Five problems related to front suspension lower ball joint have been reported for the 2005 Dodge Dakota. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Around 50,000 miles upper and lower ball joints making popping sounds. Took to local repair shop . Replaced all 4 , then popping stopped. Way to early for ball joint replacement. Occured while moving 5 mph and turning either direction.
Low noise in front while turning - dealership verified complaint and found both outer tire rod ends to be loose and left lower ball joint to be noisy - replaced both outer tire rod ends and set toe also replaced the left lower ball joint.
Both lower ball joints had to be replaced at 35555 miles. The garage said I was very lucky that the ball joints didn't break and cause an accident. We need to have these Dodge Dakota recalled before they cause a wreck. I had cars/trucks with 90,000 miles on them and never have problems.
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Dakota extended cab. The contact stated that the vehicle began to exhibit and unusual squeaking from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic facility for routine maintenance where the contact was informed that the front suspension lower ball joints and stabilizer bar could collapse at any time without warning and would need to be repaired. The manufacturer was called and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the vehicle. No other assistance was offered. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 72,908.
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that the vehicle made a clunking noise at slow speeds because the lower ball joints were defective. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership. The dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact continued to experience the failure. He took the vehicle back to the dealership where he was informed that the ball joints and sway bars were defective and needed to be replaced. The dealer agreed to give him a discount on the labor expenses. The contact had filed a complaint with the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000. The current mileage was approximately 62,000. The VIN was unavailable.