Ball Joint problems of the 1998 Dodge Dakota

I took my 1998 Dodge Dakota 4x4 in for a front end alignment and found out that all four front ball joints were bad. One side was very loose and was almost ready to break. I talked to several mechanics who said this is expected for any Dakota of this era. I found out that the 2000 and above years have been recalled. Why aren't the 98's included in this, they have the same problem.

I have a 1998 Dakota 4x4, making suspicious noises in front end. Took to alignment shop where I was told that all ball joints and tie rods needed replacement badly, as , according to shop owner, the wear was so extensive that the truck was dangerous to drive. Truck was repaired on 12/01/ 2004. This truck has never been an off-road used vehicle, hwy. Miles only. I was also told by the shop owner that he has recently been receiving same complaint and need for repair by an unusually high number of Dakota and durango owners. Recall for 2000-2003 vehicles as released by the media occurred after my truck was repaired.

Sir, I just read on the internet where Chrysler is recalling the Dodge Dakota going along with the governments recommendation. I understand they are only going back to the 2000 models. Well, I have an 1998 model that's going through the same things. The ball joints have gone bad the steering has gone bad. There's been a bad crunching coming from the front-end for over a year and no-one can find out what's making it. I'm getting scared to drive it. I've already spent a load of money on the front-end of this vehicle!!! I have been to the Dodge dealers numerous times and they tell me there is no bulletins on these problems but you can go on the internet and check on complaints for the Dakota and there are thousands on the front-end ever since they changed to the new body style. I don't know what you guys can do about this problem but I think you should, in good faith, make them reimburse or recall all of these vehicles having the problems not just the last 4 years. This is just a cop-out on their part to keep you guys off their backs. If you think there are not complaints just go on the internet and check it out. This problem began several years ago, not just in 2000. Thank you -------- an answer to this e-mail would be appreciated. Jim jerles .

Inquiry into anything consumer could do to get Dodge to take care of the ball joint failure which he experienced. The consumer stated the ball joints rusted and loosened.

Consumer questioned whether the numerous complaints of ball joint failure would be enough to issue a recall. When the consumer took the vehicle into the shop to be serviced, he was told the upper and lower ball were bad.