Suspension Noise Problems of 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.

See all problems of the 2003 Dodge Dakota 🔎.

My father had taken this truck into the dealership multiple times for front end noises. He passed 3 months ago, and the truck became mine. Once I got it, I took it into the shop to have it looked over. They informed me the front suspension was ready to fall out of it at 66k miles. We had the front suspension fixed and it still makes suspicious noises. I believe there are probably more 08's out there that have this problem, so I think the 08 Dakota's should be included in the newest Dodge recall. The entire time my father owned this truck, he repeatedly took it to the dealership saying something was wrong with the suspension. I'm sure key Chrysler in new carlisle OH has records of these visits and his complaints. It's a shame he didn't live to see this recall, he would have felt vindicated. The 2008 Dodge Dakota should be included in this recall.

See all problems of the 2008 Dodge Dakota 🔎.

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.

Loud clunking noise while turning, stopping or even getting into truck diagnosis found lower right ball joints loose - recommended replacing. I have not done this yet - if you look at my history, I have had my local Dodge dealer make the repairs to the front ball joints previously at 45,120 miles and 59,072 miles. Chrylser recalled 2000-2003 Dodge Dakotas stating that "excessive wear of the upper ball joint may cause the front wheel to separate from the vehicle and result in loss of control" in the same recall they also stated' " water may enter into the front suspension upper ball joints and cause corrosion and premature wear. ".

See all problems of the 2005 Dodge Dakota 🔎.

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.

In October of 2010, I was driving out of a driveway onto a main street making a right turn when I heard a metal snapping sound. As I continued to drive, I felt some slack in the steering when I made a turn afterwards. I inspected the suspenion system several times in the next week but didn't see the cause. Later I found the front sway bar link broke apart where it attached to the sway bar. I didn't see this on earlier inspections because the 2 parts came together when static to conceal the break. I purchased a replacement kit and replaced both right and left side sway bar links myself. (damaged parts still available) in the early part of 2011, I began to hear creaking noise from the suspension system as I drove and on turns. I inspected the system several times and concluded that 1 or more of the ball joints were dry and needed grease. The ball joints had no fittings to apply grease so a needle valve was used to inject grease into the boots. This helped for a short period but the creaking came back a few months later. I sent this vehicle into the repair shop and they said the lower ball joints were dry and had excess side play. They recommended replacement for safety and alignment concerns at less than 40000 miles. I am very concerned that these suspension parts are failing far too soon. The consumer has no way to add grease to these parts and must rely on the original parts being properly lubricated to have reasonable durablity. Failures at this early stage indicates defective parts and processes that must be addressed ASAP. Needless to say, I will be forced to have these parts repaired for safety concerns and a high cost to the vehicle owner. These parts should be required to last longer than the short period I have experienced on this vehicle.

I am a owner of a 2002 Dodge Dakota sport. On certain sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks equipped with four-wheel drive (4x4), if moisture leaks into the front suspension upper ball joint, evacuation of the lubricant and corrosion of the joint may cause the joint to wear over an extended period of time. This could cause a clunking noise in the front suspension, which may not always be heard by the vehicle occupants. Excessive wear in the upper ball joint may allow it to separate, which could result in loss of control of the vehicle. Whole front end is messed up.

See all problems of the 2002 Dodge Dakota 🔎.

The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated while driving 35 mph he heard a clicking sound near the front suspension on the drivers side. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic who was unable to identify the problem. The contact noticed NHTSA campaign id number 04v596000 (suspension:front:control arm:upper ball joint) and called the manufacturer. The manufacturer stated due to the VIN the vehicle was not a part of the recall. The contact stated the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The failure mileage was 66,000.

My 2004 Dodge Dakota club cab has popping noises emitting from the front suspension when maneuvering at low speeds. I've had this checked at 2 different dealers. The first visit resulted in a "could not duplicate" answer. The second visit I was told the noises were perfectly normal noises coming from the steering rack as the fluid moves through the system. The noises happen when I steer at low speeds and the weight of the truck shifts form side to side. The front end alignment has altered and the tires are wearing unevenly.

See all problems of the 2004 Dodge Dakota 🔎.

I bought a 00 Dakota r/t used not from a dealer in 2004. I had some alignment problems and took it to the dealer where the truck was originally purchased from. They said they needed to change some parts to align it which cost over $1000. About 1 1/2 years later it needed alignment again and now the alignment is still off. The wheels are fighting each other and there is a creaking sound when going over bumps and it also feels like there is no suspension at all. I have changed the shocks recently and it made no difference whatsoever.

See all problems of the 2000 Dodge Dakota 🔎.

A loud clanking noise started coming from the rear of the vehicle. The driver also noticed that the vehicle would sway from left to right on its own. The consumer was able to drive to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the suspension needed replacement due to wear and tear. Please provide additional information.

I have heard news that there may be a recall of Dodge Dakota trucks for reason of unsafe ball joints. I own a 2002 Dodge Dakota quadcab 4. 7l two wheel drive truck. Since I bought the truck, I have heard a loud clunk noise when I turn a corner or go up a bump or driveway. This is not a normal noise on cars or trucks. For a truck that can haul heavy weight, this is not acceptable. I am always aware of the noise and know this is unsafe. Anytime you have metal making rubbing in such a manner, there is an obvious problem. I do not believe these vehicles are safe with parts that are not sound and durable for the weight of the vehicles. I ask that the two wheel Dakota trucks also be considered for recall for more durable and safe ball joints and suspension parts. I do a lot of highway travel and when you pay thousands of dollars, you should not have to feel your wheel may fall off at any time.

While driving consumer the consumer heard a loud cracking noise coming from the front suspension. The dealership repaired the problem once, but problem recurred. The problem was repaired for a second time.

See all problems of the 1999 Dodge Dakota 🔎.

Since I bought the Dakota I have had problems with front end alignment, weraring of tires and breaks and other items associated with suspension. The vehicle pulls to the right. As I drive down the road the vehicle has a wobble in the front end,causing abnormal wear on the tires stress on the breaks and hideous noise. Presently the wheel sounds as if it is going to fall off making a grinding noise as I drive down the road. I have recently replaced the full break assembly(rotors, shoes,calipers,bearings etc). The noise is getting progressively worse. Th e nois might even be considered a public nuisance. The noise is so bad that innocent pedestrains look at my vehicle in shock and awe of the terrible racket as I drive past. The dealer caims that I need control arms. This will cost quite a bit in addition to what I have already invested in the Dakota (22k + repairs to suspension and interest). I could have made a decent down payment on a new Dodge with what I have spent on the Dakotas front end. I have seen several complaints on the above issues and believe that Dodge should do the right and safe thing by issuing a recall. . The recall cannot come soon enough. Am I safe driving the Dakota?.

I have had problems with the front suspension of this truck since shortly after I purchased it new in March 2001. It has been back to the dealer 6 times, and they have replaced many parts, but the problem still persists. The front end makes a loud banging/popping noise when turning or going over bumps. It sounds like the tire is going to fall off the truck! many others I know have the same problem. They need to isue a recall on this serious safety issue before somebody is either seriously injured or killed!.

See all problems of the 2001 Dodge Dakota 🔎.

Front suspension makes a popping noise when the steering wheel is turned and the vehicle's front suspension is compressing and decompressing. The dealer has been notified twice and they state that there is nothing wrong with it (unable to reproduce the problem).

When making a sharp turn left or right turn on an incline such as a ditch there is a loud popping noise from the rear suspension.

See all problems of the 1998 Dodge Dakota 🔎.