Dodge Dakota Suspension Problems
Owners have filed 1,716 complaints with NHTSA about suspension problems on the Dodge Dakota across 16 model years. The 1999 model year has the most (342). The words owners use most often: “ball joints” (60% of reports).
- 1,716suspension complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 40mention a crash
- 18mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- $1,350typical repair cost reported by owners
- 25%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Ball joints: mentioned in 1,038 of 1,716 complaints (60%)
- Front end: mentioned in 331 of 1,716 complaints (19%)
- Upper lower: mentioned in 264 of 1,716 complaints (15%)
- Quad cab: mentioned in 89 of 1,716 complaints (5%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical suspension repair on the Dodge Dakota at $1,350, and half of them between $880 and $1,950.
Based on 65 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (1999–2013), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do suspension problems happen?
Based on 1,155 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 1,716 complaints, 40 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 18 an injury.
Dodge Dakota suspension complaints by model year
| Model year | Suspension complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Dakota | 1 | 2% | 60,500 |
| 2010 Dakota | 2 | 6% | 44,200 |
| 2008 Dakota | 5 | 5% | 67,171 |
| 2007 Dakota | 13 | 9% | 47,000 |
| 2006 Dakota | 25 | 9% | 47,000 |
| 2005 Dakota | 51 | 11% | 45,000 |
| 2004 Dakota | 45 | 22% | 32,047 |
| 2003 Dakota | 100 | 34% | 34,900 |
| 2002 Dakota | 226 | 33% | 35,000 |
| 2001 Dakota | 236 | 35% | 46,129 |
| 2000 Dakota | 282 | 35% | 50,000 |
| 1999 Dakota | 342 | 53% | 55,500 |
| 1998 Dakota | 217 | 40% | 62,000 |
| 1997 Dakota | 142 | 32% | 62,000 |
| 1996 Dakota | 12 | 6% | 45,000 |
| 1995 Dakota | 17 | 8% | 21,794 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Suspension:front:control arm:upper ball joint
Model years: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
Problem: 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.
Risk: Excessive wear in the upper ball joint may allow it to separate, which could result in loss of control of the vehicle.
Fix: Dealers will replace the front suspension upper ball joints. This safety improvement campaign began on december 21, 2004. Owners can contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The front end got a hard vibrate i replace the shocks two times and its not fix the problem seem like something going too brake off like a wheel or something dont feel safe driving it
*Incomplete Recall Status* ***Defect in transfer case*** Complaint of Manufacturer Defect in 2005 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab 4x4 3.7l v6. While driving at a speed of 30mph on a smooth paved highway and selector switch turned to 2 wheel drive mode; out of nowhere, the transfer case tried to engage 4 High…
The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, there was a wobble coming from the front passengerâs side tire. The contact was able to pull over and had the vehicle towed to a local mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ball…
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 dodge dakota. The contact stated while driving 40 mph, the vehicle started vibrating abnormally. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The…
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, [redacted]) TO BE INSPECTED. THE…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Dodge Dakotas have suspension problems?
No. NHTSA has 1,716 owner complaints about suspension for the Dodge Dakota. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Dodge Dakota suspension?
Yes: 1 safety recall list suspension. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix suspension problems on the Dodge Dakota?
Owners report a typical cost of $1,350 (half paid between $880 and $1,950), from 65 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about suspension problems on the Dodge Dakota?
The most frequent phrase is “ball joints”, in 1,038 of 1,716 complaints, followed by “front end” (331).
Other Dodge Dakota problems
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (969)
- Power Train problems (716)
- Air Bags problems (659)
- Steering problems (555)
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (432)
- Electrical System problems (376)
- Visibility problems (179)
- Tires problems (169)
See all Dodge Dakota problems.