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1997 Dodge Dakota transmission complaints

Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 45, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 1997 Dodge Dakota transmission problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Feb 15, 2003 · Suspension, Transmission · 53,980 miles · WA

Clanking noise in right front wheel. Axle seal broke, replaced, 3 weeks later noise again ball joints needed to be replaced. Ph

Filed Nov 29, 2002 · Airbags, Electrical · 48,065 miles · CA

The air bag light illuminated for no apparent reason and the speedometer was acting erratically, te vehicle was taken to the dealer where they replace 3 computer modules (center timer module, printed circuit board module and airbag module), the consumer discovered through the internet that there was a recall for his vehicle but was told that the current recall did not fit the mechanical symptoms his truck was experiencing. *jg

Filed Jul 14, 2002 · Acceleration, Seats · ID

Speedometor and cruise control quit working replaced speed sensor per dealer and still not working. Also seat doesn't lock in upright position on drivers side. Transfer case seal went out and had to replace transfer case. I hate this truck and I couldn't give it away.

Filed Nov 9, 2001 · Transmission · TX

Was driving when transmission became hard to shift into gears. Would down shift into 3rd from overdrive on its own. Took to transmission mechanic. Was informed that gears were made of plastic and were stripped, breaking gear teeth off.

Filed Jun 15, 2001 · Transmission · VA · crash

The universal joint on the steering column totally failed causing the steering wheel to "free-wheel" the vehicle veered out of control sideswiping two parked cars. This is a critical failure; if it ocurred at highway speed it could have caused several fatalities!!.

Filed May 15, 2001 · Transmission · MN

Unable to shift into any gear at highway speed on freeway.

Filed Apr 3, 2001 · Transmission · MA

While driving at approximately 55 MPH vehicle shifted out of 5th gear and remained in neutral. Dealership informed consumer that "gear was cracked." please provide any additional information/attachments.

Filed Mar 26, 2001 · Transmission · OH

Shifter cable broke when driver was shifting gear. He conplained that vehicle shifter was pulling hard. Took vehicle to dealership, and mechanic told him that shifter was okay.

Filed Jan 11, 2001 · Transmission · WI

Transmission slips when put vehicle in gear.

Filed Oct 3, 2000 · Transmission · SC

We purchased a 1997 dodge truck in oct. 1996. Thhe transmission failed at 42000 miles. We were told by both our local south carolina dealer and by ed murdock where we bought the vehicle that chrysler would not stand behind the transmission due to our warranty being up at 36000 miles. We called the 800 # to chryslers complaint line and were told the same thing. We had our truck repaired at a local independent garageand only then did we discover that our truck had a 1998 prototype transmission in it. Parts were ordered from atlanta that would not fit our 1997 dodge dakota because of the prototype transmission and had to be returned and reordered from detroit. Ala in all we were without our truck for 29 days while this mess was sorted out. We would have never purchased a truck with a prototype asian transmission in it if we had been told. Thhe ed murdock dealership refuses to reimburse us for our expences, chrysler says that they will not because it is out of warranty. Someone should have to make this right because not only were we misled in our purchase but any transmission should be expected to perform longer than 42000 miles. We want to be reimbursed for the work done and our expense for a rental car during the length of time that we were sorting this mess out and still having to go on with our daily routine. No one seems to want to stand behind thhe chrysler products from the manufacturer to the one who sells them. Thank you in advance for your help , I have sent several other letters and if you can tell me of someone else to write I would appreciate it. Thanks, renee mcabee.

Filed Aug 3, 2000 · Engine, Transmission · VA

When going 55 or faster and let off the gas, when reaccelerating the transmission "bucks". The transmission temperature light comes on and the thermostat has been replaced to try to fix the problem but it has not worked.

Filed May 3, 2000 · Transmission · NC

Loud whining between 45 to 50 MPH, replaced differental ring and pinion gear, to no avail.

Filed May 2, 2000 · Transmission · CA

Due to defective driveshaft which was out of balance by 31/2 ounce, differential and transfer case malfunctioned. Please provide further information.

