2006 DODGE DAKOTA Steering Problems

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE DAKOTA. WHEN THE CONTACT PLACED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND STARTED THE ENGINE, THE KEY WOULD COME OUT AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE EXCESSIVE STRENGTH TO TURN THE VEHICLE AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RICK HENDRICKS DODGE (1468 SAVANNAH HWY, CHARLESTON, SC 29407, (843) 352-6931) AND THE MECHANICS WERE UNSURE IF A NEW STEERING COLUMN AND/OR NEW IGNITION SWITCH WAS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.

Mileage: 103,000

HAS DEVELOPED LOOSE STEERING. PROBLEM EXIST WHETHER MOVING OR NOT. THOUGH AN ACCIDENT HAS NOT HAPPENED YET, BELIEVE THERE IS GREAT POTENTIAL FOR IT TO HAPPEN.

Mileage: 61,000

AT ABOUT 62 K MI. STEERING BECAME STIFF, ESPECIALLY IN COLD WEATHER. CHECK POWER STEERING FLUID AND TOPPED OFF. PROBLEM SEEMED TO DISAPPEAR OVER TIME. HOWEVER MORE RECENTLY AT ABOUT 70K MI. PROBLEM HAS RETURNED WITH STIFFER STEERING AND THEN WITH LOOSENESS. SEEMINGLY THAT I AM OVERCOMPENSATING MY TURNS. MY POWER STEERING FLUID IS NORMAL.

Mileage: 70,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PUMP, BUT THE ABNORMAL NOISE CONTINUED. ALSO, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME TIGHT AND WAS UNABLE TO TURN LEFT AND RIGHT. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE RACK AND PINION MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO INSPECTED BY A DEALER (CROSSROADS JEEP AND DODGE IN PRINCE GEORGE, VA, 1 (888) 704-5098), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: EA06004 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER HAD TWO TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO LOSE STEERING POWER AND SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE WAS PERSISTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RACK AND PINON FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 98,000.

Mileage: 98,000

POWER STEERING STOPS WORKING CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. AT THE TIME I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH IN TOWN. HAD POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK IN THE PAST WHICH WAS FIXED BUT ISSUE STILL OCCURS. TODAY IT HAPPENED THEE TIMES WITHIN 30 MINUTES OF DRIVING. I CHECKED THE STEERING FLUID AND IT WAS FULL. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE SINCE IT WAS A FEW YEARS OLD.

Mileage: 100,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS BENT. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AXLE WAS DAMAGED. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,584.

Mileage: 139,584

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR AN INSPECTION AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIE ROD WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000.

Mileage: 54,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO REPLACED THE POWER STEERING ASSEMBLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNAVAILABLE.

MY TRUCK HAS STARTED HAVING TROUBLE WITH STEERING. IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN AT JUST ABOUT ANY SPEED, BUT IS MOST NOTICEABLE ONCE I GET TO ~45 MPH. AS A TURN THE WHEEL TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT OF CENTER, I FEEL LIKE I HAVE NO POWER STEERING AND REALLY HAVE TO WRESTLE THE WHEEL. WHEN I COME BACK TO CENTER, IT FEELS LIKE IT'S WORKING AGAIN, AND I END UP CRANKING THE STEERING WHEEL TOO HARD BECAUSE OF HOW MUCH POWER I NEEDED TO USE TO TURN AWAY FROM CENTER.

THE STEERING GETS HARD TO TURN LIKE IT IS GOING TO LOCK UP. I SPRAY IT WITH WD40. THIS HAPPENS EVERY FEW DAYS. THE ELECTRICAL HAS BEEN SCREWED UP FOREVER. I TURN THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL ON THE THE RIGHT ONE BLINKS AND VISE VERSA. SOME TIMES THEY BOTH BLINK BACK AND FORTH. I HAVE TALKED TO THE LOCAL DODGE GARAGE AND ALL THEY SAY IS THAT THERE IS NO RECALL. I WASNT NOTIFIED BY DODGE ABOUT THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG EITHER. LOOKED UP THE VIN NUMBER AFTER SEEING A REPORT ON TV. THAT WAS 2 MONTHS AGO AND THE DODGE GARAGE JUST FIXED THE AIR BAG ON JULY 21 AFTER I CALLED THEM FOR THE SECOND TIME TO SEE IF THE PART WAS IN. UPDATED 10/07/15*LJ UPDATED 12/08/2017*CN

