2001 Dodge Dakota: jerking or lurching

Filed Sep 30, 2011 · Suspension · 50,000 miles · VA

I started noticing a "lurch or lateral shift" of the front end during tight left and right turns at low speed (35 MPH or less). Driving at highway speeds on straight roads did not indicate any problems. Recently, during a brake system inspection, significant "slop / free movement" at the upper ball joint & wheel knuckle assembly connection was noted (> 0.5"). I researched the problem and discovered the federal safety agency issued recall for "upper ball joint failures on 2000-2003 dodge dakotas" as well as the dodge issued tsb for the same defect. I took my 2001 dakota in to a dodge dealer for the recall repair. The dodge dealer and chrysler both conveniently took the position that my VIN was not part of this recall, therefore they were not responsible for making the repair. My vehicle has the same failure mode described in the federal safety agency recall and the dodge issued tsb. The federal safety agency should force dodge to expand the scope of VIN's covered by the recall to include all 2000-2003 dakotas that experience premature ball joint failures. A safety related suspension component should not fail at 50,000 miles. To arbitrarily exclude some vehicle VIN's from the recall even though they have the same defects is dishonest and not in the best interest of the traveling public. I urge the federal safety agency to force dodge/chrysler to repair this defect on all 2000-2003 dakotas.

Filed Sep 19, 2009 · Transmission · 100,000 miles · WA

1. The 4-wheel drive on my vehicle will only occasionally engage when the selector is set to 4-wheel drive. If engaged it always disengages suddenly and/or re-engages at random times. In other words, it goes in and out of 4-wheel drive randomly and on its own when the selector is set to 4-wheel drive. 2. The problem began during the winter of 2008-2009 and has continued to the present. This has caused unsafe driving conditions and sliding on ice and snow covered streets when the 4-wheel drive suddenly goes off and then on again causing the vehicle to lurch. I have not yet had an accident as a result but have had a couple of very scary incidents and near misses. 3. On july 7, 2009 I took my vehicle to my local mechanic for diagnosis and repair. After 2 days of diagnosis he replaced the control module but still could not resolve the problem even though his diagnostic computer found the components working correctly independently of each other. He researched the issue on line and found it should be related to a safety recall for daimler chrysler. He printed out the recall information for me, which I have in my possession. 9/19/09 I took it to bellevue dodge, 120 116th ave ne, bellevue, wa 98005 with the recall paperwork. They told me that my vehicle is not related to the previous recall item. Since this is such a dangerous problem I felt a report is in order.

Filed Jun 29, 2004 · Brakes · 21,000 miles · IL

While applying the brakes, the vehicle jerked uncontrollably. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and took it to the dealer for inspection. Mechanic determined that the rotors needed to be replaced due to corrosion. *ak two weeks before talking to the dealer, the consumer was informed that the front rotors were coming apart and could not be turned. (defective steel, big chunks of metal missing, laminated steel) the dealer stated that it seemed like pockets were in the rotors. *sc

Filed May 21, 2004 · Acceleration · 38,000 miles · MT

When the cruise control is being used,my 2001 dakota qc will surge. The tachometer will jump a little and the vehicle will jerk slightly. The pickup has been in the shop for 6 weeks with no answers!

Filed Mar 14, 2003 · Brakes, Suspension · 21,500 miles · TX

Transmission continues to shift erratically, despite being seen by two different dealers. The TCM seems to be an issue. Reprogramming it doesn't seem to fix the problem. The factory tsb has been done twice but has failed to remedy the problem. Vehicle will sometimes lurch up into 2nd gear at lower speeds without warning or down to 1st from 2nd without warning despite traveling at a constant speed of approximately 20 MPH. After 22500 miles the vehicle has developed a moderate to severe problem when braking. The vehicle seems to hop in the front end during braking and the brakes seem to loose effectiveness momentarily. Closer investigation revealed both front shocks had failed. The front brake system seems to be in good working order. No leaks, normal pad and rotor wear, no grooves on rotor, the front shocks were replaced but the vehicle continues to have the braking hopping pulsating problem.

Filed Jul 10, 2002 · Acceleration, Electrical · TX

Consumer states that vehicle pulls to the left when driving, on numerous occasions the vehicle has jerked to the left in such a manner as to take control away from the driver, it was found that the tires had never been balanced, a front end mechanic informed consumer that there was a problem with the front end of the vehicle, consumer states that now the front tires jump or cup during sharp turns to the left, the rear end was also replaced.

Filed Mar 25, 2002 · Brakes · DE

When applying brakes vehicle will jerk/pulsate and surge. Dealership is aware of problem.