Filed Apr 25, 2000 · Transmission · CA

Vehicle shows rpms but doesn't accelerate as far as moving up to speed. Dealer was contacted & it may be the transmission. Transmission repairs are not not covered under the warranty.

Filed Mar 22, 2000 · Engine, Transmission · GA

I have two recurring problems. 1) I had the truck in 3 separate times for rattling noise in the engine compartment. The dealer, so far, replaced the timing chain and fan clutch, both under warranty. Once again, the engine is making the same rattling noise. This noise started around 58,000 miles. Also, my engine currently has an oil leak. The dealer claims it is the front seal. The dealer broke this seal when the timing chain was replaced. The dealer refuses to pay for the seal repair. 2) I had the truck in 3 times for another rattling noise in the A/C (interior). The dealer claimed the noise was normal. The fourth visit and conversation with manager proved that the noise, in fact, was not normal. The dealer replaced the compressor. At the current mileage, the A/C is once again making the same noise. In summary, the engine is producing a rattling noise. The A/C is also producing a rattling noise (both items are separate noises as validated by the dealership).

Filed Mar 16, 2000 · Acceleration, Transmission · IN · 1 injury

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.

Filed Feb 27, 2000 · Transmission · IN · crash

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.

Filed Feb 1, 2000 · Transmission · CA

When consumer applies the clutch, clutch doesn't engage.

Filed Jan 31, 2000 · Electrical, Engine · LA

Transmission acting sluggish. Was not shifting into gear properly. Would buck severely. Prior to this happening, vehicle would stall out for no reason. Has happened at least 4-5 times. At dealership, mechanic changed battery, map sensor & the computer chip. Problem was not solved. Finally indicated transmission was worn out & needed to be replaced with a rebuilt one.

Filed Jan 3, 2000 · Brakes, Engine · GA

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 )

Filed Oct 22, 1999 · Transmission · CA

Bottom of the transmission pan filled with metal flakes resulting in failure of the entire transmission. Mjs

Filed Sep 14, 1999 · Transmission · IL

Fifth gear came apart ar 65mph causing the vehicle to loose power and the driver was unable to shift into another gear.

Filed May 23, 1999 · Brakes, Fuel system · NY

I feel that wheel bearing/ fuel pumps and brake rotors should not have to all be replaced at cost to me in the first 2 years/38,000 miles on my vehicle. Several of these parts could cause a safety hazard such as a crash.

Filed May 13, 1999 · Engine, Transmission · MA

When driving at any speed vehicle is backfiring/stalling/vibrating, and vehicle dies out. Consumer had to get a new clutch and this is the third transmission that has been replaced within vehicle. There is a problem with the gears, and dealer can't determine the problem.

Filed May 13, 1999 · Body, Brakes · IL

Window motor failed, window switches falling off door panel. Mjs

Filed Apr 22, 1999 · Transmission · KY

Hydraulic clutch assembly failure caused unsafe conditions. Vehicle was in gear and running at time of failure; lifting foot from brake pedal while clutch pedal was depressed resulted in vehicle lurching forward.

Filed Jan 19, 1999 · Transmission · CA · crash

Truck was in park, with the parking brake engaged, and refused to start. After twenty minutes it finally started. I stepped out too close the hood, and the vehicle started moving in reverse. It struck a part of the parking stucture, bending the hinges and missaligning the drivers door. From that point on the truck will not start in park, and you must "find the neutral starting point, somewhere between neutral and reverse. Today, 12-15-98 I had to have it towed to the dealer to be repaired because apparently the problem has gotten worse, and now there is no neutral to start the truck in !

Filed Jan 12, 1999 · Fuel system, Transmission · KS

Fuel pump failed.

Filed Sep 5, 1998 · Transmission · NM

Transmission began to leak oil from front seal.

Filed Aug 31, 1998 · Transmission · DC

Vehicle vibrates when driving between 35-55 MPH. Dealer claimed vibration due to a design flaw which causes torque converter to lock up.

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