Suspension complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 | 2% | 61,000 miles |
| 2010 | 2 | 6% | 65,000 miles |
| 2008 | 5 | 5% | 68,000 miles |
| 2007 | 13 | 9% | 49,000 miles |
| 2006 | 25 | 9% | 47,000 miles |
| 2005 | 51 | 11% | 45,000 miles |
| 2004 | 45 | 22% | 32,000 miles |
| 2003 | 100 | 34% | 35,000 miles |
| 2002 | 226 | 33% | 35,000 miles |
| 2001 | 236 | 35% | 46,000 miles |
| 2000 | 282 | 35% | 50,000 miles |
| 1999 | 342 | 53% | 56,000 miles |
| 1998 | 217 | 40% | 62,000 miles |
| 1997 | 142 | 32% | 62,000 miles |
| 1996 | 12 | 6% | 45,000 miles |
| 1995 | 17 | 8% | 24,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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.
2008 Dodge Dakota quad cab 4x4 is the biggest piece of junk I have had 3 trans done and trans lines 3 times all front end tie rods struts sway bars wheel barrings rotors radio air bags seat belts and more replaced on this rolling wheeled piece of junk ive had people say nice truck and I say thanks but dont buy one they are a junk only 116K miles on it and will be lots more to spend on this junk dealer asked me if I ever drove it down a drit road and I said why he said the tie rods are wore out on it and I said how this is when I had 10K miles on it they said they that you should not go on any dirt roads come on now where are no dirt roads I laughed at them and said I had not went on one yet. Now how do anybody get this thing right on get rid of it what a lemon.
Pu began vibrating, ( like going over rough road), it would stop. But then go a mile or so farther and it would begin again. This was driven on hwy. Mechanic replaced lower ball joints and sway bar links. This did not correct the problem. He tried everything he could to remedy it but could not. Milage is 72,000.
This vehicle was purchased 11/07 new. The corrosion on the drive components is incredible. You can chip the rust off . The brakes have seized up four times. The first time it was just past the three year warranty at approximately 22,000 miles. I called the dealer at the time, and they said there was no warranty. The last time was Friday 3/23/2012, at 4 1/2 years old at 28,000 miles. It burned up the front pads. This is the fourth time I have had to redo the front brakes. I have redone the rear brakes once for the same reason. I called Ram customer assistance, and at first their representative said they would buy the replacement parts. After talking with them a second time, a different representative refused to help me and said the case was closed. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that the vehicle was involved in a crash and was repaired; however, the repairs were not completed correctly. After driving the vehicle home the following day the vehicle was unable to shift into drive. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission damage. The transmission was replaced. Also, while driving various speeds, the vehicle would veer to the left or right inadvertently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with several different issues, such as a damaged front cross member, a fractured front passenger side stabilizer link, a worn passenger side upper control bushing, and other issues. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000. Updated 03/02/17***updated 05/09/17
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Dakota. While the vehicle was undergoing routine maintenance, the contact was informed that the subframe of the vehicle was bent. The contact was also informed that the front passenger side axle was damaged. While driving 70 MPH, there was an abnormal vibration in the steering wheel. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 139,584.
*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 which resulted in SVC 4X4 warning lamp illumination and a loud grinding/stuttering sound from under carriage as well as halting me to 10 mph without any help from me. after pulling over on the roadside and putting truck in park and turning the engine off, i waited a couple of minutes and SVC 4X4 indicator and 4High dash light had gone. I restarted the truck only to find that the SVC 4X4 Warning lamp immediately returned and now the 4lo illuminated dash light is constantly showing and truck is still showing in 2 wheel drive with selector switch but 4x4 will not engage at all now. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Dodge Dakota. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the rear of the vehicle aggressively swayed to the left without warning. The driver lost control of the vehicle. As a result, the contact crashed into a ditch and the vehicle rolled over several times. The contact stated that the rear axle detached from the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed. A police report was filed. The contact received injuries to the face, chest, stomach, leg, and feet areas. Medical attention was not needed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 173,000.
Related recalls (1)
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Upper ball joint
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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA investigations
Upper ball joint separation
Daimlerchrysler corporation (dcc) is recalling the target population of approximately 600,000 my 2000 through 2003 durango and dakota vehicles with four-wheel drive to replace the front suspension upper ball joints with redesigned parts that do not have the joint integrity concerns and have substantially improved joint retention capacity (NHTSA recall no.
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Dakota years have suspension problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1999 (342), 2000 (282), 2001 (236), 2002 (226) and 1998 (217) model years. Suspension complaints make up 53% of all complaints for the 1999.
Is there a recall for Dodge Dakota suspension problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 04V-596 (upper ball joint, Dec 21, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Dodge Dakota suspension problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 49,000 miles; 51% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the front › control arm › upper ball joint (1,045 mentions), followed by the front › control arm › lower ball joint (628).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.