I have a 1997 dodge dakota 2 wheel drive. All four balljoints on the front end are very prone to failure. They wear prematurely as there is no way to lubricate the parts. My wheel has not yet fell off, although the balljoints rattle and clunk because they are worn out prematurely.
1997 Dodge Dakota: harsh or hard shifting
5 of the 444 complaints about the 1997 Dodge Dakota describe harsh or hard shifting.
- owner complaints
- 5
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- recalls
- 0
Is there a fix? 8 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below
Harsh or hard shifting by model year
What owners say
On 2/27/2000 I filed a complaint with the federal safety agency. My problem being my transmissiom will not engage properly. When it is shifted from park to drive the vechicle may hesitate and not move then violently slam into gear. On one occasion my neice setting in the back seat head was slammed into the rear window glass as the vechicle lurched forward. I have a video tape of the transmission failing to properly engauge. I was able to reach in the back seat take the camera out of the case insert the battery film and shoot a video of the truck setting in gear then violently lurching forward. The dealer service manager said on the service order "cannot duplicate sitition. I showed him the video and he admitted I have a problem but he couldnt help me because chrysler would not reimburse him.
The transmission will not engauge after being in reverse for a period of a miniute or more this has happened 14 + times. The dealer said they could find nothing wrong. I took a vidio tape to the service manager at gurley leep that clearly shows it in drive with the shift in drive with the tackometer rising and falling then slaming into gear. The service manager said it was out of his hands because chrysler would not pay for it . It was between me and chrysler. I personally wonder if the district representitive isnt waiting for it to fail under the extended warrenty so someone else can pick up the repair tab. It violently slams into gear when put in drive throwing you back in the seat and slamming the powertrain in engaugement. A certified letter was sent to chrysler# z257635146 4/14/199 signed for by kyle c and the dealer gurley leep atten mike leep z257635147 4/12/1999 signed for by kristy roberts both letters were ignored with no telephone call or letter returned. This has been the worst vechicle I have ever owned with the highest number of repairs the factory has been totally indifferent to my problem as well as the dealer.
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.
Vehicle jerks forward, with a clunking sound, when shifting from first to second gear.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Subject regarding revision in diagnostic procedures and labor operation times for re transmissions
- Automatic transmission fluid usage ATF+4
- Conditions with two-piece propeller shaft boot torn
- This bulletin explains the operation and application of the leak detection pump (LDP) monitor test
- Conditions with differential gear lubricant weeping from the front differential vent
- Vehicles exhibiting buzz, whining, or moaning like noise from cold transmission when reverse gear is selected
- Condition with two-piece propshaft boot being torn
- Conditions of clicking or tapping noise when the spreed control is engaged
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 1997 Dodge Dakota harsh shifting
Is harsh or hard shifting a common problem on the 1997 Dodge Dakota?
5 of 444 owner complaints about the 1997 Dodge Dakota (1%) mention harsh or hard shifting. The model year with the most reports is 2000.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1997 Dodge Dakota?
There are 0 recalls and 8 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1997 Dodge Dakota
Ball joint 118Grinding brakes 15No deployment 13ABS 12Brake failure 10Fuel leak 10Premature wear 9Stalling 8Airbag light 7Fuel smell 7Headlights 7Adaptive cruise 6Fire or smoke 6Power steering loss 6Jerking 5
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