Suspension Noise problems of the 2003 Dodge Dakota

I have a 2003 Dodge quad cab 1500 4x2 that I bought new and has only 71,000 original miles. I have noticed some noise and vibration coming from the steering and suspension coming from the front end. I've researched and found that Chrysler/Dodge has issued a recall (n49, n62 and NHTSA 13-v528) that does not include my vehicle but should be included after further inspections. The part in question is the left tie rod and steering linkage. New parts (cbuen491aa. Cbuen492aa) apparently are readily available prior to January 2014 but my truck has not been included in the recall and repair. Do I have to wait for the part to snap off causing injury and death to anyone especially members of my family before a recall is issued for this model year? we've been fortunate for now that nothing has happened but why does the consumer have to experience a loss first before the manufacturer takes honorable responsibility? another issue as previously reported by other truck owners is that the dash board deteriorates and cracks and materials fall into the air/defrost ducting. I hope for action soon rather than re-action after the fact and the prevention of loss to life or injuries.

I've had my 2003 Dodge Dakota 4x4 for 2. 5 years and the front suspension has always had a cluncking noise in it. I seen the recall from daimler/Chrysler in reference to suspension(front control arm:upper ball joint) NHTSA campaign id number: 04v596000. Nhtsa action number: ea03023. I thought for sure that my truck would have been included in this recall,however, it appears to me that it isn't. My vehicle only has 75,000 miles on it now and I am worried that the ball joints may separate and cause me or my wife to loose control of the truck because of evacuation of the lubricant due to moisture leaks into the front suspension upper ball joints.

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Dakota. While driving over a bump or making a turn at any speed, the contact could hear an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle. The dealer stated that the central timing module needed to be replaced. The technician also stated that the ball joint was rusted and corroded and might fracture. The contact discovered that the underbody was corroded. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 04v596000 (suspension) and NHTSA campaign number: 08e064000 (suspension). The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 92,000.

Tl- the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that the windshield wipers failed and the exterior lights sporadically malfunctioned. Also, the contact mentioned that the side cap to the main radiator spud antifreeze about 5 feet in the air. The contact shut off the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were made aware of the failure. In addition, the contact stated that while driving at a low speed, a loud popping sound emitted from the vehicle. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the ball joint had fractured. The contact was made aware that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 04v596000 (suspension). The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence were he performed the repair. The failure mileage was 220,000. Pam.

Tl-the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph there was an abnormal noise coming from the front of the vehicle without warning. The contacted stated that the failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the vehicle had ball joint failure on the front suspension. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 04v596000 (suspension). The approximate failure mileage was 100,497. Sg.