2004 DODGE DAKOTA Steering Problems

THE STEERING IS VERY HARD TO TURN EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT AT MOST TIMES. FEELS AS IF THE POWER STEERING HAS FAILED, BUT HAD IT INSPECTED BY MECHANIC AND SAYS POWER STEERING PUMP AND BELTS ARE FINE. THIS DIFFICULTY IN STEERING IS ALSO ACCOMPANIED BY A GRINDING TYPE OF NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN BEHIND THE STEEING WHEEL. IT HAS BECOME MORE THAN JUST AN OCCASIONAL ANNOYANCE BUT RATHER A MORE PERMANENT SAFETY ISSUE SINCE MY WIFE IS NO LONGER ABLE TO USE THE TRUCK BECAUSE OF THE DIFFICULTY WITH THE STEERING. PLEASE ADVISE ON WHAT MAY BE THE CAUSE AND IF THE MANUFACTURER IS AWARE OF SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH OTHER DAKOTA PICK UPS AND IF THEY HAVE ISSUED A RECALL IN THE PAST TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. I AM HOPING TO HAVE THIS RESOLVED QUICKLY SINCE I FEAR IT MAY ONLY LEAD TO SOME TRAGIC OR CATASTROPHIC RESULT. THANK YOU

Mileage: 106,000

ISSUE WITH THE STEERING, APPEARED TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE PUMP. OCCURRED AT ABOUT 50K MILES, 6 YRS. WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING WOULD GET HARD LIKE THE PUMP HAD FAILED, AND THEN WITHOUT WARNING, WOULD RETURN TO THE POWER ASSIST AND OVER STEER DUE TO THE PRESSURE I WAS ALREADY EXERTING. THIS TOOK PLACE AT ALL SPEEDS AND UNDER CITY AND HIGHWAY CONDITIONS. VERY DISCONCERTING. AFTER ABOUT A WEEK OF THIS I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER. THEY DETERMINED IT WAS A FAILING FLUID CONTROL VALVE IN THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND REPLACED IT. IT WAS COVERED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY I HAD PURCHASED BUT WOULD HAVE COST OVER $1500.

Mileage: 50,000

INTERMITTENT STEERING. SOMETIMES WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT, STEERING WILL NOT RETURN TO CENTER . NOW THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN ALL THE TIME. SOMETIMES IT WILL HAPPEN THEN AFTER DRIVING AWHILE IT WILL CLEAR UP. BUT THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM. CHECKED POWER STEERING FLUID,AIR PRESSURE. LOOKED AT OTHER FORUMS FOR THIS COMMON PROBLEM. CONSENSUS IS THE STEERING RACK AND/OR THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. WENT AND HAD STEERING RACK AND LOWER SHAFT REPLACED AND IT CURED THE PROBLEM ABOUT 97 PERCENT. DODGE SHOULD HAVE A RECALL FOR SAFETY REASONS AS THIS COULD INVOLVE FATALITIES . *TR

Mileage: 87,000

GOT IN VEHICLE AND STARTED TO DRIVE WHEN I NOTICED MAKING A TURN THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT RETURN TO CENTER. THE STEERING WAS REAL HEAVY LIKE THE POWER STEERING WAS FAILING. CHECKED POWER STEERING FLUID-IT WAS OKAY,TIRE PRESSURE WAS OK. AS I CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE STEERING GOT BETTER. SINCE THAT INCIDENT THE PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING COMES AND GOES. I WENT ON THE WEB AND FOUND OUT HOW MANY MORE 2004 DODGE DAKOTA TRUCK OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THE STEERING PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE IN THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND/OR THE STEERING RACK. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THIS SAFETY PROBLEM OR A CLASS ACTION. ALSO THE 2004 DAKOTA BALL JOINTS WENT OUT AT 60000 MILES AT MY EXPENSE. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR 2003 DAKOTA BALL JOINTS BEING BAD BUT NOT 2004. I HAD BOUGHT A 1993 DAKOTA BRAND NEW AND BOUGHT THE 2004 DAKOTA BRAND NEW BUT I MIGHT HAVE TO RECONSIDER GOING TO ANOTHER MAKE IF THE STEERING DOES NOT GET REMEDIED BY DODGE. *TR

Mileage: 86,000

THE STEERING IS HARD WHEN THE VEHICLE IS COLD. . WHEN YOU TURN THE STEERING WHEEL IS STIFF AND HARD TO TURN AND DOES NOT GO BACK TO A NEUTRAL POSITION. YOU HAVE TO MANUALLY TURN THE STEERING WHEEL BACK TO STRAIGHTEN IT OUT. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN FOR A HOUR THE STEERING IMPROVES. I HAVE SEEN MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE SAME VEHICLE. IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD. *TR

Mileage: 54,000

STEERING WAS LOOSE AT FIRST BUT BECAME VERY HARD TO TURN AT ANY SPEED.CHANGED THE RACK,WITH SAME PROBLEM. I THAN CHANGED THE STEERING PUMP WITH LITTLE TO NO SUCCESS. *TR

Mileage: 144,500

NOTICED A PROBLEM WITH THE POWER STEERING ON MY 2004 DODGE DAKOTA AT THE BEGINNING OF APRIL. THE STEERING IS STIFF AND HARD TO TURN. IT REQUIRES ASSISTANCE TO BRING THE STEERING WHEEL BACK TO CENTER. IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT SPEED YOU ARE GOING. IT SEEMS TO GET BETTER AFTER ABOUT 30 MINUTES OF DRIVING BUT AFTER SITTING FOR A WHILE THE PROBLEM IS BACK. I BOUGHT THE TRUCK LAST YEAR AS A SECOND VEHICLE AND NOW REGRET DOING SO. I HAVE HAD THE TRUCK TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE. 4/14/14 THEY REPLACED THE LOWER BALL JOINTS, FRONT ROTORS AND POWER STEERING PUMP. THAT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. 4/24/14 THEY REPLACED THE STEERING RACK. $2,300.00 LATER THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. IT IS GOING BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP 5/14/14 BUT I HAVE MY DOUBTS THE PROBLEM WILL BE FIXED AFTER READING OTHER COMPLAINTS ONLINE. I HAVE CONTACTED CHRYSLER ABOUT THIS AND HAVE BEEN ASSIGNED A CASE MANAGER. I AM WAITING TO HEAR WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY. I DO NOT WISH TO SPEND ANYMORE MONEY TRYING TO FIX A DESIGN FLAW IN THEIR STEERING COMPONENTS. THE STEERING POSES A SAFETY ISSUE AND I DO NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE DRIVING IT VERY FAR. *TR

Mileage: 110,600

TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THE RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000. RK

