Front Suspension Lower Ball Joint problems of the 1999 Dodge Dakota - part 1

The contact owns a 1999 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that the lower ball joints for the front suspension fractured without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed by the dealer. The contact stated that the parts to repair the vehicle were no longer available. The vehicle was not able to be repaired. The contact purchased a lower control arm to repair the vehicle; however, it did not correct the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.

Dodge Dakota 4x4 required replacement of front suspension upper and lower ball joints. Wear of ball joints resulted in premature, rapid destruction of a set of tires due to inner shoulder wear. Set of 4 tires had to be replaced at approximately 1/2 of expected tread life. Total repair cost due to premature failure of ball joints, including new tires, was $1384. 93 condition of ball joints was hazardous and could have resulted in an accident through suspension or tire failure. Condition was also difficult to notice, as the wear was on inner shoulder of front tires. The ball joint and tire wear was not identified during a thorough inspection by an independent mechanic at 60586 miles or by a Dodge dealership during 60,000 mile service performed at 60789 miles. Dodge is aware of the safety hazard of the front ball joints on these vehicles, however did not notify me of the condition. I am the original vehicle owner, and these are original miles. Dodge has declined to assist in the cost of repair.

: the contact stated while driving 25 mph on normal road conditions, a squeaking sound was heard coming from the front driver's side. The vehicle was taken into an independent mechanic who replaced the front lower ball joints, but the problem persisted.

1999 Dodge Dakota ball joint failure.

Premature ball joint failure on 1999 Dodge Dakota. These vehicles should be added to the recall list of 2000-2003 Dodge Dakotas and durangos.

: the contact stated while having routine maintenance, the dealership determined the upper and lower ball joints were loose and needed to be replaced. There was a NHTSA recall, # 04v596000, regarding the upper ball joint; however, it was not included in the recall due to the VIN.

I have recently have had suspension issues with my 1999 Dodge Dakota ext. Cab pickup with 69,600 miles. . I have been the original owner since new. I experienced shaking, noises during corning, etc. Coming from the front end of vehicle. I then took it to an alignment shop and they informed me that my lower ball joints were bad and could separate and cause an accident. I did some internet research and found numerous websites that included notables of other individuals with the same issues. I also found that other Dodge Dakota models have had ball joint recalls. This didn't include my year of truck. I wanted to file a complaint so that I can be included in this ongoing investigation regarding ball joint issues with the 1999 Dodge Dakota 2 wheel drive ext. Cab vehicles. I have not replaced the faulty ball joints as of yet. The vehicle is not currently in use. Thank you, brent owens.

The contact recently purchased a used vehicle that exhibited a front suspension problem. After the initial vehicle purchase he noticed a pulling sensation on the front suspension. He took the vehicle to an independent repair shop for inspection. The mechanic determined both front suspension lower ball joints needed to be replaced. However, no repairs have been made due to excessive expense.

1999 Dodge Dakota, 87,000 miles Dodge dealership states upper and lower ball joints (front left and right) need replacement before front end alignment can be done. Also right hub bearing recently replaced. Normal highway driving, no accidents.

Ball joints were defective. . When the caller got new tires he was told the ball joints were bad. The caller said there was a recall on other years models but not on his year model. Dealer has not been contacted yet. Manufacturer said the call would have to pay for repairs himself.

Contact states the upper and lower ball joints on the right side and left side had to be replaced due to a rejection notice from a safety inspection. This year when the vehicle was taken to be inspected they rejected the safety part of the vehicle. The vehicle will not stay in alignment. When the vehicle was being driven it made a thumping noise and pulled to the right side. The steering wheel constantly had to be turned to the left. There was abnormal wear on the tires, and the tires had to be replaced. There was a recall on model year 2003-2004 for this component, but this model year was not included in the recall. The vehicle has not been to a service dealer yet. The consumer was going to call the manufacturer.

A clanking noise started coming front the front end when turning. Left and right upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced. . . . The wheels felt like they were bonding when turning. The noise and binding was more noticeable at lower speeds. Took vehicle to goodyear automobile service, was told upper an dlower ball joints and inner and outer tie rods were needed. Servic ecenter stated there was a recall from Chrysler for these parts, even though the recall was for 2000 year models forward the parts were exactly the same. Consumer contacted daimler Chrysler and was told to take the vehicle to a Dodge dealer for an estimate. Was told by the Dodge dealer the parts should be covered because of the recall. Contacted daimler Chrysler again with an estimate and was told because of the mileage on the vehicle it could not be covered under the recall.

Failed ball joints on 1999 Dakota at 32,000 miles and 67,000 miles.

On February 6, 2004 my 1999 Dodge Dakota had both the upper and lower ball joints on both the driver and passenger sides replaced because of excessive wear and deterioration. The truck had 46,500 miles at that time and is driven under normal road conditions. It is not used commercially. The cost for repairs came to $1078. Subsequently, on March 4, 2005 I had to have to have my upper ball joints replaced on both sides, again because of wear and deterioration. The cost to repair was $338. It would appear that the original ball joints used by Dodge are sufficiently lacking in quality, and so are the replacement parts, as well.

I am on my second set of having to replace the ball joints on my 1999 Dodge Dakota at 89,000 miles. I know this is a common problem with all of Dodge Dakota's and durango's, and they were forced to deal with the 4wd models of 2000-2003. Mine, however, is a 1999 2wd model, and the ball joints are no better on mine. Fortunately, I have my truck checked enough that my wheels haven't fallen off yet, but I was told recently I was going to have to replace them again. I'm sick of paying for these, and Dodge needs to finally admit their big screw ups on these.

