Four problems related to ball joint have been reported for the 1997 Dodge Dakota. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The ball joints on my 97 Dodge Dakota are worn out. Apparently this is a very common problem and supposedly there is a recall in effect for newer Dakotas as though the problem didn't start until after 1997. This is a faulty part from the manufacturing process and its repair (amongst the many other manufacturing fault repairs on this vehicle) is ruining me financially in this economy. I should not be held financially responsible for a car makers inept manufacturing.
Ball joints defective-taken to dealer parts not available-vehicle unsafe according to dealer-no re-call issued yet - may re-call later-various accidents were reported nation wide-of front wheels falling off!!!!!!!.
New tires couldn't be aligned because the ball joint were so bad.
At 54k miles, the ball joints had to be replaced.