Mileage: 16,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE ENGINE WAS COLD, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WOULD FAIL AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SEIZE. IN WARMER TEMPERATURES, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD EASILY MOVE FROM SIDE TO SIDE BUT WOULD EXHIBIT DIFFICULTIES IN RETURNING TO A STRAIGHT POSITION. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000. *TR

Mileage: 100,000

THE STEERING IN MY 2004 DODGE DAKOTA TRUCK WOULD GET STIFF WHILE TURNING AND THEN WOULD TURN EASY THEN BACK TO STIFF. IT IS VERY HARD TO CONTROL THE TRUCK WHILE MAKING TURNS. THE STEERING IS LIKE VERY UNSTABLE AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. ARE THERE ANY RECALLS ON THIS ISSUE I SEE THAT THERE IS ALOT OF THIS HAPPENING TO THESE TRUCKS? *TR

Mileage: 220,000

A GOOD FRIEND OF MINE HAS THE EXACT SAME TRUCK AND HIS WHOLE TIRE FELL OFF GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. HE THANK GOD DID NOT GET HURT OR HURT ANYONE ELSE IN THE PROSESS. HE TOLD ME THAT IN 2004 THEIR WAS A RECALL ON THE BALL JOINTS OF THIS VEHICLE. I BOUGHT MY TRUCK FROM A PRIVATE OWNER AND DO NOT HAVE A RECALL NOTICE OF MY OWN, IS THERE A WAY NOW THAT I AM THE 2ND OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE THAT I CAN STILL HAVE THIS RECALL BE TAKEN CARE OF AT A DEALERSHIP BEING THAT IT IS UNDER 10 YEARS WITHIN THE RECALL TIME LIMIT. I DON'T WANT TO HAVE WHAT HAPPENED TO MY FRIEND HAPPEN TO ME. THANK YOU. *TR

Mileage: 166,650

ON FEB.15, 2012 WAS DRIVING AND WENT TO MAKE A TURN AND THE AFTER A QUARTER OF THE WAY INTO THE CURVE THE STEERING LOCKED UP AND BECAME VERY HARD TO TURN, CAUSING ME TO ALMOST HIT THE CAR SETTING AT THE LIGHT. AND SINCE THAT TIME THE STEERING IS HARDEST TO TURN WHEN COLD AND EASIER WHEN WARM. THE STEERING WHEN IT IS COLD IS STIFF WHEN YOU ARE A QUARTER THE WAY INTO THE CURVE AND THEN RELEASES THEN HARD AGAIN ALL IN THE SAME TURN, MAKING IT VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE IT MAKES YOUR VEHICLE SWERVE AND BECOME RECKLESS. DODGE NEEDS TO ISSUE A RECALL ON THE DEFECTIVE STEERING PARTS. I HAVE BEEN TOLD IT BECAUSE OF POOR DESIGN AND LACK OF LUBRICATION POINTS CAUSING THE FAILURE. PLEASE MANDATE THAT THEY ISSUE A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE FOR THIS PROBLEM, THANK YOU VERY MUCH. *TR

Mileage: 90,230

AROUND OCTOBER STARTED HAVING TROUBLE WITH STEERING WOULD BE TIGHT THEN LOOSEN UP IF IT WAS WARM. WHEN IT GOT COLDER IT GOT VERY HARD TO STEER. CHANGED THE RACK THEN EVERY TIME YOU WOULD TURN IT WOULD PULL TIGHT AND LET LOOSE AND MAKE TRUCK SWERVE. FIGURED MOST HAVE GOTTEN A DEFECTIVE PART CHANGED STEERING RACK AGAIN. SAME PROBLEM DECIDED TO CHANGE STEERING PUMP THIS TIME. SO MUCH FOR THAT IT DIDN'T HELP EITHER NOW I HAVE A WHINING NOISE ON TOP OF THE TIGHT STEERING. I HAVE ALREADY PUT ALOT OF MONEY INTO IT AND NOTHING SEEMS TO BE WORKING!!!!!!!!! *TR

BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE HEAVY, DIFFICULT STEERING, ESPECIALLY WHEN COLD, AND METALLIC CLUNKING OR GRINDING NOISES WHEN TURNING TIGHTLY AT LOW SPEEDS ACCOMPANIED BY POWER STEERING PUMP WHINE ON A 2004 DODGE DAKOTA 4.7L V8 4X4 QUAD CAB. STEERING HAS ALSO BECOME ABNORMALLY HEAVY AT NORMAL DRIVING SPEEDS WITH DIFFICULTY CENTERING STEERING WHEEL AND REDUCED POWER STEERING ASSIST. INSPECTION OF STEERING COMPONENTS REVEALED SEVERE RUST ON STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT UPPER U JOINT CAUSED BY ROAD SALT AND MOISTURE, WHICH RESULTED IN STEERING DIFFICULTY AND STRAIN ON POWER STEERING SYSTEM. THIS CONDITION IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS DUE TO THE EXTRA EFFORT REQUIRED TO STEER THE VEHICLE. LUBRICATING THE JOINT WITH GREASE TEMPORARILY ALLEVIATES THE ISSUE, BUT PROBLEM RETURNS AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME AND WILL REQUIRE EVENTUAL REPLACEMENT OF UPPER/LOWER INTERMEDIATE SHAFT(S) AT A PARTS COST OF APPROXIMATELY $226, PLUS LABOR. INTERNET RESEARCH REVEALS THIS IS A WIDELY OCCURRING ISSUE ON THIS GENERATION OF DAKOTA PICKUP CAUSED BY POOR DESIGN (LACK OF LUBRICATION, NO PROTECTION FROM THE ELEMENTS, AND INADEQUATE RUST PROOFING) OF A CRITICAL STEERING COMPONENT, WHERE FAILURE CAN RESULT IN A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD BY MAKING THE VEHICLE MORE DIFFICULT TO STEER, AND THUS CHRYSLER GROUP LLC SHOULD BE HELD LIABLE FOR REPAIR COSTS OF THIS COMPONENT. *TT

Mileage: 120,000

NO POWER STEERING ASSIST IN COLD TEMPERATURES. WITH FIRST START UP THE TRUCK TURNS VERY HARD. EVEN AFTER DRIVIG FOR SEVERAL MILES TRUCK IS STILL HARD TO STEER AND YOU CONSTANTLY HAVE TO CORRECT IT. *TR

Mileage: 75,000

TRUCK HAS BECOME VERY HARD TO STEER. LIKE THE POWER STEERING HAS FAILED. WHEN GOING INTO A TURN IS VERY HARD TO TURN AND WHEN COMING BACK IT STICKS AND HAVE TO TURN HARD ON THE WHEEL. THIS COMES AND GOES, SEEMS TO WORK FINE WHEN THE WEATHER IS HOT OUT AND SEEMS TO FAIL WHEN THE WEATHER IS COOL OR COLD. *TR

