2002 dodge dakota, less than 60,000 miles, corroded power steering fluid tubing, causing fluid loss and lack of normal steering control. Repair part not available for more than 5 weeks. Has there been a lot of power steering system failures for these and similar vehicles? I have parked the vehicle until repairs are completed. I've owned 13 vehicles since 1971 and this is the first time this has occurred. Is there an unannounced voluntary recall by chrysler for this? It seems odd that the replacement part is not readily available, leading me to believe this problem is more widespread than acknowledged.
2002 Dodge Dakota steering complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 44, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge dakota. While cleaning out the vehicle, the contact was able to move the drive gear shift without the key in the ignition. The contact owns three other dodge dakota's and none of them have experienced this type of failure. The failure and current mileages were 40,000. Updated 01-11-08. *kb the consumer was told there parts broken in the steering column. Updated 12//12/07
Thought I would "buy american" and get the dodge dakota 4 dr crew. Love its style, comforts, more power than I need (4.7l v8) 2wd has no traction in snow or ice. Very easy to drive and comfortable 6ft.2 220lbs.(2 trips nj to calif.) gas mileage stinks...13-18mpg, no loads. Brake rotors replaced 28k, left top ball joint worn (no recall yet)A/C needed charging, right front hub and bearings replaced 49k, rear leaf spring noisy, transmission hesitation occasionally. Great truck to drive and haul but reliability really in question with only 49k. Probably back to nissan or toyota.
Multiple suspension component failures please reopen investigations into dodge dakota/durango products. Stabilizer bushings have been replaced three times, upper ball joints failed and were replaced, steering input shaft failed and replaced once.
Rack and pinion failure 48,000 miles. Seals leaking and pump whining. *ak.
Slight noise, loud noise. Power steering pump. *ak.
Upper and lower ball joints required replacement after 2,000 miles of ownership. This was brought to the dealers attention. The dealer would not fix the problem, stating it was a wear item. It should have been caught and fixed before offering the vehicle for sale, but they claim otherwise. I was forced to replace both sets of ball joints on my own. Since then, dc has recalled the upper joints. The upper joints created a situation causing the lower joints to fail also and should be covered in their recall. They also do not specify covering the alignment needed after joints are replaced. The recall should be reissued covering upper and lower ball joints along with alignment to remedy the situation in this recall failure.
In a recent news article I read that the federal safety agency is considering recalling dodge dakotas for faulty upper ball joints. I would like to share my experience with my 2002 dodge dakota quad cab concerning this issue.*ak I recently took my 2002 dodge dakota quad cab in for a front end alligment. At the time of service the vehicle had 36,500 miles on the odometer. The service tech notified me that the right upper ball joint had excessive play and will require replacement. I feel this is a major component of the vehicle and should not require replacement at the stated mileage. I hope this issue can be remedied soon.
(1) failure of steering components; (2) replacement of defective parts; (3) parts replacement imminent.
I own a 2002 dodge dakota and had to have the ball joints replaced at 24,000 miles after doing some research I found that this is common. My hope is that you would investigate this and force chrysler to do a re-call and fix the problem before someone gets hurt or killed.
2002 - dodge dakota: truck mechanically sound when it comes to the engine. Recently had a tune-up & 27 point inspection @ 50,000 miles and was informed that the upper and lower ball joints need replacement and would cost about $1200.00 to fix. The dealers mechanic asked if I have been hear a "clunking" sound when making sharp turns. I advised the mechanic that this sound started happening around 30,000 miles but did not pay to much attention. I asked the dealership if it was common for this to happen so prematurely. No answer. Any recalls in the works. There seems to be may issues from others surrounding the balljoints!!! If I would have known about the additional cost of $1200.00 maybe I would not have considered purchasing the truck in the first place.*ak fp
Rack and pinion, and tie rod failure after 2 years on dodge dakota....tire rotation store informed me that wheel was in danger of coming off. Rack and pinion gear and tie rod replaced at cost of 1,000.00. Was "worn" there was no damage to the pieces. A search of the web indicates that there are numerous complaints of wheels coming off, ball joints, and tie rods failing on the durango/dakota front clip. Will it take a death for chrysler to recall these vehicles? I have driven for 35 years and never had a failure in suspensin like this. This has been "under investigation" for 3 years. Why is that?
Reported a popping sound on the right front of vehicle to dealership appro. One year ago, informed nothing was wrong. Upon a personal inspection during a routine oil change I noted that the right upper control arm ball joint had prematurely failed. *ak(current vechicle mileage 16,000) purchased replacement control arm and installed per manufactuers instructions. I have saved the old part. My concern in this matter is, if these same parts are used on both dodge dakotas and dodge durangos and this part is prone to premature failure, what will be the end result?
I had a brake and rotor job done at 36000 miles by a local mechanic and found that my rack and pinion is leaking at the boot and there is to much play from tie rods. Dealer ship will do nothing to help exept charge me $3750 to fix it. I do not no how long the problem has been there. Anouther dealership told me it was a messy oil change ya right!
I had loss of control of my vehicle this morning which I believe is a direct result of my steering/ball joint / rack and pinion failure. It's at the dealer now being looked over thoroughly. The dealer just replaced the intermittent steering shaft last week.
2002 dodge dakota front end failure.*mr when the consumer was maneuvering a curve the power steering failed and the vehicle hit a guard rail. The truck sustained some front bumper damage. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they replaced the steering shaft. The consumer still hears a popping noise when making sharp turns. The consumer plans to take the vehicle to another dealer for a second opinion. The consumer believes that since dodge is have problems with their suspension that the dealer needs to look at the ball joint, tie rods, rack and pinion.
