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RF
Dodge Dakota
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12/20/2003
15:16:37
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 Subject: RE: Steering Recall
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After recently hearing about the issues with the "ball joints" I was told there was story on TV 12-18-03. I had also seen a news story on CNN about a month ago on the same issue effecting Durango’s and Dakota's were a woman lost the front wheel while driving on the highway. I decided to do a search today on the Internet for Dodge Dakota's to find any recall information or other info, where I have now found this great site to connect with other people who are experiencing similar or same issues with their Dakota's.
The issues I have with my 2002 Dakota are the left front end feeling as if it was loose, and another issue with the front end making the popping noise when turning. The steering column also shifts back and forth sometimes when breaking. I also notice that the front rotors seem to wear very easily as they did when I previously had a 1999 Durango that went thru 3 sets of rotors by 38,000 miles, two electric window motors, and drive train seals and this vehicle never seen off road or hard use.
It is displeasing to see that everyone is experiencing these problems. I like the style of the Dakota and the ride is OK.....Durango was a smoother ride....and I felt safer in it....But this bothers me the both of these vehicles are having all of these problems.
If anyone could please tell me if there have been any recalls announced for the Dodge Dakota as I am preparing to take it to the dealership.....maybe through the front window at this point. This truck has 18,+++ miles on it and these problems started 5,000 miles ago....but things seem to be getting worse....
These are my experiences with Dodge....and probably my last Dodge vehicle.... I hope my experiences help in documenting for others to view ...and help educate them about the problems they might have questions on...
Great Site
Regards,
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shon
Dodge Dakota
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4/14/2004
11:07:14
|  RE: Steering Recall
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The dodge dealers and mechanics know there is a problem with the dakotas making popping noises. It takes a few deaths from accidents before anyone listens and starts taking any action. I have a 2001 dodge dakota that I have had in and out of shops since I have owned it. I have been through 3 sets of rotors. My front end is constently out of balance, it makes popping noises anytime I make a shrp turn to pull in to a parking space or back out. I will definitely never own a dodge again. My dodge does look very nice and I get many compliments, but if anyone owned this thing for one year they would be begging me to take it back. Why is it everything falls apart, the week or day after the warrenty n longer covers it? Word to the wise. Stay away fromt he Dodge Dakotas. Don't be fooled by the looks.
Another unhappy customer. Might have to try the Ford f150.
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Dave2000QC
Dodge Dakota
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4/14/2004
12:25:33
| RE: Steering Recall
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If you are getting noises only when the steering is at full lock and pull into a driveway, then you should make sure the steering stops are greased.
I know there are issues with upper ball joints and the steering column but the ball joint I have greased since new with a needle is still OK at 75,000 miles. The other upper one was not greased until it was replaced at 35,000 miles and the replacement is OK as it was kept greased. The reason I greased only one of them at first was that the boot for that ball joint was NOT bulging out with grease like the others when the vehicle was built.
The owner shouldn't have to be greasing the ball joints with a needle because eventually the boot is going to be wrecked, but it is better than forking out big bucks to get them replaced frequently.
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yeah right
Dodge Dakota
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4/17/2004
09:39:43
| RE: Steering Recall
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steering stops are made by the same company that builds muffler bearings and speaker mufflers.
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CB
Dodge Dakota
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5/20/2004
12:26:24
|  RE: Steering Recall
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I have a 2002 Dakota quad cab, and I am getting the same problems. Since I got the truck, I noticed the front left end would make a loud clicking noise (like metal rubbing metal) and my brakes rumble/grind when I go to stop. It doesn't do it when I brake harder, but "casual" braking makes a noise I just don't like. I brought to dealer several times and they said nothing is wrong. I also notice the front end to be, for lack of a better term, "loose", like something is going to fall off and I feel most of this in the way it handles and in the steering. ALso, in 4 wheel drive, it "kicks" and "bucks" on me, and I'm not talking playing hard with it. I haven't even taken it off roading...
