2004 Dodge Dakota steering problems

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 Oct 13, 2015 · Steering · 50,000 miles · AL

Issue with the steering, appeared to be a problem with the pump. Occurred at about 50k miles, 6 yrs. While driving the steering would get hard like the pump had failed, and then without warning, would return to the power assist and over steer due to the pressure I was already exerting. This took place at all speeds and under city and highway conditions. Very disconcerting. After about a week of this I took it to the dealer. They determined it was a failing fluid control valve in the power steering pump and replaced it. It was covered under the extended warranty I had purchased but would have cost over $1500.

Filed Feb 18, 2015 · Steering · 87,000 miles · MN

Intermittent steering. Sometimes when turning left or right, steering will not return to center . Now this does not happen all the time. Sometimes it will happen then after driving awhile it will clear up. But this has been an ongoing problem. Checked power steering fluid,air pressure. Looked at other forums for this common problem. Consensus is the steering rack and/or the intermediate shaft. Went and had steering rack and lower shaft replaced and it cured the problem about 97 percent. Dodge should have a recall for safety reasons as this could involve fatalities .

Filed Feb 1, 2015 · Steering · 86,000 miles · MN

Got in vehicle and started to drive when I noticed making a turn the steering wheel would not return to center. The steering was real heavy like the power steering was failing. Checked power steering fluid-it was okay,tire pressure was ok. As I continued to drive the steering got better. Since that incident the problem with the steering comes and goes. I went on the web and found out how many more 2004 dodge dakota truck owners are having the same problem. The steering problem seems to be in the intermediate shaft and/or the steering rack. There should be a recall for this safety problem or a class action. Also the 2004 dakota ball joints went out at 60000 miles at my expense. There was a recall for 2003 dakota ball joints being bad but not 2004. I had bought a 1993 dakota brand new and bought the 2004 dakota brand new but I might have to reconsider going to another make if the steering does not get remedied by dodge.

Filed Oct 14, 2014 · Steering · 54,000 miles · CA

The steering is hard when the vehicle is cold. . When you turn the steering wheel is stiff and hard to turn and does not go back to a neutral position. You have to manually turn the steering wheel back to straighten it out. When the vehicle is driven for a hour the steering improves. I have seen many other complaints about the same problem with the same vehicle. It is a safety hazard.

Filed Jun 1, 2014 · Steering · 144,500 miles · NY

Steering was loose at first but became very hard to turn at any speed.changed the rack,with same problem. I than changed the steering pump with little to no success.

Filed May 13, 2014 · Steering · 110,600 miles · PA

Noticed a problem with the power steering on my 2004 dodge dakota at the beginning of april. The steering is stiff and hard to turn. It requires assistance to bring the steering wheel back to center. It doesn't matter what speed you are going. It seems to get better after about 30 minutes of driving but after sitting for a while the problem is back. I bought the truck last year as a second vehicle and now regret doing so. I have had the truck to the dealership twice. 4/14/14 they replaced the lower ball joints, front rotors and power steering pump. That did not fix the problem. 4/24/14 they replaced the steering rack. $2,300.00 later the problem still exists. It is going back to the dealership 5/14/14 but I have my doubts the problem will be fixed after reading other complaints online. I have contacted chrysler about this and have been assigned a case manager. I am waiting to hear what they have to say. I do not wish to spend anymore money trying to fix a design flaw in their steering components. The steering poses a safety issue and I do not feel comfortable driving it very far.

Filed Feb 26, 2014 · Steering · 16,000 miles · MD

Tl- the contact owns a 2004 dodge dakota. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection where they stated the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000. Rk

Filed Jun 27, 2013 · Steering · 100,000 miles · CO

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge dakota. The contact stated that when the engine was cold, the power steering assist would fail and the steering wheel would seize. In warmer temperatures, the steering wheel would easily move from side to side but would exhibit difficulties in returning to a straight position. The contact took the vehicle to a mechanic and they were unable to find a problem with the steering. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 100,000 and the current mileage was 120,000.

Filed Apr 29, 2013 · Steering · 220,000 miles · PA

The steering in my 2004 dodge dakota truck would get stiff while turning and then would turn easy then back to stiff. It is very hard to control the truck while making turns. The steering is like very unstable and could cause an accident. Are there any recalls on this issue I see that there is alot of this happening to these trucks?