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

The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Dakota. While having the tires changed at an independent mechanic, the front suspension collapsed at the upper ball bearing joints as the vehicle was lowered with the new tires installed. The vehicle was not taken to an authorized dealer to be examined for the cause of failure. The vehicle was having the front suspension replaced by the independent mechanic. The VIN was unavailable. The failure and current mileages were 39,500.

2002 Dodge Dakota upper ball joint failure. It seems that the recall under NHTSA campaign id #04v596000 only covered four-wheel drive (4x4) vehicles but the same problem exist on two-wheel drive vehicles also. My vehicle has 84,000 miles and both ball joints need replacing. The replacement part is the same on both two or four wheel drives.

Upper ball joints worn out at 52,00 miles. Went for tire change and front end alignment and found problem. Had extended warranty but did not cover. Am waiting for part at the cost of about $600. 00 to replace.

I owe a 2002 Dodge Dakota and had a recall for upper ball joint that was repaired by merrick Dodge in merrick NY. The dealer advised me that the way they do the recall an alignmentwas not necessary. I was informed by Chrysler that a toe alignment was required. This recal was done in January 2005. The new tires that were installed in November of 2004 have excessive wear on the inner edges of both front tires evenly. The alignment was never done or done improperly and the dealership refuses to correct or even address said issue. All I ask is a front end alignment so that the tires will wear in a safe and correct manner.

Mechanic detected failing ball joint, front right I was informed condition could fail, and vehicle could be dangerous to drive had mechanic repair defetive ball joint. Chrysler refused warentee, as their dealership did not repair defect.

Consumer received a manufacturer's recall notice d47 for upper ball joints . The dealer had the parts but refused to do the work stating they could only do 1 or 2 repairs a day and were booked until end of June.

While driving 30 mph the front driver's side upper ball joints failed. As a result, the front end collapsed, owner had the vehicle towed to his home. A recall was issued, and consumer stated he has been waiting for two months for repair. Please provide additional information.

Consumer received recall 04v596000 concerning upper ball joints. While driving 10 mph suddenly the right front wheel came off, causing the vehicle to strike the ground. Vehicle sustained front end damage. The police arrived, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the consumer made contact with his insurance company. It was discovered later there was a recall for the upper ball joints. Currently, the insurance company was not filing the consumer's claim. Consumer contacted the manufacturer, who sent an independent contractor to examine the vehicle, and consumer heard nothing from the manufacturer since then.

The consumer believes the vehicle's front ball joints are loose.

Recall campaign 04v596000 concerning ball joint wear. Owner received notification from the manufacturer in January 4, 2005. Owner contacted the dealer, and was told that parts were not available, and there was no indication as to when the parts will be made available. Also, contacted the manufacturer, and they too were unable to give a dare as to when parts will be made available. The consumer stated that the vehicle sways from side to side.

Nhtsa campaign 04v596000; daimler chrylser issued an upper ball joint recall. This vehicle was included in the recall, but there were no available appointments until may, which could be dangerous because the wheels can fall off. . Consumer stated no available appointments until may was ridiculous since this was a safety issue.

Nhtsa recall 04v596000 on the ball joint wear. Consumer contacted the dealer and was informed that the next available appointment is on may 26, 2005. Please provide further details.

Nhtsa recall campaign 04v596000 concerning front ball joints. This vehicle was included in the recall, but there were no appointments available until may, which could be dangerous because the wheels could fall off.

Nhtsa campaign 04v596000; daimler Chrysler issued an upper ball joint recall. This vehicle was included in the recall, but there were no appointments available until late March 2005.

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

Consumer complained about upper ball joints problem. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer several times. Dealer inspected it, gave it a wheel alignment, and then said there was nothing wrong. Currently, manufacturer is recalling the 4 wheel drive. However, this vehicle is a two wheel drive.

The recall for the upper ball joints have been issued, however the dealer states the parts were unavailable. The consumer has been waiting since December. Please provide additional information.

I have a 2002 Dodge Dakota 2wd truck. I have just been rejected a virginia inspection because the upper ball joints in my truck are about to come out. The local Dodge dealer told me that the 2wds are not included in the recall. If the Dakotas are made with the same parts for the same place. Isn't it likely that all the parts are faulty. Now I have a truck that will not pass inspection and a $400. 00 problem to fix on a truck that only has 40k miles.

Sir, I read about Dodge Dakota has upper joint plm. Gates(Chrysler) says, they can hear noise from joint but u forget about deaf people have own too. I am deaf and my truck is 2002 4x4 Dodge Dakota. They should concerns about deaf people too. Please inform me soon before happens anytime!!! thanks.

