Front Suspension Lower Ball Joint problems of the 1999 Dodge Dakota - part 2

Consumer stated the lower ball joints failed stat inspection.

Consumer's vehicle experienced the very same problem as stated in recall 04v596000 concerning ball joint wear.

Failing Dodge Dakota ball joints (both upper and lower). In mid October I had both the upper and lower ball joints replaced on my 1999 Dodge Dakota. The machanic informed the upper one were shot and the lower ones where starting to go. I know that there may be a recall in the forseable future, however, I do not think the consumers should pay the bill for an obvious design flaw. Luckly I caught the problem before the wheel fell off (I have heard that this has happened). Please let me know what the status of the 1999 Dakota ball joints.

Ball joints were repaired three times. Consumer stated the ball joint was too close to the engine, and caused them to rupture. Problem continued to happen.

The consumer had the ball joints replaced for premature wear. The vehicles performance was poor and the sound was excruciating.

I took my 1999 Dodge Dakota pickup truck in to have it aligned. The mechanics at big o tire told me it could not be aligned due to bad upper and lower ball joints and tie rod ends. Big o tires informed me that not only were the parts worn prematurely, but that it presented a dangerous situation and that my wheels could fall off the truck. I did not believe big o, so I took the truck to loveland bear alignment for a second opinion. Loveland bear alignment verified what big o told me, and in addition told me that to use Chrysler parts would not be acceptable because the Chrysler replacement parts were as defective as the parts being replaced and that it would not solve the problem of premature wear and danger of the wheels falling off. The vehicle had 67,571 miles on it at the time I was told this. Due to both the safety concern over my wheels possibly falling off and the need to align the vehicle to avoid wearing out my new tires, I ordered the ball joint and tie rod ends replaced with lifetime warranty aftermarket parts followed by alignment. The repairs to my vehicle cost approximately $1,037. 00. So far, the only consequences were premature wear on the last set of tires and the fact that I was compelled to replace the parts for safety concern and the ability to perform a front end alignment on the vehicle. The old parts are not available. I now understand that there is a recall in effect for this vehicle but only for 2000 and newer vehicles. I want you to be informed that the defect also affects at least some vehicles manufactured in 1999 and to request that you extend the recall to include my vehicle.

Consumer complained about steering problems. He took the vehicle to dealer to be serviced, and it was determined that the vehicle had damaged ball joints. Consumer was aware of recall on Dodge Dakota and durango 2000-2003.

I had the tell-tale sign of popping sounds in the front end - especially when turning. Sure enough, both upper & lower ball joints were bad. Both sides! given the cost of labor, I am doing it myself (Im a c mechanic part-time). The play was so bad; firestone could not do an alignment! I am replacing all ball joints. Have receipts & saving all parts for any possible investigation by NHTSA. I did notice, after doing 1 side, that the ball joints look like the wear surface inside is totally gone! it is metal-metal contact. The upper joints come from the factory sealed (lubed for life). Some flakes of plastic did fall out of the upper ball joint.

The vehicle's upper and lower ball joints had to be replaced at 43,826 miles.

While applying the brakes a loud squeaking noise was heard coming from the front. The driver noticed suddenly a vibration uncontrollably while making a left or right turn. The driver was able to drive it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the upper and lower ball joints needed replacement due to corrosion. Please fill in additional information.

While driving at any speed, the consumerer heard a loud noise coming from the front. The vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. The consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle and drove it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the consumer that the upper and lower ball joint needed to be replaced. Please provide further details.

I drive mainly on public roads, so I occasionaly have a few potholes. I have to keep taking my truck to the dealer for balljoints and control arms. The dealer says it fixed and within two weeks time I hear a bonk in the frount end and need to see the dealer again.

1999 Dodge Dakota 77,250 miles. Front upper ball joint failure. Having ball joints replaced.

While driving at any speed vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. Mechanic determined that upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced due to worn out parts. This information was provided by mrs. Williams husband curtis england.

The upper and lower ball joints had to be replaced at 60k miles. I had mechanics at ntb take a look at my truck, and they said that driving with the ball joints in such a condition was extremely hazardous.

I had handling issues with my 1999 Dodge Dakota. Also, my front tires were wearing out on the inside. I thought I had a alignment problem and took my truck in for repairs. I was informed and shown that my ball joints (upper and lower) and tie rods were severely worn out and needed repair. Today, on the news, I heard about a recall for 2000-2003 Dakotas for this defect. Is there anything in the works to include 1999 Dakota's?.

Last July at isspection the dealer said the front lower ball joints needed relaced on my 1999 Dakota. This was at 22000 miles. I have never taken it off road and take very good care of it.

