2004 Dodge Dakota: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed May 14, 2018 · Steering · 106,000 miles · NY

The steering is very hard to turn either left or right at most times. Feels as if the power steering has failed, but had it inspected by mechanic and says power steering pump and belts are fine. This difficulty in steering is also accompanied by a grinding type of noise in the steering column behind the steeing wheel. It has become more than just an occasional annoyance but rather a more permanent safety issue since my wife is no longer able to use the truck because of the difficulty with the steering. Please advise on what may be the cause and if the manufacturer is aware of similar problems with other dakota pick ups and if they have issued a recall in the past to remedy the problem. I am hoping to have this resolved quickly since I fear it may only lead to some tragic or catastrophic result. Thank you

Filed Jan 30, 2012 · Steering · 120,000 miles · PA

Began to experience heavy, difficult steering, especially when cold, and metallic clunking or grinding noises when turning tightly at low speeds accompanied by power steering pump whine on a 2004 dodge dakota 4.7l v8 4x4 quad cab. Steering has also become abnormally heavy at normal driving speeds with difficulty centering steering wheel and reduced power steering assist. Inspection of steering components revealed severe rust on steering intermediate shaft upper u joint caused by road salt and moisture, which resulted in steering difficulty and strain on power steering system. This condition is extremely dangerous due to the extra effort required to steer the vehicle. Lubricating the joint with grease temporarily alleviates the issue, but problem returns after a period of time and will require eventual replacement of upper/lower intermediate shaft(s) at a parts cost of approximately $226, plus labor. Internet research reveals this is a widely occurring issue on this generation of dakota pickup caused by poor design (lack of lubrication, no protection from the elements, and inadequate rust proofing) of a critical steering component, where failure can result in a serious safety hazard by making the vehicle more difficult to steer, and thus chrysler group llc should be held liable for repair costs of this component.

Filed Jan 8, 2009 · Steering, Suspension · 45,500 miles · CO

Groaning occurs whenever the vehicle moves in reverse and the wheel is turned one rotation left. Also recently, a loud squeal has occurred on forward vehicle movement. I am concerned with similar complaints of ball joint failure and vehicle safety.

Filed Dec 12, 2006 · Suspension · 38,000 miles · IN

Squealing sound coming from left front wheel. Jacked up vehicle to inspect and wheel was wobbling back and forth. Took it to dealer and learned that the bearings needed to be replaced on both front wheels. Vehicle has 38,000 miles and has been driven almost entirely on paved roads.

Filed Dec 8, 2006 · Suspension · 51,000 miles · NC · crash

My truck had been making the notorious squeaking sounds from the font end that the dodge dakota has been known for over the past few years. I knew nothing of the ball joint problems with this vehicle until my fiance was in an accident with the truck. The accident that occurred was faulted to my fiance's fault. When speaking with her, she stated that she was unable to steer the truck and therefore struck the other car 'while going around the corner'. When she stopped the vehicle after the accident, she found the truck lowered to the ground on the front drivers side due to the wheel assembly popping off the truck. By 'popping off' I mean that the lower ball joint popped out of its location and the rivets holding the top of the spindle popped out of there position. Yes I said popped. There were no ripping of parts etc, the assembly just popped off the truck. This accident occurred at a low speed going through a turn. This is the exact enactment that chrysler has stated that the wheel would fall off if the part full malfunctioned. Chrysler has been using the same parts in the 04 dakota truck as that used in the 00-03. Why is the part not being corrected? Why is chrysler not taking control of this issue and resolving the issue with a recall? Chrysler is putting lives at risk everyday that they are not recalling this part and correcting the issue. Is it going to take the death of an individual caused by this failing part for them to step up and admit they have messed up? We cant wait for this. Start saving the lives at risk now by getting this recall started and getting all of the dakota fixed. If it is not done now, each individual that has the power to get it done, is putting many lives at risk. What should we as dodge dakota owners do to get this issue resolved and protect our families?

Filed Jul 26, 2005 · Steering · 46,000 miles · SC

The truck has been in the shop numerous times for the same problems. I have a groaning noise in the steering wheel that dodge can not seem to fix. It already has a leaking A/C system at 47000 miles. Also, the A/C system wil not get cold unless it is night time. It also just has way to many squeaks, and makes me feel very unsafe in the vehicle. The wiper control module needs replacing

Filed Nov 16, 2004 · Brakes, Steering · 6,000 miles · MI

Got dodge dakota 4x2 brand new. Brakes squealed after 6,000 miles, fixed under warranty. At 12,000 miles there was a loud clunking noise while turning, taken to dealership, said it was fixed. It was not fixed. At 14,000 miles, both tie rods snapped while making a turn from a complete stop. Fixed under warenty. Now at 15,000 miles, the clunking noise is back while brakes are applied and making turn. These cars are not safe to drive.

Filed Mar 31, 2004 · Suspension · 4,600 miles · MI

I have a brand new 2004 dakota that has a ball joint squeak starting already at just over 4000 miles. The local garage I took it to tells me that it is the start of the ball joint problems that dakota's are notorious for. My short investigation on the internet turned up all kinds of discussion and expensive horror stories. My son has a 2002 dakota which has had the ball joints replaced 3 times also. Obviously, this is a major design flaw and a significant safety hazard. According to the article on cbs, if these aren't taken care of, they will separate and the wheel comes off. Replacement of these parts by daimlerchrysler is not enough. Daimlerchrysler needs to redesign these and the federal safety agency needs to insist that they recall the effected vehicles and replace the ball joints with the redesigned parts. And soon, as far as I'm concerned this problem is very much the same as the ford tire problem. Let's not wait until all the loss of life that was experienced with that problems begins with the dodge dakota's and durango's. I don't think the federal safety agency wants that on their conscience. Please let me know what your investigation has found and what recommendation the federal safety agency will be making and in what time frame. I would like to get my ball joints fixed with non-defective, correctly designed parts. Thank you. Gordon lanker re: ea03 - 023.

Filed Mar 31, 2004 · Suspension · 4,000 miles · DC

The ball joints has already started to squeak on the consumers new truck. The consumer would like them replaced with non-defective parts. *ph

Filed Mar 22, 2004 · Brakes, Fuel system · 1,500 miles · NJ

Loud thunking noise comes from the transmission when attempting to stop. Rep from chrysler stated this was coming from the gas tank . There is a vibration between 30-45 MPH coming from the drive train. Rep stated this was "normal".there is also a loud whirring noise coming from the fuel pump. Rep also states this is normal.bearing nosie is coming from the power steering pump. My 2004 dodge dakota sxt has been to the dealer 5 times and the dealer still cannot fix. The rep from chrysler stated this is the "best" truck dodge has ever built. I'd hate to see the worst! So far the dealer has replaced the AC condenser, complete rack & pinion steering system, complete drive shaft, rear differential housing, rear swaybar links, the brakes shudder when attempting to stop , left front brake squeal, front end needed aligning after rack & pinion steering replacement . Transmission fluid leaking from tail shaft seal.

Filed Jan 22, 2004 · Transmission · 1,200 miles · NV

Stopped at traffic light, had vehicle out of gear *manual transmission*, after light changed, put into gear, truck lurched then was thrown out of gear, making a loud grinding sound. It has happend 3 times since then. Dealer says transmission is just new but it has 1000 miles on it.