1998 Dodge Dakota: engine knocking or ticking

Filed Nov 13, 2008 · Steering · 80,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 dodge dakota. The contact stated that he felt a lot of play in his steering wheel and it would not lock in place when the vehicle was turned off. He also heard a knocking noise coming from the steering wheel when attempting to make a left or right turn. The noise could also be heard when the steering wheel was moved back and forth. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop and the mechanic stated that the vehicle needed a new steering column/armature due to the failures. The failure and current mileages were less than 80,000.

Filed Aug 31, 2004 · Suspension · NC

While driving the consumer heard a loud knocking noise coming from the front upper ball joint. The dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak

Filed Mar 23, 2004 · Engine · VA

Purchased used 1998 dodge dakota truck in april 2002 from toyota dealer with mileage of 42,000. I heard a knocking noise in motor on 11-11-2003 took to my mechanic and he had to replace bolts in the manifold. Again on 3-2-2004 heard clicking noise in wheel my mechanic had to replace front suspension ball joint. I wrote a letter to daimler chrysler of the problems and they said that they are unable to assist me with the problems because I was no longer covered under the warranty. So I feel, that other purchasers should be made aware of the protential problems with this vehicle.

Filed Aug 15, 2001 · Engine · CA · crash

I have recently noticed my catalytic converter making ticking noise again, my extended warranty has just recently expired too. This part had been replaced at 22000 miles. Now just less than 2 years later I am running into the same delema. I have spoke to several auto mechanics and they all say that this must be a defected part. When I notified my dodge dealer, he stated because the warranty had expired, I will have the burden of paying all the cost. Yet again this is the second time in a truck that was purchased brand new less than 4 years ago. I feel that after reading other complaints and talking to several other dodge ownershaving the same problem, that the part is a defect. Above all, dodge doesn't seem to stand behind their product. They were rude and would not budge to satisfy their customers. In fact my service advisor even went on to tell me that I probably hit a bump that made the catalytic converter go out. Come on now this is a 4x4, you mean to tell me that if I hit a speedbump my engine will drop? "dodge tough" ? Yeah right! They certainly lost my business in the future. Please check on this defected part, there has got to be justice for the consumer. Bad word of mouth is the worst advertisement dodge and I got a big mouth guys!

Filed Sep 14, 2000 · Electrical · NM

Knocking sound in engine, casa dealer refused to do anything to figure out what the problem was. The service department foreman said that it was ignition timing causing the vehicle's engine to knock and could do nothing about it. I then took the vehicle to the dodge dealer for a second opinion and the service department said that there are two types of service bullitens out for this problem indicating that it could be an intake manifold gasket or a computer failure. The dodge dealer also informed me that a lot of these light duty trucks were coming in with this problem. If the problem will not be fixed by the dealer that I purchased the vehicle from is there any way to make them take it back and pay off the finance company so that I will not owe anything on it? This is the second vehicle that I have tried to purchase in the past two months that has a mechanical problem.

Filed Mar 23, 2000 · Acceleration, Engine · OH

Engine knock,poor gas mileage, rough idling, stalling,transmission clunk when shifting.worst truck I've ever owned!!!

Filed Oct 10, 1999 · Engine · TX

Since the 8th of june 99, I have had a continuious sound of engine knock, I understand the owners manual says you'll have a faint engine knock noise. What I have continues at all speeds and is worst at higher speeds. Example is on the highway with the radio and A/C on you can here the engine knock. Vehicle has less then 11,000 miles on it. Every time the vehicle goes in for a check the service manager, technicians and upper management says yes there is a problem, but comes time for the work they are unable to find the problem, then they tell me there is nothing wrong. As I leave the dealership the problem still exsist, excesive engine knock and exshaust sounds. I don't drive the vehicle that much due to the excessive engine noise. The engine noise tells me that of a problem does exsists, which could lead to the destruction of the engine.

Filed Aug 2, 1999 · Engine · NC

Continued spark knock. Has been in shop 4 different times. Dealer not sure how to fix it.

Filed Nov 29, 1998 · Engine · NY

The vehicle has been making a preignition"knocking noise" coming from under the hood since the day I purchased it.I have had it in numerous times and they can not correct it.the dealer has told me this is an emissions knock and will not damage the engine as they can't fix it yet.I am under the impression that any preignition is not good and will eventually damage the engine.it knocks considerably at first start up when it is cold and quiets down when it warms up.

Filed Jun 18, 1998 · Steering · NJ

Steering wheel column and mid shaft was replaced per tsb 971121191297. The noise and feeling never completely ended. The knock is still noticeable during stopping and turning, regardless of speed. It also seems to be more apparent during turning and breaking.