Front Suspension Lower Ball Joint problems of the 2002 Dodge Dakota - part 1

Simultaneous failure of the inter and outer tie rods, upper and lower ball joints on a 2002 Dodge ram 1500 quad cab. The vehicle has never been use as a work truck, driven on dirt roads and currently has 120,000 highway miles. Rack and pinion is leaking oil, and needs to be replaced is coming a part.

The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Dakota. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact would sporadically hear a loud squeaking noise. He took the vehicle to the dealer for a routine alignment and tire rotation. Upon inspection, a technician stated that the lower ball joints had severe wear and movement, and needed to be replaced. He also stated that the rubber grommets supporting the tie rods failed and created a metal to metal condition, which created a squeaking noise. The components have not been replaced. The failure mileage was 125,000 and current mileage was 128,000. Updated 09/10/08 the upper ball joints were replaced as well. Updated 09/16/08.

While coming out of a curve the truck jolted, dipped and could not be controlled (1st failure). Subsequently I hit a telephone pole detrying the passenger side front panel and the truck slid to stop after "shutting off" ( 2nd failure). When I got out of the truck , behind me on the side of the road, the passenger side side wheel was laying on the ground still attached to the axle. There were no pot holes or rocks on the road to cause the "jolt". This is a similar condition that I believe has been described for the durango and Dakota of the same year.

Power steering fluid leakage. I have to dump a whole bottle in once a week. Ball joints need replaced. Lifters in motor knock and have to be fixed.

As a 2002 Dodge Dakota owner, I have had the upper ball joints replace once out of my own pocket and once at the dealership. I have received my refund. My chief complaint is the fact that when the dealership replaced my upper ball joints they failed to inform me that my lower ball joints also had excessive/unacceptable movement and needed to be replaced. I have also had to replace my rotors and brakes for the third time and I only have 72,000 miles. I don't do any off-roading either. I believe that the upper ball joints caused my lower ball joints to go bad as well in addition to causing the replacement of my rotors and brakes.

: the contact stated while backing up at 10 mph the driver side front wheel detached. The dealership and manufacturer was alerted. They determined it was a lower ball joint failure, however no repairs were made.

The ball joints on the Dakota series p/u are a chronic problem. I bought an '02 Dakota 4x4 with 70k and immediately noticed noise and a loose feeling from the front end. I verified the ball joint recall had been completed. When I went to have it aligned, I learned that all four of my ball joints are bad, including the top two that had been replaced already. . Read more...

2002 Dodge Dakota starting making clunking sound when turning. Had received recall letter for upper ball joints. Upon bringing to dealer, was told both lower and upper ball joints needed replacement. Seems like this is common based on what I have read online. We have also had transmission replaced and goodyear tires split. All of these complaints are posted on this website. 99. 9% will never buy another Dodge. We now have 2. Previous service department interactions stopped me from buying a Dodge in June of 2005 so I purchased a Nissan.

Recall campaig 04v596000 was received for the upper ball joint wear. Consumer took the vehicle to dealer for the repairs, and discovered that the lower ball joints were also defective.

Nhtsa campaign 04v596000; daimler Chrysler issued an front upper ball joint recall. This vehicle was included in the recall, but when taken in for service, owner was informed that the lower ball joints need to be replaced as well. Owner was informed that the wheels can fall off if not replaced.

Recall 04v596000 concerning ball joint wear. Consumer received notification from the manufacturer regarding the recall on ball joint wear. Consumer notified the dealership and scheduled an appointment. When the consumer took the vehicle to the dealership for the scheduled appointment consumer was informed that the parts needed to repair the vehicle were not available and there is no date of expectation either. . . . . . .

No parts were available for recall d47 concerning ball joints. As of 2/20/05 the dealer still had no parts and was unable to tell the consumer when the parts would become available.

Consumer received NHTSA recall 04v596000 concerning ball joint wear. Dealer refused to honor the recall because the vehicle was not purchased at that particular dealership.

Vehicle is 2002 Dodge Dakota sport plus quad cab 4x4, with 58,000 miles on it. When I took the vehicle to a brake repair shop for rotor / drum resurfacing, it was discovered that the ball joints in the front suspension of the vehicle have worn out, are loose, and need to be replaced, at a cost in excess of $850. I have not replaced the ball joints yet, but will have to soon. I feel the ball joints should have lasted longer than 58,000 miles.

There has been no failure of my front end yet, however I have noticed a rattle in the front. I have not notified my dealer yet. I dont believe the ball joints are under warranty. Just wanted to express my concern.

Recall campaign: 2002 Dodge Dakota have upper <a href=". . Read more...

Premature ball joint failure in 2002 Dodge Dakota 4x4. Ball joints where making clunking sound and were bad at 35000 but dealer refused to fix. Now when I returned at 79000 and they are really really bad and unsafe they admit that they are bad and that they know Dodge has a problem with the ball joints but still refused to fix under warranty.

Bought 2002 Dodge Dakota club cab slt+ in June of 2002. Within 6,000 miles, began to hear an occasional 'scrunch' sound when turning sharp (like into parking spaces) - more pronounced when hitting a bump while turning sharp (on my street, there's a slight - less than 2 inch - dropoff from the road to my driveway). Gradually got more and more noticeable, and took less and less to cause the sound, until I took it in at about 24,000 miles. Both sides, both ball joints were replaced. Truck drove great for a while, then at about 30,000 or so, started all over again. Same thing. Truck now has 48,000 miles, and is in the shop again for the same service.

The tire retail store was unable to perform a front end alignment after replacing the front tires because 3 of the <a href=". . Read more...

The upper and lower ball joints continued to wear prematurely. Please provide additional informtion.

Upper and lower ball joint failure, both sides. Replacement estimated at $1100. 00.

Dodge Dakota had several problems at low miles, notice scrunch sound in front suspension whenever consumer pulled into the driveway.

Upon turning the steering wheel, I would hear "popping" coming from the front suspension. Brought it in for inspection. Mechanic diagnosed the problem as bad ball joints. Replaced both upper and lower ball joints (left and right). The condition of the upper ball joints indicated that they were ready to pop out of the socket.

Worn ball joints and related suspension noise.

I have had clunking and squeaking noises coming from the front end of my 2002 Dodge Dakota quad cab since about 18,000 miles. I have mentioned it to the dealer and they say they do not know what it is. After viewing the internet I have realized that there is many problems with the upper and lower ball joints. I will soon be returing to the dealer with the info to try to get it fixed.

I have a 2002 Dodge Dakota quad cab--with 49000 on it and it needs lower ball joints! is there any type of recall or course of action I can take ? these ball-joints should not need to be replaced at 49000.

Recall campaign#04v596000: the vehicle's ball joints failed prior to recall notification. The ball joints had worn out. The consumer reqested reimbursement.

Front end of truck would make noise when hitting bumps the steering wheel would shake violently. Oth ball joints on the passenger side were defective. The upper had nearly 1/4" of up and down travel and the bottom was completely broken. It is amazing that the wheel didn't fall off completely. Replaced both passenger side ball joints. Had to purchase them from an aftermarket vendor do to Chrysler having them on national backorder. The only part that they had available was a complete a arm assembly at a price of $250 each versus the $50 for the ball joint itself. I find it somewhat strange that 2wd versions of the Dakota and durango are not being covered under the recently announce recall. Having managed auto parts stores for several years, are customer complaints and sales are just as high on the 2wd parts as the 4wd.

Vehicle was taken to the dealer for a routine inspection, and mechanic determined that both upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced due to worn out parts.

While driving at 45 mph consumer heard a loud noise coming from the front end. Vehicle was taken to dealer and mechanic determined there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. Then, an independent repair shop indicated that ball joints needed to be replaced.

While driving at approximately 40 mph heard noises coming from the front. Had no difficulty with the driving. Took vehicle to dealership, and mechanic determined that the right side lower ball joints needed to be replaced. Did not need to replace ball joints on the left. Had previously filed complaint #12187283.

2002 Dodge Dakota quad-cab 4x4 the upper and lower balljoints in the front end seem to be loose and causing excessive popping noises when I hit dips/bumps in the road or turn sharp. My truck only has 30,000 miles on it.

Consumer could hear a clicking noise while driving at any speed. Vehicle was taken to a repair shop, and mechanic determined that both front upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced.

While braking the consumer heard a popping noise coming from the front ball joints. The dealership was notified but did not resolve the problem. Please provide any additional information.

While driving at 55 mph the driver could hear a loud noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The mechanic informed the driver both upper and lower ball joints needed replacing due to worn parts.