Mileage: 44,000

WITH THE TRUCK AT ONLY 53,000 MILES I WILL HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE WHOLE FRONT END. THE COST TO ME IS $1085.00. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY FROM DEFECTIVE PARTS! DODGE ALREADY HAS A RECALL ON THE FRONT END OF THEIR FULL SIZE TRUCKS. SHOULD IT ALSO, INCLUDE THE DAKOTAS? I HAVE APPROACHED CHRYSLER ABOUT THIS & WAS DENIED COMPENSATION. *TR

Mileage: 53,000

WHILE DRIVING MY 2006 DODGE DAKOTA P/U TRUCK STARTED NOTICING NOISE WHILE MAKING ANY TYPE OF TURNING OF THE STEERING WHEEL. I TOOK TO MY MECHANICS WHO PUT IN SOME STEERING FLUID. HE TOLD ME THIS SHOULD HELP AND IF PROBLEM DOES RETURN THE PROBLEM IS MOST LIKELY THE STEERING SHAFT THAT WILL HAVE TO BE WORKED ON & WILL BE EXPENSIVE TO FIX. IT WAS FINE FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS BUT NOW THE PROBLEM HAS RETURNED & I'M MAKING PLANS TO TAKE IT BACK TO MY MECHANIC TO FIX THE STEERING SHAFT. AFTER READING NUMEROUS PROBLEM OTHER OWNERS ARE ALSO FACING CONCERNING THE STEERING THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THIS. *TR

Mileage: 44,000

STEERING SPONTANEOUSLY BECAME INTERMITTENTLY STIFF / LOOSE IN BOTH DIRECTIONS WITH LOSS OF RETURN TO STRAIGHT AFTER CORNERING. *JS

Mileage: 78,250

IN USING SIGNAL LIGHTS, TURN LEFT SIGNAL ON TO TURN AND THE RIGHT DASH SIGNAL INDICATOR AS WELL AS RIGHT SIGNAL LIGHT FLASH. IF I MOVE THE TILT STEERING POSITION UP AND THEN BACK DOWN THE LIGHTS FUNCTION PROPERLY. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. IT SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING IN THE STEERING WHEEL IS RUBBING WHENEVER ONE TURNS THE WHEEL. THE PREVIOUS OWNER BOUGHT THE TRUCK NEW AND IT HAPPENED TO HIM SEVERAL TIMES AS WELL. ALSO THE BALL JOINTS WERE ALL REPLACED BY PREVIOUS OWNER AT LESS THAN 30,000 MILES. NOW AT 55,000 MILES THE STRUTS, SHOCK ABSORBERS, REAR STABILIZER LINKS AND QUITE POSSIBLY SWAY BAR LINKS FRONT AND REAR NEED TO BE REPLACED. *TR

Mileage: 37,000

HARD STEERING. STEERING WHEEL WILL NOT STRAIGHTEN OUT WHEN DRIVING. *JS

Mileage: 81,000

WE WERE DRIVING DOWN HWY I-5 IN SEATTLE WASHINGTON. MY HUSBANDS KNEE BUMPED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND THE VEHICLE TURNED OFF. THIS HAPPENED 3 TIMES SINCE WE HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE. WE HAVE ONLY HAD THE VEHICLE FOR YEAR. *TR

