2003 Dodge Dakota: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed May 12, 2008 · Suspension · 50,000 miles · MN

I have a 2003 dodge dakota sport quad cab 4 wheel drive vehicle. I've had an embarrassing squeak in my steering and front end for 4 years. After listening to it for a while after purchasing, I took it to trail dodge on 08/26/04 and complained. The service note said "customer states there is a loud squeaking noise from right side suspension area while driving. Inspected and road tested and could not duplicate customer's concerns, no noises heard at this time (wet out) did inspect front end all is tight." it took it in to fury motors, south st. Paul, mn, at about 36,000 miles and the same. They could not find it at that time. Noise persisted, till it's now embarrassing to drive the vehicle all together. Today, may 12, 2008, I brought it back to fury motors, because of the sound, that has progressively gotten worse (now 50,000 miles), and they tell me I need both upper and both lower ball joints, to the tune of $1500!!!! Then I get on line and find out there has been a recall (the federal safety agency action #ea03023). I called fury motors to let them know and they state my VIN number is not included in the recall. It has been the same sound that was progressively getting worse and worse, and now I find out it could have been disastrous and I'm not covered??? Please help!

Filed Mar 6, 2007 · Brakes, Steering · FL

To whom it may concern, I own a 2003 dodge dakota quad cab slt. And I have run into a lot of problems with this truck that people I know say they had very similar problems with the same make of vehicle. To start with my truck only has about 62,184 miles on it, for a 2003 model truck, that is considered low mileage. The problems I have run into is as follows: both front wheel hub bearing sets have prematurely failed, in particular, the right front hub tried to lock up on me and almost caused me to loose control of the truck, I have since replaced that hub but still need to replace the left front before it locks up:second is that the steering and suspension system has no provisions for preventative maintenance, I.e. No grease zircs for the ball joints, tie rods,upper and lower control arm bushings, wheel bearings, etc...causing rapid wear and failure:third big issue, I have already replaced all four brake rotors due to warpage. The brake calipers were built with some type of composite plastic pistons that distort due to excessive heat build up in the brakes. Which in turn causes uneven pad contact, that then causes excessive heat, accelerated pad wear, brake fade, rotor warpage, and an awful "squeal" when the brakes are applied. I have noticed that my brand new brake pads are actually cracked now because of a combination of the calipers and the hubs going bad: fourth issue is that the transmission causes the engine to over "rev" in the highway passing gear especially with the over drive and cruise control on. When you're driving down the highway and you give it a little more gas to get around somebody, the engine RPM's shouldn't go up to sometimes around 7000, that in turn could cause premature engine or transmission failure. I have been in contact with daimler-chrysler about these concerns but they just keep giving me the run around and not answering my questions. I still have the old parts also.

Filed May 25, 2005 · Suspension · 41,000 miles · NE

1) at about 40,000 miles my front drivers side lower ball joint started making an extremely loud crunching noise as if metal were grinding with metal. 2) I subsequently took my truck to a local dealer who notified me that the lower ball joint was loose and that it was not covered by the previous recall which covered the upper ball joint only. 3) the parts and labor to replace this part cost in excess of $270.00 not including the $40 inspection fee

Filed Jan 12, 2005 · Suspension · 28,000 miles · CA

Squealing brakes, unusual front tire wear, grinding noise on left front wheel when turn hard left, worn outside walls on front tires and replacement and brake work done at midas .

Filed Nov 1, 2004 · Suspension · CT

2003 dodge dakota ball joint failure at low miles. Ball joints squeaking, noise was constant, replaced both upper joints. *bf the vehicle ball joints began to squeak at 20000 miles but the consumer didn't realize the severity of the noise. At 40000 mile the consumer inspected the joint because the squeak had turned into a clunk and was constant. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the consumer that both upper joints had to be replaced.

Filed Sep 8, 2004 · Brakes · 6,000 miles · TX

Brake rotors warped after 6000 miles, brake pads squeal after less than 100 miles. Waited until 22,000 miles to have inspected, and told the warranty on product is only 12,000 miles 12 months. Refused to replace warped rotors with less than 25,000 miles on vehicle, and pads still in good condition despite squeaking.

Filed Aug 20, 2004 · Brakes · 50,000 miles · IN

When braking consumer heard a loud squeaking noise coming from the rear brakes. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.

Filed Jul 25, 2004 · Suspension · 30,000 miles · VT

Took vehicle in for a blower fan problem, and told the service manager of a squeak going around corners. Found that the ball joints were worn and require replacing. Only 32,000 miles on vehicle.

Filed Jul 12, 2004 · Brakes · CA

I purchased a new 2003 dodge dakota truck in november, 2003. The brakes started squeaking loudly in january, 2004. It seems that I really have to push hard for the brakes to work. I informed the dealership in january, march, and may 2003 and again in june, 2004. They insist that it is common for the brakes to make a noise like this. They have attempted to put some type of filler on the pads which only stop it from making a noise for one week. In june, 2004, they said they replaced the pads with a "cheap" new pad. The brakes are still squeaking loudly. I am sending this to you because I called chrysler and they said there was nothing they can do. I am just afraid that one day my breaks will not work and I will cause an accident. What do you recommend I do? Thank you. Ingrid getka

Filed Jun 14, 2004 · Brakes, Electrical · 100 miles · WI

Vehicle will either go into neutral when put in reverse or while reversing pop out of reverse into neutral. This mostly occurred when the vehicle was in 4-wheel drive. The dealership serviced the vehicle several times for this issue, but since they were unable to duplicate or resolve the problem. *ak the consumer had two transmission problems. The transmission module shorted out on four separate occasions. This problem caused the consumer to be nearly rear ended three times. The transmission shift indicator showed that the vehicle was in reverse but acted as if it were in neutral. The vehicle pulled to the left, the brakes would squeak and the vehicle had poor gas mileage. *sc the battery was replaced because the vehicle did not start at times.

Filed Dec 22, 2003 · Suspension · 20,000 miles · CT

Dodge dakota 2003 sport: first few months of ownership, I went to have tires rotated (20,000mi) and I was told that the ball joints were out of spec. By the mechanic and that I should take the vehicle to the dealer. After inspection, the dealer said nothing was wrong.I know something is wrong with the vehicle because since that time, everytime I turn left while applying brakes in a downhill situation, a terrible grinding sound is heard. The vehicle now has 54000mi and I hear about wheels breaking off. I am scared for my families and personal safety.

Filed Nov 12, 2003 · Brakes · 8,654 miles · CA

When depressing the brake pedal, a squeaking noise can be heard. The dealer says this is normal. Please provide further details.