Mileage: 62,500

POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND TOOK IT IN TO FLUSH THE FLUID. DIDN'T DO ANYTHING BUT WAS TO GIVE IT A FEW HUNDRED MILES. I WAITED TO SEE WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN AND AFTER 1 MONTH AND NOTHING CHANGING I REPLACED THE FLUID AGAIN WITH SOME CORRECTION FLUID. DIDN'T WORK, THEN ANOTHER MONTH LATER THE STEERING RELEASED BACK TO NORMAL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TURN. TWO WEEKS LATER THE POWER STEERING BECAME INTERMITTENT AND SOMETIMES IN THE SAME TURN. AT THIS POINT I SEARCHED DEEPER ON THE INTRANET AND FOUND MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ABOUT DODGE DAKOTA STEERING AND MANY THAT WERE SPECIFIC TO A 2004 DAKOTA AND MORE THAN A HANDFUL THAT HAD ABOUT 70K MILES LIKE MINE. AFTER SPRAYING PENETRATING OIL ON THE U-JOINT WITH A SHORT TERM CORRECTION, I'M CONVINCED THAT I NOW HAVE ONE OF THESE FAULTY STEERING SHAFTS. *TR

Mileage: 70,000

STEERING BECAME INCONSISTENT. VEHICLE WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN , BUT WOULD BECOME OCCASIONALLY EASIER MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO CONTROL GOING INTO AND OUT OF TURNS. DEALER REPLACED INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT AT A COST OF $420. THIS FIXED PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 56,109

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE MAKING A TURN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED IN THE DIRECTION THE VEHICLE WAS TURNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Mileage: 140,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2004 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE DIAGNOSIS STATED THAT THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT FAILED. THE FAILED COMPONENT WAS REPLACED AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED.THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 74,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.

Mileage: 74,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TURNING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, BUT THE PARTS NEEDED TO BE ORDERED FIRST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND FILED A CLAIM ON THE CONTACTS BEHALF. THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A RESPONSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.

Mileage: 72,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD BECOME STIFF WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY INFORMED THAT THE STEERING MECHANISM FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 52,000. UPDATED 06/03/11 *BF UPDATED 06/13/11

Mileage: 52,000

POWER STEERING GOES LOOSE-STIFF-LOOSE-STIFF WHILE TURNING. *TR

Mileage: 52,000

MY 2004 DODGE DAKOTA BEGAN HAVING STEERING ISSUES LAST FALL WHICH BECAME INCREASINGLY WORSE OVER THE FOLLOWING WEEKS. THE POWER STEERING SEEMED TO HAVE STOPPED WORKING. WHEN I MADE A TURN IT WAS STIFF, THEN LOOSE, THEN STIFF AGAIN AS YOU CRANKED THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS WOULD CAUSE ME TO APPLY MORE PRESSURE TO TURN THE TRUCK, THEN THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SUDDENLY LOOSEN UP, CAUSING YOU TO SWERVE. THIS CAUSED ME ENOUGH CONCERN ABOUT MY SAFETY THAT I HAD A MECHANIC TAKE A LOOK. HE FIRST THOUGHT THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE POWER STEERING FLUID SO HE FLUSHED OUT THE SYSTEM. PROBLEM PERSISTED. HE THEN REPLACED THE STEERING RACK. JERKY/STIFF STEERING CONTINUED TO OCCUR. AFTER READING ON A DODGE FORUM ABOUT THIS ISSUE HE TRIED THE "TEMPORARY FIX" OF LUBRICATING THE LOWER U-JOINT ON THE INTERMEDIATE ROD AND THIS SEEMS TO HAVE RETURNED THE STEERING TO A NORMAL STATE. HOWEVER, MY MECHANIC FEELS THIS IS A TEMPORARY FIX AND FEELS THE ROD SHOULD BE REPLACED. PREFERABLY WITH A ROD THAT HAS GREASE FITTINGS. APPARENTLY THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL WHICH DODGE IS AWARE OF, BUT HAS FAILED TO ISSUE A RECALL FOR. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS MATTER. *TR

Mileage: 56,955

MY DAKOTAS STEERING HAS RECENTLY BECOME VERY JERKY. WHILE TURNING THE WHEEL, IT GETS STIFF, LOOSE, STIFF, LOOSE, STIFF, LOOSE IN ONE FULL TURN OF THE WHEEL. THROUGH SEARCHING FORUMS ON THE INTERNET, I DECIDED TO TEST A THEORY THAT IT WAS THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT/ROD AND THE U JOINT ATTACHED TO IT WAS NOT LUBRICATED ENOUGH. AFTER GREASING UP THE JOINT, THE PROBLEM MOMENTARILY STOPPED, BUT THEN RETURNED. THIS JOINT DOES NOT HAVE ANY GREASE FITTINGS AND SHOULD BE REPLACED WITH ONES WITH FITTINGS. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED AFTER WINTER COMING INTO THE WARMER WEATHER WHERE THERE WERE A LOT OF PUDDLES WHICH MOST LIKELY GOT ON THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND JOINTS CAUSING IT TO DRY OUT AND CREATE THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 36,638

THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT WITHTHE UNIVERSAL JOINTS STARTED TIGHTENING UP TO THE POINT WHERE I ALMOST COULDN'T STEER IT THEN WHEN IT LET LOOSE THE STEERING WAS VERY ABRUPT IT STARTED AROUND 100 K MILES AND I UNDERSTAND THINGS WEAR OUT .BUT AREN'T THOSE SUPPOSED TO BE LIFE OF VEHICLE LUBRICATED?????? I LOVE MY TRUCK ITS BEEN WONDERFUL BUT IF SOMEONE THAT WAS NOT AS STRONG AS ME ....AND THIS HAPPENED I HAD THE REPAIR DONE AND IT WAS AONLY AROUND 300-400 BUCKS SO ITS NOT HORRIBLE BUT IT WAS SCARY NOT BEING ABLE TO STEER MY TRUCK.....THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THIS IS COMMON???? HE SEES IT ALOT ON THIS MODEL TRUCK..... I JUST THOUGH THAT I ALSO HAVE A 89 HOINDA CIVIC AND HAVE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING..... *TR

Mileage: 115,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE ATTEMPTING A TURN AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND THE CONTACT HAD TO UTILIZE EXTREME BODILY FORCE IN ORDER TO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO TEMPORARILY REPAIR THE VEHICLE BY LUBRICATING THE UNIVERSAL JOINT. HE STATED HE WOULD HAVE TO SPRAY THE UNIVERSAL JOINT EVERY 1,500 TO 2,000 MILES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 165,000.

