2003 Dodge Dakota: harsh or hard shifting

Filed Jun 30, 2009 · Suspension · 60,000 miles · CA

2003 dodge dakota, 2wd, 5 spd manual, v6. Although a recall has been generated pertaining to the 4wd version only, my truck has the same issue. When I am driving at any speed and turning or going through a bump I hear a clunk which sounds like what is described on the existing recall for the 4wd only. I am concerned about this.

Filed Jun 30, 2009 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 60,000 miles · CA

2003 dodge dakota, 2wd, 5 spd manual, v6. At speeds from 15 MPH and up the brake system seems to fail as the truck jumps and skids very rapidly. The first time this happened I was on the freeway, traffic came to a halt quickly, I applied the brakes and almost lost control and hit the car in front of me as this jumping and skidding occured. All parts on the truck are factory and have not been modified. I am concerned and wondering if this has anything to do with the front suspension clunking.

Filed Jan 18, 2007 · Suspension · 48,318 miles · CT

2003 dodge dakota 4x4 pickup 1d7h32n03s124289 loud clunking noises, front end, steering loosesness,skittishness, severe vibration and poor handling felt in front end section of vehicle. (purchased from mitchell simsbury,ct )brought to local dealer who diagnosed & replaced (2)bad /defective upper ball joints 17011019 but charged for parts/service. Approx mileage:48,318 very premature for good product design & reliability. Dangerous safety related defects.

Filed Mar 9, 2006 · Suspension · 48,000 miles · OH

Experienced clunking noise in front suspension. Ball joint subsequently failed causing front wheel to separate from the vehicle while operating.

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 Mar 14, 2004 · Suspension · MS

There has been a startling number of ball joint failures in the 1998-2003 dodge dakota and dodge durango vehicles. I own a 2003 dakota, and had an independent mechanic inspect mine. Because my vehicle only had 8500 miles on it at the time, the ball joints checked out ok. It was his estimation that because of the greaseless fitting, however, I could expect the same problem so many other dakota owners have had in the near future. These parts should last 100,000 miles, but the ones on these dodge vehicles fail at about 25,000 to 30,000. I have voiced my concerns to dodge. The person I talked to at their recall center acknowledged the problem and that their was an investigation ongoing at this time, and told me to listen for "clunking" noises in the front end of the vehicle. Of the reports I've seen of failure of the joint, few say there was any warning of this type, however.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine, Transmission · 10,100 miles · UT

Peeling paint from front grille assembly. Also at 10600 miles the transmission shifts hard. Both upshifts and downshifts cause a noise and a slight hesitation, followed by a very harsh shift. And the engine seems to engage the electric heat/exchanger fan assembly causing a tremendous amount of cab noise. No temperature change has been detected with the dash gauges when the electric radiator has engaged. Very noisy. There will be a follow up letter after the truck is taken to the dealer. Oct. 5th, 2003. 2:30 pm mst