Anyway, for all you who have Dodges with problems, I sympathize with you. This is my first Dodge, and probably my last. I can understand having problems, but DO SOMETHING about it. It seems like I get the run arounds and that im imagining these things. What? do I need to get in an accident or someone to get hurt before it is an issue. Recalls seem to be based on statistics, and I don't want to be a statistic. Sorry, Dodge, but you don't just sell trucks...you sell peace of mind, as well.
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Leopoldo
Dodge Dakota
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5/22/2004
08:39:08
| RE: Steering Recall
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about noises when the vehicle make a turn or hit a bump: check the sway bar end links! I found mines in worst state than arm's ball joints, when the bar is bolted it's almost impossible check the wearing of ther links, but when you take off the 4 bolt of the bushing you can feel and check the end links. Moog sell at US$19.5 each one, you will need 2 (dak. 97-99)
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sterringdings
Dodge Dakota
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6/08/2004
11:38:11
| RE: Steering Recall
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I've had the same problem, try to park your Dakota facing downhill and see if you can move the steering wheel. I called they Diamond Chrysler Corp. and they said they haven't had enough calls for a recall.
Here is the # 1-800-992-1997 Ext.1,2,5 then oo to get a file #
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JimboG
Dodge Dakota
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6/25/2004
12:53:02
| RE: Steering Recall
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My 2002 quad cab 4x4 has been in the shop for the last 3 days. The symptoms are the same as described by everyone else.
So far the replaced parts include a new rack and pinion, bushings and ball joints. The bad part of all this is that I've owned the truck since new, it's my daily driver and it doesn't tow or go off road. At 23,000 miles this seems like a lot of steering problems.
I'm kind of lucky because a Jeep dealer that I've done business with before is working on it.
Since the Dodge dealers seem clueless or oblivious, you might want to try the Jeep mechanics. They can do warranty work and bill Dodge directly. I'll do another post when I get the truck back. Good luck!
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RMarquez
Dodge Dakota
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11/12/2004
19:07:39
| RE: Steering Recall
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Hmmm, this is the same thing that has been happening to my '02 Dakota practically since I bought it in Oct of '01. I have had it in twice, the first time the mechanic went on a ride with me and said he couldn't feel anything (bullsh*t) and to wait until it broke and then to bring it back in. Ok, fine I can live with that as long as I don't get killed when it does break. So I recently took it back in this past Wednesday to have the emergency brake handle replced (damned thing broke off in my hands without the slightest pull on it) and to have this looked at again. They had my truck a total of 3 hours before they tell me that my 3 year warranty was up (when did they send out that memo?) which was the week before (really pisses me off). They tell me that it was because I have a "flat" spot on my right front tire and until I get that replaced they can't determine what is causing the issue. These tires are brand new (2 months and I drive only 24 miles a day in the truck, back-n-forth to work) so I don't understand how a flat spot can make all of these noises and "looseness", especially since it was doing this BEFORE I got new tires. I am going to go and have this looked at by a totally independant mechanic and get his thoughts on this. Dodge is really pissing me off. And my e brake handle cost me 50$, I asked for a 16 point lube andoil change which they were supposed to vaccuum the truck and wash it, they did neither. Do not buy a vehicle from Jack Carroll's Lynnwood Dodge in Washington!!!!
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BMB
Dodge Dakota
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12/10/2005
18:06:55
| RE: Steering Recall
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I have a 98 Dakota club cab 4x4 and I'm going to try "Not Happy's" 7/1/02 answer to the popping noise in the steering column. Of course I'm taking it to an independent mechanic because I'm finished with the Dodge dealers. I'll post again once the mechanic has a chance to try the repair procedure to reposition the steering column. Wish me luck...