Mileage: 130,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE DAKOTA. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN WHEN THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED WITH CAUTION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE STEERING WHEELS INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. THE FAILURE RESULTED IN PREMATURE WEAR TO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. THE PART WAS ORDERED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHICH THERE WAS NO RESOLUTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

Mileage: 60,000

MY 2004 DODGE DAKOTA HAS STEERING PROBLEMS. AFTER TAKING IT TO A DODGE DEALER AND LEAVING IT FOR TWO DAYS THEY ARE UNABLE TO TELL ME WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. THE VEHICLE IS VERY HARD TO STEER. FLUID IS NOT LEAKING, I HAVE DAYS THAT THE STEERING IS BETTER THAN OTHER DAYS..BUT FOR THE MOST PART THE STEERING IS GETTING HARDER EVERYDAY. I FEEL THAT IT IS GETTING VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE,YET I CANNOT GET AN ANSWER TO WHAT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET AND THIS FORUM, I HAVE FOUND THAT THERE ARE MANY OTHER 2004 DAKOTA OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. INFACT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE 2000 TO 2003 DAKOTAS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. YET THE 2004 HAS THE SAME STEERING DESIGN. I THINK THE 2004 DAKOTA SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THAT RECALL. PLEASE HELP!! AS I CAN'T SEEM TO GET ANY ANSWERS TO WHAT IS CAUSING THIS STEERING PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 62,305

I HAVE A 2004 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB 4X4 WITH THE MAGNUM ENGINE. IT HAS ROUGHLY 59,000 MILES ON IT. SOMETIME WITHIN THE PAST 3,000 MILES THE STEERING BEGAN TO GET STIFF. IT WAS A GRADUAL THING, SLOWLY GETTING WORSE UNTIL NOW I'M CONCERNED ABOUT IT FROM A SAFETY STANDPOINT. THE EXACT SYMPTOMS AT THIS POINT ARE THAT THE STEERING WILL GET STIFF THEN SMOOTH THEN STIFF THEN SMOOTH, DEPENDING ON THE POSITION OF THE WHEEL DURING A TURN. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM ONLINE FOR THIS PARTICULAR MODEL AND YEAR, IT IS APPARENTLY EITHER THE UPPER OR LOWER U-JOINT ON THE STEERING COLUMN. I HAVE NOT CONFIRMED THIS, BUT WANTED TO LEND MY WEIGHT TO THE OBVIOUSLY HUGE NUMBER OF DODGE DAKOTA/DURANGO OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 59,000

I HAVE READ SO MANY OF THESE SAME ISSUES THAT I AM HAVING WITH MY 2004 DODGE DAKOTA. THE STEERING IS LOCKING UP AND VERY HARD TO TURN. I'VE TAKEN IT INTO A DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES NOW, AND THEY HAVE REPLACED POWER STEERING PUMP, CHECKED MY RACK AND PINION, AND ALL OTHER OPTIONS AND THE PROBLEM IS STILL OCCURRING. VERY SCARY. JUST HAD A BABY AND DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO AT THIS POINT WHERE NO ONE KNOWS WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. I HAVE READ UP SO MANY OF THESE SAME COMPLAINTS AND THEY ARE ALL THE SAME AS WHAT I AM EXPERIENCING. THERE HAS GOT TO BE A PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE RECALLED. VERY HARD TO TURN WHEEL AND GO STIFF LOOSE STIFF LOOSE. PLEASE ADVISE. THANK YOU. *TR

Mileage: 89,000

POWER STEERING HIGH PRESSURE SIDE HOSE P/N 52110348AE. HOSE IS LEAKING AND THE PART IS ON NATIONAL BACKORDER. DO NOT WANT TO BE STRANDED ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE STEERING GOES OUT OR HAVE A POSSIBLE ACCIDENT DUE TO NO STEERING. *TR

Mileage: 77,000

I CAN HARDLY STEER MY TRUCK ANYMORE EVEN AFTER REPLACING A POWER STEERING PUMP WHICH I WAS TOLD WAS THE PROBLEM. IT TURNED OUT THAT THE PUMP WAS FINE AND AFTER RESEARCHING THIS VERY COMMON PROBLEM ON THE WEB I AM FINDING OUT THAT THE STEERING ISSUES ARE ACTUALLY DUE TO A FAULTY INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. WHAT DOES A GIRL HAVE TO DO TO GET DODGE TO CORRECT THIS NATIONWIDE PROBLEM? IT'S SEEMS ONLY FAIR THAT A RECALL BE INITIATED ASAP. I GUESS MY ONLY RESORT IS TO LUBE THE SHAFT FOR NOW UNTIL DODGE FINALLY ACKNOWLEDGES HOW MANY THEY HAVE '!@#$%. *TR

Mileage: 60,000

I OWN A 2004 DAKOTA QUAD 4X4 WITH 78K MILES ON IT. I BOUGHT THE TRUCK NEW AND HAVE TAKEN CARE OF IT. MOST OF THE MILES ARE HIGHWAY AND IT HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN OFF ROAD. SINCE ITS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY I GOT ONLINE TO RESEARCH A DIY SOLUTION. I FOUND THAT MANY OF THE PROBLEMS I HAVE HAD AND ARE HAVING ARE NOT JUST BEING EXPERIENCED BY MYSELF BUT OTHER DAKOTA OWNERS. 1) STEERING ISSUES THE STEERING WHEEL BECOMES EXTREMELY HARD TO TURN AT TIMES BOTH GOING INTO AND COMING OUT OF A TURN. THIS STARTED HAPPENING IN FEB 2009 WITH 71K ON IT. IT IS MUCH MORE PREVALENT IN COLD WEATHER. I WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE THE TRUCK UNTIL THE WEATHER WARMED UP. (I HAVE NOT HAD THIS FIXED YET.) 2) BRAKE ISSUES 27K I HAD TO HAVE THE FRONT ROTORS AND THE REAR DRUMS TURNED AND NEW PADS AND SHOES INSTALLED AND HAD THE BRAKE FLUID CHANGED. 46K I HAD TO HAVE NEW FRONT ROTORS AND PADS ALONG WITH THE BRAKE FLUID CHANGED 77K REAR BRAKES BEGAN MAKING NOISE. THE PARKING BRAKE PAD HAD FALLEN OFF. I NOW NEED NEW REAR DRUMS AND SHOES AND PARKING BRAKE SHOE. ( I HAVE NOT HAD THIS FIXED YET) 3)SUSPENSION 77K I NEED A FRONT UPPER BALL JOINT PROBABLY DUE TO EXCESS STRAIN FROM THE DEFECTIVE STEERING. ( I HAVE NOT HAD THIS FIXED YET). *TR

