I have a 1997 dodge dakota sport with four wheel drive, a v8 engine and automatic transmission. I noticed my front tires wearing on the inside. I took the truck to the dealer on 12-20-01. I was told it needed lower ball joint and upper control arms. On 1-31-03 I returned to the dealer complaining of a vibration in the front end, again I was told it needed lower ball joints and upper control arms. Now I am noticing the tires wearing on the inside again and the dealer tells me it again needs upper ball joints but that the new redesigned parts are on backorder from the manufacturer. These failures have happened at ten thousand mile intervals, the first repair was at 46,261 the second at 56,125 and now it has 67,261 miles on it. This truck has never been off road and is used as a daily commuter vehicle. The problem at 46,261 miles is early for this type of failure but I guess it could happen however two more times in 21,000 miles is premature failure. I've worked in the automotive repair business for twenty five years and this is the first time I've had this type of problem on my own vehicles which are meticulusly maintained. This is definately a saftey issue as this can cause separation of the control arm from the steering knuckle.
1997 Dodge Dakota steering complaints
Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 34 of 34, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Threads on spindle were corroded and stripped.*mr the consumer requested a reimbursement for repairs made on his vehicle. *cb
Front end suspension failed, and caused the thread on the tie rod to become weak. The threads appeared corroded which almost caused an accident. Dealer notified. *ak *cb
Power steering assist failed during cold weather. Was sluggish during slow idle. Mopar mechanic said that complete replacement would cost over $1000 and may still not solve problem.
While driving the vehicles steering wheel shakes. Consumer states' when applying the brakes it fill like the brake pedal is kicking back. Cause is unknown. Please provide any further information. Ts
The federal safety agency# 13411-01-v-153-000: clock spring material, could interfere with the clockspring ribbon and cause an open circuit the driver air bag system will become disabled and the air bag warning light will be on. Consumer states has the same problem his vehicle. Please provide any further information. Ts
While changing lanes on a highwaypower steering failed with no warning. Shaft broke behind the pulley due to fluid not passing through the system, resulting in the steering wheel stffening. Please describe details.ak
While driving less than 5 MPH driver's side of vehicle dropped, tie rod had broken and gone through rim of wheel. Dealer replaced tie rod.*ak
Steering is unresponsive in certain spots. No movement in certain turns causes wheels to float. Dealer found joints corroded, and had to be replaced. Intermediate steering shaft.
When started to turn there was a popping sound. A few days later, popping stopped, but there was a 2 to 3 inch play in steering before car would even start to turn in that direction. Felt like steering column was going to fall on ground, and consumer felt unsafe. *ak
Prior to exp. Of warranty, (36000 miles) vehicle was brought into an independent shop for a complete inspection. Was informed ball joints and idler arm were completely worn out. Previous owner, (a personal friend) and myself never '4 wheeled' the truck. Normal city/highway use. Viewed internet bulletin boards on dakota maint problems, and found others have had the same problem with early ball joint/idler arm failures. 36,000 miles under normal use is far to early for this type of problem. I fear there are many dakota's out there with the same problem.
Brakes worn out prematurely.(attorney for client)yh
52000 miles and I have replaced these items: belt tensioner, A/C compressor, 3 sets of front tires (the tires are wearing on the outside edge-the truck has been aligned each time the tires were replaced), 2 sets of rotors, 2 brake calipers, 4 sets of brake pads, the steering knuckle that broke into three (3) pieces while the truck was going 65 MPH, and now I have to take it to a transmission shop because the truck jumps from drive to neutral while the truck is in motion. All of these repair cost have been paid by myself. Dealer said there has been no other complaints about the dodge dakota I find that hard to believe. *ak( dot number: tire size: lt21575r15 )
Defective driver's side tie rod end broke, causing a loss of vehicle control. Also, ball joints looked worn out. Please provide further information.
No summary
3 of 4 mounting bolts failed causing almost complete loss in steering. Fortunately, was going slow but had just gotten off freeway, whew.
Steering knuckle spindle assembly failed causing caliper to come loose . Hub bearings on both front wheel assemblys wore out. Was told that this could result in wheel coming off of vehicle.
Power steering failed. Pump shaft sheared internally. Power steering pump, tensioner and belt had to be replaced. One week later, the replacement tensioner failed and had to be replaced again.
Vehicle has been to the dealer 3 times for the same problem, loud clunking noise in steering column while turning or going over bumps, dealer replaced a steering linkage in the engine compartment and the entire steering column, the technician noted loose steering, and advised not to drive until column is replaced.
Power steering pump shaft sheared, causing loss of control. Replaced steering belt tensioner which has failed twice.
The power steering pump shaft sheared during a low speed turn.
The steering wheel locked up while traveling at approximately 52 miles per hour.
While driving steering wheel locked/bound-up, resulting in a accident.
Power steering failed when attempting to make a turn.
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