I AM EXPERIENCING "BINDING" WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT ALL SPEEDS. EXTRA PRESSURE IS NECESSARY TO CORRECT THE SITUATION; POTENTIALLY, THIS CORRECTIVE ACTION COULD LEAD TO THE VEHICLE TURNING MORE THAN DESIRED THUSLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. THE PROBLEM IS ERRATIC - USUALLY NE PROBLEM - AND CAN OCCUR UNEXPECTEDLY DURING ALL DRIVING CONDITIONS. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC HAS ADVISED THAT THE LIKELY PROBLEM IS THE STEERING SHAFT WHERE STEERING KNUCKLES ARE LOCATED. HE STATED THAT THE SITUATION CAN SOMETIMES BE CORRECTED BY LUBRICATING THE COMPONENTS WITHIN THE STEERING SHAFT WITH PENETRATING OIL. THIS TEMPORARILY ALLEVIATED THE PROBLEM BUT THE PROBLEM IS RE-OCCURRING. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE NEXT STEP IS TO DISMANTLE THE STEERING SHAFT WHICH MAY LEAD TO THE REPLACEMENT OF PARTS. I LIVE IN OHIO WITH SEVERE WINTER WEATHER AND ROAD SALT AND SUSPECT THAT THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW THAT ALLOWS CORROSION TO OCCUR WITHIN THE STEERING SHAFT. *TR

Mileage: 72,000

WAS TRAVELING DOWN A REGULAR ROAD WHEN THE POWER STEERING BECAME VERY TIGHT AND THEN ALTERNATELY A LITTLE WHILE LATER BECAME VERY LOOSE CAUSING OVER CORRECTION. ABOUT A MONTH AND A HALF LATER WHILE TRAVELING BETWEEN WASHINGTON AND OREGON THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT COMPLETELY IN THE VEHICLE. HAD THE PUMP AND RESERVOIR REPLACED AS WELL AS INTAKE AND OUTTAKE LINES. PROBLEM WAS NOT SOLVED HAD TO THEN REPLACE RACK AND PINION, VEHICLE STILL LEAKING AFTER THIS REPLACEMENT AS WELL. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO TWO DIFFERENT MECHANICS BOTH OF WHICH CANNOT DETERMINE WHAT THE PROBLEM IS CAUSING THE POWER STEERING TO MALFUNCTION CONSISTENTLY.AFTER REPLACING RACK AND PINION WAS ALSO TOLD THAT BALL JOINTS NEEDED REPLACEMENT. *TR

Mileage: 100,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, HE HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE PINION NUT ON THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED WITH A NEWLY MANUFACTURER PINION NUT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000. *TR

Mileage: 54,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD NOISE AND THE DRIVE SHAFT FRACTURED AND DROPPED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED BUT NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,000. UPDATED 4/4/14*CN

Mileage: 50,000

1.DRIVERS AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON WHEN DRIVER. 2.WHEN MAKING A U-TURN I HEAR A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE AROUND THE TIRE AREA. 3.THE EMERGENCY RELEASE BRAKE CABLE SNAPPED OFF THE RELEASE HANDLE. 4.NHTSA JUST SENT ME AN EMAIL REGARDING A RECALL ON MY 2006 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD "LEFT TIRE ROD ASSEMBLY". ( THIS COULD BE THE CAUSE OF MY #2.LOUD CLUNKING NOISE MAKING A U-TURN). *TR

Mileage: 52,400

SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHEN TURNING, REQUIRING SUDDEN AND UNEXPECTED MANHANDLING OF STEERING WHEEL TO STRAIGHTEN WHEELS. INSPECTION OF POWER STEERING FLUID LEVEL, POST-INCIDENT, SHOWED SUBSTANTIAL LOSS OF POWER STEERING FLUID BUT NO FLUID LEAKAGE UNDER THE VEHICLE WHEN PARKED, INDICATING LEAKAGE ONLY OCCURRED WHEN VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN. OUTER TIE-RODS CHANGED AT 57,676 MILES. VEHICLE INSPECTION, AT 59,814 MILES, SHOWED NO LEAKAGE UNDERNEATH, POWER STEERING FLUID LEVEL WAS AT FULL. INSPECTION OF VEHICLE, AT 60,289 MILES SHOWED FLUID LEAKAGE FROM BOTH RACK AND PINION BOOTS, WORSE ON THE RIGHT THAN ON THE LEFT. RACK AND PINION HAS TO BE REPLACED. THIS PROBELM WAS OBVIOUSLY SUDDEN ONSET WITH NO WARNING. THE SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING CONSTITUTES A DANGEROUS AND UNEXPECTED DRIVING HAZARD THAT VERY WELL COULD RESULT IN A CRASH. THIS VEHICLE IS SEVEN YEARS OLD, HAS JUST OVER 60,000 MILES ON IT. IT HAS BEEN MAINTAINED REGULARLY AND INSPECTED EVERY 2 TO 3,000 MILES. THERE IS NO REASON, BEYOND POOR ENGINEERING, THAT THE TIE-RODS AND RACK AND PINION SHOULD HAVE MALFUNCTIONED AT THIS MILEAGE.. *TR