Mileage: 71,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING LOCKS WHILE DRIVING. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER THREE DIFFERENT TIMES AND THEY REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PUMP, WHICH DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. HE THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE UNIVERSAL JOINT THAT GOES INTO THE YOKE WAS BENT WHEN IT SHOULD BE STRAIGHT. THE DEALER FINALLY REPAIRED THE VEHICLE, BUT THE CONTACT DOES NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 47,017. UPDATED 8/27/09 *CN UPDATED 09/09/09 *JB

Mileage: 34,000

THE STEERING IN MY 2004 DODGE DAKOTA IS VERY TIGHT. IT TAKES ALL MY STRENGTH TO TURN A CORNER. THEN JUST WHEN I GET THE WHEEL TURNED IT GETS VERY LOOSE AND I AM OVER STEERING. BUT TO TURN THE WHEEL BACK IT IS TIGHT AGAIN. THIS IS VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE AS WELL AS DANGEROUS. I HAVE READ HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS VERY SAME PROBLEM WITH THE DODGE DAKOTA'S. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO LIE WITH AN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT IN THE STEERING. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND FIXED BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED! IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE MY TRUCK! *TR

Mileage: 54,000

2004 DODGE DAKOTA INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT. *TR

Mileage: 70,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE STEERING BECAME VERY STIFF WHEN MAKING VARIOUS TURNS. IT FELT AS IF THE POWER STEERING WAS FAILING. THE FAILURE LASTED FOR A WEEK BEFORE THE CONTACT FINALLY WENT TO A MECHANIC. HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT FAILED. THE DEALER HAS NOT YET BEEN NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED BECAUSE THE NECESSARY PART IS ON BACKORDER. THE REPAIR WILL BE MADE AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 94,550.

Mileage: 94,000

2004 DODGE DAKOTA - POWER STEERING VERY STIFF. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. *TR

Mileage: 109,453

2004 DODGE DAKOTA LOSES POWER STEERING INTERMITTENTLY. IT CUTS IN AND OUT WHILE DRIVING. *TR

Mileage: 56,839

1. NORMAL DRIVING (4 YEARS 95,000 MILES) 2. THE STEERING IS UNPREDICTABLE AND VERY STIFF. I HAVE A VERY HARD TIME TURNING THE VEHICLE WITH TWO HANDS ON THE WHEEL. THE STIFFNESS IS SPORADIC AND CHOPPY. IT MAKES THE TRUCK MUCH MORE DIFFICULT TO CONTROL AND IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. 3. GREASING THE TWO U-JOINTS ON THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT SOLVED THE PROBLEM. A GREASE TIP ON BOTH JOINTS WOULD PERMANENTLY SOLVE THE PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 95,000

WHILE DRIVING NORMALLY I NOTICED A KNOCK IN THE FRONT END WHILE I JUST WENT DOWN THE STREET, THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE A BALL JOINT OR TIE ROD. THEN ONE DAY WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY THE STEERING BECAME CLOSE TO IMPOSSIBLE. VERY JERKY AND IT FELT GUMMY. I HAD THE RACK REPLACED AS SUGGESTED BY THE "5-STAR DEALER" AND THAT ONLY FIXED THE NOISE, NOT THE STEERING ISSUE. READ ONLINE ABOUT IT BEING THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT AND U-JOINTS, SO I SPRAYED THEM WITH LUBRICANT AND AM GOING TO SEE HOW THE TRUCK RUNS LATER. SOME OF THOSE ENGINEERS REALLY NEED TO DESIGN GREASED FITTINGS INTO THE VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 56,000

STEERING VERY TIGHT FOUND THAT INTERMEDIATE SHAFT FREEZING UP POOR DESIGN CAUSE ACCIDENT DUE TO LACK OF STEERING RESPONSE WITH SPRAY OIL FREED UP DEALER SAID SHOULD REPLACE KNUCKLES ON SHAFT. *TR

Mileage: 47,280

STEERING VERY TIGHT - TAKES TWO HANDS TO TURN STEERING WHEEL - READ DODGE FORUM AND FOUND THAT THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WAS FREEZING UP. I SOAKED WITH PENETRATING SPRAY OIL AND IT IMMEDIATELY FREED UP. NOW CONCERNED THAT THE KNUCKLES ARE WEAKENED AND SHOULD BE REPLACED. POOR DESIGN THAT MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT DUE TO LACK OF STEERING RESPONSE. *TR

Mileage: 32,457

STEERING BEGAN TO FEEL LOOSE AND HEARD A CLUNK INFRONT END. BALL JOINTS WERE BAD AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. AFTER WORK WAS COMPLETED STILL HAD STEERING ISSUES. DEALER SAID THAT IT WAS NORMAL, LOCAL MECHANIC FOUND THAT THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT WAS FAILING. WHEN IT WAS REMOVED TO BE REPLACED THE LOWER U-JOINT CAME APART. IMAGINE THAT HAPPENING AT 55 MPH. *TR

Mileage: 70,000

I STARTED HAVING DIFFICULTY TO STEERING MY VEHICLE. AS EACH DAY PASSED IT BECAME MORE AND MORE DIFFICULT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. IT FELT AS IF IT HAD NO STEERING WHEEL FLUID. AND BY JANUARY I COULD BARELY TURN THE WHEEL AT ALL. I COULD BARELY MAKE A TURN. THIS OCCURRED EVERY DAY AND I WAS AFRAID I WAS GOING TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. I CHANGED THE STEERING FLUID AND THE TIRES THINKING THAT WAS THE PROBLEM. BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER LAST WEEK WHO REPLACED THE STEERING SHAFT. I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF A STEERING SHAFT FAILURE BEFORE IN A VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 39,933

GROANING OCCURS WHENEVER THE VEHICLE MOVES IN REVERSE AND THE WHEEL IS TURNED ONE ROTATION LEFT. ALSO RECENTLY, A LOUD SQUEAL HAS OCCURRED ON FORWARD VEHICLE MOVEMENT. I AM CONCERNED WITH SIMILAR COMPLAINTS OF BALL JOINT FAILURE AND VEHICLE SAFETY. *TR

