2000 Dodge Dakota: jerking or lurching

Filed Dec 12, 2004 · Suspension · 50,000 miles · KY

My wife drives a 2000 dodge dakota club cab 2 wheel drive I drive a 1999 dakota 2 wheel drive. For months my wife's truck had a popping noise from the left front end it was examined and nothing was found wrong we kept driving it,the popping got much worse and the steering wheel would jerk to the left. On one occasion we heard a much louder pop we pulled back in the driveway I jacked up the front left of the truck to look under, once the weight came off the front end side, the whole wheel fell to the ground. After examination I found that the upper arm ball joint assembly had separated. The socket was rusted very worn,and did not conform to the ball. The ball was very worn rusted and miss shaped the rubber boot was worn and pieces missing. The ball joint assembly was replaced (we kept the old part)my 1999 dakota exhibits the same problem as my wife's and continues to get worse. We are still hearing a popping noise from my wife's truck the same as before. We had heard of this problem a year ago on cbs news and contacted daimler chrysler many times and have not heard back. On 12-9-04 the federal gov.ordered a recall,on 2000-2003 durangos 4x4 and dakotas with 4 wheel drive.our trucks are 2 wheel drive and prove that the problem exists on other non 4 wheel drive trucks.

Filed Dec 10, 2004 · Brakes · TX

Two months ago consumer experienced suspension problems. The front end jerked, especially while making turns. He took vehicle to dealer to get it serviced, and mechanic determined that the problem was caused by the rotors. They needed to be shaved.

Filed Oct 15, 2004 · Suspension · IN · crash

While driving 30 MPH, the vehicle jerked and vibrated uncontrollably. The driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle and pulled over. The vehicle was towed to a body shop. The mechanic informed the driver that the upper and lower ball joint were broken and needed to be replaced. Please provide further details. *jb the consumer swerved to avoid hitting a deer. After swerving the left front of the vehicle fell to the ground and caused the vehicle to slid into a guard rail.

Filed Jul 23, 2004 · Brakes · MA

The brake disc steel is faulty, and pits. This causes very jerky, difficult, and unreliable braking. As if one was braking on top of logs. Two years ago we had the disc(s) machined, and that fixed the problem temporarily. But it returned. Today we are having the discs replaced. I think dodge should be made aware of this problem, and recall it.

Filed May 17, 2004 · Brakes · 38,000 miles · SC

While braking, the brakes were warped, and vehicle jerked forward. This problem was causing extended stopping distance. Dealership mechanic tried to repair the problem 4 times but the problem recurred.

Filed Jan 12, 2004 · Steering · CT

Purchased 2000 dodge dakota. Quad cab summer 2002, approximately 20,000 miles at time of purchase. Vehicle covered under warranty at that time. Had problems with steering. The wheel would jerk from side to side as if the power steering would engage and then disengage during a turn. Brought to dealer. They said they fixed problem by replacing steering column. Problem was not fixed. Returned to dealer. Replaced bearings in column during second repair. Did not fix problem. Returned again, dealer(formerly courtesy dodge, norwich, ct) stated that they sold there warranty to another dealership and they could not make repair. I would have to take to other dealership. Taken to other dealer ship but at this time problem had not been fixed and vehicle was over 36,000 miles. Dealer said I would have to fill out forms and that it was unlikely the repair would be authorized. How is it if the repair was never completed that they are allowed to wait until warranty expires and say too bad. I was then recalled by the military and had to drive my vehicle to new jersey so the repair was never completed. Thanks, now courtesy kia. I wish I could conduct my business like the dealers. Just ignore the problem and it will go away!!!!!!!. Im not finished with this yet!!!! Jpl.

Filed Jan 12, 2004 · Suspension · 45,000 miles · MN

2000 dodge dakota 4.7l quad cab ball joints started making squeaking noises when turning at around 40,000 miles. Noise is now getting unbearable and steering somewhat "lurches" when turning tightly. Needs major work on ball joints much earlier than would be reasonable.

Filed Jul 20, 2001 · Brakes · WA

Have taken the truck in 3 times for bad jerky braking. Front rotors turned and now they want to replace the front rotors and machine the rear drums, but have not decided if they will cover under waranty. Currently at 18,000 , miles. Symtoms started at approx 9,000 miles and have never been fixed with diagnosis and repair attempts thus far. My brothers year 2000 dodge dakota is experienceing the same problems. We are both afraid to take children in truck for fear the brakes will suddenly fail completely.

Filed Feb 22, 2001 · Brakes · MN

At 6000 miles I had a jerk when applying the brakes, I got much worse as time went on. At 14000 miles I finally had the dealership replace the rotors because braking was very dangerous. Now at 30000 I once again have problems. I have to replace the rotors very soon again and I have a feeling that the rear drums are also warped. I also have a awful squeel coming from all 4 brakes. I work with 3 people that have 97 or newer and they all have the same problem.

Filed Dec 11, 2000 · Electrical · OR

Initial problem (mileage 17,803)was that the truck did not want to start, and the check engine light was on. Truck finally started and was taken to the before mentioned dealer. They checked the codes: no crank reference signal at powertrain control module, replaced crank sensor and retested o.k. / (mileage 18,809) check engine light came on for two days, idle was erratic intermittently, light went out. Came back on one day later with same erratic idl, truck stalled once at idle but started right back up. Took it again to same dealer. They checked the codes, scanned the sensors and found an open circuit inside the power train control module. They ordered and replaced the module.(mileage 19,341) service engine light on again, erratic idle at times. Returned to same dealer who found bad ground connection in the transmission control module. Replaced the module and it retested o.k. (mileage approx 19, 370) while driving 40-45mph vehicle jerked strongly as if engine momentarily stalled and restarted, immediately after, the check engine light came on and the vehicle drove like it had a heavy load in the bed. Idle was erratic and would stall unless shifted into nutral and revved. This lasted for approx 5 miles. Upon starting up again the truck would run normally exept that the check engine light would still be on. Returned again to the same dealer: thay found the battery to fail load test and replaced it. They also replaced the crank position sensor. It was test driven for 70 miles by the dealer with no recurrence. (mileage approx 19,430) same day after picking up the truck from the dealer and approx 15 miles and again driving 40-45 MPH the truck jerked strongly and the check engine light came on. Same sluggish power and erratic idle as before. This has all transpired within a two month period, the dealer says they have been conferring with "detroit". I cannot find any reference on the internet as to a recall for this problem, or likewise any service bulletins. Thanks

Filed Nov 28, 2000 · Electrical, Suspension · FL

Speedometer does not operate smoothly. On acceleration or deceleration movement is erratic (jerky); it moves as if it is getting stuck. Dealer has replaced the instrument cluster 3 times with no improvement. They now say this operation is 'normal' beacuse it is electronic and computer controlled. They now appear to be unwilling to do anything else to the truck. The suspension pops/clunks when making sharp right turns. It occasionally will also pop when stopping and immediately again upon startup (going straight). The intensity of the noise varies. Dealer says they can't find the problem until it gets worse.

Filed Nov 4, 2000 · Transmission · TX

My truck dies when it is cold and warm, jerks when shifted into drive, and jerks when shfting from second to third..