2000 Dodge Dakota: clunking or noise when steering

Filed Jan 19, 2005 · Steering · 36,000 miles · TN

Steering column develops clunk. Is most notable on braking and acceleration. Original column replaced at end of 36000 mi warranty period. New unit developed same problem after 12000 mi. Concerned that failure may cause binding in steering and loss of control.

Filed Jan 19, 2005 · Steering · 48,000 miles · NJ

The vehicle's steering rack failed resulting in noise while steering. *nm the vehicle was originally taken to the dealer to have the ball joint recall done. The consumer informed the dealer of a creaking noise in the steering and was informed that the noise was a symptom of the recalled ball joints. When the vehicle was finally taken to the dealer they indicated that the steering rack was faulty and causing the noise in the steering wheel. The consumer had to pay $1000. To have the steering rack replaced. The consumer believes this part should have been covered under the recall for the ball joints.

Filed Dec 7, 2004 · Suspension · 70,000 miles · NY

Dodge dakota upper ball joint failure. Shaking steering wheel and front end noise clued me in to the known problem. Ball joints were replaced with better moog greasable ones.

Filed Sep 8, 2004 · Suspension · 67,022 miles · NY

The upper control arm broke at 5 MPH. This caused the left front tire to cave in. Vehicle was towed to dealer, who replaced the upper control are on both sides. *ak on right hand turns, there was a clunk noise and the steering had become difficult. The tire collapsed in the wheel well. The control arm broke.

Filed Apr 9, 2004 · Suspension · GA

Upper and lower ball joints wore out. Makes a horrible popping sound when turning the wheel or intially going forward and backing up while cutting the wheel.

Filed Nov 18, 2003 · Suspension · 75,000 miles · TN

Frequent popping feeling in the steering wheel coming from front suspension. Always relates to front suspension up/down movement. Several garages have inspected, but cannot locate problem. Suspect problem has to do with early sign of ball joint failure. Dealer admits history front suspension and ball joint problems in this model.

Filed Sep 8, 2003 · Suspension, Tires · 60,280 miles · IN

While traveling at 20 MPH driver began to hear clicking noise coming from steering wheel. Steering wheel had a lot loose control, and the front right wheel was turning, but the left front wheel buckled under vehicle. Tires were wearing prematurely due to upper ball joint failure.

Filed Aug 22, 2003 · Brakes, Fuel system · NC

Consumer stated that while driving the vehicle would only shift to neutral. Dealer notified. *ph when the vehicle was in 3rd gear it went to neutral and the engine RPM's increased for a short period of time when the transmission should have changed to 4th gear. The vehicle had been to the service dealer 6 times for repairs. There was a vibration in the front of the vehicle due to warped rotors. Faulty wheel bearings caused a popping noise in the steering when the consumer made left turns. *scc

Filed Feb 2, 2002 · Suspension · CA

Front suspension makes a popping noise when the steering wheel is turned and the vehicle's front suspension is compressing and decompressing. The dealer has been notified twice and they state that there is nothing wrong with it (unable to reproduce the problem).

Filed Jun 7, 2001 · Steering · NC

The steering wheel feels loose on the steering column. The vehicle regularly makes popping sound. The consumer believes the vehicle was unsafe to operate.

Filed Mar 27, 2001 · Brakes, Steering · MD

When steering to left or to right a noise will occur. Dealer replaced steering shaft once, and steering column twice, but noise still occurs. *ak rear brake drums and front brake rotors failed.

Filed Mar 8, 2001 · Steering, Suspension · FL

Consumer noticed a popping sensation coming from front end. *ak left front ball joint replaced, steering shaft freplaced, however popping noise still exists. Consumer states vehicle pulls to the right and there is tire wear.