2002 Dodge Dakota Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 226about this part
- Share
- 33%of 678 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 35,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 226 complaints about the suspension of the 2002 Dodge Dakota, 33% of the 678 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 35,000 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved and 3 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.
“Front driver side tire and hub assembly completely broke free from the vehicle this is a follow up from my first intial report to chrysler and also NHTSA phone conversation in which I did a report to both and paid 2500.00 which I still have receipt of paying to have fixed...father had a 2000 Dodge durango which had the same recall that my didn't have as chrysler stated...”
NHTSA complaint #11164650, filed 2019-01, 150,000 miles“While driving my 2002 Dodge Dakota 55 miles per hour I was thrown to the left pushed on brake pedal and the truck shot right when I got out the front rotors were red hot and smoking truck would not move had it towed home where it still sits I thank god I was not killed or hurt or killed some one else come to find out this is a common problem with this truck and to try and repair it that it will only return.”
NHTSA complaint #10326272, filed 2010-04, 82,885 miles“I have had clunking and squeaking noises coming from the front end of my 2002 Dodge Dakota quad cab since about 18,000 miles. I have mentioned it to the dealer and they say they do not know what it is. After viewing the internet I have realized that there is many problems with the upper and lower ball joints. I will soon be returing to the dealer with the info to try to get it fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #10088222, filed 2004-08, 18,000 miles“I took my 2002 Dodge Dakota to get state inspection and was told the left upper ball joint was worn out. Only has 35000 miles on it. I went to dealer to have it repaired on dec 29 2003 and was told the ball joints are on back order until jan 14 2004 and was told I may not be one of the luck ones to get it even then. My truck has been sitting since dec 31 2003 because of the inspection has exp.”
NHTSA complaint #10052672, filed 2004-01, 35,500 miles“My 2002 Dodge Dakota sport 4x2 has approximately 15,200 miles on it. At approximately 13,000 miles I began to notice that the front end started to rattle and seem loose when going over bumps. After doing some research and having someone look at it, I found that the ball joints are failing prematurely.”
NHTSA complaint #10054662, filed 2004-01, 15,200 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 2002 Dodge Dakota
213 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
89 complaintsElectrical system
52 complaintsSteering
44 complaintsEngine cooling
34 complaintsAir bags
28 complaintsExterior lighting
21 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
20 complaintsBody and structure
18 complaintsFuel system
17 complaintsTires
14 complaintsEquipment
12 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 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