2000 Dodge Dakota suspension problems

SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2000 DODGE DAKOTA EQUIPPED WITH COOPER TIRES, TIRE LINE: FUTURA, TIRE SIZE: 275/75/R15. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE VERY LOUD WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT STATED HE TOOK THE TIRES TO PEPBOYS (7725 W NEWBERRY RD, GAINESVILLE, FL 32606, (352)332-6003) TO BE INSPECTED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WHEEL BEARINGS WERE FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 235,100.

NHTSA complaint #11404428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

BAD RUST ISSUE TO AREAS INCLUDING FRONT AND REAR BUMBER, THE ENTIRE BED INCLUDING MOUNTING POINTS, FENDERS, CAB CORNERS AND FRAME. LOST FENDER FLARE TWICE DUE TO RUST AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT THE ENTIRE BED SLID BACK AND ALMOST FELL OFF AND FENDERS AND BUMBERS ARE BASICALLY RUST AND NEED REPLACED, WHEEL WELLS ON BED ARE FALLING APART CAUSING A SAFETY ISSUE IF I HAUL ANYTHING

NHTSA complaint #11129717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THE CONTACT BEGAN TO HEAR A SQUEAKING NOISE AND THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY BECAME LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THEY INFORMED THAT THE THE STEERING WHEEL FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE DEFECTIVE UPPER BALL JOINTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V596000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 134,000.

NHTSA complaint #10399531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT

THE BALL JOINTS IN 2000 DAKOTAS WERE RECALLED ON ONLY THE 4X4 MODELS. I HAVE A 2000 WITH 2 WHEELS DRIVE. THE MANUFACTURER SENT OUT A LETTER SAYING IT WAS RECALLED, INSPECTED IT AND SAID THEY WERE FINE. THAT WAS AT 50,000 MILES. NOW AT 99,000 THE BALL JOINT DISCONNECTED FROM ITS UNIT, CAUSING ME TO ALMOST CRASH INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. MANUFACTURER WILL NOT PAY FOR TOWING TO GET SEEN, AND WILL ONLY REPLACE THE BALL JOINT. MOST OF THE SUSPENSION PARTS ON THE SIDE OF THE DEFECTIVE BALL JOINT WERE DAMAGED.

NHTSA complaint #10266583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DAKOTA. WHENEVER THE CONTACT TURNS THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE POPS. SHE ALSO HEARS A CLANKING NOISE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP AND WAS INFORMED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V596000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000.

NHTSA complaint #10240941 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING

PREMATURE FRONT WHEEL BEARING FAILURE: REPLACED LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING AT 72,026 MILES; NEEDS REPLACEMENT AGAIN AT 79,505 MILES; 15 MONTHS LATER. (2000 DODGE DAKOTA: P/N: 52009528AE.

NHTSA complaint #10219104 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN HE DROVE OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD. HE NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOOSE WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE UPPER BALL JOINT. THE FAILURE OCCURRED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE UPPER BALL JOINT WAS REPLACED. THE DEALER PERFORMED A WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND STATED THAT THE FRONT END WAS OUT OF SYMMETRY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE LOWER BALL JOINTS, ROTORS, CALIPERS, AND TIRES. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 101,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.

NHTSA complaint #10196496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT

NOISE FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND VIBRATION FROM STEERING WHEEL. SOUNDS AS IF POWER STEERING PUMP WAS LOW ON FLUID. MAKES A LOAD NOISE WHEN STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER. DROVE SHORT DISTANCE TO REPAIR FACILITY AND WAS SHOCKED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE HOSES HAD SPLIT. ALSO THE RACK AND PINION STEERING WILL HAVE TO BE REBUILT IF POSSIBLE IF NOT REPLACED. ALSO A BOOT WAS TORN AND HAS TO BE REPLACED. WORK HAS NOT BEEN STARTED AS I FIND IT IS NECESSARY TO GET MORE THAN ONE ESTIMATE. THE LOCAL GARAGE WANTS IN EXCESS OF $1200 FOR THE REPAIRS WHILE THE DEALER WANTS OVER $2000. APPROXIMATELY 12 MONTHS AGO I HAD THE UPPER BALL JOINTS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY AND HAD TO GET A FRONT END ALIGNMENT AT AN EXTRA CHARGE. NO VISUAL SIGNS OF WEAR WAS NOTICED.

NHTSA complaint #10184056 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

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.

NHTSA complaint #10170121 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

FELT 'CLUNKING' NOISES THROUGH STEERING WHEEL. DURING ANNUAL MASSACHUSETTS VEHICLE INSPECTION IN AUGUST 2006 TRUCK FAILED ON FRONT SUSPENSION TEST. TOOK TO WCS AUTOMOTIVE IN ROCKLAND, MA. MECHANIC DETERMINED BOTH UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS ON BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT SIDE REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. TOTAL REPAIR BILL WAS $809.56. OLD (ORIGINAL) PARTS NO LONGER AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10168818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT

FELT 'CLUNKING' NOISES THROUGH STEERING WHEEL. DURING ANNUAL MASSACHUSETTS VEHICLE INSPECTION IN AUGUST 2006 TRUCK FAILED ON FRONT SUSPENSION TEST. TOOK TO WCS AUTOMOTIVE IN ROCKLAND, MA. MECHANIC DETERMINED BOTH UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS ON BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT SIDE REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. TOTAL REPAIR BILL WAS $809.56. OLD (ORIGINAL) PARTS NO LONGER AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10168818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT

I OWN A 2000 DODGE DAKOTA 2WD. THERE ARE DEFECTIVE BALL JOINTS ON THE FRONT END. THERE WAS A RECALL ON 4WD DAKOTAS, HOWEVER, THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL FOR THE BALL JOINTS ON THE 2WD MODELS. THERE WAS AN "EXTENDED WARRANTY" THAT WAS SILENTLY (AS IN I NEVER KNEW THERE WAS AN ISSUE) ON THE BALL JOINTS ON THE 2WD MODELS. I HAVE HAD 6 YEARS OF CONTINUOUS TROUBLE WITH THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE (I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW 07/2000). AS IN I HAVE REPLACED THE ROTORS ON THE FRONT END AT LEAST EVERY 3 MONTHS FOR THE FIRST 18 MONTHS OF OWNING IT. I HAVE HAD IT ALIGNED (FRONT AND REAR ALIGNMENTS) OVER A HALF DOZEN TIMES. ALL WORK DONE IN THE FIRST 18 MONTHS WAS DONE AT THE DEALER, WHO SHOULD HAVE BEEN, AND PROBABLY WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. AFTER 18 MONTHS OF PAYING TO FIX THE PROBLEM (OUT OF MY OWN POCKET BECAUSE DODGE'S WARRANTY ISN'T WORTH THE PAPER IT'S WRITTEN ON) I CONCEDED DEFEAT (AND TOOK THE WORD OF THE DEALER) THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG, AND THERE WAS NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT BUT MAINTAINING THE ROTORS AND PURCHASING NEW TIRES EVER 12-16 MONTHS. WHEN MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, DODGE IS UNWILLING TO CORRECT THE DEFECT. IF NO ONE HAS DIED, THERE IS NO PROBLEM. LET ALL BUYERS BEWARE, SAFETY IS NOT ALWAYS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE.

NHTSA complaint #10166250 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

2000 DODGE DAKOTA CONSTANT MECHANICAL FAILURE DUE TO THE TYPE OF ROTORS, BRAKE PADS, AND BALL JOINTS THEY USE. THEY USE INFERIOR PRODUCTS THAT DO NOT LAST ON A VEHICLE BASED ON NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. HAVE TO CONSTANTLY REPLACE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS ABOUT EVERY 20,000 MILES. THAT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. DODGE PRODUCTS FROM THE EARLIER YEARS REALLY SUCK. I AM NOT SURE ABOUT THE NEWEST MODELS SUCH AS 2004 AND 2005.

NHTSA complaint #10150196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT

2000 DODGE DAKOTA CONSTANT MECHANICAL FAILURE DUE TO THE TYPE OF ROTORS, BRAKE PADS, AND BALL JOINTS THEY USE. THEY USE INFERIOR PRODUCTS THAT DO NOT LAST ON A VEHICLE BASED ON NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. HAVE TO CONSTANTLY REPLACE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS ABOUT EVERY 20,000 MILES. THAT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. DODGE PRODUCTS FROM THE EARLIER YEARS REALLY SUCK. I AM NOT SURE ABOUT THE NEWEST MODELS SUCH AS 2004 AND 2005.

NHTSA complaint #10150196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT

2000 DODGE DAKOTA RECALL #119667 (UPPER BALL JOINT REPLACEMENT). I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN TO GET THE RECALL PERFORMED AND I WAS TOLD I NEEDED TO PAY FOR AN ALIGNMENT TO SET CASTER, THEY ARE TELLING ME THAT THE TOE ADJUSTMENT IS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL BUT NOT THE CASTER, DODGE CUSTOMER SERVICE AGREES WITH THEM. I HAVE BEEN IN THE BUSINESS OF REPAIRING CARS FOR 18 YEARS AND 99% OF VEHICLES THAT HAVE UPPER BALL JOINTS REPLACED NEED A CASTER ADJUSTMENT. DODGE NEEDS TO INCLUDE THIS IN THE RECALL AND GIVE THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE PAID FOR THIS ADJUSTMENT THEIR MONEY BACK.