Told by four people at work that they had problem with there ball joint and had to replace them on Dodge Dakotas truck, ask Dodge dealer they said they go bad because of michigan roads, I ask him what about the other 49 states.

Upper ball joint failure was found during state inspection, was replaced at owners expense. Seen recall on durangos and dakotoas, was hoping to get rams included. The vehicle has 52,000 miles never driven off road or abused and routine maintence at the dealership.

Front end vibration and creeking. Dealer states both upper front ball joints worn and need replacing. Old parts available.

There is a clicking noise when the vehicle is making turns, causing the suspension to become loose and maintain proper control. Vehicle was taken to dealer for front ball joint repairs for the fourth time.

While attempting to get the front end aligned on my 2002 Dodge Dakota it was discovered the upper ball joints have failed and separated. The vehicle had less than 30,000 miles. The mechanice states it is a defect of the parts.

Upper ball joints of a 2002 Dodge Dakota quad cab 4x4 needing replaced with only 15,153 miles on truck.

Noise in front end pickup moves side to side.

2002 Dodge Dakota pickup truck exhibits premature wear on upper ball joints resulting in loud popping noise during turns and front in rattle on uneven pavement.

Due to the worn front upper ball joints, the consumer would hear a clunking noise when driving. The dealership is aware of the problem, but did not resolve. Please provide more information.

I purchased my 2002 Dodge Dakota quadcab 4x4 new from the dealer. And at about 40,000 miles I notice suspension noise from the front. It was intermittent at first then as I approached 50,000 miles the noise became a metallic chatter at all times. I had the parts replaced by a local shop after the dealer failed to honor my appointment times. The mechanic said that the upper ball joints were out and that they had to be replaced. He also commented that he has never seen a ball joint wear out in just 50,000 miles. He gave me the old parts showed the play in the joint and the absence of grease in the boot. He claimed that the design must be defective to wear out that early and completely. I use the car for work and lose money when it is not operative. My main concern was safety and reliability since I am required to work in all weather conditions with my contract to the local utility, pg&e. Now I am at 65,000 miles and they are giong out again. It is under warranty with the local shop but is it fair for this business to deal with a manufacturing problem? the date of repair was 8/23/04 but the problem was first noticed 4/5/04 and worsened to I felt I couldn't safely drive the vehicle anymore. Now the early signs are starting again 10,000 miles after repair.

Premature failure on left upper ball joint for 2002 Dodge Dakota quad cab 4x4, 36,990 miles. Popping sounds coming from front left, so I took it to the dealer for evaluation. I was charged for the ball joint check and deductable on extended warranty.

The right front tire came off while driving at 75 mph on the highway. Vehicle went into the median and stopped. Vehicle was towed. It was discovered that ball joints were defective, and caught on fire.

Brought 2002 Dakota to dealer cause of popping noises coming from front end especially when turning. Dealer said no problem found. Truck still makes noises. Heard that there may be a problem with ball joints.

I noticed loud cracking-popping noises coming from the front suspension when turning or traveling over rough pavement. I took the vehicle to the dealership for service. I told them about the noises from the suspension. They checked the vehicle and said that I was in danger of losing a wheel if I hit a pot hole. They wanted over $1000. 00 to replace the upper ball joints. I declined. I replaced the upper ball joints myself. I know I was over the 36000 mi. Warranty. I thought it was an excessive ammount of money to replace 2 ball joints that cost $50. 00 each. I did not keep the old parts. One of the ball joints fell apart as I was removing it.

The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 mph both front tires locked up and the steering became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician replaced the brakes and upper ball joints. The failure continued to occur after the vehicle was repaired. The technician stated that the front calipers had to be replaced. The contact stated the vehicle was repaired four times. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.

After approximately 1 year and about 15,000 miles I took my 2002 Dodge Dakota slt quad cab 4. 7l v8 4x2 in to the dealer for a "clunking" noise in the steering. The dealer stated that the upper ball joints were worn and replaced the parts under warranty. On 4 July 2004, after having the truck for about 2 years and 32,000 miles, while going over a speed bump at approximately 10 miles per hour, a lound crash was heard followed by a griding noise. It turns out that the upper ball joint on the passenger side just snapped and the steering arm slammed in to the rim of the wheel scraping the edge of it barely missing the tire by 1-1. 5 inches. The vehicle is now having that same "clunking" noise when going over bumps and it can be felt in the steering.