Mileage: 45,500

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, STEERING WHEEL FELT A LITTLE LOOSE. LUCKILY ONLY WHILE BACKING INTO A PARKING SPOT - THE STEERING WHEEL FELL OFF INTO LAP. THE METAL BRACKET WAS CRACKED. CAR WAS BROUGHT TO A DEALERSHIP AND A NEW PART WAS ORDERED, CURRENTLY WAITING TO BE FIXED. DEALERSHIP DOES NOT SEEMED CONCERNED, NOR CAN THEY DETERMINE IF IT'S A MANUFACTURING DEFAULT. A CLAIM WAS STARTED WITH THE CHRYSLER CORPORATE OFFICE. WILL HAVE TO SEE IF RETRIBUTION WILL BE MADE. TRUCK HAS 125K MILES, HOWEVER REGULAR MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN PERFORMED. NO OTHER ISSUES OCCURRED PREVIOUSLY. A 9-MONTH PREGNANT WIFE AND HUSBAND COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED IF THIS HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY. DODGE SHOULD INVESTIGATE BEFORE A TRAGIC ACCIDENT OR DEATH OCCURS. *TR

Mileage: 125,000

I JUST READ ABOUT THE STEERING PROBLEMS BEING EXPERIENCED ON THE 2004 DODGE DAKOTA CLUB CAB MODELS. I HAVE TWICE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM . ONCE UNDER WARRANTY AND ONCE AT MY OWN EXPENSE. THE STEERING JUST FREEZES UP AND THE WHEEL CANNOT BE TURNED WITH OUT A LOT OF EFFORT. WHEN YOU ROUND A CORNER, IT DOES NOT RECOVER AND YOU MUST TURN THE WHEEL BACK YOURSELF TO HAVE THE VEHICLE CONTINUE ON A STRAIGHT COURSE AFTER THE TURN. BOTH TIMES I WAS REQUIRED TO HAVE THE "MIDDLE STEERING SHAFT" REPLACED. APPARENTLY THERE IS A TOP,MIDDLE AND LOWER STEERING SHAFT AND BOTH TIMES AT DIFFERENT REPAIR FACILITIES IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS THE MIDDLE SHAFT THAT HAD FAILED. IT COMPLETELY FREEZES UP ON YOU. *TR

Mileage: 18,000

2004 DODGE DAKOTA POWER STEERING GOES STIFF, LOOSE, STIFF, LOOSE, ETC. THERE IS OBVIOUSLY SOMETHING WRONG AND JUDGING BY THE COMPLAINTS I'VE RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET MANY MORE PEOPLE ARE DEALING WITH THIS SAME ISSUE. IT IS PUTTING PEOPLE'S LIVE IN DANGER AND A RECALL NEEDS TO BE ISSUES ASAP. *TR

Mileage: 26,000

1) NOTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY, JUST REGULAR DRIVING 2) ITS VERY HARD TO STEER SOMETIMES, ITS LIKE STIFF-LOOSE-STIFF-LOOSE WHEN I TURN EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM AND GUYS ON DODGEFORUM.COM HAVE PINPOINTED THE PROBLEM BUT DEALERS WONT CHANGE THE PART, THEY WANT TO CHANGE THE POWER STEERING PUMP WHEN THE PROBLEM IS IN THE INTERMEDIATE ARM, ITS EXPENSIVE TO FIX AND WHY SHOULD WE PAY FOR A MANUFACTURER DEFECT? THE CONSEQUENCES UNFORTUNATELY CAN BE DEADLY. SOMETIMES ITS IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER OR MAKE A QUICK TURN, IF SOMEONE CUTS YOU OFF AND YOU CANT TURN, WELL BAD THINGS CAN HAPPEN. 3)I CANNOT GET THE PART (INTERMEDIATE ARM) BECAUSE THEY ARE ON BACKORDER, COINCIDENCE?? *TR

Mileage: 51,000

FROM THE VERY BEGINNING I KEPT HEARING NOISES FROM THE BRAKES AND FRONT END. THIS WAS GOING INTO THE 2ND YEAR OF OWNERSHIP. MY DODGE DAKOTA HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP AT LEAST 15 TIMES FOR THE SAME THING. THEY HAVE REPLACED THE STEERING PARTS, SWAY BAR, BRAKES ROTORS, CALIBER AND STILL MAKE A A MOANING GROANING NOISE WHEN EVER I TURN OR GO OVER BUMPS. *TR

Mileage: 240,000

INTERMITTENT HARD STEERING. SEEMS LIKE THE POWER STEERING STOPS WORKING. HAD THE POWER STEERING UNIT REPLACED BUT THAT DIDN'T SOLVE THE PROBLEM. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND MANY PEOPLE HAVING SAME PROBLEM. SEEMS TO BE THE U-JOINTS ON THE STEERING SHAFT. HAVE TO REPLACE SHAFT. *TR

Mileage: 84,900

STEERING ERRATIC AND CHOPPY. STEERING WHEEL FAILS TO CENTER SMOOTHLY WHEN RELEASED. STEERING IS HARD AT TIMES. WHEEL STAYS IN TURNED DIRECTION UNLESS MANUALLY TURNED TO CORRECT. *TR

Mileage: 42,300

STEERING WHEEL WOULD STIFFEN AS IF THERE WERE NO POWER STEERING ABILITY. WHEN HE TURNS THE STEERING WHEEL, IT DOES NOT TURN BACK UNLESS HE DOES IT MANUALLY. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IT COULD LEAD TO THE STEERING WHEEL DISCONNECTING FROM THE RACK UNIT. I BELIEVE THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE IS THE LOWER STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. IF I SPRAY THE U JOINTS OF THE STEERING SHAFT WITH WD 40 OR PB BLASTER IT STEERS GREAT, BUT WEARS OFF WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT!! NOW TRUCK HAS 57,000 MILES. HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM SINCE I HAVE HAD IT. *TR

Mileage: 55,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD STIFFEN AS IF THERE WERE NO POWER STEERING ABILITY. WHEN HE TURNS THE STEERING WHEEL, IT DOES NOT TURN BACK UNLESS HE DOES IT MANUALLY. THE FAILURE BEGAN APPROXIMATELY ONE WEEK AGO. THE CONTACT FEELS THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IT COULD LEAD TO THE STEERING WHEEL DISCONNECTING FROM THE RACK UNIT. HE BELIEVES THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE IS THE LOWER STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 43,000.