Mileage: 60,090

THIS LATEST TIME (HAPPENED 1 MONTH AFTER BUYING) I WAS DRIVING AND NOTICED THE STEERING GET STIFF GOING EITHER WAY. IT WAS JUST A LITTLE BUT OVER THE NEXT TWO DAYS AS I DROVE I NOTICED IT GETTING WORSE. IT IS NOT A CONSTANT. IT IS AS IF SOMETHING IS HUNG UP OR CATCHING AT THE STEERING COLUMN ROTATES. I AM NOT A MECH BUT I CHECKED THE FLUID BOTH TIMES THIS HAS HAPPENED. NO LEAKS, NO PUDDLES UNDER THE TRUCK. I DON'T KNOW WHY THIS HAPPENED NOW. THE ONLY THING I HAVE DONE DIFFERENT WAS USE THE 4X4 A WEEK AGO WHEN WE HAD SOME FREAKY WEATHER (SNOW IN LATE MAY). I HAVEN'T NOTICED ANY REALLY LOUD NOISES, OR SHIMMIES, NOT EVEN ROUGH RIDING. THE MILEAGE IS APPROXIMATELY 98-99K AND I THINK IT HAD ONE PREVIOUS OWNER. I BOUGHT IT FROM A DEALERSHIP AND THERE WERE NO KNOWN ACCIDENTS OR PROBLEMS. I HAVE SINCE LOOKED INTO RECALLS BUT HAVEN'T NOTICED ANY FOR THE STEERING; PLENTY OF COMPLAINTS FOR THE STEERING THOUGH. I WISH I HAD KNOWN THIS WHEN I WAS BUYING. CAN YOU POINT ME IN THE DIRECTION TO GO; IS THERE A RECALL I HAVE MISSED? *TR

Mileage: 99,000

I NOTICED IN NOVEMBER 2012 THAT THE STEERING ON MY 2006 DODAGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB SEEMED STIFF AND HARD TO TURN, ALMOST AS IF IT WASN'T GETTING ENOUGH POWER STEERING FLUID - CHECKED IT AND IT WAS OK. SEEMED AT FIRST TO BE STIFFER WHEN IT WAS COLD SO ATTRIBUTED IT TO WINTER COLD. THEN AT THE END OF MARCH 2013, I WAS TURNING AND HEARD A CLUNK AS IF I HAD HIT A POTHOLE. I HEARD IT AGAIN ON THE SAME DAY AND THEN HEARD A SQUEAK AS IF THE SPRINGS NEEDED OILING. I STOPPED AT MY LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC OILED SOMETHING - DROVE IT AND DIDN'T HEAR A CLUNK. THREE DAYS LATER I TOOK IT TO HIM AND SAID IT IS CLUNKING REGULARLY AND THE STEERING STILL SEEMS STIFF. HE REPLACED UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS THAT HAD GONE BAD, CONTROL ARMS, AND TIE RODS THAT HAD PLAY IN THEM. THIS AT 82,000 MILES. THESE REPAIRS ARE RIDICULOUS FOR 82,000 MILES. AFTER SPENDING $1400 I AM STILL HAVING TIGHT STEERING. I DON'T KNOW ABOUT DODGE EXECUTIVES, BUT I CAN'T AFFORD REPAIRS LIKE THIS. THE MOST COMPLAINTS LISTED FOR THIS MODEL AND YEAR ARE FOR STEERING AND I'VE HEARD FROM THE DEALER THAT THE BALL JOINTS GO OUT EARLY - AS MINE DID. THIS VEHICLE SHOULD BE RECALLED FOR STEERING AND BALL JOINTS! MY 1993 DAKOTA IS STILL GOING WITHOUT THESE PROBLEMS AND IT HAS 204,000 MILES. IF THEY CAN'T MAKE THEM THE WAY THEY USED TO I'M NOT BUYING DODGE AGAIN. P.S. MY SISTER'S 2009 DAKOTA HAD A BROKEN TIE ROD, BALL JOINT, AND STEERING ISSUES. THEY CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE STEERING. SHE IS DUMPING IT - WON'T DRIVE IT AGAIN. *TR

