NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Suspension complaints
342 reportsClear category filter70,839 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Suspension
IN SEPTEMBER OF 2003 THE RIGHT FRONT SUSPENSION BEGAN MAKING CREAKING SOUNDS ANYTIME THE TRUCK WENT OVER A BUMP. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED FULLY TO THE LEFT, THE RIGHT FRONT SUSPENSION MAKE A LOUD CLUNCH SOUND JUST PRIOR TO HITTING THE WHEEL TURN STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS LOOKED AT BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND HE DETERMINED T…
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IN SEPTEMBER OF 2003 THE RIGHT FRONT SUSPENSION BEGAN MAKING CREAKING SOUNDS ANYTIME THE TRUCK WENT OVER A BUMP. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED FULLY TO THE LEFT, THE RIGHT FRONT SUSPENSION MAKE A LOUD CLUNCH SOUND JUST PRIOR TO HITTING THE WHEEL TURN STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS LOOKED AT BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND HE DETERMINED THAT THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS ON THE RIGHT FRONT WERE FAILING. HE ALSO NOTED THAT THE LEFT UPPER BALL JOINT ALSO HAD SOME MOVEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN LOOKED AT BY THE LOCAL DODGE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY DETERMINED THAT ONLY THE RIGHT SIDE UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND BALL JOINTS NEEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND REPAIRS WERE MADE. TWO WEEKS LATER I RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND SHOWED THEM THE MOVEMENT ON THE LEFT SIDE. THAT SIDE WAS THEN REPLACED.
NHTSA ODI #10071213
Mileage unknown · Jan 15, 2004
Service Brakes, HydraulicSuspensionTires
I HAVE EXPERIENCED CLANKING AND FRONT END JUMPING WHEN MAKING TURNS IN THE FRONT END OF MY 1999 DODGE DAKOTA. THIS WAS PRESENTED, WHICH WAS ADRESSED BY ROTATING AND BALANCING THE FRONT AND BACK TIRES COME TO FIND OUT IT WAS MY UPPER BALL JOINTS IN MY SUSPENSION !!!!!!!! DUE TO THE MILAGE PUT ON MY FRONT TIRES, ABNORMAL WEAR HA…
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I HAVE EXPERIENCED CLANKING AND FRONT END JUMPING WHEN MAKING TURNS IN THE FRONT END OF MY 1999 DODGE DAKOTA. THIS WAS PRESENTED, WHICH WAS ADRESSED BY ROTATING AND BALANCING THE FRONT AND BACK TIRES COME TO FIND OUT IT WAS MY UPPER BALL JOINTS IN MY SUSPENSION !!!!!!!! DUE TO THE MILAGE PUT ON MY FRONT TIRES, ABNORMAL WEAR HAS OCCURED DUE TO THE SUSPENSION. I MUST ALSO REPLACE THE DAMAGED TIRES CAUSED BY A DODGE DEFECT!!!!!!! I AM ALSO SUSPECTING EXCESSIVE BRAKE WEAR IN THE FRONT END DUE TO THIS.
