45 problems related to front suspension upper ball joint have been reported for the 2003 Dodge Dakota. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
2003 Dakotaquad cab is having ball joint popping similar to durango. The problem is this is a highway driven truck, not an offroad truck. Problem started at 20,000. Could cause a serious accident if not repaired.
Upper ball joints joints worn out and attaching nut completely stripped out on left side. Heard a noise and took it to the dealer to be checked out in November 03. Dealer claimed everything checked out fine, could not find any problem. December 03 noticed tire wear on inside, took the truck to an alignment shop. It was there that the mechanic pointed out that the ball joint on the right was worn badly and the left was about to fall apart. The dealers knew of this problem in this type of vehicle. I was to leave an hour after the alignment on an eight hour trip through the mountains. I consider myself very lucky and very wronged by the dealer and manufacturer for not notifying their customers of this problem. For that matter why hasn't any safety agency stepped up to tell us of this problem???.
I recently saw a cbs news story concerning the upper ball joints of Dodge Dakotas wearing out prematurely. My Dakota is a 2002. I have taken in into my local Dodge dealorship repeatedly because I heard a knocking sound when making a turn, especially on an incline. Every time I have taken it in, they are never able to duplicate the problem. I have even taken the mechanic for a ride with me after they had it all morning and the noise, sure enough, can't be duplicated while he is in the truck. But sure enough, 3 or 4 days later the noise comes back. And the porcess repeats again. I take it, they can't find it, I take the mechanic and the noise is gone, 3 or 4 days letter - hello - its back! can you help me? fyi: for the incident date, I just put today's date. I took the truck in with the same complaint on 5/24/2002; 12/6/2002; & 9/3/2003 .
The front upper ball joints wore out prematurely. The consumer could hear loud noises coming from the steering column. The dealership was notified but was unable to resolve the problem. The consumer contacted the manufacture but was refused any assistance for repairs.
While vehicle was getting a regular check up consumer found that the upper ball joints wore out, and the nut holding them together was stripped completely. There was abnormal tire wear seven weeks earlier. The dealer checked the front end for noise and found no problem.
Rh side - upper ball joint needs replacement at 15,700 miles. Dealer found ball joint to be "out of spec" after an inspection was requested during routine service.
Vehicle vibrated when it exceeded speeds of 45 mph. This was due to premature wear of the upper ball joints. This was a common problem, per the dealership.
2003 Dodge Dakota upper left ball joint had to be replaced. The consumer requested that the dealer also replace the upper right ball joint but they refused stating that the manufacturer wouldn't cover the replacement until it failed.
While driving at a low speed, the consumer heard a loud metal banging coming from the front end of vehicle. The dealership serviced the vehicle, but could not resolve the problem. The front upper ball joints were prematurely worn out and had to be replaced. Dodge suggested that nothing was wrong with the vehicle.
Consumer heard a noise coming from the front end of vehicle. Dealer replaced the upper ball joints, but the noise continued.