The upper and lower ball joints of the consumer's 1999 Dodge Dakota wore prematurely.

1 defective ball joints on 1999 Dakota; misaligned front wheels, and 3 replaces all four joints on front.

Had to relace front ball joints at 20,000 miles. Had to replace them again at 60,000. This time had mechanic replace them with ones that have nip so they can be lubricated.

I have a Dodge Dakota,1999, all the ball joints are bad and dangerously worn. The biggest problem is they are the same as the durango!!!!! and I can't get them. They are out of stock all over at a cost of $2000. 00approximately. !!! I understand there is an investigation underway for the durango but did you realize the Dakota is the same part. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Not only cant I afford this repair it is a 53,000 mile vehicle that is well cared for and this is abosorbent and gouging the public. Please consider including the dakkota with the durang investigation. Thank you frank yunits sr.

While driving 35 mph or more vehicle wandered while in motion. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the consumer that the upper/lower ball joints needed to be replaced on both sides.

While driving front upper/lower ball joints wore out. . This could cause the vehicle to shimmy. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.

Last year my 1999 Dodge Dakota, 5. 2l slt fail it's annual inspection due to faulty ball joints. One year later and less than 10,000 miles the ball joints need replace again. I drive this vehicle part time as a second vehicle and do not drive on unsmooth surfaces. It cost $700 last year to replace the bottom ball joints and I am not looking foward to paying that again this year. The stearing is very loose and hard to control. I turn the wheel and the wheels do not react in a timely mannor. It is also hard to stay in the driving lane. The vehicle sways from one side to the other.

Lower ball joints had to be replaced on 99 Dodge Dakota at 66,000 miles.

Premature wear to upper and lower ball joints on 1999 Dodge Dakota. Dealership quoted $1000. 00 to fix! I put new tires on the truck and they were unable to do an allignment because of this problem. It's seems very unsafe.

Car became difficult to steer. Next day took it to a repair shop. They diagnosed problem as ball joints. Both are completely worn out should have been replaced a long time ago. Repair estimate $1,000. This is a 1999 Dodge Dakota pickup truck.

Dealership has told me that the front ball joints on my Dodge Dakota are bad. When I asked if this was normal with only 56,000 miles on a vehicle they became very evasive and would not give an answer. I asked if Chrysler was helping their customers on this issue. I was told they were taking care of some of them but they would not help me. The first 2 years I had this vehicle it was in the shop 23 times for repairs. I had to go through arbitration twice while the vehicle was still under warranty because chryslers regional manager told the dealership not to work on it anymore. They refused to honor the factory warranty. Now they want $1,100 to repair a defect that requires $150 worth of parts.

Wheels would shake and make a clicking noise when making turns and traveling at low speeds. Vehicle repaired by the dealer when consumer found out that the upper ball joints needed to be replaced. . . . . . . Also, replaced lower ball joints.

We have a 1999 Dodge Dakota that was riding rough. After driving another vehicle, and then driving the Dakota you would notice that the smoothness was gone, and when going over any uneven pavement or bumpy roads you really had to grip the steering wheel to have control. Took the vehicle in for inspection and ended up having the upper and lower ball joints replaced. The vehicle had 44,000 miles on it. The replacement took care of the problem with an out of pocket cost of $633. 00.

Due to news info concerning Dodge dakato ball joint failures, we took our 1999 Dodge Dakota, with 52,000 total miles on it, to our local dealer to have the ball joints checked on March 15, 2004. We were informed by their shop that they are bad and ready to fail and should be replaced. Their quote to replace them is $775. 37!!! this is premature failure and there should be a recall!.

While driving consumer heard a loud noise coming from the front of the vehicle. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealership, and mechanic determined that the right upper ball joint failed. Lower ball joint was recommended by the dealer that it needed replacement. In addition, wheel bearing were replaced.

While driving a rattling noise was heard coming from the front driver side wheel. Consumer noticed that both front wheels were loose. Driver side tire had stress marks inside and outside. Consumer took vehicle to dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that both upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced.

Both unper and lower ball joints on both sides of my 1999 Dodge Dakota failed and had to be replaced this March with less than 50,000 miles on the vehicle. The mechanic said the ball joints were ruined and that it was in large part to there being to small and also having no grease fittings.

According to the dealer service department, both lower ball joints on my 1999 Dakota are failing and need replacement at 35,700 miles. Upper left ball joint failed and was replaced in December, 2003 when I had new tires put on and the tire dealer was unable to do an allignment due to the poor condition of the ball joint.