Four problems related to ball joint have been reported for the 2004 Dodge Dakota. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I purchased a new 2004 Dodge Dakota pickup in 2004. Every year for inspection, I have needed several ball joints replaced. I was told this past year that I was really close to having the ball joints completely break off, which obviously is a major safety concern for me, especially since they have needed replaced every year.
While having my tires rotated at sears, the tech informed me that the ball joints on my 2004 Dodge Dakota were very badly worn, both upper and lower. The vehicle has only 54,000 miles and is driven almost exclusively on pavement. I contacted the dealer, lithia Dodge of roseburg oregon, I spoke with service manager phil tyler and lot manager wayne knowles, and Dodge corporate, but both refused to discuss the issue further.
Our truck is a 2004 Dodge Dakota with 40,000 miles on it. My husband was pulling out of a parking space, getting ready to get onto I-95 and the front passenger side wheel fell off. These same vehicles were recalled for 2000-2003 but not 2004. If the wheel had fallen off once on I-95 at 75 mph my husband or someone else could have been seriously injured or worse. This was a ball joint problem. $1300 later both sides are replaced. Chrysler says there is no recall and if there is a future recall then we may be reimbursed. We will never buy a Chrysler product again.
I bought a 2004 Dodge Dakota 3/20/04 and ever since it was new it has made a "popping" or a "scraping" noise when I turn. I made complaints to the dealer at the 3,000 mi and 7,000 mi oil changes but the dealer tells me they can't find anything. Now I see that 2003 and previous Dakota's have been recalled for ball joint service I am wondering. I have not drove my Dakota since October cause I don't feel safe driving it.