2000 Dodge Dakota Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 282about this part
- Share
- 35%of 806 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 282 complaints about the suspension of the 2000 Dodge Dakota, 35% of the 806 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,000 miles. 12 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I own a 2000 Dodge Dakota, and have noticed a popping noise on the dirvers side front end. I have since determined that it is in fact the upper ball joint that is badly worn, and has an extreme amount of play in it. I understand that this is becomming a growing problem and wanted to add to it in hopes of getting it replaced before my front wheel falls off.”
NHTSA complaint #10065674, filed 2004-04, 20,000 miles“On 11/12/04 I brought my 2000 Dodge Dakota, extended cab, 4x4 , with 36,703 miles, in for a routine front end allignment. The mechanic showed me that the right upper ball joint was bad. I had it replaced. The cost was parts: 92.39, labor: 96.00. Today, I heard on the news that you are currently conducting an investigation into this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10102558, filed 2004-12, 36,703 miles“I have had wobbling on the freeway and had to replace both upper ball joints and one lower one to get the problem corrected. My 2000 4x2 Dakota only has 45,000 miles on it and I replaced the first joint at 38,000. I have sent a letter to chrysler requesting reimbursement for parts and labor and am awaiting a response.”
NHTSA complaint #10106410, filed 2005-01, 38,000 miles“Since filing my complaint last month, my front passenger side upper ball joint detached and cause my wheel to nearly fall off. Luckily I had just pulled onto a street when the wheel fell off, so my speed was less than 5mph. I have been waiting on backordered parts to be shipped since my orignal complaint in october, so the worn ball joints had not been replaced yet.”
NHTSA complaint #10100258, filed 2004-11, 73,000 miles“Ball joints on 2000 Dodge Dakota 4x4, I have just replaced all ball joint,s on my vehicle, an was just told by a colision busines that I should not have had to pay for it, due to the fact that Dodge is hiding the fact of bad ball joints on their vehicles, he also said that at 59000 miles I should not have needed them replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10078792, filed 2004-06, 59,300 milesRelated recalls
- 04V596000Dec 21, 2004On certain sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks equipped with four-wheel drive (4x4), if moisture leaks into the front suspension upper ball joint…Covers: Dodge Dakota 2000–2003, Durango 2000–2003
Related service bulletins
- 10011940Dec 16, 2004Upper ball joint extended warranty.
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 | 2% |
| 2010 | 2 | 6% |
| 2008 | 5 | 5% |
| 2007 | 13 | 9% |
| 2006 | 25 | 9% |
| 2005 | 51 | 11% |
| 2004 | 45 | 22% |
| 2003 | 100 | 34% |
| 2002 | 226 | 33% |
| 2001 | 236 | 35% |
| 2000 | 282 | 35% |
| 1999 | 342 | 53% |
| 1998 | 217 | 40% |
| 1997 | 142 | 32% |
| 1996 | 12 | 6% |
| 1995 | 17 | 8% |
| 1994 | 9 | 5% |
| 1993 | 8 | 6% |
| 1992 | 7 | 3% |
| 1991 | 1 | 1% |
| 1990 | 2 | 3% |
| 1989 | 1 | 2% |
| 1988 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2000 Dodge Dakota
263 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
74 complaintsSteering
68 complaintsEngine cooling
50 complaintsAir bags
29 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
25 complaintsTires
24 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
16 complaintsFuel system
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsWheels
14 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2000 Dodge Dakota
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology