2005 DODGE DAKOTA Steering Problems

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, AN ODOR OF POWER STEERING FLUID EMITTED THROUGH THE AIR VENTS. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKING FROM THE BEARING OF THE POWER STEERING PUMP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT WAS A CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAL OF THE BEARING AND POWER STEERING PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 195,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Mileage: 195,000

HELLO, I RECENTLY PURCHASED A ONE OWNER 2005 DODGE DAKOTA, WHICH HAS LESS THAN 35,000 MILES AND HAS BEEN VERY WELL MAINTAINED. THE CAR FAX CAME BACK CLEAN FOR ACCIDENTS ETC, BUT I HAVE FOUND, THAT BOTH THE FRONT AND REAR SECTIONS OF THE CHASSIS HAD TO BE REPLACED ON DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES AND MOST OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION HAD TO BE REPLACED TOO. DUE TO EXCESSIVE DEEP RUST. TO THE POINT OF THE NUT HOLDING THE LEFT OUTER TIE ROD END DISINTEGRATED. THE STRAIGHT SIDE RAILS OF THE CHASSIS ARE EXCESSIVELY DEEP RUSTED. AS WELL AS THE OIL PAN AND REAR AXLE HOUSING (WHICH ARE ORIGINAL). THE DEALERSHIP HAD TO CUT OFF THE FRONT SUSPENSION COMPONENTS AND REPLACE ALL BUSHINGS AND MOST OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION COMPONENTS. DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST AND WEAR. MY TRUCK HAS BARELY BEEN ON THE ROAD FOR ITS YEAR AND HAS HAD MINIMAL EXPOSURE TO ROAD CHEMICALS SUCH AS SALT ETC. THESE COMPONENTS ROTTING AWAY TO THIS EXTENT WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE REGARDLESS OF AGE INDICATES THE USE OF POOR QUALITY MATERIALS BEING USED DURING ASSEMBLY AND POSING A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE TO CONSUMERS. I OPENED A CASE# 57271603 WITH CHRYSLER AND THE AGENT TOLD, THAT EVEN IF THE CASE WAS MOVED UP FOR REVIEW . IT WOULD BE SENT BACK DUE TO THE AGE OF THE TRUCK . WHICH I DISAGREE WITH, AS THE FRONT SUSPENSION COMPONENTS SHOULD NOT HAVE ROTTED AND DISINTEGRATED SO BADLY AND THE CHASSIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAD TO HAVE EXTENSIVE REPAIRS IN LESS THAN 35,000 MILES. I WOULD THINK, THAT THIS POSES A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE FOR ANYONE BUYING TRUCKS USING THE SAME CHASSIS AND COMPONENTS FROM THE SAME VENDOR, IF THEY ARE NOT MANUFACTURED AT A DODGE PLANT. ULTIMATELY IT SHOULD BE THE CAR MANUFACTURER'S RESPONSIBILITY, THAT THE PARTS THEY ARE USING ARE QUALITY AND WILL NOT POSE POTENTIAL SAFETY RISK TO CONSUMERS . PLEASE LET ME KNOW, IF FURTHER INFORMATION ETC. IS NEEDED. THANK YOU

LOUD POPPING NOISE WHEN MAKING EITHER A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN. AFTER RESEARCHING, THIS LOOKS TO BE A DEFECT IN THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT & SHAFT BOLTS (PARTS ASSOCIATED). INVESTIGATION: PE05-056 WAS UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA06-004). SINCE YOU ARE AWARE OF THIS MECHANICAL DEFECT. I WOULD LIKE AN APPROVED RECALL FOR PARTS & LABOR TO BE PAID FOR BY MANUFACTURER TO CORRECT THIS DEFECT THAT COULD CAUSE MAJOR BODILY HARM TO MYSELF, PASSENGERS AND OTHER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD. I BOUGHT THE TRUCK BRAND NEW WITH 9 MILES IN MAY 2005. IT HAS 77,800 ORIGINAL MILES.

Mileage: 77,790

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS DOWN A MOUNTAIN, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE BRAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE TIE ROD AND HUB ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,105.

Mileage: 77,105

ISSUE I AM FIGHTING NOW. AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 55 - 75 INTERMITTENTLY THE TRUCK WILL BEGIN TO VIBRATE. IF YOU TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF THE GAS IT GETS WORSE. IF YOU THEN APPLY THE BRAKES THE STEERING WHEEL BEGINS TO SHAKE ALMOST VIOLENTLY, AND THE BRAKE PEDAL PULSES. IF I SLOW DOWN TO ABOUT 30 MPH IT STOPS AND MAY HAPPEN AGAIN QUICKLY OR MAY NOT HAPPEN AGAIN FOR A WHILE. I HAVE REPLACED THE ROTORS AND CALIPERS AND TIE ROD ENDS AND GOTTEN AN ALIGNMENT. STILL THE ISSUE EXISTS. I HAVE NEW MICHELIN TIRES. I HAVE ALSO ALREADY HAD TO REPLACE LOWER BALL JOINTS AND FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS. I HAVE REPLACED THE ROTORS AND CALIPERS 3 TIMES ALREADY ON THIS TRUCK. IT HAS LESS THAN 13000 MILES ON IT. NO ONE SEEMS TO BE ABLE TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. I WILL NEVER, EVER BUY ANOTHER CHRYSLER / DODGE PRODUCT. THIS WAS MY FIRST AND WILL BE MY LAST.

Mileage: 12,400

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AS IT SPUN IN CIRCLES. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THERE WERE NO INURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,140.

Mileage: 77,140

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO COME TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,140.

Mileage: 77,140

I AM A TALL DRIVER STANDING 6'9" EVEN WITH THE SEAT ALL THE WAY DOWN AND ALL THE WAY BACK. AFTER INHERITING THE 2005 DODGE DAKOTA SXT QUAD CAB PICKUP TRUCK FROM MY STEP FATHER THAT PASTED AWAY IN OCTOBER OF 2013. I WAS DRIVING ALONG AND MY RIGHT KNEE HIT THE KEY WHILE IN THE ON POSITION KNOCKING INTO THE AUXILIARY POSITION TURNING THE TRUCK ALMOST COMPLETELY OFF. ALL THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON THE AC SHUT OFF TURNED OVER TO HEAT AND STARTED GETTING VERY HOT INSIDE THE TRUCK. WE WHEN TO THE LOCAL DODGE DEALER THEY HOOKED UP OF A MACHINE THAT GAVE THEM A CODE THAT SAID OUR COMPUTER WAS OUT OF FACTORY SPEC'S. THE GUY SAID IF WE WANTED IT TO BE LOOKED AT TO BE DIAGNOST.WE WOULD HAVE TO PAY $198.00 TO HAVE THEM SEP UP AN APPOINTMENT FOR US TO BRING IT IN AND PUT IT ON THE "BIG COMPUTER" AND IF THE COMPUTER IN THE TRUCK CAN BE RESTORED TO FACTORY SPEC'S THAT WOULD BE DONE WITH T THE $198.00. THE SAME GUY SAID IF THEY CAN'T GET IT BACK TO FACTORY SPEC'S AND WE NEED A NEW BRAIN COMPUTER FOR OUR TRUCK WHICH MY STEP FATHER PURCHASED NEW IN 2005 FROM A DIFFERENT DEALER. THE GUY SAID THE NEW COMPUTER WOULD COST US $2000.00 SINCE THIS FIRST INCIDENT IT HAS HAPPENED FOUR OTHER TIMES WITH THE SAME THING HAPPENING EACH TIME. I AM DISABLED AND CAN'T AFFORD THIS HEADACHE OFF THESE ISSUES. *TR

Mileage: 98,000

I BOUGHT THIS 2005 DAKOTA NEW. I HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS IN REPAIRS AND THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING WRONG WITH IT. I'VE ALSO NEVER SEEN ANYTHING RUST LIKE THIS TRUCK. THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE I AM FIGHTING NOW. AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 55 - 75 INTERMITTENTLY THE TRUCK WILL BEGIN TO VIBRATE. IF YOU TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF THE GAS IT GETS WORSE. IF YOU THEN APPLY THE BRAKES THE STEERING WHEEL BEGINS TO SHAKE ALMOST VIOLENTLY, AND THE BRAKE PEDAL PULSES. IF I SLOW DOWN TO ABOUT 30 MPH IT STOPS AND MAY HAPPEN AGAIN QUICKLY OR MAY NOT HAPPEN AGAIN FOR A WHILE. I HAVE REPLACED THE ROTORS AND CALIPERS AND TIE ROD ENDS AND GOTTEN AN ALIGNMENT. STILL THE ISSUE EXISTS. I HAVE NEW MICHELIN TIRES. I HAVE ALSO ALREADY HAD TO REPLACE LOWER BALL JOINTS AND FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS. I HAVE REPLACED THE ROTORS AND CALIPERS 3 TIMES ALREADY ON THIS TRUCK. IT HAS LESS THAN 65K MILES ON IT. NO ONE SEEMS TO BE ABLE TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. I WILL NEVER, EVER BUY ANOTHER CHRYSLER / DODGE PRODUCT. THIS WAS MY FIRST AND WILL BE MY LAST. *TR

Mileage: 65,000

SUMMARY: ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH FOUR-WHEEL ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEMS (ABS), THE ABS ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) MAY CAUSE A LOSS OF FRONT TO REAR BRAKE BALANCE, AND THE REAR BRAKES COULD LOCK UP PREMATURELY DURING CERTAIN BRAKING CONDITIONS. READ MORE: HTTP://WWW.MOTORTREND.COM/CARS/2006/DODGE/DAKOTA/RECALLS/#IXZZ2WRBPVCZS CONSEQUENCES: THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING. READ MORE: HTTP://WWW.MOTORTREND.COM/CARS/2006/DODGE/DAKOTA/RECALLS/#IXZZ2WRBUOZ4H THIS IS HAPPENING TO MY 2005 DODGE DAKOTA 4X4 AND THEY JUST KEEP TELLING ME THERE IS NO RECALL NUMBER FOR YOUR 2005 EVEN THO THE EXACT SAME THING IS HAPPENING TO THEIR 2006. *TR

Mileage: 87,182

STEERING IS TIGHT WHEN TRYING TO TURN. LOOSES IT'S POWER ASSIST. PER TRINDLE AUTO REPAIR SERVICE THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT AND JOINTS RUSTED. THIS WAS A SAFETY HAZARD, I COULD HAVE LOST THE ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE. ACCORDING TO TRINDLE THEY HAVE HAD TO REPLACE OTHER INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS BECAUSE OF SEVERE RUST. THE COST OF THE REPAIR $378.95. *TR

Mileage: 118,319

LOUD NOISE WHENEVER TURNING - TECH FOUND UPPER BALL JOINT VERY DRY, ALSO FOUND SWAY BAR LINKS WORN - REPLACED LEFT UPPER BALL JOINT AND BOTH SWAY BAR LINKS. *TR

Mileage: 45,122

LOW NOISE IN FRONT WHILE TURNING - DEALERSHIP VERIFIED COMPLAINT AND FOUND BOTH OUTER TIRE ROD ENDS TO BE LOOSE AND LEFT LOWER BALL JOINT TO BE NOISY - REPLACED BOTH OUTER TIRE ROD ENDS AND SET TOE ALSO REPLACED THE LEFT LOWER BALL JOINT. *TR

Mileage: 59,072

HAVE HAD TO REPLACE TIE ROD ENDS,SWAY BAR LINK RODS,AND NOW LOWER CONTROL ARMS TO KEEP THE TRUCK SAFELY ON THE ROAD. THE DEALER SAYS THIS IS NORMAL. I HAVE NEVER HAD TO REPLACE THESE ITEMS ON A VEHICLE WITH LESS THAN 100000 MILES. *TR

Mileage: 61,000

2005 DAKOTA CLUB CAB. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE GEARS AND REAR AXLES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE APPLIED THE ACCELERATOR, FROM A STOPPED POSITION, THE VEHICLE LURCHED SLIGHTLY FORWARD AND A HIGH PITCHED WHINING SOUND EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER THEN REALIZED, HE DIDN'T HAVE ANY GEARS. HE WAS ABLE TO DRIFT THE TRUCK OFF THE ROAD, SINCE HE WAS ON A SLIGHT UPGRADE. THE TRUCK WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. AN INSPECTION REVEALED, THE PINION GEAR HAD METAL FATIGUE AND FRACTURED ON THE SHAFT BEHIND THE SPLINE AND AHEAD OF THE GEAR.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING FELT LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE TRANS COOLER LINE FAILED AND WAS LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 85,000. *TR

Mileage: 85,000

I WAS TRAVELING 55-60 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY IN A STRAIGHT LINE WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED WHEN I HIT A DIP IN THE ROAD AND THE TRUCK LITERALLY JUMPED OFF THE HIGHWAY. IT COMPLETELY LEFT MY LANE AND DROVE ITSELF OUT OF CONTROL ACROSS TRAFFIC AND TO THE RIGHT INTO A DITCH. IT CAUSED FRONT END BODY DAMAGE (MODERATE) AND SCARED ME TO DEATH. I HAVE SINCE DISCONNECTED THE CRUISE CONTROL FROM MY TRUCK. NOW OVER THE LAST 12 MONTHS THE TRUCKS FRONT END SHAKES AND RATTLES AND IS DIFFICULT TO CORNER, ACTS IF IT WILL JUMP OFF THE ROAD. THIS FRONT END OF THE DAKOTA SHOULD BE RECALLED BEFORE IT KILLS MANY PEOPLE. *TR

Mileage: 65,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, A LOUD NOISE EMITTED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN FOLLOWED BY A SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DRIVE AND WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A CLOSED INVESTIGATION PERTAINING TO THE DEFECT UNDER NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: EA06004 (STEERING:COLUMN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.

Mileage: 65,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE POWER STEERING STOPPED FUNCTIONING WHEN HE MADE A LEFT TURN. THE VEHICLE THEN BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO A MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,100.

Mileage: 72,100

I NOTICED THAT THE STEERING STARTED GETTING SLOPPY AND STARTED POPPING. NOW IF YOU HIT A BAD PATCH OF ROAD IT WANTS TO JUMP OUT OF ROAD GETTING SCARY. I AM DISABLED AND DEPEND ON MY TRUCK TO GET BACK AND FORTH TO 4 DIFFERENT DOCTORS. I LIVE ON SOCIAL SECURITY AND CANT AFFORD REPAIR BILLS ON PARTS THAT SHOULD NOT BE WORE OUT. PLEASE HELP! *TR

Mileage: 49,000

FIRST FALURE OF POWER STEERING PUMP WHICH WAS REPLACED NOW LEAKING AT RACK AND PINION. *TR

Mileage: 54,585

I HAVE A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA 4X4 CLUB CAB, I RECENTLY STARTED HAVING IRRATIC STEERING PROBLEMS WITH MY TRUCK WITH ONLY 40,000 MILES ON, THIS DODGE HAS HAD ALOT OF FRONT END PROBLEMS WITH LOW MILEAGE, FROM UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS, TYE ROD ENDS AND HUBS WAREING OUT. I HAVE NOT BEEN INVOLVED WITH ANY ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THE PROBLEM, THE PROBLEM IS TURNING THE VEHICLE WANTS TO OVER TURN, WHEN TURNING CORNERS OR ON CURVES ON HIGHWAY. WHICH I AM SURE CAN BE DANGEROUS TO ALL. *TT

Mileage: 38,000

I WAS DRIVING MY 2005 DODGE DAKOTA AT 25 MPH THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE IN RIGHT TIRE AND I LOST CONTROL OF TRUCK COULD NOT STEER IT THE TIE ROD BROKE COMPLETELY OFF THE RIGHT SIDE FRONT COULD NOT MOVE IT AND THE INNER TIE ROD WAS BENT WE HAD IT TOWED HOME I HAD MY MECHANIC LOOK AT IT BOTH FRONT TIE RODS HAD FAILED HAD TO REPLACE THEM HE STRAIGHTENED OUT INNER TIE ROD FOR NOW VERY SCARY SITUATION THANK GOD I WASN'T DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND NO ONE WAS HURT .THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THESE TRUCKS BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED TRUCK ONLY HAD 53,000 MILES. *TR

Mileage: 53,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN THE PROCESS OF MAKING A TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL TIGHTENED AND WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP FOR A FAILURE DIAGNOSTIC, WHERE THE CONTACTED WAS INFORMED THAT THE STEERING LINKAGES FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACTED ALSO STATED THAT THE FRONT STABILIZING BARS WERE MISSING BOLTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP, WHERE THE MISSING BOLTS WERE INSTALLED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 58,355. UPDATED 8/30/11 *CN UPDATED 09/21/11

Mileage: 58,000

STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIARY SHAFT FAILURE. SHAFT JOINT FROZE REDUCING STEERING CAPACITY WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. ATTEMPTED 1 REPAIR TO LUBRICATE JOINT, REPLACE BELT, AND ADJUST TENSIONER AT COST OF 300.00. PROBLEM SUBSIDED THEN RETURNING WITH EVEN GREATER FAILURE REQUIRING REPLACEMENT OF SHAFT AT 500.00. DODGE CHAULKS IT UP AS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. TOTAL REPAIRS ON VEHICLE BOUGHT IN 2005 AND HAS RECORDED 84K MILES(ABOUT 14K) NOW EXCEEDING 4K WITH 800.00 RECOUPED BY DODGE. HAVE PART IN POSSESSION. *TR

Mileage: 84,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD POPPING SOUND AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME UNSTABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE SOUND WAS ALSO HEARD WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE AND RECOMMENDED THE MANUFACTURER BE CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THERE WERE NO OTHER COMPLAINTS AND DID NOT PROVIDE ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.

Mileage: 55,000

JUST LIKE OTHER 2005 DODGE DAKOTA OWNERS REPORTED WITH THE STEERING RACK PINION FAILED. FLUID LEAK AT STEERING RACK PINION WHICH CAUSED VEHICLE TO PULLED TO RIGHT. IT FAILED TO TURNED BACK TO RIGHT AFTER FAILED. COULD HAVE BEEN WORST IF NOT FOR ME WENT TO AN OPEN FIELD. NO INJURY OR DAMAGED REPORTED. IT SHOULD HAVE NOT FAILED ON TRUCK WITH ONLY 39500 MILES.

Mileage: 39,400

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED MOVING FORWARD. THERE WAS SNOW ON THE GROUND WHICH ALSO PLAYED A PART IN THE VEHICLE SLIDING INTO AN EMBANKMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE LEFT TIRE ROD CAME APART, BUT THERE WAS NO PHYSICAL DAMAGE THAT WOULD INDICATE THAT. THE DEALER SAID THE RIGHT SIDE TIE ROD WAS DAMAGED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AS WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 60000. UPDATED 01/11/2011*LJ

Mileage: 60,000

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: I WAS REFERRED TO YOU BY WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM.THEY FELT THAT WHAT I HAD TO SAY MAY BE SAFETY RELATED. I HAVE A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA 4X4. I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK NEW. STARTING IN MAY OF 2010 I STARTED TO HEAR A CLUNKING NOISE IN THE FRONT, OR MAYBE REAR END, ONLY WHEN I TURN LEFT OR RIGHT.I HAVE BEEN TO 3 GARAGES AND THE LAST ONE BEING A DEALERSHIP. I HAVE REPLACED BOTH LOWER BALL JOINTS, BOTH FRONT STAB LINKS, BOTH TIE RODS,BOTH REAR STAB LINKS, AND AS RECENT AS THIS SEPT.,BOTH LEAF SPRINGS. THE TRUCK STILL HAS THE SAME NOISE AND I'M OUT 2000.00. THE DEALER DOESN'T EVEN KNOW WHAT'S WRONG. NOW, ALL THIS HAPPENED BEFORE THE TRUCK TURNED 50,000. MILES. I KNOW IT'S OUT OF WARRANTY. I ALSO,KNOW NOW, THE MANUFACTURER'S HAVE STUDIES ON HOW LONG A VEHICLE IS TO LAST IN ORDER FOR THE CONSUMER TO GIVE IT A PASSING GRADE AS TO BY IT AGAIN. I HAVE HAD MANY TRUCKS IN MY DAY AND I MAINTAINED ALL JUST AS WELL AS THIS ONE. I HAD AN S10 4X4 WITH 120,000 MILES ON IT AND THE FRONT AND REAR END WAS AS TIGHT AS THE DAY I BOUGHT IT. AN ACCIDENT ENDED THAT VEHICLE. I THINK DODGE SHOULD FIND OUT WHAT'S WRONG AND FIX IT AT THEIR EXPENSE. NOT MINE OR THE DEALERSHIP BUT, THEIRS!!!!!! I KNOW MY PURCHASE WILL NOT MAKE OR BREAK DODGE. HOWEVER, I AM ONE AND DONE WITH DODGE PRODUCTS AND I WILL CONTINUE TO SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT MY TROUBLES WITH MY DAKOTA. I'M ASKING YOU TOO, TO GO ON LINE AND GOOGLE DODGE DAKOTA 2005 FRONT END OR SUSPENSION TROUBLES. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME! *TR

Mileage: 45,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AT ANY SPEED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILED COMPONENT WAS THE INTERMEDIARY SHAFT. WHEN HE LUBRICATED IT WITH WD40 THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO STEER NORMALLY FOR A SHORT TIME. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD BE REPAIRED AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 57,000. UPDATED 02/02/11 *CN

Mileage: 57,000

2005 DODGE DAKOTA. DEFECTIVE STEERING COMPONENTS. 68,000 MILES. VEHICLE SHAKES DURING BRAKING AND AT HIGHWAY SPEED. ONE DIAGNOSIS STATED 4 DEFECTIVE BALL JOINTS AND UPPER CONTROL ARMS REQUIRING REPLACEMENT. ANOTHER DIAGNOSIS BY A DODGE DEALER STATES ONE DEFECTIVE BALL JOINT, DEFECTIVE RACK AND PINION AND BRAKE CALIPERS STICKING. DODGE STATES THERE IS NOT A RECALL ON THE MENTIONED PARTS FOR MY PARTICULAR VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 68,000

2005 DODGE DAKOTA PLAY IN STEERING EVERY SINCE PURCHASED ONE YEAR AGO AS AN OFF LEASE RETURN. NOW TRUCK IS IN SHOP DUE TO ACCIDENT INVOLVING FRONT END DAMAGE FROM IMPACT WITH PILLAR / POLE. ACCIDENT UNRELATED TO STEERING PROBLEM. WAS CONTACTED BY REPAIR SHOP TODAY AND THEY STATE ALL IS REPAIRED EXCEPT THE UNRELATED STEERING PROBLEM AND THAT IT IS NOT PART OF ACCIDENT AND WILL BE SEPARATE COST IF I WANT IT REPAIRED AND THAT IT IS LOOSE STEERING COLUMN AND RACK AND PINION LOOSE *CN

Mileage: 33,000

2005 DODGE DAKOTA FRONT END WAS MAKING A RATTLING NOISE. TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND HE SAID THE LOWER BALL JOINT IS BAD. WHAT GIVES WITH ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT END OF THESE DAKOTAS WITHOUT ANY RECALLS. JEEP HAD A RECALL ON THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 34,003

IN JANUARY, 2009, NOTICED A GROWLING IN THE FRONT END OF THE 2005 DODGE DAKOTA (~43,000) WITH DIFFICULTY TURNING CORNERS. TOOK IT TO SEVERAL REPAIR SHOPS WHO INDICATED THAT THE FRONT END NEEDED WORK, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, BALL JOINTS, TIE-RODS, TIRES AT A COST OVER $1000.00. TOOK IT TO A DODGE DEALER WHO INDICATED THAT ONLY NEEDED GREASE AND GREASED. IN THE PAST WEEK, MARCH, 2009, SHIMMING AND NOISE IN FRONT END WHEN TURNING. TOOK TO DODGE DEALER WHO INDICATED THAT THE TIE-RODS, SWAY BARS AND TIRES (SPLIT) NEEDED REPAIR COST >$1000. TOOK IT TO ANOTHER REPAIR SHOP AND RECEIVED SAME NEWS PLUS BALL JOINTS WERE WORN. HAVING WORK DONE AND WANTED TO REPORT SINCE I NOTICED THAT THERE SEEMS TO BE A NUMBER OF INCIDENTS RELATED TO SAME ISSUE ON YOUR WEBSITE. NO INJURIES BUT THERE WAS THE POSSIBILITY IF THE FRONT END HAD FAILURE ON THE HIGHWAY WHILE DRIVING ON ICY/SNOWY/WET ROADS. *TR

I HAVE A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA SLT. I PURCHASED IT IN 10/2005. I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THIS TRUCK SINCE I FIRST BOUGHT IT. RECENTLY I HAD TO REPLACED THE TIRE RODS, SWAY BAR AND LINKAGE, BRAKES, CALIPERS, AND ROTORS. TWO DAYS AFTER I HAD ALL OF THESE THINGS FIXED I NOTICED THAT THE TRUCK WAS STILL SHAKING AND MAKING A LOT OF NOISE. WHEN I BROUGHT THE TRUCK TO DODGE I WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR AXLE IN THE TRUCK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I WAS TOLD THAT WHEN THE TRUCK WAS MANUFACTURED THE WRONG SIZE AXLE WAS PUT IN THE TRUCK. THIS CAUSED ALL KINDS OF PROBLEMS. I WAS TOLD THAT OTHER PARTS ARE DAMAGED AND NEED TO BE REPLACED AND REPAIRED.(REAR BRAKE SHOES, FRONT DISC ROTORS) I WAS TOLD THAT THE AXLE PART IS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY BUT I HAVE TO PAY THE $100 DEDUCTIBLE. I WAS TOLD THAT EVERYTHING ELSE THAT IS DAMAGED (DUE TO THE AXLE) AND REQUIRES REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT IS NOT COVERED BECAUSE IT IS CONSIDERED "NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR". I WAS GIVEN A QUOTE OF SOMEWHERE AROUND $400. (DEPENDING ON LABOR) MY COMPLAINT IS SIMPLE, I AM BEING FORCED TO PAY FOR DAMAGED PARTS ON MY TRUCK THAT ARE DIRECTLY CAUSED BY THE MANUFACTURES ERROR. A PROBLEM THAT CAN BE PROVED TO BE THE MANUFACTURERS FAULT. I WAS SOLD A VEHICLE THAT HAD THE WRONG AXLE INSTALLED. WHICH THEN CAUSED ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS. WHEN I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT THE MANUFACTURES MADE THE VEHICLE PROPERLY. THEY DID NOT. THEY SOLD ME A TRUCK WITH THE WRONG PART INSTALLED. NOT ONLY IS THIS WRONG BUT THERE SHOULD BE SOME KIND OF AN INVESTIGATION INTO THIS. IF THE WRONG SIZE AXLE IS IN MY TRUCK, THERE ARE OTHER TRUCKS THAT ALSO HAVE THE WRONG SIZE AXLE INSTALLED. IT IS DANGEROUS AND SUSPICIOUS. I THINK IT IS EVEN SAFE TO SAY THAT IT IS FRAUD TOO! SELLING TRUCKS THAT HAVE THE WRONG PARTS INSTALLED AND THEN MAKING PROFIT FROM THE REPAIRS AND REPLACEMENTS. SOUNDS LIKE FRAUD TO ME. *TR

BOUGHT A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA WITH 61,000 MILES ON IT...WAS DRIVING ABOUT 30 MPH AFTER PICKING UP MY CHILD AND ALL OF A SUDDEN LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE PULLED ME RIGHT OFF THE ROAD ALMOST INTO A DITCH WHERE I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO COME TO A STOP AND GET OUT. TO HEAR THAT MY TIRE IS ABOUT TO FALL OFF. THE TIE-ROD HAD BROKE AWAY AND I LOST CONTROL, IF I HAD BEEN GOING ANY FASTER I PROBABLY WOULD HAVE ROLLED THE VEHICLE AND MAY HAVE INJURED MY FAMILY OR OTHER PEOPLE. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHERE HE HAD TOLD ME THESE MODELS DO NOT HAVE A NIPPLE TO LUBE THE TIE-RODS SO THEY BREAK OFTEN. THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED AS COULD HAVE MY MOTHER AND 2 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER OR EVEN SOMEONE ELSE ON THE ROAD. A VEHICLE WITH 61000 MILES SHOULD NOT BE HAVING THESE ISSUES. THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE RESOLVED BEFORE SOMEONE DOES GET HURT OR EVEN WORSE KILLED! *TR

Mileage: 61,200

LEFT FRONT STEERING ROD END BROKE INTO TWO PIECES CAUSING A COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. *TR

Mileage: 33,000

I BOUGHT A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA V6 4 X 4 LESS THAT THREE MONTHS AGO. THE POWER STEERING PUMP WENT OUT. I BOUGHT A NEW PUMP AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR $172.00 & PUT IT IN. THE TRUCK IS STILL NOT WORKING. I BELIEVE THE NEW PUMP IS ALSO SHOT NOW. THE HOSES HAVE BEEN CLEANED OUT & THE RACK IS NOT LEAKING. THERE WAS ALWAYS FLUID IN THE POWER STEERING RESERVOIR. NONE OF THE FLUID IS CIRCULATING. *TR

I BOUGHT A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA V6 4 X 4 LESS THAT THREE MONTHS AGO. THE POWER STEERING PUMP WENT OUT. I BOUGHT A NEW PUMP AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR $172.00 & PUT IT IN. THE TRUCK IS STILL NOT WORKING. I BELIEVE THE NEW PUMP IS ALSO SHOT NOW. THE HOSES HAVE BEEN CLEANED OUT & THE RACK IS NOT LEAKING. THERE WAS ALWAYS FLUID IN THE POWER STEERING RESERVOIR. NONE OF THE FLUID IS CIRCULATING. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, BUT PARTICULARLY AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 50-70 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES OUT OF THE CONTACT'S HAND WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FRONT ROTORS AND BRAKES. TWO WEEKS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 32,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.

Mileage: 20,000

PREMATURE FAILURE OF LOWER BALL JOINTS ON 2005 DODGE DAKOTA 4WD PU. *TR

Mileage: 49,000

CONSISTENT DRIVELINE VIBRATION, UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR. I TOOK MY 2005 DODGE LARAMIE QUAD CAB IN FOR A FRONT END ALIGNMENT ON MARCH 5, 2007 TO TRY AND REPAIR THE PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED PROBLEM. SINCE THIS TIME I HAVE HAD THE TRUCK BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP A MINIMUM OF TEN TIMES AND IT HAS BEEN IN THEIR POSSESSION AT LEAST 60 DAYS. THE DEALER HAS VIRTUALLY REPLACED ALL OF THE FRONT END PARTS, BRAKES, ROTORS, CALIPERS, ROTATED TIRES, REPLACED AND TRIED ELEVEN (11) MICHELIN TIRES, BALANCED, HIGH SPEED BALANCED, MY RIMS HAVE OVER FIFTY NOTCHES WHERE THEY HAVE PLACED WEIGHTS TO BALANCE THE TIRES WITHOUT RESULT. SIMILAR COMPLAINTS LEAD ME TO BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS INVESTIGATED SINCE BY THEIR OWN ADMISSION THEY CAN NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 19,963

I HAVE TAKEN THE 2005 DODGE DAKOTA 4X4 BACK TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR ON JULY 24, 2006. SERVICE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE. 1) BUZZING NOISE WHEN SHIFTING INTO DRIVE ALSO IN REVERSE. 2) TRANSMISSION SLIPS IN DRIVE AND REVERSE WHEN GOING UP A STEEP INCLINE. THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT DOWNSHIFTING TO A LOWER GEAR WHEN DRIVING UP A HILL, HAVE TO PUT TRANSMISSION IN 2ND GEAR TO DRIVE UP A STEEP HILL. 3) TRUCK HAS TO COME ALMOST TO A COMPLETE STOP BEFORE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTS INTO 1ST GEAR. 4) AFTER THE TRUCK HAS BEEN DRIVEN FOR A WHILE, THERE IS A METALLIC "CLANKING" NOISE COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTING GEARS. 5) THE FRONT AXLES (DRIVESHAFTS) ARE MAKING A GRINDING NOISE WHEN EXECUTING A SHARP TURN WITH THE STEERING WHEEL. 6) WHEN IN PARK WITH THE TRUCK TURNED OFF THERE IS A LOT OF PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL, IT WILL NOT LOCK INTO PLACE WHEN THE KEY IS REMOVED. *NM

Mileage: 90

I PURCHASED A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA AND 6 MONTHS AFTER MY PURCHASE THE VEHICLES IDLER WAS JUMPING FROM 1 TO 3 AND THEN VEHICLE DIES. IT CONTINUES TO THIS. I HAVE BRINGING MY TRUCK IN TO BE SERVICED SENSE 11-2005 AND 2 MONTHS AGO I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO FIX FOR THE ISSUE. I HAVE BEEN BATTLING WITH CHRYSLER FOR THE LEMON LAW, AND THEY STATE MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED. TO THIS DATE NO REPAIR, VEHICLE DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF INTERSECTION AND WAS RE-ENDED.

Mileage: 18,223

2005 DODGE DAKOTA TILT STEERING DOES NOT WORK, BRAKES SHUDDERED. *TS ***NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT THE BRAKE BUT THAT THE REAR AXLE HAD BEEN MILLED INCORRECTLY CAUSING THE BRAKES TO SHUDDER AND VIBRATE. THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT IN WHICH THE BRAKES SHUDDERED AND LOCKED UP. AS A RESULT HE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE BRAKES WERE CHECKED. NEITHER THE TECHNICIAN NOR THE COMPUTER FOUND ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES. THE CONSUMER TRADED THE VEHICLE IN FOR ANOTHER 2005 DODGE DAKOTA. *NM

MY 2005 DODGE DAKOTA HAS HAS A STEERING PROBLEM STARTING JULY 2005. THE VEHICLE MAKES A LOUD NOISE/SQUEALING SOUND WHEN STEERING IS TURNED EITHER RIGHT OR LEFT. THIS NOISE IS MADE WITH LITTLE MOVEMENT OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND CONTINUES TO THE STOP. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED THREE TIMES REPLACING THE BELT AND TENSIONER TWICE, POWER STEERING PUMP, AND POWER STEERING RACK. VEHICLE STILL MAKES NOISE AND DEALERSHIP HAS NO IDEA WHAT PROBLEM IS. I CONTACTED CORPORATE AND ADVISED THEM OF THE PROBLEM AND HAVE BEEN GETTING THE RUN AROUND FROM THEM ALSO. THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS, YET THEY TELL ME IT IS SAFE TO DRIVE! AS OF TODAY THEY CONTINUE TO TELL ME THAT ENGINEERING IS LOOKING INTO THE PROBLEM. *NM

Mileage: 2,990

I PURCHASED A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA PICKUP TRUCK FROM VENICE DODGE/NISSAN, VENICE, FL ON MARCH 13, 2005. THE STEERING WHEEL, WHICH IS NOT TILT, BLOCKS MY VIEW OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. CALLED DODGE CORP. AND THEY SAID I SHOULD HAVE NOTIED THIS BEFORE I PURCHASED THE TRUCK. I SAID THIS IS MY FAULT BECAUSE OF DODGES DESIGN ERROR? DODGE CORP. SAID THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO TO FIX THE PROBLEM. WENT TO THE DODGE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPT.. SERVICE MANAGER LOOKED AT STEERING WHEEL. HE IS AT LEAST 6 FT 1 INCH TALL, PUTS SEAT BACK, SAID HAD NO PROBLEM. IAM ONLY 5 FT 9 INCH TALL, MUST HAVE SEAT FARTHER UP. SERVICE MANAGER SAID NOTHING THEY CAN DO TO FIX PROBLEM. THIS IS A SAFTEY HAZARD. I MUST LOOK UNDER OR OVER STEERING WHEEL TO READ THE SPEEDOMTER. TAKES MY EYES OFF ROAD FOR A LONGER PERIOD OF TIME. TALK TO OTHER OWNERS OF SAME TRUCK, HAVE SAME PROBLEM.

ANYONE OVER 5'11" CANNOT SEE THE SPEEDOMETER WITHOUT SLOUCHING OR TIPPING THEIR HEAD SIDEWAYS. THE VIEW IS BLOCKED BY THE STEERING WHEEL. NO ONE AT THE DEALER HAD EVEN SAT IN A SIMILAR VEHICLE A MONTH AFTER I BROUGHT TO THEIR ATTENTION. THE ONLY WAY TO SAFELY SEE THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE INDICATOR, HIGH BEAM INDICATOR OR OIL LIGHT IS IF THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH A TILT WHEEL. I NOTIFIED THE DEALER AFTER DRIVING THIS VEHICLE LESS THAN 100 MILES. TO DATE THEY HAVE DONE NOTHING AND TELL ME IT COULD COST ME $3400 - $5000 TO RECTIFY.

Mileage: 1