1999 Dodge Dakota: rotors or pads wearing out early

Filed Apr 11, 2008 · Suspension · 6,000 miles · PA

I have had so many problems with this vehicle, I don't know where to begin. After purchasing this vehicle new, within the first year and several trips to the dealership for a clunking noise which got louder and faster as I accelerated the dealer couldn't figure out what it was. After picking it up the umteenth time, the noise was still there, I drove back to the dealership demanding they figure it out. They put there qa tech on it and discovered it was the drive shaft. That was replaced and I have had nothing but problems with the transmission slipping, the tires prematurely wearing, ball joints have been replaced several times. They were replaced in december 07 the last time, less than a year before the last time, along with new tires. It is now april 11, 2008 and I was just told after servicing the vehicle they need replaced again and the tires are wearing. The air conditioning failed several times, the brakes and rotors wear bi-annually and don't stop properly, after about 60,000 miles, the computer went on this vehicle, leaving me stranded many, many times. It was at the dealership several times for this and they couldn't detect the problem, even after my personal mechanic told them what it was. I had to have this fixed on my own because the dealership couldn't. The front passenger seat belt sticks and is difficult to unfastened, the paint on this vehicle is almost completely gone from everywhere but the sides of the vehicle. The serious safety issues with this vehicle are ridiculous and really need to be addressed by the manufacturer. How many deaths are you waiting for to occur before you make the manufacturer accountable for their defects??? Is it going to take a death to occur and chrysler to be sued for their neglect and faulty equipment?????

Filed Jul 6, 2007 · Brakes · IL · crash

1999 dodge dakota applied brake and vehicle pulled to the left**cw** 2nd car from document number 10195900 the consumer stated when the brakes are applied, the brake pads wear, and pressure was being placed on the lugs/slide bars. The consumer also stated that it was also quite possible the brakes could be delayed from engaging because the backing plates are not able to ride up and over the wear spot. The consumer stated when he attempted to apply the brakes a delay in braking occurred, followed by a slight shudder, then the wheel locked up. The vehicle didn't stop and consequently he rear ened another vehicle.

Filed Dec 17, 2004 · Suspension · 56,000 miles · OH

The consumer had the ball joints replaced for premature wear. The vehicles performance was poor and the sound was excruciating.

Filed Dec 13, 2004 · Suspension · 67,571 miles · CO

I took my 1999 dodge dakota pickup truck in to have it aligned. The mechanics at big o tire told me it could not be aligned due to bad upper and lower ball joints and tie rod ends. Big o tires informed me that not only were the parts worn prematurely, but that it presented a dangerous situation and that my wheels could fall off the truck. I did not believe big o, so I took the truck to loveland bear alignment for a second opinion. Loveland bear alignment verified what big o told me, and in addition told me that to use chrysler parts would not be acceptable because the chrysler replacement parts were as defective as the parts being replaced and that it would not solve the problem of premature wear and danger of the wheels falling off. The vehicle had 67,571 miles on it at the time I was told this. Due to both the safety concern over my wheels possibly falling off and the need to align the vehicle to avoid wearing out my new tires, I ordered the ball joint and tie rod ends replaced with lifetime warranty aftermarket parts followed by alignment. The repairs to my vehicle cost approximately $1,037.00. So far, the only consequences were premature wear on the last set of tires and the fact that I was compelled to replace the parts for safety concern and the ability to perform a front end alignment on the vehicle. The old parts are not available. I now understand that there is a recall in effect for this vehicle but only for 2000 and newer vehicles. I want you to be informed that the defect also affects at least some vehicles manufactured in 1999 and to request that you extend the recall to include my vehicle.

Filed Apr 19, 2004 · Suspension · OH

Premature wear to upper and lower ball joints on 1999 dodge dakota. Dealership quoted $1000.00 to fix! I put new tires on the truck and they were unable to do an allignment because of this problem. It's seems very unsafe.

Filed Mar 26, 2004 · Brakes · 12,000 miles · WA

Warped rotors. Third set of roters in 46,000 miles. They are too small for this truck. Causes pulsating .

Filed Dec 23, 2003 · Suspension · 38,000 miles · ME

Upper and lower ball joint premature wear

Filed Oct 30, 2003 · Suspension · 48,000 miles · SD

Premature wear of ball joints in my 1999 dodge dakota. Vehicle has less that 48000 on it and was told when I went for an alignment that my ball joints were wearing out. Shouldn't be wearing out so soon. Have not replaced yet, dealer mechanic claims he has seen quite a few of these.

Filed Apr 27, 2003 · Brakes · 12,000 miles · AL

It seems that by reading numerous online bbs about dodge dakota's, the problems with the braking problems are very prevalent. I have had problems with my front rotors warping since almost day one with no satisfactory accommodations by the manufacturer or dealer where I bought my new truck. There needs to be a recall because this is certainly a widespread safety problem with this particular make and model. Please help the consumer.

Filed May 11, 2002 · Brakes · MO

It seems my front brake rotors and rear drums are warped causing severe pulsating, shaking and vibration when brakes are applied with normal pressure. The problem is getting more severe now each month. This problem has progrssed to a point now that I noticed the quality and performance of the ABS braking is suffering. The ABS system locked up my brakes during a light rain at a stop system causing my dakota to slide halfway through an intersection. I am afraid the sensors are getting bad information due to the already pulsating brakes by the apparant drum and rotor warpage. I have a 1969 chevy impala with the original drums and 110,000 miles, these brakes still work fine.

Filed Dec 11, 2001 · Engine, Fuel system · MI

There is premature wear of intake manifold. Dealer has replaced manifold 5 times. Manufacturer will be notified.

Filed Aug 6, 2001 · Suspension · WV

Upper ball joints are prematurely wearing which has caused a problem with steering control. Also, vehicle has developed a very loud noise, cause unknown.