NHTSA complaint #10134979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT

DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT HE HAD THE RECALL WORK DONE FOR THE UPPER BALL JOINTS AND THAT AFTER THE RECALL WORK WAS DONE THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO INDICATED THE VEHICLE NEEDED A FRONT END ALIGNMENT WHICH WOULD COST $60. THE CONSUMER INDICATED THAT HE DID NOT HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE'S ALIGNMENT BEFORE THE RECALL WORK WAS DONE. *NM

NHTSA complaint #10128344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT

DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT HE HAD THE RECALL WORK DONE FOR THE UPPER BALL JOINTS AND THAT AFTER THE RECALL WORK WAS DONE THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO INDICATED THE VEHICLE NEEDED A FRONT END ALIGNMENT WHICH WOULD COST $60. THE CONSUMER INDICATED THAT HE DID NOT HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE'S ALIGNMENT BEFORE THE RECALL WORK WAS DONE. *NM

NHTSA complaint #10128344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT

2000 DODOGE DAKOTA - IMMEDIATE, CATASTOPHIC FAILUE OF UPPER BALL JOINT. VEHICLE OPERATED FINE JUST DAYS BEFORE THEN SUDDENLY LOUD CLUNKOMG AND STEERING PULL TO THE RIGHT. TANDARD AUTO PARTS HOUSES DO NOT CARRY THE PROPER PARTS - CITING DODGE SAYS YOU MUST REPLACE THE ENTIRE LOWER CONTROL ARM.

NHTSA complaint #10116879 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT

'RECALL CAMPAIGN' DODGE DAKOTA 2000, CONSUMER REPLACED BALL JOINTS . *BF THE CONSUMER WAS NOTIFIED BY PHONE THAT HE WOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR THE BALL JOINTS WHICH FAILED. THE TIE RODS ALSO HAD TO BE REPLACED AND CONSUMER FEELS HE SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR THAT AS WELL.

NHTSA complaint #10114989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 04V596000 CONCERNING BALL JOINT WEAR IN DECEMBER 2004. CONSUMER CONTACTED 3 DEALERSHIPS, AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT GET THE PARTS.

NHTSA complaint #10117276 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT

WHILE SERVICING VEHICLE FOR NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V596000 CONCERNING UPPER BALL JOINTS IT WAS DETERMINED THAT INNER TIE RODS WERE BAD DUE TO WEAR.

NHTSA complaint #10116983 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT

' RECALL CAMPAIGN' ISSUED FOR 2000 DODGE DAKOTA 4X4 FOR UPPER BALL JOINTS, PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *BF RECALL# 04V596000. *SC

NHTSA complaint #10113818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT

DODGE DAKOTA 2000 CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE SHAKES WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. *BF THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER BECAUSE HE HEARD ABOUT A RECALL ON THE DODGE DAKOTA. THE DEALER EXPLAINED THAT THE RECALL WAS FOR 4X4 VEHICLE'S ONLY.

NHTSA complaint #10113337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE FOR RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V596000. CONCERNING BALL JOINTS. LITHI DODGE, 425-255-7220. *AK *SC

NHTSA complaint #10113667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT

NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE FOR RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V596000. CONCERNING BALL JOINTS. LITHI DODGE, 425-255-7220. *AK *SC

NHTSA complaint #10113667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

CONSUMER WAS A PART OF A RECALL FOR THE BALL JOINT. HE CONTACTED THE DEALER, AND WAS TOLD THERE WERE NO PARTS. WAS TOLD HE WOULD BE PLACED ON A LIST. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.

NHTSA complaint #10113112 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE REPAIR SHOP FOR A FRONT END ALIGNMENT, THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE UPPER AND THE LOWER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *JB CONSUMER BELIEVE 2 WHEEL DRIVE AND 4 WHEEL DRIVE DODGE DAKOTA TRUCKS HAVE THE SAME FRONT BALL JOINTS, THEREFORE REPAIRS SHOULD BE PAID FOR UNDER THE CURRENT RECALL. *BF

NHTSA complaint #10112955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT

WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE REPAIR SHOP FOR A FRONT END ALIGNMENT, THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE UPPER AND THE LOWER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *JB CONSUMER BELIEVE 2 WHEEL DRIVE AND 4 WHEEL DRIVE DODGE DAKOTA TRUCKS HAVE THE SAME FRONT BALL JOINTS, THEREFORE REPAIRS SHOULD BE PAID FOR UNDER THE CURRENT RECALL. *BF

NHTSA complaint #10112955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.