Eight problems related to front suspension control arm have been reported for the 1997 Dodge Dakota. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Ball joint failures: truck failed state inspection due to defective upper and lower ball joints or ball joint and lower control arm. Another ball joint had been replaced the previous year. All defects occurred at about 50,000 miles. This is common problem with Dodge Dakota and Chrysler will not pay for repairs. Problem is well documented on dozens of internet sites, blogs, etc and all mechanics and state inspectors all nod knowingly about the Dodge pickup. This is safety issue and failure of ball joints is not a problem in almost any car except Chrysler products. How do they get away with this safety issue which can cause loss of control and crashes and at under 50,000 miles. It is time NHTSA forces Dodge to recall and reimburse all costs to those already having paid for such repairs. This should be applicable for any year vehicle up to at least 100,000. I have owned over a dozen vehicles and most driven over 100,000 and one at 145,000 and one 200,000 and have never replace but one ball joint on a 1970 cutlass. Only one high mileage vehicle with cv joints but maybe no ball joints had to have a cv joint replaced. This does not speak well of Chrysler/Dodge.
1997 Dodge Dakota club cab 2 wd pickup had excessive tire wear at 25,000 miles so all tires replaced. Tires had been rotated every 7,000 mi. After tire replaced took to Dodge dealer for front end alignment. Dealer refused because they said front ball joints needed replaced costing $900. When asked if this was unusual dealer said no and that ball joints could wear out in 10,000 miles. I called daimler Chrysler to complain and they refused my request for assistance saying no problems of this type have been reported. The truck was never driven off road, never involved in an accident, only driven to work and home within 40 miles of my home. Truck was never abused and I feel the ball joints (and tires) should not have worn out in this small amount of time. I am an engineer and believe there is a design or manufacturing problem that led to this premature failure. I have continued to drive the truck without replacing the ball joints yet since no one has told me there is any safety reason not to. The truck drives fine, straight, and easy.
Excessive tire wear aligned at 12000 still had wear took to an alignment specialist and found a bad ball joint.
While driving vehicle would be hard to control. Vehicle would jump to left or right suddenly. Dealer has replaced ball joints 9 times, and problem still exists.
Upper and lower ball joints have failed at 50,000 miles which could cause other damages. TSB was sent out by manufacturer, but only covered 4 wheel drive vehicles.
Left hand upper ball joint is coming apart from steering tie rod which could cause complete loss of steering capability. Consumer has contacted the dealer. Please provide any further details.
Front upper and lower control arms broke, causing premature wear of the tires. Please give any further details.
Premature wear of the ball joints. Please provide further detail.