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why oh why
Dodge Dakota
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12/15/2005
08:38:54
| RE: Steering Recall
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why oh why dig up such an old post............
why oh why...................
dum dum
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Dune_Op1
Dodge Dakota
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12/16/2005
00:39:34
| RE: Steering Recall
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If all of you guys are having problems with your trucks like this and your dealers arn't supporting you then I would go to the BBB or try threatning that first. The dealership I bought my truck from was a really crappy one with idiots for mechanics so I just kept switching dealers until I found one I liked. I am currently with Capital Dodge in Edmonton Alberta. These guys would suck my d*ck for a 5 out of 5 service rating. They even drive me home all the way across town when my truck is in for service overnight. The service advisors get days off for making their customers happy. And at $75 an hour for labour you have to try pretty hard to make happy customers. I've had them jumping through hoops for me all the time, including getting me in for an oil change when it's convenient for me with like 5min notice. They're part of the BBB, and they get a crap load of sales from their customers and just the fact that they're supported with an excellent rating from the BBB. If you start threatening them with that I'm sure they'll give. Especially if your warranty ran out a week ago. Hell I even have my service advisor's personal cell phone so when he's out of the office he still calls them and arranges stuff for me. Hell you bought your trucks from them, make those theiving ba%tards make you happy! Never take NO for an answer. Hell I'd even cause a huge scene in the waiting room if they ever told me NO!
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ela
Dodge Dakota
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1/27/2006
11:29:13
| RE: Steering Recall
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I have a 2004 dakota in the shop now..10 days ago replaced the steering gear, power steering pump rack & pinion was told they now are waiting on a steering shaft...REMEMBER I SAID THIS IS A 2004!!! Anyone else have this problem with a fairly new Dakota?
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ela
Dodge Dakota
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1/27/2006
11:41:24
| RE: Steering Recall
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I have a 2004 dakota in the shop now..10 days ago replaced the steering gear, power steering pump rack & pinion was told they now are waiting on a steering shaft...REMEMBER I SAID THIS IS A 2004!!! Anyone else have this problem with a fairly new Dakota?
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martcarl
Dodge Dakota
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3/01/2006
17:58:56
| RE: Steering Recall
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Ela I just got back from my mechanic with my 2004 dakota because the power steering was stiff and there was no recovery after turns he changed the fluid and told me that if this dosn't fix the problem that its goig to be expensive to repair
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blakels
Dodge Dakota
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3/14/2006
11:44:29
| RE: Steering Recall
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I have a 2004 Quad Cab and had a problem with the steering binding. I took it to the dealer under warranty and they replaced the rack, same thing. They replaced the pump and hoses, same thing. Then they had to order an intermediate shaft and this cured the problem. I checked this myself before taking it in and it felt fine. I think the problem is the severe angle the U-joints are on.
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Jay
Dodge Dakota
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5/30/2006
23:23:08
|  RE: Steering Recall
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Had the same issue with my 04 Dakota. Stiff steering. Not only did I have to get them to replace the ball joints, the steering arm, and practically everything else related to steering. The issue is apparently a wide spread one and actually has RECALLS happening in the United States because of it. Thank god I went for the 5 year warranty, but still. I've had the truck in the shop 7 times now, and each time they try something different. Now that I've threatened to drop them the truck and sue for loss of use they've decided to change their tone and are replacing everything from the tires to the steering wheel. Another 4 days without my truck because of it.
I'm actually negotiating with them to try to swap out my lease for an 05' Ram 1500 but they want another $1800 (plus the $1000 float already on the Dakota) to start up a lease on it. It's friggin bull is what it is, cause they know I need a truck.
Hell, I might still sue and then use the cash to outright buy a Ram 2500. Apparently there are a lot of lawyers who know about this Dakota problem.
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jerry
Dodge Dakota
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5/31/2006
01:37:21
| RE: Steering Recall
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my 99' Dak has had that loose feel in the front for awhile ( 41,000 miles now ) Took it to the dealer but they say nothing was wrong. The last Chrysler product I had was a 68 Plymouth GTX. Everything else had been a GM product. GM ticked me off so I got a Dodge. Now after I got a 2001 Durango ti go along with my Dak do I find out about all these problems. What are ya gonna do? I guess there's still Ford. LOL
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