Mileage: 43,000

IN REFERENCE TO ODI COMPLAINT 10224785... I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE ON MY VEHICLE TWICE. IT IS THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL, THAT BEING 04' DAKOTA. I BELIEVE THE ISSUE IS KNOWN TO DODGE AS THEY HAVE A VERY SMALL NOTATION IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL IN REFERENCE TO THE STEERING SHAFT. AT PRESENT THIS FAILURE SEEMS TO OCCUR EVERY 2ND SPRING (AFTER SPRING THAW AND WET ROADS), AND IN MY OPINION IT'S DUE TO A LACK OF GREASE FITTINGS ON THE STEERING LINKAGE. AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT PARTS HAVE THESE "GREASE TIPS", HOWEVER THE STANDARD DODGE SUPPLIED PARTS DO NOT. IT IS AN EXTREME SAFETY ISSUE AS IT OCCURS WITHOUT WARNING AND SIMULATES THE FEELING OF COMPLETE POWER STEERING LOSS. PERSONALLY IT ALMOST RESULTED IN 2 ACCIDENTS, HOWEVER I WAS ABLE TO CORRECT MY VEHICLE BEFORE ANY ONCOMING TRAFFIC BECAME INVOLVED. AS I AM CANADIAN I HAVE FILED A REPORT WITH TRANSPORT CANADA, HOWEVER FELT IT IMPORTANT TO REPORT TO ODI AS WELL. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND DOES NOT ALLOW THE CONTACT TO TURN THE VEHICLE IN ANY DIRECTION. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE OCCURS EVERYTIME THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 62,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000.

Mileage: 59,000

I AM REPORTING THE PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING. MY METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED 2004 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB EXHIBITED INTERMITTENT BINDING OF THE STEERING MAKING THE VEHICLE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP CONFIRMED MY SUSPENSION THAT IT WAS THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT THAT WAS BINDING DUE TO ?RUST? AND REPLACED THE COMPONENT AT A COST TO ME OF $310.00 PARTS AND LABOR. THIS COMPONENT HAD SURFACE RUST ONLY ON A SEALED NON-GREASY FITTING AND SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED WITH A VEHICLE LESS THAN 4 YEARS OLD WITH ONLY 58,000 MILES OF USE. I CONTACTED CHRYSLER DIRECTLY TO ADDRESS THIS SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND THEY INDICATED THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. *TR

Mileage: 58,131

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL BECOMES DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE RACK AND PINION HIMSELF. THERE HAVE BEEN NO OTHER FAILURES SINCE THE REPAIR. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 48,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000.

Mileage: 46,000

AFTER MAKING A TURN THE DRIVER'S SIDE TIE ROD SEPARATED FROM THE STEERING LINK,BOTH THE TIE ROD AND THE STEERING LINK WERE STRIPPED OUT,LOSS OF STEERING LUCK WOULD HAVE IT THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC NEXT TO ME AND MY SPEED WAS SLOW ABLE TO GET VEHICLE OFF ROAD WITH THE PASSENGER SIDE STEERING STILL ATTACHED,HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO A SHOP WHERE THE LINK AND THE TIE ROD WERE REPLACED,AFTER INSPECTION THE MECHANIC SUGGESTED THE PASSENGER SIDE BE DONE DUE TO WEAR NOT AS BAD.*AK

Mileage: 152,000

THE TIE ROD ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT SUSPENSION IS SEPARATING FROM THE STEERING RACK. TIE ROD BOOT IS TWISTED AND VEHICLE MAKES A LOUD KNOCKING AND CLICKING NOISE WHILE TURNING. DEALER SERVICE MECHANIC STATED THE STEERING RACK WAS SEPARATING AND A GEAR BOX NEEDED REPLACEMENT AS WELL. FAILURE OF TIE ROD COULD RESULT IN STEERING FAILURE AND LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. NEEDS REPLACEMENT, BUT WAS INFORMED AN ENTIRE STEERING RACK AND GEAR BOX MUST BE REPLACED. *NM

Mileage: 24,700

I AM LOOKING FOR ALL PEOPLE THAT ARE WILLING TO SPEAK TO MY ATTORNEY ABOUT PROBLEMS THEY ARE HAVING WITH THEIR 04 DAKOTA'S. I HAVE HAD CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM FRONT END, WHIRLING NOISE AT IDLING GETS LOUDER WHEN BLINKER ON, WINDOWS MAKE CLUNKING NOISE WHILE ROLLING UP OR DOWN, SEVER E SHAKING WHILE BRAKING ( WARPED ROTORS), TRANSMISSION LEAKING, AND THE LIST GOES ON. I AM IN THE MIDDLE OF LEMON LAW AND IT TOOK ME A LONG TIME TO BE ABLE TO FIND AN ATTORNEY. THIS ONE IS EXCELLENT.*JB

DT: CONTACT STATED WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES A NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEN MAKING A RIGHT OR LEFT HAND TURN. HE CONTACTED THE DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE CONNECTOR PART TWICE. WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITHOUT TOUCHING THE BRAKE DID NOT HEAR THE NOISE. *AK UPDATED 12/7/2005. THE DEALER REPLACED THE UPPER SHAFT PER THE STAR HOTLINE AND THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE PROBLEM IS MORE PREVALENT IN WARM/HOT WEATHER. *NM

Mileage: 7,555

DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THERE WAS A SHIMMY/VIBRATION IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER THREE SEPARATE TIMES FOR INSPECTION AND REPAIR. THE RACK AND PINION, FRONT SHOCKS AND ALL FOUR TIRES HAD BEEN CHANGED. THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST. THE CONSUMER HAD BEEN IN CONTACT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. *AK (12/05/05) THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TO THREE DIFFERENT DEALERS WITH NO RESULTS. *SC

Mileage: 6,000

DT: 2004 DODGE, DAKOTA. THE CONSUMER STATED STEERING HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES AND IT WAS STILL DEFECTIVE. THE IDLER ARMS WERE REPLACED ONCE. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT A MONTH AFTER PURCHASE THE VEHICLE MADE A CLICKING NOISE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. SHE REPEATEDLY TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND HAD THE IDLER ARMS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WOULD CLICK WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED, IT WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES AND PROBLEM RECURRED. THE CONSUMER FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. ALSO, POWER STEERING PUMP, THE RADIO, AND THE KNEE PANEL HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. IN ADDITION, THE REAR SHOCKS AND SPRINGS/ THE REAR WINDOW REGULATOR/DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT/THE CLOCK DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HANDLE, ROOF JOINT MOLDING WERE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW WITH 800 MILES ON IT.*AK

Mileage: 9,000

DT: 2004 DODGE, DAKOTA. THE CONSUMER STATED STEERING HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES AND IT WAS STILL DEFECTIVE. THE IDLER ARMS WERE REPLACED ONCE. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT A MONTH AFTER PURCHASE THE VEHICLE MADE A CLICKING NOISE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. SHE REPEATEDLY TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND HAD THE IDLER ARMS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WOULD CLICK WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED, IT WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES AND PROBLEM RECURRED. THE CONSUMER FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. ALSO, POWER STEERING PUMP, THE RADIO, AND THE KNEE PANEL HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. IN ADDITION, THE REAR SHOCKS AND SPRINGS/ THE REAR WINDOW REGULATOR/DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT/THE CLOCK DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HANDLE, ROOF JOINT MOLDING WERE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW WITH 800 MILES ON IT.*AK

