2000 Dodge Dakota: engine knocking or ticking

Filed Mar 8, 2006 · Engine · 56,278 miles · OH

My wife was driving home from work in my 2000 dodge dakota pickup truck. She heard a knocking noise and the engine locked up. Fortunately she was able to coast to a stop (she of course lost all power assist to the steering and brakes). The dealership denied my extended warranty claim so I purchased a rebuilt engine block and I am in the process of having it installed. There was excessive sludge buildup in the manifold and a piston rod had broken.

Filed Nov 13, 2005 · Steering · 72,000 miles · FL · crash

On my 2000 dodge dakota my steering knuckle snapped past the tie rod on the wheel part of the right passenger side if the vehicle (front) this part is approximately a 1 inch by one inch of solid steel. This resulted in a crash with a parked manatee county patrol car. I believe this part should not have snapped under any circumstances. The investigating police offier agreed. I was not issued any traffic violation after the officer saw what had happened. I also believe this is a manufacturer defect that should be investigated . I plan to be following up on this with a phone call to your ageny. I wonder how many ticking time bombs are out there? I am aware of the recall of upper ball joints falling off and I am wondering if maybe defective steel is the cause.

Filed Oct 27, 2004 · Suspension · 60,000 miles · AK

The front end of my 2000 dodge dakota quad cab 4wd knocks during turns. Front tires badly worn. Brought to independent shop and was told front ball joints, shocks, and tie rod ends badly worn and not safe to drive. Will cost over $900 to repair. First noticed front end noise around 60000 miles.

Filed Mar 8, 2004 · Suspension · 10,000 miles · SC

I too am experiencing shaking, popping in the front end of my 2000 dodge dakota quad..turn the wheel too sharply and a bad shake, engine wants to die out. Tires aren't wearing evenly (2nd set) and on my 3rd set of rotors (all warped, mechanic in columbia, sc said dodge put undersized rotors on...knock on wood - rotors are hanging in there so far after 1 year). Tires & rotors (way too many changes have cost me over $2000 with a brake job). I now have something called a lock actuator that has gone bad, locks make horrible noise when locking/unlocking & rear right doesn't lock. Humid mornings make for a rough start as the engine will race in park (high idle), then rapidly drop, dies out sometimes. Dealer couldn't replicate the problem (they admitted not starting it until noon!!).

Filed Jan 25, 2004 · Suspension · 90,000 miles · VA

After hearing of the problems with upper ball joints, I pulled the right side upper ball joint loose and found extreme play in the joint. The dealership could not locate a joint for me anywhere in the state and determined that the joint was backordered by 3000. To get the ball joint I had to replace the whole upper control arm at the price of 175.00.(part only) I removed the original control arm and cut away the rubber seal to find that the lower portion of the joint was fractured and the joint was worn to the point that it was about to fall apart. I believe that with some pressure I could pull the joint apart with my hands. What makes this problem so dangerous is that I had no pulling, tire wear, knocking, or creaking noises to alert me of this problem. If I had not taken a proactive look at this joint, it would definitely have come apart soon. I have saved the part and would be willing to ship it to anyone who would like to examine it. I have also ordered a left side ball joint to replace as soon as it is available. It is clear that this is a defective product and should be replaced by the manufacturer. Dodge should ignore the lawyers and step up to the plate to do what is right. It might just save a customer. Right now the new ford truck is looking better than the dodge for my next purchase.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine · 58,000 miles · MI

The vehicle experienced an engine surge, engine knocking and lost of oil pressure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the consumer received no help. Please provide any additional information.

Filed Oct 29, 2003 · Electrical, Engine · 35,000 miles · NC

The spark plugs knock in the engine, causing damage to the intake gasket. Dealer replaced the intake gasket.

Filed Jan 15, 2001 · Brakes, Electrical · GA

As of 10/22/00 until 01/14/01 I have had 18 problems with vehicle. Wont start at different times, but will restart after several minutes. Transmission stays in 3rd gear or slips in & out of gear. Brakes make growling noise & shutter. Truck will die with no warning. Has spark knock with 87 or 89 octane fuel. Many problems.

Filed Oct 30, 2000 · Brakes, Wheels · TN

While coming to a stop pedal went half way to the floor, and consumer could hear a ticking sound. Took to dealer, and dealer could't duplicate problem. *ak the left rear wheel locked up and slided briefly while trying to stops.