My husband and I own a 1998 dodge dakota, VIN [xxx]. We have had numerous problems with this vehicle, beginning in the second year of our lease. During the past four years, we have spent approximately $9,000 on vehicle repairs including a new transmission, new engine, new starter, new wheel baring, new brake caliper, new heater core and new water pump. The catalytic converter and alternator have been replaced twice and two o2 sensors have been replaced. The air conditioner has been repaired four times. While these repairs have been costly and inconvenient, none of them has posed a safety concern per se. I am writing now to complain about our most recent vehicle failure which most certainly is a safety issue. On november 18, 2004, my husband was driving approximately 35 MPH when his front driver side tire broke off from the axle. The tire fell on its side and the truck landed on the tire. The steering wheel locked up, and the truck skidded to a stop in the left turn lane. My husband had no control of the truck. When we took the truck to our mechanic, he found that the passenger side wheel was near the breaking point as well and replaced that axle as well. We are still driving on the two front tires, but we were informed that we should get an alignment and probably have the tires replaced as well. We understand that dodge has recalled the 2000-2003 dakotas for this same defect. We believe that our vehicle should also be covered under this recall. *nm updated 07/24/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)
1998 Dodge Dakota: complete transmission failure
6 of the 544 complaints about the 1998 Dodge Dakota describe complete transmission failure.
- owner complaints
- 6
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- recalls
- 0
Complete transmission failure by model year
What owners say
I have had numerous problems with my 1998 dodge dakota. I purchased it brand new. 2 months after 8/98 purchase date, the transmission went out. The brakes have had to be replaced several times, the map sensor went out while driving down the highway causing the vehicle to shut down. I recently had to replace the lower ball joints. The seat belts come off entirely too easy. All of this and the vehicle only has 39,000 miles on it. I sent arbitration papers to chrysler twice with no response.
Vehicle purchased aug. 24, 1999. Receipt of certified letter from national dispute center-dallas, texas. Sign this lemon disclosure paper not signed when you bought truck. Dealer signed contract with chrysler to disclose to next buyer they were purchasing a laundered lemon. The dealer, finance officer, nor the salesman disclosed this information to me at any time. If I didn't receive form from texas, it would still be covered up. Numerous transmission failures - hauled in twice with nothing showing at the dealership. I worry each time I get behind the wheel. Who will get maimed or killed? Dealer committed fraud by failure to disclose. Please help. No safety defect listed in summary.
Transmission failed twice.
Transmission failed. Yh
Transmission failure.also, engine check light came on.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Subject regarding revision in diagnostic procedures and labor operation times for re transmissions
- Automatic transmission fluid usage ATF+4
- Some customers may complain of a red-in-color oil seepage from under the vehicle
- Customer complaint of NV-242 and NV-242HD sector shaft seal oil seepage from under the vehicle
- Some vehicles may experience a high-speed driveline vibration
- 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
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 1998 Dodge Dakota transmission failure
Is complete transmission failure a common problem on the 1998 Dodge Dakota?
6 of 544 owner complaints about the 1998 Dodge Dakota (1%) mention complete transmission failure. The model year with the most reports is 2000.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1998 Dodge Dakota?
There are 0 recalls and 12 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1998 Dodge Dakota
Ball joint 189Brake failure 17Grinding brakes 17No deployment 16Premature wear 16Steering noise 11Knocking 10Harsh shifting 10Headlights 9Pulling 9ABS 7Seat belt 7Stalling 7Engine failure 5
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