My wife was driving our 2000 dodge dakota quad cab in a parking lot when the lower driver side ball joint failed causing a crash into a concrete pole at the driver side door. There were no unusual noises before the failure and the upper ball joints had been replaced this year as part of the recall on all dakotas. This caused my wife to hit her head on the driver side window on impact.
2000 Dodge Ram: ball joint or control arm failure
9 of the 147 complaints about the 2000 Dodge Ram describe ball joint or control arm failure.
- owner complaints
- 9
- of this car's complaints
- 6%
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 5 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Ball joint or control arm failure by model year
What owners say
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 had the upper ball joints making a clicking noise, which sounded like they were going to fall off.
The main problem with this 2000 ram 2500 4 whdr cummins diesel, quad cab, truck is the chrysler design defective front end. In my case, the trac-bar. This, in my area is a $439.00 plus tax item, the dealer steals another $75.00 plus taxes for installation. Two bolts hold this device in place and is only a 15 min repair. The trouble is in 30,000 km the new trac-bar has failed making it a chore to keep the truck between the lines. You dart all over in your lane depending on the pavement ruts and general pavement condition. I can see this design defect causing added stress and problems to the ball joints. This defect is a chrysler problem and all costs to cover repairs should be covered by the manufacture and not the customer. This, and the other many, dodge front end problems I feel is just cause for a recall order.
1500 series, vehicle could not be aligned, tires were wearing. After third front alignment, dealer replaced both front ball joints.
While wheel alignment was done mechanic noticed front rotors were worn down to nothing, metal to metal. Replaced rotors and front disc pads. At this time, rotors need to be replaced again. *ak ball joints and tires were replaced, consumer states problems with the rear but did not specify, also did not specify types of tires. Vehicle experiencing problems with the transmission. Intake gasket replaced. New carpet in the cab was installed. New bumper and grill was installed. Consumer also states problem with the ABS along with the rotors and disc pads.
Front left tie rod broke while pulling out of parking lot. Had no steering control. Stopped vehicle and checked. Noticed front left wheel was leaning towards inside. Had vehicle towed to dealership for repairs.
Transmission does not properly shift into different gears, cause unknown. *ak the consumer had been to the dealer several times for repairs of ball joints, power steering and the transmission.
Extreme steering wander at all speeds, unsafe in all driving conditions, excessive play in steering box, worn steering gear. Worn tie rod ends and track bar. Difficult to keep on the road. Dealer won't fix.
Tire is rubbing against tie rod ends and causing it to burn or eat away a quarter of an inch away from rim. *ak
Service bulletins that may apply
- Some customers may experience a situation in which the rear of the vehicle sits too high to attach their...
- Some customers may comment on a squeaking / clicking noise from rear leaf springs
- Subject pertains to 9.25 axle gear marking compound causing a milky-life appearance to the axle fluid
- A condition may exist where a crack may be present in the weld that joins the left and / or right lower...
- This bulletin mentions that the front wheel bearing grease is evident on the bearing seal area
Related recalls
Suspension: front: control arm: lower arm
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. The welds at the right side lower control arm bracket to axle tube attachment may have inadequate fatigue life due to poor weld quality. This can lead to separation of the control arm bracket from the axle tube.
- Risk
- If the bracket separates the vehicle could experience reduced directional stability, braking degradation and/or vehicle pull under braking.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the front axle with a properly welded front axle.
Recall number 00V007000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2000 Dodge Ram ball joint
Is ball joint or control arm failure a common problem on the 2000 Dodge Ram?
9 of 147 owner complaints about the 2000 Dodge Ram (6%) mention ball joint or control arm failure. The model year with the most reports is 2001.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2000 Dodge Ram?
There is 1 recall and 5 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2000 Dodge Ram
VIN decoder
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