Recall 00v193000 for the power steering pressure hose has been issued and repaired, however the problem recurred. *ak the brakes failed resulting in an accident.
1998 Dodge Dakota steering complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 47, newest first, as owners wrote them.
We have had problems with loose steering on our 1998 dodge dakota for approx. 2 years now. We have had a couple adjustments, and parts replaced and finally have been told that is an issue with the manufacturing of the steering components and it will cost us in excess of $1000 to repair. I went online to see if anyone else has had similar problems with this and found out that there are literally hundreds of complaints out there for this very problem. It appears to me that dodge is not concerned with all these complaints but I wanted to file mine anyway. I was told by my garage that the vehicle is safe to drive, but I read story after story of accidents that have caused severe damage to vehicles, injury and even death.
Dt: the consumer had a 98 dodge dakota, took to tire shop, truck could not be aligned because it had defective ball joints. Contact called the daimler chrysler, who informed him that there was no recall on this vehicle after repairs were done vehicle had steering problem. There was a noise in the steering column. Then, at repair shop owner was informed there was a defective steering gear, and would cost $800. Owner did not repair steering and vehicle veered to the right/left. Tire company stated the crown of the road caused vehicle to pull to the left/right. Tire shop indicated they could repair the problem,but there were 500 steering gears on back order. Owner felt there was a problem with the steering gear otherwise there wouldn't be 500 steering gears on back order.
While making a 90-degree right turn, the steering locks up. After a while the consumer was able to unlock the steering. Vehicle was taken to a repair shop. The mechanic confirmed that the heat shield from the intake manifold fell down onto the steering linkages, which was locking up the steering. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified.
Had to replace upper and lower balljoints and outer tie rod ends.
My mechanic informed me that all 4 ball joints and the inner & outer tie rod ends need replacing on my 1998 dodge dakota. Since there is currently a recall for 2000-2003 dakotas & durangos and a class action lawsuit pending for 1998 durangos, I wonder if there is merit to my 1998 dakota failure and the resulting expense.
While attempting to turn right the steerling locked up and was not able to turn. This caused the vehicle to go off of the road and into a field before stopping. This could have been a lot worse if there had been other vehicles involved.*ak mechanic has recomended that all of the following components be replaced. (4) ball joints (2) control arms (2) tie rod ends have seen numerous complaints about premature failures of the components on 97 - 04 dodge dakota and durango models. Mine is a 98 dakota w/ 63665 miles. Chrysler has not issued a recall, stating this is not a safety issue. Not being able to turn your steering wheel seems to be a safety issue to me. After considerable effort I was able to break the "locked" condition and free up the steering. After this, the steering was still sticking, but got better as time went on. It seems to stick the most when the temperature is below 40 deg. F. I have not had the repairs done yet.
While vehicle was being serviced technician noticed that the ball joints along with the tie rod ends were loose. *ak
Upper and lower ball joints deteriorating 5-24-2004, 27,675 miles steering intermediate shaft 6-22-2004. Ball joints, lower control arm, and right wheel bearing had to be replaced by dealer.*ak steering intermediate shaft had to be replaced at freehold dodge nj very loose front end, hard to control, bounce. Typical symptoms of a front end falling apart. Dates above are replacement dates. Third major problem is all of the bolts attaching the cab are deteriorated. Taking to my nm dodge dealer. Can not even take off the bots they are so bad on the cab of my truck [xxx] I have been the owner from day one. In my parents name in new jersey for insurance rate reduction. Updated 07/24/2012* js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)
Consumer had to replace the upper and lower ball joints and inner tie rods at 42,000 miles. *ak the ball joints and tie rod ends had excessive play.
Defective upper and lower ball joints on my 98 dodge dakota. I just went to les schwab to get new tires and an allignment when they told me all of my ball joints needed to be replaced. This seems way to soon for this type of problem. And it cost me 800 dollars to get it fixed.
While vehicle was being serviced mechanic determined that ball joints and tie rod ends were loose.
Ball joints and steering column on my 1998 dodge dakota pickup truck. Both were worn out after 30,000 miles.
Heard crackling and poping from the left front wheel, and truck starting to pull to the left. Found ny-lock spindle nut (torqued to 185#, factory spec's) almost off. Right hand threaded spindle with inner race of bearing rotating in a counter-clockwise direction against the nut. Bearing trashed, having to buy whole hub assembly @ $163. Checked right wheel assembly while front end raised and was able to turn nut with a pair of 10" channel locks. Had to redo both sides at 52+k origional miles, no one has tampered with vehicle. Where's the old repairable system with the cotter key?
