Steering Linkages Problems of Dodge Dakota

I am the owner of a 1998 Dodge Dakota. When I brought in this vehicle for the mandatory safety inspection in 2006 I was informed that the engine manifold bolts had broken and needed to be replaced for the vehicle to pass the safety inspection. Without replacing the bolts it would be unsafe to drive. Cost to me was $561. 18. I had the required safety work completed. This year I brought the same vehicle in for the required safety inspection and was informed that the ball joints were warn and needed to be replaced or the vehicle would not pass the safety inspection. The vehicle has 63,736 miles on it. I talked with several repair shops and they informed me that ball joints should be warn out at this low mileage. I also went to the consumers affairs commission web site and there was numerous articles regarding the problems with the Dodge Dakotas suspension and steering assemblies. There was no accident or damage but there seems to be defects with these parts. Any help will be appreciated.

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Squeek developed at right front wheel area of 1999 Dodge Dakota pickup with only 43,596 miles. I took it to the Dodge dealer I purchased it from and they discovered the upper and lower ball joints were dry rotted and all lubricate was gone. Upon futher investigation, the left side upper and lower ball joints were also detriorated and cracked to a lessor degree. I feel these parts were defective upon initial installation. This truck has never been off the highway, never in any accident, nor abused in any way to cause this problem. I realize the truck is almost seven years old but still feel I should not have been expected to spend $738. 40 on this .

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Multiple suspension component failures please reopen investigations into Dodge Dakota/durango products. Stabilizer bushings have been replaced three times, upper ball joints failed and were replaced, steering input shaft failed and replaced once.

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In a recent news article I read that the NHTSA is considering recalling Dodge Dakotas for faulty upper ball joints. I would like to share my experience with my 2002 Dodge Dakota quad cab concerning this issue. I recently took my 2002 Dodge Dakota quad cab in for a front end alligment. At the time of service the vehicle had 36,500 miles on the odometer. The service tech notified me that the right upper ball joint had excessive play and will require replacement. I feel this is a major component of the vehicle and should not require replacement at the stated mileage. I hope this issue can be remedied soon.

Ball joints on 1999 Dodge Dakota excessive tire replacement(3)sets of tires on front vehicle has only 65000 miles also had to replace rotors and brakes I don't beliee this is typical for this amount of miles.

Wbz, channel 4 in boston, had a report about problem with ball joints on Dodge Dakota's.

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Upper control arms loose, defective, plus steering linkage needs to be replaced.

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While driving 35 mph vehicle started to shake and could not turn. After stopping and looking at vehicle saw front tie rod had come apart. Towed vehicle to dealer who determined tir rod came apart and the upper and lower ball joints are bad.

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I have had a crunching type noise in the front end of my truck for almost 2 years, 18 months ago my truck went in for a new heating core to the Dodge dealer and I mentioned it and they said they took a quick look and it was probably my shocks making the noise. It has made the same noise since then and I have not replaced my shocks. I recently took my truck into replace the shocks and the mechanic told me the ball joints are the problem not the shocks. He also told me that this is a huge problem on Dodge Dakotas and it is well known. He said it is bound to fail and could cause death. 2 times iv had the front end drift severly to the right and he said this is the problem>.

Ball joints and tie rods have prematurely failed at 60,000 miles. Dealer claims they are bad, and need to be replaced. But, parts are on national backorder.