NHTSA ODI #10071198
72,000 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentSuspension
COMPUTER CONTROLS, LOUD SPARK KNOCK UNDER MODERATE ACCELERATION, UPDATED OSFTWARE ON PCM EXHAUST/EMISSION, LOUD POPPING SOUNDS (BAD CONVERTER) SUSPENSION, LOUD POPPING FROM RIGHT FRONT SIDE UPON SHIFTING, BRAKING, EXITING AND ENTERING VEHICLE, REPL RIGHT UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS, ALIGNMENT
NHTSA ODI #10068837
Mileage unknown · Jan 13, 2004
Suspension
I RECENTLY HAD MY TRUCK IN FOR PRE-WINTER MAINTENANCE CHECK, MY MECHANIC SAID THREE OUT OF THE FOUR BALL JOINTS ARE BAD AND NEED REPLACING. ALSO, WHEN I DO HAVE THEM REPLACED I MAY AS WELL DO ALL FOUR BECAUSE HE HAS SEEN "A LOT" OF DAKOTAS WITH BALL JOINTS GOING BAD. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULD COST $490 TO HAVE THEM REPLACED. W…
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I RECENTLY HAD MY TRUCK IN FOR PRE-WINTER MAINTENANCE CHECK, MY MECHANIC SAID THREE OUT OF THE FOUR BALL JOINTS ARE BAD AND NEED REPLACING. ALSO, WHEN I DO HAVE THEM REPLACED I MAY AS WELL DO ALL FOUR BECAUSE HE HAS SEEN "A LOT" OF DAKOTAS WITH BALL JOINTS GOING BAD. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULD COST $490 TO HAVE THEM REPLACED. WITH JUST OVER 58K MILES, RARELY DRIVEN OFF OF BLACKTOP, AND GIVEN THE RECENTLY PUBLICITY BY THE NEWS MEDIA, IT'S OBVIOUS THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM HERE. I FIND THIS TO BE JUSTIFICATION FOR A RECALL OR AT THE VERY LEAST A MANUFACTURERS RE-IMBERSEMENT FOR THE COST OF THE PARTS.
NHTSA ODI #10053117
67,800 miles · Jan 8, 2004
SuspensionCrash
THE LOWER BALL JOINT ON MY 1999 DODGE DAKOTA FAILED. THIS CAUSED THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF VEHICLE TO SLAM VIOLENTLY TO THE GROUND. THE RACK AND PINION WAS DAMAGED AS A RESULT. STEERING ALIGNMENT WAS GREATLY AFFECTED AS WELL. FRONT BUMPER WAS ALSO DAMAGED. I UNDERSTAND THAT THESE BALL JOINTS ARE A GROWING CONCERN WITH DAKOTAS AN…
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THE LOWER BALL JOINT ON MY 1999 DODGE DAKOTA FAILED. THIS CAUSED THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF VEHICLE TO SLAM VIOLENTLY TO THE GROUND. THE RACK AND PINION WAS DAMAGED AS A RESULT. STEERING ALIGNMENT WAS GREATLY AFFECTED AS WELL. FRONT BUMPER WAS ALSO DAMAGED. I UNDERSTAND THAT THESE BALL JOINTS ARE A GROWING CONCERN WITH DAKOTAS AND DURANGOS AND WOULD LIKE TO SEE SOME ACTION TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER. *LA
NHTSA ODI #10052657
34,000 miles · Jan 7, 2004
Suspension
WHILE DRIVING A NOISE WAS HEARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THE LOWER RIGHT BALL JOINTS AND STABILIZER BUSHINGS WERE WORN OUT AND NEEDED TO REPLACED. *AK *JB
NHTSA ODI #10048772
Mileage unknown · Jan 5, 2004
Suspension
WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM REAR. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR ANALYSIS, AND MECHANIC NOTICED THAT BOTH UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO CORROSION. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10053386
Mileage unknown · Jan 5, 2004
Suspension
I HAVE A 1999 DODGE DAKOTA WITH 29,985 MILES. I BOUGHT IT NEW. THE BALL JOINTS ARE IN BAD SHAPE. THE DEALER (RUSSELL DODGE - NOW UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP) SAYS THEY EXPECT A RECALL TO OCCUR ON THIS AS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. BUT THEY KEEP TELLING ME TO WAIT. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT MY SAFETY. I HAVE EMAILED CHRYSLER TWICE, B…
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I HAVE A 1999 DODGE DAKOTA WITH 29,985 MILES. I BOUGHT IT NEW. THE BALL JOINTS ARE IN BAD SHAPE. THE DEALER (RUSSELL DODGE - NOW UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP) SAYS THEY EXPECT A RECALL TO OCCUR ON THIS AS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. BUT THEY KEEP TELLING ME TO WAIT. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT MY SAFETY. I HAVE EMAILED CHRYSLER TWICE, BUT ALL THEY SAY IS THAT THERE IS NO CURRENT RECALL. ARE THEY WAITING FOR INJURIES OR DEATHS? I SEE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THE WEB ABOUT THESE BALL JOINTS BREAKING. IS NHTSA DOING ANYTHING ABOUT THIS? IS CHRYSLER DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT? ALSO, I JUST BOUGHT 4 NEW MICHELIN TIRES TO REPLACE THE DANGEROUS GOODYEAR TIRES THAT CAME WITH THIS VEHICLE. NOT REPLACING ALL THE BALL JOINTS COULD RUIN THESE EXPENSIVE TIRES AND VOID THEIR WARRANTEE. IN THE "INCIDENT DATE" BOX BELOW, I HAVE ENTERED TODAYS DATE, BUT THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM OVER MANY MONTHS. PLEASE HELP.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10052453
50,000 miles · Dec 31, 2003
Suspension
THREE OF THE FOUR UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS ON MY '99 DAKOTA R/T HAVE PREMATURELY FAILED CAUSING TWO CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS AND THE FRONT TWO TIRES TO WEAR TO THE POINT OF REPLACEMENT.