Upper and lower ball joint require replacements as well as tie rods.
While having tires replaced and aligned mechanic noticed that the lower ball joints and inner tie rods were defective and needed to be replaced before an alignment could be performed.
While driving at 40-50 MPH consumer heard a sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the consumer that rack and pinion needed replacement.
Nar 02/28/2003 mr the consumer has experienced problems with the steering system.
Consumer states that vehicle wonders all over the road. Took to dealer and dealer replaced the tie rods, ball joints, upper control arm. Consumer states six months later problem reoccured. Please provide any further information.
While driving can hear a humming sound. Took vehicle to dealer, and they stated it was rack and pinion steering. Please provide any further information.
When turning to the left the steering wheel will lockup and no turn. Heard popping noise and steering worked again. Replaced rack and pinion
When leaving steering wheel set in a certain position and vehicle turned off. Consumer returned after six hours and steering wheel was locked up. Consumer felt unsafe because vehicle will take off in that position. *ak
Whine at 45 MPH, complained at first service, replaced rack and pinion ger kit + some bearings, etc. Noise still there. Replaced again at 35964// replaced again on vacation out of town @ 40k due to being advised it was possible too dangerous to continue driving it. Whine still there... Replaced again at 52k + bearing axle shafts... Whine is still there... Concern that a deeper more internal part (never replaces) is causing all this wear & eventually will cause an accident on the road.
In 1999 steering was tight/ hard to turn, and difficult to steer. Consumer tookvehicle to dealer, and they replaced rack and pinion. Currently, vehicle needs another rack and pinion. *ak consumer states he thought he saw where there was a recall regarding steering on his vehicle. Ball joints need replaced, however shop could not get the pin out to make repairs. Front end needed alignment, it was out of specs.
There is play in the steering wheel which contains the rack and pinion steering, first starting at a half inch, dealer could not find problem, play is up to one inch and a quarter.
Engine experiences rough and low idle, and stalling, dealer has replaced throttle body, manifold gaskets, and valve body, however stalling still exists, dealer stated the combination of stopping, shifting, and the turning of the steering wheel causes the engine to stall, there was also an oil pan leak and coolant leak, purge solenoid was also noisy. Reverse lights had a defective switch and the headlights had a defective switch. Exhaust was noisy and the exhaust bolts were broken. Moldings were leaking, dealer had to also replace carpet. Brakes locked up, dealer found they were full of brake dust, front rotors gouged, dealer replaced brakes and rotors. Steering gear box and power steering gear assembly both leaked. Transmission experienced many problems, a defective leaking pressure line, vibration in driveline, vehicle would slam in reverse when going from drive, differential was replaced due to a humming noise, and the gear shift broke. New tires (no size or brand) due to vibration in front end.
Tie rods on both ends are worn out with about 48,000 miles which may cause the tie rods to break. Please provide further information.
Loose clunking eminating from the steering wheel and brake pedal. This occurs when turning, accelerating and applying the breaks. Appears to be a loose fitting in the steering wheel colom or the mid shaft. Getting worse all the time. Only 21k on this truck. Also, truck slides all over the road when surface is damp or wet. This happens even at low speeds. Antilock system does not appear to work. Truck also burns up tires after 15k miles. Engine miss-fires and utilizes way to much fuel. Aprox. 12 mpg. Overall, my two main concerns are the steering and brakes. Problem. This is most certainly an unsafe vehicle which should be looked into before someone looses their life. The time is now, not later. I have been in contact with several owners of this year and model. They too report the same sittuation with respect to the steering and brake system.
Steering coupler wears, front brakes and rotors wear excessively, serious ball joint wear even though greased regularely,(greased every 2,000 miles)
1. Front crank seal leaking at first oil change, dealer finally replaced. 2. Leaking front right shock absorber noticed at first oil change. Dealer replaced both at owners request. 3. There is a loud popping sound coming from the front steering components when the vehicile is in motion and you turn the steering wheel lock to lock. The sound is made when turning left or right. 4. Water leak through back slider window resulted in two new carpet/pad assemblies to installed. Dealer finally fixed after 4th visit and threat of filing for lemon law protection. 5. Drivers side air bag failed to deploy at 25 MPH in a front end collision.
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