1997 Dodge Dakota suspension problems
142 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the suspension on the 1997 Dodge Dakota — 32% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Premature wear and failure of upper and lower ball joints. Truck was making popping noises when you turned the wheel or went over bumps. Took to local mechanic; mechanic stated that the ball joints were scary bad. Mechanic also stated that if I had not brought the vehicle in the front wheels could…”
filed Mar 30, 2012
“Due to poor choice of materials (I assume) the front hub and spindle assembly wears. Leaving front brake slider pins unattached to caliper mounting plate. When this happens, the front caliper wobbles in it's place, possibly ejecting the slidepins because they "wobble" in the knuckle holes designed…”
filed Apr 30, 2009
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Suspension problems in other Dakota years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 Dakota | 1 | 2% |
| 2010 Dakota | 2 | 6% |
| 2008 Dakota | 5 | 5% |
| 2007 Dakota | 13 | 9% |
| 2006 Dakota | 25 | 9% |
| 2005 Dakota | 51 | 11% |
| 2004 Dakota | 45 | 22% |
| 2003 Dakota | 100 | 34% |
| 2002 Dakota | 226 | 33% |
| 2001 Dakota | 236 | 35% |
| 2000 Dakota | 282 | 35% |
| 1999 Dakota | 342 | 53% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1997 Dodge Dakota
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.