57 problems related to front suspension lower ball joint have been reported for the 2002 Dodge Dakota. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
My 2002 Dodge Dakota's upper and lower ball joints failed at around 48,000 miles of regular highway driving, and now at 58,000 it feels as if they are going again. They were replaced with Dodge parts, and Chrysler told me that they are not recalling it. After all the news I've seen on Dakota/durango ball joint problems, I figured I'd file a complaint with you guys, I'm just fed up I guess. Thank you .
2002 Dodge Dakota quad cab, had noise in front end starting at about 25000 miles. Complained to dealer at the following 2 oil changes about front end pulling to the right and noises in front end, diagnosed as "normal". Finally, I told dealer that I would pay for a front end alignment, and both upper ball joints diagnosed as bad and needed to be replaced before the alignment could happen. Ball joints were replaced after a 4 week wait for the ball joints that were on "back order", 32,000 miles at replacement time.
Four months ago while driving at 45 mph consumer heard noise coming through the front end. Vehicle was taken to the dealership, and technician determined nothing was wrong with the vehicle. Four months later and without warranty dealership indicated to the consumer the need to replace upper and lower ball joints.
While driving consumer heard a clanking noise coming from the front ball joints. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.
While driving 30 mph consumer heard a noise coming from the front driver side wheel. Consumer took vehicle to dealer more than once, but problem still exists. Mechanic was unable to duplicate the problem.
While driving at any speed and when turning corners, hit bumps, or simply turning the steering wheel, there was a distinct crunching sound in front of vehicle. Dealer examined the vehicle, and determined that the upper and lower ball joints needed replacement. Dealer replaced upper and lower ball joints.
While driving consumer heard a rough sound coming from the front. Vehicle was taken to a dealer, where the mechanic replaced the upper and lower ball joints on the right side.
Vehicle has definitive clunk when crossing over small bumps or turning tightly. Worn ball joints are to blame. Vehicle has 50,000 miles.
Lower ball joints wearing out prematurally on 2002 Dodge ram and other Dodge trucks. Someone better start getting on Dodge to fix this issue before people get killed. Costing the consumer alot of money in repairs. Probably planned by Dodge.
Premature failure of upper lower ball joints. This started at 20k at which time I brought it into a dealership, but the "front end" guy was sick that day (how convient), so no one would look at the truck. Very loud popping noise from front end especially when turning at low speed on icy conditions. When turning sharp the wheel feels as if its about to colapes under itself. Very dangerous. Now that im over the 36k warrenty Dodge tells me I have to pay to have it fixed. I will never purchase a Dodge again. This is a life threatening condition should it fail. I have children and no longer feel safe transporting them in this vehicle. I cannot even trade it in untill I fix it as all the other car dealers are quite aware of this defect. . . . Help please!!!.
While driving the vehicle at 30 mph or more the right side of the vehicle vibrated. An independent mechanic stated there was a problem with the ball joints. Please provide further information.
While driving at any speed a noise was heard from the front end. The dealer determined, that the upper and lower ball joints had to be replaced.
Premature wear of ball joints on 2002 Dodge Dakota pickup. This wear could result in an accident if not repaired.
Saw on a message board that there is an ongoing investigation Dodge Dakota ball joints. I have a 2002 Dakota. At around 10,000 miles, I started hearing a noise in the front suspension. It was very intermittent, so I didn't pay any attention. But it got more and more frequent until around 20,000 miles, when I finally had it fixed. The dealer (anderson Dodge in rockford, IL) replaced both of the front ball joints. Now, at 45,000 miles, it's starting to make some of the same sounds - possibly failing again.
Had to have the balljoints replaced at less than 50'000 miles.
Premature failure (40000 miles) of ball joints in a 2002 Dodge Dakota quad cab.
Consumer complained about a ball joint problem. Consumer took vehicle to dealer to have tires replaced when it was noticed that the ball joints were defective. The consumer stated that the grease was able to wash out and there was no place to grease the ball joints. The dealer failed to correct the problem.
We own a 2002 Dodge Dakota quad cab truck. It's getting ready to be taken back into the shop for a ball-joint problem we supposedly already had fixed. We purchased this Dodge truck as our main family vehicle. How can I feel safe transporting my family in a vehicle that could have a tire collapse at any time? I've researched information about this very problem and am disturbed to find out that it's happening to a lot of vehicle owners. For most of us, a vehicle is one of the most costly purchases we make in our lifetimes. . . How long are we going to have to wait for daimler/Chrysler/Dodge to stop sweeping this problem under the rug and take the safety of all passengers seriously?.
I am owner of a 2002 Dodge Dakota quad cab pick-up with defective front ball joints. I have noticed noise from the front end of vehicle and took it to dealer. Even took the shop forman on road test and he also heard the noise I was experiencing. Then the dealer blamed it on the side bars that I had previosly installed. (the noise was there before the the bars were installed). Needless to say, I was given the run around. I am a experienced mechanic by trade and I know about these things. I am very concerned that I am driving a potential time bomb just like the durango's which share the same front suspension that are having critical balljoint failures which there is now a class action law siute in process. There needs to be a recall initiated because lives are in danger!.
Upper and lower ball joints are exhibiting premature signs of failure at 10,000 miles load popping sounds when turning and braking. Vehicle now has 23,000 miles and is showing signs of steering vibrations. Why haven't the Dakota models been included with the durango suspension engineering investigation. There are almost 100 complaints on the website?.
2002 Dodge Dakota quad cab. While braking there seems to be a vibration under the front end or sometimes while turning either left or right in motion it will make a popping sound. I did take it to the dealer 2 month ago for that problem, but all they found out that the brake disks needed to be turned. But the same problem still happens. Need to find out if there is anything wrong with the upper or lower ball joints, bushings that are not properly seated on the front end parts, or what?.
Vehicle was taken to dealer 4 times for popping and cracking sound heard in the front of vehicle when making turns. Also, consumer heard a popping and cracking noise when driving on bumpy roads. Ball joints were changed. However, after 500 miles the problem recurred.