Mileage: 9,000

DT: 2004 DODGE, DAKOTA. THE CONSUMER STATED STEERING HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES AND IT WAS STILL DEFECTIVE. THE IDLER ARMS WERE REPLACED ONCE. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT A MONTH AFTER PURCHASE THE VEHICLE MADE A CLICKING NOISE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. SHE REPEATEDLY TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND HAD THE IDLER ARMS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WOULD CLICK WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED, IT WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES AND PROBLEM RECURRED. THE CONSUMER FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. ALSO, POWER STEERING PUMP, THE RADIO, AND THE KNEE PANEL HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. IN ADDITION, THE REAR SHOCKS AND SPRINGS/ THE REAR WINDOW REGULATOR/DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT/THE CLOCK DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HANDLE, ROOF JOINT MOLDING WERE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW WITH 800 MILES ON IT.*AK

Mileage: 9,000

ON JULY 30TH 2005, 2004 DODGE DAKOTA TIE RODS PULLED APART WHILE MAKING A TURN FROM A COMPLETE STOP. TRUCK HAS 14500 MILES ON IT. CHRYSLER REFUSES TO COVER UNDER WARRANTY. *NM

Mileage: 14,500

THE TRUCK HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP NUMEROUS TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEMS. I HAVE A GROANING NOISE IN THE STEERING WHEEL THAT DODGE CAN NOT SEEM TO FIX. IT ALREADY HAS A LEAKING A/C SYSTEM AT 47000 MILES. ALSO, THE A/C SYSTEM WIL NOT GET COLD UNLESS IT IS NIGHT TIME. IT ALSO JUST HAS WAY TO MANY SQUEAKS, AND MAKES ME FEEL VERY UNSAFE IN THE VEHICLE. THE WIPER CONTROL MODULE NEEDS REPLACING

Mileage: 46,000

RECALL CAMPAIGN : THE VEHICLE'S BALL JOINTS FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTIFICATION 04V-596. *NM THE VEHICLE' S BALL JOINTS, RACK AND PINION STEERING AND OUTER TIRE RODS ALSO HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT. *NM

CONSUMER WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT. CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE RACK AND PINION,AND BOTH FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER'S SIDE UPPER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AK

GOT DODGE DAKOTA 4X2 BRAND NEW. BRAKES SQUEALED AFTER 6,000 MILES, FIXED UNDER WARRANTY. AT 12,000 MILES THERE WAS A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE WHILE TURNING, TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP, SAID IT WAS FIXED. IT WAS NOT FIXED. AT 14,000 MILES, BOTH TIE RODS SNAPPED WHILE MAKING A TURN FROM A COMPLETE STOP. FIXED UNDER WARENTY. NOW AT 15,000 MILES, THE CLUNKING NOISE IS BACK WHILE BRAKES ARE APPLIED AND MAKING TURN. THESE CARS ARE NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. *AK

Mileage: 6,000

2004 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB 4X4, PURCHASED 8/16/04. CURRENTLY 2,200 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. WITHIN THE FIRST WEEK OF OWNERSHIP, THE VEHICLE DEVELOPED RATTLING OR CLUNKING NOISES IN THE FRONT END WHEN TRAVELING OVER BUMPS. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF ALIGNMENT, AND PULLS TO THE LEFT WHEN BRAKING. TIRE WEAR (ALTHOUGH VERY SLIGHT @ 2,200 MILES IN NOT SYMMETRICAL BETWEEN LH FRONT TO RH FRONT TIRE). I WILL BE TAKING THE TRUCK INTO THE DEALERSHIP @ 3,000 MILES TO HAVE THEM LOOK AT THE FRONT END, AS WELL AS THE ALIGNMENT.

Mileage: 125

STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WHILE TOWING BEHIND A RECREATIONAL MOTOR HOME. THIS CAUSED THE FRONT TIRES TO DRAG SIDEWAYS WHILE BEING DRIVEN AROUND A CURVE. *AK

LOUD THUNKING NOISE COMES FROM THE TRANSMISSION WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP. REP FROM CHRYSLER STATED THIS WAS COMING FROM THE GAS TANK . THERE IS A VIBRATION BETWEEN 30-45 MPH COMING FROM THE DRIVE TRAIN. REP STATED THIS WAS "NORMAL".THERE IS ALSO A LOUD WHIRRING NOISE COMING FROM THE FUEL PUMP. REP ALSO STATES THIS IS NORMAL.BEARING NOSIE IS COMING FROM THE POWER STEERING PUMP. MY 2004 DODGE DAKOTA SXT HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER 5 TIMES AND THE DEALER STILL CANNOT FIX. THE REP FROM CHRYSLER STATED THIS IS THE "BEST" TRUCK DODGE HAS EVER BUILT. I'D HATE TO SEE THE WORST! SO FAR THE DEALER HAS REPLACED THE AC CONDENSER, COMPLETE RACK & PINION STEERING SYSTEM, COMPLETE DRIVE SHAFT, REAR DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING, REAR SWAYBAR LINKS, THE BRAKES SHUDDER WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP , LEFT FRONT BRAKE SQUEAL, FRONT END NEEDED ALIGNING AFTER RACK & PINION STEERING REPLACEMENT . TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKING FROM TAIL SHAFT SEAL. *AK

Mileage: 1,500

LOUD THUNKING NOISE COMES FROM THE TRANSMISSION WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP. REP FROM CHRYSLER STATED THIS WAS COMING FROM THE GAS TANK . THERE IS A VIBRATION BETWEEN 30-45 MPH COMING FROM THE DRIVE TRAIN. REP STATED THIS WAS "NORMAL".THERE IS ALSO A LOUD WHIRRING NOISE COMING FROM THE FUEL PUMP. REP ALSO STATES THIS IS NORMAL.BEARING NOSIE IS COMING FROM THE POWER STEERING PUMP. MY 2004 DODGE DAKOTA SXT HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER 5 TIMES AND THE DEALER STILL CANNOT FIX. THE REP FROM CHRYSLER STATED THIS IS THE "BEST" TRUCK DODGE HAS EVER BUILT. I'D HATE TO SEE THE WORST! SO FAR THE DEALER HAS REPLACED THE AC CONDENSER, COMPLETE RACK & PINION STEERING SYSTEM, COMPLETE DRIVE SHAFT, REAR DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING, REAR SWAYBAR LINKS, THE BRAKES SHUDDER WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP , LEFT FRONT BRAKE SQUEAL, FRONT END NEEDED ALIGNING AFTER RACK & PINION STEERING REPLACEMENT . TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKING FROM TAIL SHAFT SEAL. *AK

Mileage: 1,500