealer $1451.00.

Filed Mar 20, 2010 · Suspension · 49,000 miles · IL

2007 dodge dakota slt quad cab (4-door), 4wd v-8 flexfuel w/49,000 miles, purchased 2 years ago with 22,000 miles. Drive very conservatively. Infrequently haul light loads, and have never hauled a trailer. Noticed front-end rattling noise when driving over common everyday road bumps. Found both tie rod ends were sloppy and at risk of falling off. Also found the lower right ball joint had unacceptable play. Had to replace all three parts. Old parts are available.

Filed Feb 25, 2009 · Suspension · 19,000 miles · MO

Tl*the contact owns a 2007 dodge dakota. While driving approximately 35 MPH on normal road conditions, the vehicle began to vibrate excessively without warning. The contact heard a loud noise coming from the tires and the ride performance was very poor. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection and they stated that the failure was related to the front lower ball joints. The vehicle was repaired under the service warranty and all four tires were replaced. The vehicle was taken to the authorized dealer on a separate occasion for the identical failure; however, the parts were unavailable and placed on a massive back order. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 19,000 and current mileage was 29,000.