Sounds all too familiar to me.
Everyone I talk to seems to crow about how wonderful Logitech hardware is; but I've had four of their joysticks; and all of 'em have failed within two months. I don't know the dual action controller; but the ones I used (Can't give you the exact names, sorry - been a couple of years) were quite frankly shoddily made; they'd lose one axis fairly soon after installation. Usually the throttle; in one case the Y axis.
I'd recommend getting the thing replaced if it's under warranty; if not and you're handy, open it up and check the wiring and hardware - in one of mine; a couple of the solder points weren't properly soldered and had come loose - an easy fix.
Or you could splurge and get a Microsoft Force Feedback 2: this is the joystick I'm currently working with; had it for a couple of years and it's by far the best controller I've ever used: tough, accurate and very reliable.
Hope this helps.