My 1999 Dodge Dakota 4wd extened cab was in the shop for a front end alignment and I was told the ball joints were worn out. I then took it to the local dealership to have the ball joints inspected and was informed that all four (4) needed to be replaced. The dealership advised me to contact a representative at daimler Chrysler, who eventually hung up on me after denying my claim of defective parts. I informed the dealership of my conversation and they were kind enough to work out a satisfactory resolution. They were going to try to get it warranted through daimler Chrysler but were unable to.

I have a 1999 Dodge Dakota the upper and lower ball joint are shot, my machanic told me that they will come apart at anytime.

Upon taking the vehicle in for a routine oil change consumer found that the ball joints were bad. There was a clanking noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. Consumer contacted Dodge. However, Dodge will do nothing to assist the consumer.

My truck began having strange noises and vibrations. I had my dealership check it for me and the advised having 4 ball joints and sway bar bushings replaced, which I did at a cost of $1100. I have saved the old parts. I have asked Chrysler for compensation and they deny on grounds my truck is a 1999. My veichle has only 44,000 miles on it and I bought it new. I had the work done before an accident happened.

Owner of 1999 Dodge Dakota reporting defective ball joints in Dakota and durango. The consumer stated the upper and lower ball joints were replaced on his vehicle as well as the control arms and tie rods at a low mileage.

While driving at high speeds the steering wheel vibrated. Dealership informed the consumer that the problem pertained to the front ball joints. The problem was not repaired.

During a routine inspection, the consumer was informed of loose upper/lower ball joints. The problem was not resolved. The consumer stated all 4 of the ball joints needed to be replaced.

Dodge Dakota 1999 ball joints failure. Consumer wants to know why wouldn't a recall be issued on the 97-99 like for the 2000-03 models, for the durango/dakota's. The consumer stated the upper and lower ball joints were replaced twice on the passenger side and has failed again.

1999 Dodge Dakota right ball front ball joints went bad. Took it to the dealership to replace them. 61000 miles on the truck. No accident, or injuries, just unsafe conditions to drive with this vehicle. Just purchased this month.

The upper and lower ball joints wore out prematurely.

1) loud squeaking , poping noise 2) replaced before complete failure 3) replaced upper and lower ball joints on the drivers side.

Upper and lower ball joint failure in 1999 Dodge Dakota rt, aftermarket parts installed the first time at 39,000 miles and is in need of a second replacement now at 60,000 miles.

I have had to service and replace both the upper and lower ball joints on this truck due to near failure three times in the two years I have owned this truck. Subsequent replacements of the ball joints have been covered under warranty since they all have occured within one year of each replacement. However, I fear in the future I will begin to either encure huge expenses with annual replacements not to mention the huge risk of ball joint failure. I have done considerable research regarding this problem and am amazed that the recent 2000-2002 Dodge Dakota recall was not extended to the numerous problems plagueing the 99 models. I hope soon the recall will be extended to include these terribly faulty ball joints as well.

I have a 1999 Dodge Dakota 4x4 with the same ball joint safety issue that has resulted in the recall of 2000 - 2004 models. Dodge is refusing to fix the safety related issue. I spoke with stew hansen Dodge (where I purchased the vehicle) and they will not fix the issue under the current recall.

Is the 1999 going to be included on the ball joint recall? I allready replaced one,, now I got another going out. Replaced tires on the front twice.

"recall campaign 04v596000" concerning ball joints: consumer stated the ball joints disintegrated completely. Consumer contacted the dealership and manufacturer. However, the problem still exists.

I believe the ball joints on my 1999 Dodge Dakota 5. 2l v8 were defective. I had alignment problems and was told the ball joints were bad (both upper and lower) and needed replacement. Had I not gotten this fixed, the wheel may have eventually fallen off, resulting in injury or even death. The vehicle had approximately 54,500 miles on it at the time and the ball joints were replaced on 12-01-04. I believe that the recall already in effect for Dodge durango and Dakotas 2000-2005, should be extended back to at least to1999, as they are likely using the same defective parts.

Not necessarily an incident, yet. . . But how come 1999 Dodge Dakotas are not affected by the new recall on the ball joints?!!?!? the '99 is the exact same design as the 2000 Dakota. I have a rwd 99 Dakota, and I had the ball joints replaced 3 times since I've owned it. Three times. Daimler Chrysler doesn't care if our wheels fall off?!? I had warning once of three times when my ball joints were shot. What were to happen if I rolled my truck and died?! I can't believe that the recall for the ball joints only affects the 2000-2003 models, I know from plenty of other Dakota owners, the 99's are every bit as bad, if not worse. Same design = same problems. I'm not paying for DC to do my ball joints again, there is no reason the 1999s should be excludeed from the recall. If the balljoints on the 200s are bad, then being the same ones on the 99s will go just as bad. I'm glad to see somebody finally stepped in and did something about this, but I am very dissapointed in the fact that the recall doesn't include all the years with the same design flaw. There is no reason for it, and quite frankly, it infuriates me. . . . .

1. Front suspension making clunking noises. Tires cupping. Steering felt loose. . I didnt allow the failure to occur. . Replaced upper and lower ball joints.

1999 Dodge Dakota-upper and lower ball joints. Notice a clanking noise during rough roads and in turns. In icy conditions, the control of the vehicle can be poor. Prolonged wear can cause the entire wheel to fall off at any speeds. I have been on many other forums to see if any one else has had to replace these. It seems to be a very frequent thing for people to have to replace these. Upon removal of the ball joints, I discovered that they were missing one thing that keeps them from wearing out. . . . Grease. New upper and lower ball joints are to be replaced ASAP before a serious accident occurs.