1999 Dodge Dakota: pulls to one side

Filed Sep 10, 2008 · Brakes · 68,500 miles · NY · fire

Two years ago I purchased a 1999 dodge dakota 4wd pick up truck with approx. 63k miles. At 68,500 miles I replaced the brake rotors, pads and calipers. The caliper bolts pulled out of the spindle on each wheel and allowed the caliper to drop down onto the rotor causing the brakes to pull to the left side and overheat. When I removed the calipers the bolts were removable by hand and the threading in the spindle was rusted out and would not hold new caliper bolts. I contacted two dodge dealers (parts dept) and they stated they knew of no problems with the spindles. I checked on the internet and it seems that there has been an ongoing problem with the bolts pulling out of the spindles on this model of dakota's and durango's. This is clear cut safety problem that should be the responsibility of dodge and the federal safety agency should be forcing them to make the repair or at least provide the parts for a solution. Please note that the left front wheel did begin to overheat and actually began to catch on fire which required me to stop the vehicle and allow it to cool down and temporarily adjust the caliper in order to get home.

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 Oct 31, 2005 · Steering, Suspension · 34,000 miles · MI

99 dodge dakota steering felt loose and wandered at highway speeds, I took it in for a alignment, technician informed me upper and lower ball joints and 1 tie rod were worn past spec, had to be replaced. The truck only has 34000 miles on it!, is in mint shape, and never driven offroad. I understand chrysler recalled 2000+ up dakota/durango for ball joint problems, what about 97-99 models? Same vehicle/ same problem. Can you say rip-off.

Filed Jul 14, 2005 · Suspension · MO

Dt: contact states the upper and lower ball joints on the right side and left side had to be replaced due to a rejection notice from a safety inspection. This year when the vehicle was taken to be inspected they rejected the safety part of the vehicle. The vehicle will not stay in alignment. When the vehicle was being driven it made a thumping noise and pulled to the right side. The steering wheel constantly had to be turned to the left. There was abnormal wear on the tires, and the tires had to be replaced. There was a recall on model year 2003-2004 for this component, but this model year was not included in the recall. The vehicle has not been to a service dealer yet. The consumer was going to call the manufacturer.

Filed Mar 17, 2005 · Steering, Suspension · 83,000 miles · MN

1999 dodge dakota 4x4 (83,000): vehicle "wanders". Noisey front suspension. Local shop diagnosed as worn ball joints and tie rod ends.

Filed Dec 13, 2004 · Suspension · 68,000 miles · MI

While driving 35 MPH or more vehicle wandered while in motion. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the consumer that the upper/lower ball joints needed to be replaced on both sides.

Filed Mar 30, 2004 · Suspension · AR

Since I bought the dakota I have had problems with front end alignment, weraring of tires and breaks and other items associated with suspension. The vehicle pulls to the right. As I drive down the road the vehicle has a wobble in the front end,causing abnormal wear on the tires stress on the breaks and hideous noise. Presently the wheel sounds as if it is going to fall off making a grinding noise as I drive down the road. I have recently replaced the full break assembly(rotors, shoes,calipers,bearings etc). The noise is getting progressively worse. Th e nois might even be considered a public nuisance. The noise is so bad that innocent pedestrains look at my vehicle in shock and awe of the terrible racket as I drive past. The dealer caims that I need control arms. This will cost quite a bit in addition to what I have already invested in the dakota (22k + repairs to suspension and interest). I could have made a decent down payment on a new dodge with what I have spent on the dakotas front end. I have seen several complaints on the above issues and believe that dodge should do the right and safe thing by issuing a recall.. The recall cannot come soon enough. Am I safe driving the dakota?

Filed Dec 12, 2003 · Suspension · 44,000 miles · FL

While driving vehicle pulled to the right. Dealer determined that the upper and lower ball joints wore out.

Filed May 6, 2002 · Suspension · WI

Consumer states vehicle pulls to the left at all times. Dealer found excessive play in ball joints and had to replace them, also performed a front end alignment.

Filed Sep 20, 2000 · Engine, Steering · TN

Vehcile wanders left to right on dry road. Front end vibrates intermitently. Consumer has been waiting for the district representative to call but no contact.*ak engine valve failed five times. Steering failed three times. Rear oil seal is leaking.

Filed Mar 15, 2000 · Brakes · MI

While driving vehicle pulls to the right all the time, consumer fears that car may lose control, and there may be an accident. Took to dealer, and they said it was normal. *ak

Filed Dec 17, 1998 · Suspension · NY

Vehicle is pulling to the right. Dealer has done an alignment, but defect is still occurring and it has gotten worse, causing the tire to wear out on right side, which could result in loss of vehicle control.