Two problems related to ball joint have been reported for the 2007 Dodge Dakota. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
This vehicle was purchased 11/07 new. The corrosion on the drive components is incredible. You can chip the rust off . The brakes have seized up four times. The first time it was just past the three year warranty at approximately 22,000 miles. I called the dealer at the time, and they said there was no warranty. The last time was Friday 3/23/2012, at 4 1/2 years old at 28,000 miles. It burned up the front pads. This is the fourth time I have had to redo the front brakes. I have redone the rear brakes once for the same reason. I called ram customer assistance, and at first their representative said they would buy the replacement parts. After talking with them a second time, a different representative refused to help me and said the case was closed. The steering column is falling apart, the muffler and driveshaft are ready to fall off, the front axles, ball joints and the struts are extremely rusty. You can chip the rust off of these components. I dismantled the brake system again, and the caliper pistons were frozen solid. Upon removal, I found the caliper pistons full of rust and pits on the inside. The body itself has no corrosion at all. I am looking at $2000 to $3000 thousand in parts alone. This truck has never towed a boat or been on a boat ramp. I live in an area where they rarely use salt or solution on the roads and have maybe 1-3 inches of snow a year. I need help as this truck is going to fall apart within the next year or so. I have documented all of this with pictures, and I have a case number with Chrysler.
2007 Dodge Dakota slt quad cab (4-door), 4wd v-8 flexfuel w/49,000 miles, purchased 2 years ago with 22,000 miles. Drive very conservatively. Infrequently haul light loads, and have never hauled a trailer. Noticed front-end rattling noise when driving over common everyday road bumps. Found both tie rod ends were sloppy and at risk of falling off. Also found the lower right ball joint had unacceptable play. Had to replace all three parts. Old parts are available.