Dodge Dakota ball joint problems

Filed Aug 31, 2026 · Wheels · TX

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

Filed Dec 29, 2021 · Suspension · 300,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, there was a wobble coming from the front passenger’s side tire. The contact was able to pull over and had the vehicle towed to a local mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ball joints needed to be replaced however, the vehicle was not repaired. There was no warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 300,000.

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 9, 2019 · Electrical, Suspension · 65,000 miles · NC

Dodge dokata 2010. Heater resistor overheats repeatedly. Electrical smoke and burning smell repeatedly. Very hot to touch. So overheated wires and resistor melts. Resistor and wires replaced numerous times. Same results. Front ball joints keep going bad causing dangerous driving conditions. Many resistor and ball joint complanta all over the internet. I fear someone will die if the 2 issues are not resolved.

Filed May 26, 2019 · Lights, Transmission · 185,000 miles · CA

Front cv axle(hub and bearing) failure while driving. The intermediate axle also needs replacing due to severe rust from cv axle. The upper upper ball joint has been replaced twice. The front headlights do not provide adequete visability at night.

Filed Dec 28, 2018 · Suspension · 105,000 miles · WA

I took my 2005 dakota to repair shop because of clunking noise on front drivers side. Noise was heard when driving or rocking the truck when it was parked. Repair shop said lower ball joint completely failed and was riding on lower control arm instead of supported by ball joint. Upper ball joint was also bad. Passenger side upper ball joint worn out and lower ball joint boot was cracked. All tie rod ends also needed to be replaced.

Filed Oct 27, 2018 · Steering, Suspension · RI

Hello, I recently purchased a one owner 2005 dodge dakota, which has less than 35,000 miles and has been very well maintained. The car fax came back clean for accidents etc, but I have found, that both the front and rear sections of the chassis had to be replaced on driver and passenger sides and most of the front suspension had to be replaced too. Due to excessive deep rust. To the point of the nut holding the left outer tie rod end disintegrated. The straight side rails of the chassis are excessively deep rusted. As well as the oil pan and rear axle housing (which are original). The dealership had to cut off the front suspension components and replace all bushings and most of the front suspension components. Due to excessive rust and wear. My truck has barely been on the road for its year and has had minimal exposure to road chemicals such as salt etc. These components rotting away to this extent with such low mileage regardless of age indicates the use of poor quality materials being used during assembly and posing a potential safety issue to consumers. I opened a case# 57271603 with chrysler and the agent told, that even if the case was moved up for review . It would be sent back due to the age of the truck . Which I disagree with, as the front suspension components should not have rotted and disintegrated so badly and the chassis should not have had to have extensive repairs in less than 35,000 miles. I would think, that this poses a potential safety issue for anyone buying trucks using the same chassis and components from the same vendor, if they are not manufactured at a dodge plant. Ultimately it should be the car manufacturer's responsibility, that the parts they are using are quality and will not pose potential safety risk to consumers . Please let me know, if further information etc. Is needed. Thank you

Filed Jul 23, 2018 · 87,000 miles · IN

Shifter will move without key in ignition. Will role in any direction in any position but park. Can remove key from ignition while running. While it's still running with key out can shift and drive. Other times when I go to start engine the key won't turn. I have to hit the end of the key with the palm of one hand while the other turns it. Replaced the ball joints the first of this year and vehicle only had 87000 miles at the time. Changed brakes and had to have rotor turned. Driver side brake caliper plunger had multiple pieces break off getting stuck between break pad and remaining pieces of plunger casting the vehicle to pull left while driving. When applying the break it pull so hard it caused me to start going into another lane barely missing the side of another vehicle.

Filed Dec 8, 2017 · Brakes, Steering · 100,000 miles · ID

This car has been a safety nightmare. From steel brake lines rusting through (and the vehicle losing it brakes), to upper ball joints almost separating to steering wheel drive shafts where the u-joints almost separated. These are not items that should fail like this. I spent part of my career looking after global product liability for cummins engine and I am stunned at the poor quality chrysler has used in critical components.

Filed Sep 4, 2017 · Suspension · 50,000 miles · IL

Around 50,000 miles upper and lower ball joints making popping sounds. Took to local repair shop . Replaced all 4 , then popping stopped. Way to early for ball joint replacement. Occured while moving 5 MPH and turning either direction.