Front Suspension Lower Ball Joint problems of the 2000 Dodge Dakota - part 2

While driving 15 mph, a squeaking noise was heard coming from the front. The driver drove the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the upper ball joints needed replacing due to worn parts. Please fill in additional information.

Dealer replaced lower ball joints at 60,000 miles.

While driving the vehicle and turning left or right, consumer heard a rattles noise. Vehicle was taken to independent shop, mechanic determined need to be replaced the ball joints. Dealer notified.

While driving consumer heard a loud popping noise coming from the upper ball joints. Consumer had the problem repaired.

Had to replace lower ball joint at 55,000 miles.

Bad ball joints failed.

2000 Dodge Dakota 4. 7l quad cab ball joints started making squeaking noises when turning at around 40,000 miles. Noise is now getting unbearable and steering somewhat "lurches" when turning tightly. Needs major work on ball joints much earlier than would be reasonable.

Upon servicing the vehicle technician inspected ball joints and noticed all four ball joints were worn out, and needed to be replaced.

Consumer took vehicle to the dealer for routine maintenance, and mechanic noticed that both upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced due to worn out parts.

Vehicle was taken to the dealer for routine maintenance. The mechanic at the dealer indicated that all four ball joints failed prematurely and need to be replaced soon. Please provide any additional information.

My Dodge Dakota 2000, is shaking the front wheels and I discovered that my upper and lower ball joints are cracked. The dealer "main street Dodge" told me they will not repair this problem free because Dodge do not recall this vehicles. I offered to buy the parts and do the work myself if they tell me what is the name of these and they said they will charge me for this service of identifying the parts, too.

I am responding to the news of the faulty ball joints in Dodge Dakotas. I too have a 2000 Dodge Dakota quad cab with just over 56,000 miles on it and it needs to have the ball joints replaced.

Have replaced upper/lower ball joints once this year. They now need to be replaced again! am now also getting "whirring noise" when I am driving. When reversing out of parking space or turning corner, pulling into driveway, get huge clanking noise consistently. Dealer refused to replace at 30,150 miles. Bought truck to transport kids in safety. Now I transport my 3 kids in terror. Thanks Dodge. Not.

Upper lower balljoint corrosion: I took my Dakota r/t in for a "popping sound" that was coming from the front end. I was told by your service rep at the dealer that there was nothing wrong with my front end. I took my Dakota to a local mechanic, he told me that both my upper and lower ball joints were close to failure. I returned to henderson Dodge with my Dakota and the service dept still told me there was nothing wrong with my front end. I cannot drive my Dakota anymore due to the front end. I am very dissatisfied with Dodges product. When will you'll stand up and back your products????.

Upper left ball joints were detached and the upper right ball joints were loose. Consumer had both sides replaced.

While driving at any speed consumer heard a clanking sound when turning corners. Vehicle was taken to a dealer, who found that the upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced.

Consumer heard a noise coming from the left front tire. Consumer took the vehicle to gas station, and mechanic noticed that both upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced due to corrosion.

While rotating tires right front tire fell off with the lug nuts still in place. This occurred after consumer jacked the vehicle up. Ball joints split down the middle. Prior to this incident, front end would bounce upon coming to a complete stop. 2000 Dodge Dakota passenger front tire fell off of vehicle during wheel rotation. The result of this occurence was due to the ball joints being spilt down the middle. The regular method of checking the ball joints did not reveal a defect.

Premature failure of upper and lower ball joints on right front side.

2000 Dodge Dakota sport 42,000 miles, ball joints need replacement.

I bought a 2000 Dakota 4x4 used, with 42,000 mi. In oct. 03. Went to get a missouri state inspection certificate, I was told upper & lower balljoints were "going bad". July 04, truck started to pull to the right. It"s an expensive repair that I cannot afford right now. I saw a news story on this issue and realized I am not alone. I belive Dodge makes a great truck. They should stand behind there name, as well as product.

Upper and lower ball joints premature wear out 45,000 miles .

Upper and lower ball joints.

The ball joints on my 2000 Dodge Dakota have failed with 41,000 miles on it.

When having new tires put on my 2000 Dodge Dakota, they advised me that the eft front tie rod was loose. I contacted the dealer and got an appointment to have it looked at. They looked at it and said the tie rod was loose as well as the upper and lower ball joints. They said the ball joints were on national back order due to problems with other Dodge models (durango). They would contact me when the parts came in. They called yesterday (11-18-03). I have an appointment for next Tuesday, 11-25-03, to have it fixed. I have the extended warranty on my truck, and I only have 47,000+ miles on it. The warranty will pay for all but the $100 deductible and the $49. 95 for the subsequent alignment that will be necessary. With all of the similar problems you have had with the Dakotas, durangos, jeeps, etc. I feel like this should be a recall issue and that I should not have to pay for any of it. My husband says suspension problems like this shouldn't occur in vehicles with this low mileage. I do not use this vehicle hard. It does not pull anything, and it does not carry heavy loads. I am the only owner.

Replacement of both lower ball joints at my expense because they were loose.

Dodge Dakota quad cab, 2000 upper and lower front ball joints failed.

Consumer states both upper ball and lower ball joints needed to be replaced. Vehicle was running without warranty. Dealer notified.

I am having my ball joints replaced for the third time. I have a friend who has the exact same vehicle, and they have had theirs done four times. I also know at least three other people with same truck (year,make,model) that have had this same problem multiple times. This is not mere coinicidence- something is wrong with the suspension of these trucks.

When replacing tires on my 2000 Dakota, I was advised that my ball joints were worn to the point of being unsafe. My vehicle was less than 30 days beyond the expiration of the manufacturer's warranty, and had approximately 19,000 miles on it. I believe both the ball joints and the tires should wear more mileage than that. I also believe the deterioration of the ball joints accelerated the wear of the tires. Ball joints have been replaced at my own expense. Did not want to wait for a recall at the expense of my family's safety.

Noise felt in front suspension when turning - especially with left turns. Took to dealer and they were unable to reproduce problem. Took to a different dealer a few months later and they told me I needed new upper ball joints. I took it to a different dealer and was told that I needed new lower ball joints. I have replaced the lower ball joints for a little over $600! I still can't afford to replace the upper ball joints and I am still feeling a slight thump when turning. This problem is so common with this vehicle and I am mad at Dodge for not recalling. I read a report on 60 minutes about ball joint problems causing tires to fall off vehicles during driving. What a dangerous thing to happen. I think of this everyday as I drive on the highway. . Read more...

Premature failure of right front upper control arm balljoint and lower balljoint (50,000 miles).

The lower ball joint snapped in half.

Upper and lower ball joints wore out. Makes a horrible popping sound when turning the wheel or intially going forward and backing up while cutting the wheel.

At 31450 miles dealership replaced lower ball joint and left upper ball joint.