While driving/turning or braking front upper ball joints made a popping noise. Upon inspection of the vehicle by the dealership, they noticed that the upper ball joints were defective, and needed to be replaced. The ball joints were replaced.*ak additionally the steering shaft needed to be replaced and august 2003, the dealer replaced the steering gear box.
Dodge dakota 4x4 2002 /have been experiencing front end problems with truck since purchase. Brought in numerous times to dealer for brake issues[front rotors,pads,rear drums and discs].told multiple times there is no problem, its the way you drive. Truck has never been abused,very well cared for. After the 5th time to dealer finnally told that the upper ball joints need replacment.this was after one full year of denial.notified dealer of noise at the steering wheel,told they could not vrify the complaint would probably go away after replacing upper ball joints.one week later after replacment of upper ball joints ,same noise reoccured [loud clunking sound at front end]took back to dealer only to be told that the bottom ball joints need replacment,no mention one week prior about wear on lower area.dealer also stated that the noise noted coming from stering wheel from previous complaints was now thought to be an intermiediate shaft in the steering column,this same noise that one week earlier could not be identified.at 30,000 miles my entire differential gear assembbly needed replacment.I have been charged multiple warranty deductibles on what seems to me to be, the same problem and possibly a canidate for lemon status.at what point will the consumers right's be protected.I am joining a class action lawsuit in regards to chrysler/daimler and suggest to everyone who reads this to do the same.check out www.dodgetalk.com for info and links.also I reccomend to anyone who has had problems with their daeler in terms of denials/non repairs/faulty workmanship/or any related costs out of pocket to file formal complaints and contact a local lemon law attorney in relation to their actions and lack of proper business ethics.only until we make change happen can we acctually achieve it.good luck to everyone who reads this.
When the brakes were applied, the vehicle pulled to the right. While the consumer was getting the tires rotated, the mechanic determined that the tie rods were loose. Midstate dodge replaced the tie rods with new ones. *ak midstate dodge would not replaced the brakes. The vehicle was still under warranty. *sc
When making a left turn there was a popping noise in the steering. Dealership replaced the steering shaft sector, rack and pinion, and upper and lower ball joints.
Airbag didn't deploy when an accident occured at 43 MPH. Steering wheel locked up when my son hit the brakes to avoid the accident.
The truck has had sever problems with acceleration and stalling. It also makes a clunking noise when turning the vehicle. There have been numerous amounts of problems with at leat 15 days total in the shop.
While having vehicle serviced for a brake issue dealership noticed that all four ball joints wore out prematurely, and the tie rods were defective. Dealership could only replace the upper ball joint, but was unable to replace the lower once due to part being on back order.
While driving 25 MPH, the consumer heard a noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. A few seconds later the vehicle went to one side and collided with a tree. The consumer was knocked unconscious in the collision. The cause of the collision was the spindle and the wheel separated from the vehicle. The manufacturer and the dealer were aware of the problem. *jb
I own a 2002 dodge dakota. At 27,000 miles, the dealership replaced all four ball joints. They also worked on the 4 wheel drive. At 34,000 miles they replaced three ball joints and worked on the 4 wheel drive. At 42,000 miles they replaced the rack and pinion on the passenger side and worked on the 4 wheel drive. At 49,000 miles I had to replace wheel bearings in the passenger side. Fortunately, I have not had any accidents. I have heard noises and taken it to the dealership or my mechanic. I am very concerned about driving it. I do not feel safe driving it anymore. I think they have some serious front end problems that they should be addressing. I don't think I should be footing the bill for it. I am also very upset that the dealership and dodge have known about the problems and chose to blame them on other conditions caused by the owner.
2002 dodge dakota quad cab v8 currently with 45, 000 miles. First noticed steering problems at 18,000 miles. The truck makes noise over bumps and when turning. Brought truck in for seat repair and to check steering at 35,000 miles. Mechanic performed front end alignment. Problems still persisted. Also, the brake rotors were warped at 18,000 miles and caused a pulsating feel in the pedal. The truck now feels as if it will fall apart over bumps and feels as if I will loose control of the vehicle on the highway. The vehicle warranty is now expired but I need this problem fixed. I have read of many complaints in dodge trucks as well as their cars of premature steering failure.
Heard and felt a clunking sound in steering when vehicle hit a bump/ ball joints and arms replaced. *mr the consumer felt and heard a clunking sound in the steering when a bump was hit or turning a corner. The dealer replaced the upper ball joints and a arm under warranty. *scc
Problems with vehicle's upper ball joint, lower control arm, and steering.*mr
Only 27689 miles safety front end components failed power steering rack seal leaking fluid.sway bar bushings were replaced.seat right rear coming apart pass side plastic recliner handle broke my 2002 dodge dakota quad cab 4x4 sport has had suspension problems, and brake problems. The upper and lower control arms and ball joints make a popping sound when step on brakes or make a sharp left turn. I now have 29900 miles and the pounding and noise have not stopped. Vehicle feels like you will loose control when going over bumps in the highway.
The vehicle stalled while driving. *nlm *ak the vehicle experienced the following: knocking in the suspension(4 attempts to fix), the vehicle pulled to the right, the driver door had a wind noise and water leaked, the tailgate handle was loose on the right side, the lower steering column coupled, and the upper control arm bolts were found loose.
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