Mileage: 80,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY STEERING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT HE HAD TO APPLY AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF FORCE IN ORDER TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL .THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT BOTH THE TIE ROD AND THE RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 48,000

ON THIS 2006 DAKOTA, STEERING IS VERY STIFF AND MAKES ME OVER CORRECT THE STEERING WITH EACH TURN, CAUSING ME TO JERK THE WHEEL HARD. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL INCIDENTS WHERE I HAVE ALMOST HIT PARKED CARS IN THE PROCESS OF TURNING. I HAVE HEARD MANY WITH THIS PROBLEM AND FEEL OUR 2006 SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL IF THERE SHOULD BE ONE(REALLY NEEDS TO BE). *TR

Mileage: 64,500

POWER STEERING INCONSISTENT, NEARLY LOCKS UP DURING SLOW SPEED TURNS AND IS VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THIS DOES NOT ALWAYS HAPPEN, DOES NOT MATTER IF LEFT OR RIGHT TURNS. HAVE HAD TO DEALER WHO STATES NO PROBLEMS WITH STEERING. HAVE HAD TIE ROD ENDS AND BALL JOINTS REPLACED MULTIPLE TIMES, THIS HELPS FOR A SHORT TIME, BUT PROBLEM NEVER LEAVES COMPLETELY. AM TOLD ONCE AGAIN THAT THE BALL JOINTS ARE BAD. QUIT GOING TO DEALER, AS I AM GETTING NO WHERE WITH THE DEALER/MANUFACTURER. HAVE FOUND HUGE AMOUNT OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET, AND A FEW ON NHTSA SITE. WOULD BE GREAT IF SOMEONE WOULD ACTUALLY FIND OUT WHAT THE CAUSE IS AND GET FIXED BEFORE I AM IN A MAJOR CRASH AND OR GET KILLED. *TR

Mileage: 38,450

THE STEERING WHEEL GETS STUCK AND IS VERY STIFF AND WON'T RETURN. LOTS OF COMPLAINTS AND THE ALL THE DEALERS HAVE THESE PARTS ON BACK ORDER.. IF THERE IS NOT A RECALL THERE SHOULD BE THE POWER STEERING PUMPS, STEERING RACKS AND STEERING CONTROL RODS ARE ALL ON BACK ORDER AND NOT AVAIL IN NJ, DEL OR PA.... IF ALL THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAIL THAT SHOWS THERE IS A BIG PROBLEM WITH THESE TRUCKS. *TR

Mileage: 70,100

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE RATTLING NOISES COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE RACK AND PINION FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE SWAY BAR LINKS WERE LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE HAD SINCE RECURRED EVERY FEW MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE VARIOUS FRONT SUSPENSION COMPONENTS WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. UPDATED 02/15/12*LJ THE RACK AND PINION, SWAY BAR LINKS, LOWER BALL JOINTS, UPPER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT AND SHOCKS WERE ALL BAD. ALSO, THE SHIFTER WAS COMING OUT OF PARK AND THE TIE RODS WERE WORN. UPDATED 05/02/12

Mileage: 30,000

POWER STEERING COMES AND GOES. WHEN TURNING, AT ANY SPEED, STEERING IS STIFF-LOOSE-STIFF-LOOSE. THIS HAS CAUSED ME TO OVERSTEER AND NEARLY JUMP THE CURB A FEW TIMES. AS I SAY IT COMES AND GOES. IT CAN BE HOUR TO HOUR OR DAY TO DAY. NO LEAKS IN THE POWER STEERING, FLUID IS FULL AND CLEAN. I HAVE SEEN A NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM IN MANY ONLINE FORUMS

