1999 Dodge Dakota: loss of power steering

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Airbags, Brakes · 62,000 miles · ME · crash

Every time I used the lighter the fuse would blow, my radio would fail and I would have troubles with my wipers. I checked all fuses and didn't find a problem. All of a sudden my headlights will go out and once in a while if I click my high beams on and off the driving headlights will eventually come back on. I was in northern maine and I lost my power steering. I had to walk through the woods to a cabin I could see had its house light on and knock on the door for help. Once my truck was freed from being stuck I had to drive 3 miles back to the mountain w/no power steering. When I brought it to the local dealer they showed me that there was some long silver rod like thing, which had just broken in half!! I didn't think anything of it because it was still covered under warranty. A while later, my brake system had to be replaced at a cost of $800. I said I just didn't have the money at that time. Lee dodge of westbrook maine called and said they could fix the problem for $150! I had an accident about january 2001 and my airbag did not go off. I was run off the road in a snowstorm and hit a tree. This past june my truck went in to be inspected and I was told my upper control arms and ball joints needed to be replaced!! Even I knew that at 44k or so miles it was far too soon for me to need those parts replaced. I live on a fixed income because I am disabled. When I went to pick up my truck my passenger side door would no longer close correctly, my hood would no longer open and the headlight problem became much worse. Before I had the chance to have the car looked at, I had an accident. I had pulled out of my drive and my boyfriend pulled out after me in my brother?s car. When he pulled out of a drive, I went to pull up along side him, my tires were spinning on piles of wet leaves, my wheel would not respond, my gas and my brake would not respond. I had both feet on the floor not either gas or brake... The truck then thrust forward and hit my brother?s car!

Filed Dec 18, 2003 · Suspension · 54,000 miles · VT

While driving a noise was heard coming from the front end of the vehicle, and the steering became difficult. Dealer determined the upper ball joints were worn out and replaced them.

Filed Nov 19, 2003 · Brakes, Steering · 55,748 miles · GA

Consumer stated while driving on the highway, the power steering failed, which almost caused an accident . After the power steering malfunctioned, the vehicle was hard to steer. Also, the consumer found out that gear box had a hole in it. There was a 2 inch piece of a bolt that was knocked out with forced pressure. The dealer did not want to help the consumer.*ak the steering box leaked and contained excessive play. The rotors and windshield wipes needed to be replaced. *jb

Filed Jan 18, 2001 · Steering · PA · crash · 1 injury

Due to defective steering shaft and pump while driving steering system malfunctioned, causing no power steering, which may result in vehicle crashing over an embankment. *ak the cause for power steering problem was discovered to be power steering pump failure.

Filed Oct 17, 2000 · Brakes, Electrical · NY

Engine stalled, check engine light - on, odometer read "no bus" lost power steering and power brakes, would not restart and had towed, problem traced to 20amp fuse and computer module.

Filed Aug 30, 1999 · Electrical · PA · fire

While driving at 60 MPH and without prior warning vehicle shut down. Consumer had no brakes/ no power steering. Consumer pulled over to the side of the road, and saw black smoke coming from under the hood.