2001 Dodge Dakota: loss of power steering

Filed Jul 18, 2009 · Steering · NY · crash

Lower steering column shaft has a bushing that failed causing loss of steering. Truck veered into a ditch at 30mph. I called dealership to purchase this part and found out that it is on a backorder of over 100. Went to several auto recyclers and used parts stores and found that even they have the part backordered. This shows a huge safety issue if there are several backorders and the parts is a required to safely operate the vehicle. I am surprised that there are no active recalls on this item.

Filed Mar 14, 2008 · Suspension · 65,689 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 dodge dakota. While driving 2 MPH, the contact heard a banging noise coming from the passenger side front tire. He stated that the steering was difficult to turn. Upon inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that the passenger side front lower ball joints were disengaged. The mechanic stated that the cause of the failure was due to the lower ball joints not being lubed. In addition, the lower ball joints were rubbing against the upper ball joints. The mechanic replaced the front lower and upper ball joints. There had been no further occurrences. The failure mileage was 65,689 and current mileage was 66,471.

Filed Mar 31, 2006 · Airbags, Engine · WA · crash · 2 injuries

2001 dodge dakota pick up, loss of steering, resulting in a off the road crash and rollover with injuries. (one moment later could have resulted in deaths.)

Filed Oct 27, 2003 · Suspension · 23,558 miles · NY

I have a 2001 dodge dakota pickup. Last year it started making a squeaky noise (like an old car creaking) in the front end. I have taken it into dealmaker dodge here in watertown, ny. The first time taking it in they stated that the noise was from loose bolts in the front end and that they just tightened them up. The noise progressively got worse. I took it in again and they told me that it was possibly the sway bars. Then the oct. 10, 2003 I was driving and when I hit a bump in the road, something popped in the front end, the front end dropped down and I lost steering of the truck. This was extremely frightening. I immediately drove the truck very slowly over to dealmaker dodge and they looked at it (never test drove it, just looked at it). They stated that they are not sure what happened but that maybe the sway bars gave way. Tim (service mgr) stated that they would need to order bushings and a part for the steering box and that until they came in the truck would be safe to drive. Unfortunately, I did not feel it was safe to drive - we parked the truck in our driveway until the parts came in. We asked why this happened to a fairly new truck and tim (service mgr) could not answer us, he did not know. We took the truck in once the parts arrived and had it worked on. When I went to pick it up, I asked tim (service mgr) what did they do to the truck (repairs)? He stated he did not know but that his warranty girl was out of the office and that they would mail me a copy of the paperwork. Upon receipt of this paperwork, it noted that both sway bar bushings were replaced as well as the coupling. The noise seems to be gone in the front end, however, when I go over bumps or rough road, it still makes a popping noise in the front end. After watching the cbs evening news tonight with regard the front end safety issues about dakotas, I am now very concerned about the safety of myself and the life of passengers while driving this vehicle.

Filed May 31, 2003 · Steering, Transmission · 29,980 miles · TX

2001 dodge dakota quad cab 4x4 driving along the hwy around curve at 55 miles and hour power steering failed almost had a head on collision. The truck has been in the shop for a week being fixed under warranty. Odometer 29980.00 miles. I have had multiple problems with this truck ever since it was bought new, they had to replace the power steering pump, malfunction indicator light (mil) on the dash. Transmission slipping. Received the truck back from the dealer drove 22 miles transmission slipping again mil light on again. Had to replace the radio malfunction, I could go on and on. I feel that the power steering failing, could have cost my wifes life not to mention the occupents of the on comming truck. The truck is driven by her 99 percent of the time. I just happened to be driving it on the long weekend. I was able to fight with it and managed to drive to the side of the road. I feel that this should not have accured with the kind of mileage precent on the truck as well as the age. Any help you can profide in addressing these issues, would be appreciated

Filed Jan 23, 2002 · Steering · NC

While making a left turn at 10 MPH, the steering wheel became very stiff. Steering wheel was stuck to the position. Wheel would not straighten up. *akconsumer states that the power steering failed for approximately 80 miles, consumer parked vehicle overnight and power steering worked.