Mileage: 67,000

DEALERSHIP SUGGESTED STABILIZER BAR LINKS NEED REPLACEMENT. REPLACED BOTH LINKS TWICE WITHOUT CORRECTING FRONT SUSPENSION "CLUNKING". POSSIBLE OF LOWER BALL JOINTS FAILING. *TR

Mileage: 68,952

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE POWER STEERING SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND NOTICED THAT THE POWER STEERING FLUID WAS LOW. THE CONTACT REPLENISHED THE FLUID BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. AFTER ANOTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING POWER STEERING FLUID. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 56,000. UPDATED 10/27/10. *LJ

Mileage: 55,000

2006 DODGE DAKOTA 4 X 4 WITH LESS THAN 30,000 MILES SUDDENLY NEEDS NEW INNER AND OUTER TIE RODS AND 1 FRONT WHEEL BEARING REPLACED. ALL THIS CHANGED SINCE THE LAST SERVICE DATE 8 MONTHS PRIOR - OR 3000 MILES. JUST CAME OUT OF FACTORY WARRANTY. DODGE PROBLEM OR POOR PRACTICE OF DEALERSHIP TO PREY ON OUT OF FACTORY WARRANTY CUSTOMERS? *TR

Mileage: 27,051

STEERING WINDS & GETS STUCK WHILE TURNING. I CALLED DEALER AND WAS SIMPLY TOLD THERE WAS NO ISSUE W/THAT. I DROPPED CAR OFF FOR INSPECTION AT A LOCAL GARAGE AND WAS TOLD TO CALL DEALER IMMEDIATELY. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE STEERING COULD GET STUCK AND CAUSE A SERIOUS CRASH. THE SHOP OWNER TOLD ME THAT IT WAS A DEFECT FROM MANUFACTURER AND REFUSED TO EVEN INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER AGAIN TOLD ME THERE WERE NO ISSUES WITH THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. I INSISTED THAT THEY LOOK AT PROBLEM AND INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE IS A DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB 2006. THEY REACTED AS IF IT WAS NO CONCERN. THIS IS PROBABLY BECAUSE THEY DON'T DRIVE THEIR CHILDREN IN THE VEHICLE. I DID CALL THEM NUMEROUS TIMES AND WAS TOLD IT WAS OKAY TO DRIVE. THEY HAVEN'T HAD ANY REPORTS OF ANY STEERING PROBLEMS. IT OCCURS EVERY DAY. THANKFULLY THERE WERE CRASHES OR FATALITIES. THE CAR IS AT DEALER NOW. THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO CHECK IT OUT ON 4/5/2010. I DO NOT TRUST THEM TO GIVE ME A STRAIGHT ANSWER OR REPORT THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 39,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL BEGAN TO WOBBLE. IMMEDIATELY, THERE WAS A REDUCTION IN THE SPEED RATE. THE DRIVER CONTINUED OPERATION WITH CAUTION THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO A DISENGAGEMENT OF THE STEERING STRUT. THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER MOUNTING BRACKET AND STEERING STRUT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,500.

Mileage: 13,500

2006 DODGE DAKOTA (CAB) TRUCK: HAVE HAD RECURRING ISSUES WITH THE STEERING COLUMN. STARTED MAKING A LOUD SQUEAKING GRINDING NOISE. BROUGHT IT IN AND THE DEALER REPLACED A BOLT IN THE STEERING COLUMN. WE BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALER (8 MOS LATER - THOUGH THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN MAKING THE SAME NOISES CONSISTENTLY FOR QUITE A WHILE AGAIN. THIS LAST TIME THERE WAS "PLAY" IN THE STEERING. *TR

Mileage: 20,000

INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT NEEDS REPLACING, CLUNK SOUND. OEM HAS NOW BEEN UPGRADED TO A BEEFIER SHAFT BECAUSE OEM WAS NOT HOLDING UP. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUE. *TR

Mileage: 62,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE DAKOTA. WHEN ENTERING THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT HIS KNEE WAS HITTING THE STEERING WHEEL BECAUSE IT WAS VERY LOW. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT PROVIDE ANY RESOLUTION SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED THAT WAY. THE CONTACT IS AWARE OF THE RISK FOR DRIVERS WITH A LARGER STATURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000.