NHTSA ODI #10051423
54,000 miles · Dec 30, 2003
Suspension
I HAVE A 1999 DODGE DAKOTA WITH BAD BALL JOINTS. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED WITH ONLY 52,000 MILES ON THE TRUCK. IT IS DRIVEN ON PAVED ROADS 98% OF THE TIME AND NEVER OFF ROAD. THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM. THE TRUCK WAS BUILT WITHOUT A WAY TO GREASE THE JOINTS.. A MAJOR ERROR. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE.
NHTSA ODI #10051377
Official recalls
4May 8, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS. SOUND DEADENER MATERIAL INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL COULD BECOME DETACHED FROM THE COVER AND HOUSING. NOTE: THE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS WERE BUILT AT THE WARREN ASSEMBLY PLANT ("S" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 16, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; ST. LOUIS NORTH ASSEMBLY PLANT ("J" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 19, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; LAGO ALBERTO ASSEMBLY PLANT ("M" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 23, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; AND SALTILLO ASSEMBLY PLANT ("G" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 23, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000. IMPORTANT: VEHICLES THAT HAVE ALREADY HAD THE PROPER CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE BEEN EXCLUDED FROM THIS RECALL. IN ADDITION, 1997-2000 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES THAT HAVE HAD A SUSPECT REPLACEMENT CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THIS RECALL.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE MATERIAL COULD INTERFERE WITH THE CLOCKSPRING RIBBON AND CAUSE AN OPEN CIRCUIT. THE DRIVER AIR BAG SYSTEM WILL BECOME DISABLED, AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 18, 2001. ALSO SOME 1997-200 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES THAT, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE HAD A SUSPECT REPLACEMENT CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Apr 11, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN VAN, WAGON, PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MAY NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE RETRACTOR DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY, IT WILL NOT ADEQUATELY PROTECT OCCUPANTS IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 20, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Jul 17, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS BUILT WITH 2.5L ENGINES. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH INADEQUATE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE TUBE AND THE POWER STEERING HOSE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A PUNCTURE OF THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE TUBE CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF BRAKING FORCE AT THE FRONT WHEELS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE TUBE AND POWER STEERING HOSE FOR WEAR. IF WEAR IS EVIDENT, THE BRAKE TUBE AND/OR POWER STEERING HOSE WILL BE REPLACED. A POWER STEERING STANDOFF BRACKET WILL BE INSTALLED ON ALL VEHICLES TO ENSURE THAT ADEQUATE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE TUBE AND POWER STEERING HOSE IS MAINTAINED.
Jul 17, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH INADEQUATE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE REAR AXLE VENT HOSE AND THE BRAKE HOSE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A PUNCTURE IN THE REAR BRAKE HOSE WILL RESULT IN A LOSS OF BRAKING FORCE AT THE REAR WHEELS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR BRAKE HOSE FOR EVIDENCE OF WEAR. WORN BRAKE HOSES WILL BE REPLACED. THE REAR VENT HOSE WILL BE SHORTENED BY 3 INCHES AND A CLIP WILL BE INSTALLED TO ASSURE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE AXLE VENT LINE AND BRAKE HOSE IS MAINTAINED.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
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