2001 Dodge Dakota: harsh or hard shifting

Filed Oct 17, 2006 · Suspension · 88,000 miles · VA

1. Normal driving circumstances. Front end suspension started making clunking/popping noises and steering became erratic. Truck has 85,000 miles. 2. Could not safely drive the vehicle. The steering was too risky. I also noticed while the tow truck driver was pulling the vehicle onto the truck that the front right wheel was leaning over at about 30 degree angle. 3. Mechanic diagnosed that the upper ball joints has basically rusted and deteriorated. Lower joints were also on their way to failure. Additional research has shown that the 4 wheel drive models were recalled. Why weren't the 2 wheel drives. This problem mirrors the issue that they had.

Filed Jun 25, 2006 · Steering · MA

While driving on the highway, my front end didn't feel right. The following morning, I took my truck to my mechanic to check it out. He got in it to take it for a ride. When he turned the wheel, there was a clunk. We got out and looked, the passenger side front tire was turned to the right, the driver's side was straight. He said it looks like something happened to the tie rod. It turns out, the threads holding the tie rod together, stripped and it came apart. He said I was lucky it didn't happen on the highway that the wheel probably would have came off and it would have been disastrous. I still have the tie rod. I contacted daimler chrysler and told them about the problem and asked to be reimbursed for the repair. They told me that they won't reimburse me because I didn't bring it to a chrysler dealer. I was at my mechanics, what was I going to do? I think they just want to cover it up. My mechanic replaced the stripped tie rod on the driver side, and replaced the right outer tie rod end because it had play in it.

Filed Jun 24, 2005 · Suspension · 111,000 miles · GA

1. Clunking noise coming from the front end of my truck. 2. Upper ball joing wear at a dangerous level. 3. I had to have the parts replaced, and I still have the old part. This part was recalled under the 4x4 vehicles, and mine is 2wd so I had to pay for repairs. I believe my safety was at risk, and it had nothing to do with the fact my vehicle was not a 4wd.

Filed May 6, 2005 · Brakes, Steering · IL

I ben having a problem with a number of front suspension and especially front brake problems which began about four months after purchase of the vehicle. The dealership absolutely refuses to investigate my problems. I nearly lost control of my vehicle at high speed on two different occasions. If there had been heavy traffic it would have resulted in a crash. I am about o replace my third set of front brake pads as they are unevenly wearing on the rotors. I have vibration in the front end constantly, and at 30 MPH and above heavy sound of "clunking."

Filed Dec 13, 2004 · Steering, Suspension · 17,305 miles · NJ

2001 dodge dakota quad cab was serviced on six separate occasions for clunking in the front end while going over bumps and during turns. Several parts were replaced while under warranty but dealership insisted that ball joints and cv joints were fine. They also stated that no other complaints had been filed and that there was not a service bulletin regarding this problem. The problem became apparent within the first 17,000 miles and continues to persist.

Filed Nov 10, 2004 · Suspension · 12,000 miles · OH

I have a 2001 dodge dakota quad cab 4 x 4. The front suspension has been making a loud popping noise when I go over bumps or make turns at low speeds. I have taken it to a dodge dealer numerous times and they continue to say there is nothing wrong. Well now my truck is out of warranty and the problem still exist at 50000 miles. I have replaced all four shocks and there still is a problem with popping and clunking. Now I have resorted to taking it to firestone/master care and within minutes of being on the hoist the technician was able to identify the ball joints were shot. He said this is the first thing he looked at because he has had more than his fair share of dakotas with the same problem. Dodge has a serious problem on there hands and needs to address it before someone gets hurt. Please help! Thank you, ryan archey

Filed Oct 28, 2004 · Suspension · 56,000 miles · DC

2001 dodge dakota had a clunk in the front end when driving over bumps. It was later determined that the ball joints had failed at low mileage. *bf

Filed Oct 27, 2004 · Suspension · 6,000 miles · WA

I bought the truck new in 2001. I complained about clunking noises coming from the wheel area when I made turns. Slow and usually at intersections. Now it is more advanced and noisy on bumps.

Filed Oct 6, 2004 · Steering · 43,000 miles · MI

I have 44,000 miles on my 2001 quad cab dakota 4x4 and the steering has gotten really bad. It clunks and pops on turns and bumps so bad to the point I'm afraid to drive it. There is no reason this new of a vehicle and low mileage should have this kind of problem. Chrysler refuses to do anything about since my warranty is up and the dealer wants $930 to replace the rack & pinion steering which might not be bad.

Filed Jun 14, 2004 · Brakes, Suspension · DC

2001 dodge dakota had many problems with the drive train and brakes.*mr the consumer heard a clunking noise when shifting from park to drive, reverse, etc. The rear tire on the right side stuck out from the vehicle. The driveshaft seemed to have alot o slack in it. There was a popping noise in the front end when making sharp slow turns. There was a whining noise in the steering and rear end when turning. The vehicle was taken tot he dealer but they were unable to duplicate the problems. The brake, rotors, calipers had to be replaced between 55-8000 miles.

Filed Mar 25, 2004 · Suspension · DC

A continuous "clunk" in the front left suspension which the consumer was told was the ball joints. *ph the left side was at "380 degree" and the oe specific was "0," and needed to be replaced. A non dealer told the consumer that the original design was poor.

Filed Mar 4, 2004 · Suspension · 62,670 miles · PA

I own a 2001 dodge dakota and noticed a loud clunking sound from my wheel when I turn the wheel at a hard angle and it is worse when in 4 wheel drive. The vechicle is out of warranty so it has not been in to get repaired. I have saw several reports where similar noise resulted in a lost wheel on the vechicle. Dodge should recall this ball joint problem and make my vehicle safe to drive. I drive my vehicle for work sales purposes and put on very many miles per year at highway speeds. This noise happens most of the time and when cold or in 4 wheel drive worse when the wheel is turned hard.