Mileage: 38,000

WHENEVER THE CONTACT WOULD DRIVE OVER A BUMP HE NOTICED THAT THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE AND RATTLE. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT WHENEVER HE TURNS IN ANY DIRECTION THE STEERING WHEEL WILL CREEK AND BUMP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTICE ANY DIFFERENCES BEFOREHAND, THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE IS 53000. BML UPDATED 9/17/09 *CN THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE FRONT STRUTS AND SWAY BARS WERE REPLACED. UPDATED 09/18/09. *JB

Mileage: 53,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE TIE ROD ASSEMBLY. ONE YEAR LATER, THE FAILURE RESURFACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON TWO MORE OCCASIONS AND THEY REPLACED THE FRONT STABILIZER BAR, RACK AND PINION, LOWER BALL JOINTS, AND TIE RODS. ALL OF THE REPAIRS HAVE BEEN INSUFFICIENT IN REMEDYING THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 47,000.

Mileage: 15,000

I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVE WAY AND THE TIE ROD FELL OFF MY TRUCK AND BOTH FRONT WHEELS BUCKLED. THIS IS A 2006 DODGE DAKOTA TRUCK WITH GREASELESS BALL JOINTS IN THE FRONT END. THE TRUCK WAS JUST IN THE MANUFACTURES SHOP 2 WEEKS PRIOR TO THIS FOR SERVICE AND THEY DIDN'T EVEN NOTICE THIS WAS ABOUT TO HAPPEN. I'M NOT BLAMING THEM I'M JUST MAKING A POINT THAT THERE WAS NO SIGN THAT THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN. AND I KNOW THAT THEY LOOKED AT THE FRONT END BECAUSE THEY LET ME KNOW THAT MY BRAKES WERE GETTING CLOSE TO NEEDING REPLACED. AND THE TIE ROD IS BOLTED ON RIGHT WHERE THEY LOOK TO CHECK THE BRAKES. I FEEL THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN FOR ME AND OTHER PEOPLE OUT THERE DRIVING THESE TRUCKS. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING 50 TO 60 MPH I PROBABLY WOULDN'T BE HERE TYPING THIS RIGHT NOW. THIS IS A TWO WHEEL DRIVE TRUCK THAT HAS NEVER BEEN USED FOR OFF ROAD DRIVING. I DID KEEP THE TIE ROD AND HAVE PICTURES OF IT IF NEEDED SHOWING HOW DRIED OUT AND RUSTY IT IS ON THE INSIDE. SO I HOPE YOU DO GIVE THIS SERIOUS THOUGHTS ABOUT LOOKING INTO THIS MATTER. THANK YOU JOHN!!! *TR

Mileage: 56,000

THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED 12-14-06 AND SHORTLY AFTER I BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE THE BOUNCING AND ROLLING ON THE FRONT SUSPENSION AS WELL AS NUMEROUS TYPES OF RATTLING NOISES. SHOCKS WERE REPLACED ON 3-14-07 AND FRONT SWAY BAR LINKS ON 4-24-07. SINCE THEN, FRONT SWAY BAR LINKS WERE REPLACED AGAIN AS WELL AS ONE TIE ROD END. ONE SWAY BAR LINK WAS REPLACED IN THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE AND THE OTHER IS CURRENTLY NEEDS REPLACED. THE CONDITION HAS GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY WORSE AND NOW INCLUDES A FRONT END SHAKING ON ALMOST SMOOTH ROADS AS WELL AS THE STEERING WHEEL MOVING LEFT AND RIGHT IN MY HANDS WHEN GOING AROUND TURNS. THIS VEHICLE IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS I HAVE TO VIRTUALLY HOLD A DEATH GRIP ON THE WHEEL TO KEEP FROM LOOSING CONTROL WHEN I HIT A BUMP, DIP, STRIP BUMP, PAVEMENT WAVES, ETC. *TR

Mileage: 5,000

AS I WAS DRIVING I STARTED HEARING A THUMPING COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE TRUCK. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AT MONRO IN TUNKHANNOCK. HE ADVISED THAT THE SWAY BAR HAS GONE BAD. ALONG WITH 80,000 OTHER PEOPLE THAT OWN DODGE DAKOTA TRUCKS, HE PUT ME ON A WAITING LIST TO GET THE PART. IT HAS BEEN 6 MONTHS. NO RECALL, AND I AM STILL DRIVING MY 2006 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB TRUCK AROUND WITH A BROKEN SWAY BAR. THE PART ISN'T EVEN AVAILABLE ON THE AFTERMARKET EITHER. IF I WOULD LIKE TO TRADE MY VEHICLE I WILL TAKE A LOSS BECAUSE THIS PIECE IS BROKEN. NOW MY RACK IS GOING BAD BECAUSE OF THE ADDED PRESSURE ON IT BECAUSE OF THE SWAY BAR BEING BAD. I TRIED TO CALL AND TALK TO SOMEONE AT CHRYSLER AND THEY SAID SORRY...NOT SURE WHEN IT'S GOING TO BE AVAILABLE. HONESTLY I WANT IT FIXED...I AM TIRED OF WAITING...AND IF CHRYSLER CAN'T KEEP UP WITH THEIR SHABBY PARTS...LET ME TRADE MY TRUCK FOR A DIFFERENT ONE AND GIVE ME FULL TRADE IN VALUE ON THE TRUCK. THIS IS WRONG! HIGHWAY ROBBERY AT IT'S BEST. PLEASE I AM BEGGING YOU TO PLEASE DO SOMETHING. THIS IS MY ONLY VEHICLE AND I BOUGHT IT KNEW WITH INTENTIONS OF KEEPING IT FOREVER BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT WAS SAFE. I HAVE A 6 YEAR OLD THAT RIDES WITH ME OFTEN. THIS MAKES ME VERY NERVOUS TO DRIVE IT WITH HER...BUT I DON'T HAVE A CHOICE. HELP! *TR

Mileage: 35,000

2006 DODGE DAKOTA 4X4 SXT PICK UP TRUCK WITH 27,000 MILES POWER STEERING DOES NOT WORK WHEN COLD. PROBLEM SEEMS TO GO AWAY AFTER ENGINE HAS WARMED UP. *TR

Mileage: 27,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO ADJUST. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS UNCORRECTABLE. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THIS TO BE A SAFETY HAZARD. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 10,300 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500. UPDATED 09/11/07 *TR

Mileage: 500

WE PURCHASED A NEW 2006 DODGE DAKOTA IN AUGUST. AFTER TEST DRIVING SEVERAL MODELS WE ORDERED ONE FROM THE DEALERSHIP. WE WERE NOT TOLD THAT WE WERE TEST DRIVING A VEHICLE WITH TILT WHEEL. SO THE VEHICLE WE RECEIVED HAD NO TILT WHEEL, WHICH WOULD BE FINE IF YOU COULD SEE THE SPEEDOMETER WHEN THE SPEED IS 50 TO 70 MPH. THE DRIVERS ARE 5'6" AND 6' TALL. THE 6' TALL PERSON HAS THE SEAT BACK AS FAR AS THE LEGS WILL ALLOW AND HAS THE SEAT TILTED BACK. THE 5'6' PERSON IS UNABLE TO SIT UP STRAIGHT IN THE SEAT AND SEE THE SPEEDOMETER. UPON CALLING THE DEALERSHIP WE WERE TOLD THAT THE STEERING COLUMN IS A DESIGN FLAW AND WE ARE STUCK WITH THE PROBLEM. WE FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE CORRECTED. TILT WHEELS SHOULD NOT BE AN OPTION IT SHOULD BE STANDARD. CHRYSLER'S SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES TOLD US THAT ITS WAS OUR PROBLEM, THEY WOULD NOT ALLOW US TO TALK TO THEIR MANAGERS AND EVENTUALLY HUNG UP ON US. WE WERE UN ABLE TO CONTACT THE CHRYSLER REGIONAL REPRSENTATIVE FOR OUR AREA, BECAUSE THEY REFUSE TO GIVE OUT THAT INFORMATION. EVERYONE HAS BEEN QUITE UNCOOPERATIVE IN THIS SITUATION.