2004 Dodge Dakota: loss of power steering

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 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 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 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 Feb 20, 2012 · Steering · 90,230 miles · OH

On feb.15, 2012 was driving and went to make a turn and the after a quarter of the way into the curve the steering locked up and became very hard to turn, causing me to almost hit the car setting at the light. And since that time the steering is hardest to turn when cold and easier when warm. The steering when it is cold is stiff when you are a quarter the way into the curve and then releases then hard again all in the same turn, making it very dangerous because it makes your vehicle swerve and become reckless. Dodge needs to issue a recall on the defective steering parts. I have been told it because of poor design and lack of lubrication points causing the failure. Please mandate that they issue a recall on this vehicle for this problem, thank you very much.

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 16, 2012 · Steering · 75,000 miles · PA

No power steering assist in cold temperatures. With first start up the truck turns very hard. Even after drivig for several miles truck is still hard to steer and you constantly have to correct it.

Filed Oct 24, 2011 · Steering · 70,000 miles · IN

Power steering went out and took it in to flush the fluid. Didn't do anything but was to give it a few hundred miles. I waited to see what was going to happen and after 1 month and nothing changing I replaced the fluid again with some correction fluid. Didn't work, then another month later the steering released back to normal in the middle of the turn. Two weeks later the power steering became intermittent and sometimes in the same turn. At this point I searched deeper on the intranet and found multiple complaints about dodge dakota steering and many that were specific to a 2004 dakota and more than a handful that had about 70k miles like mine. After spraying penetrating oil on the u-joint with a short term correction, I'm convinced that I now have one of these faulty steering shafts.

Filed Sep 22, 2009 · Steering · 77,000 miles · IL

Power steering high pressure side hose p/n 52110348ae. Hose is leaking and the part is on national backorder. Do not want to be stranded on the highway when the steering goes out or have a possible accident due to no steering.

Filed Jul 8, 2009 · Steering · 94,000 miles · MO

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 dodge dakota. While driving 55 MPH, the steering became very stiff when making various turns. It felt as if the power steering was failing. The failure lasted for a week before the contact finally went to a mechanic. He was informed that the intermediate steering shaft failed. The dealer has not yet been notified. The vehicle has not been repaired because the necessary part is on backorder. The repair will be made at the contact's expense. The failure mileage was 94,000 and current mileage was 94,550.

Filed Jan 12, 2009 · Steering · 39,933 miles · NJ

I started having difficulty to steering my vehicle. As each day passed it became more and more difficult to turn the steering wheel. It felt as if it had no steering wheel fluid. And by january I could barely turn the wheel at all. I could barely make a turn. This occurred every day and I was afraid I was going to have an accident. I changed the steering fluid and the tires thinking that was the problem. Brought it to the dealer last week who replaced the steering shaft. I have never heard of a steering shaft failure before in a vehicle.

Filed Jul 18, 2008 · Steering · 42,300 miles · NY

Steering erratic and choppy. Steering wheel fails to center smoothly when released. Steering is hard at times. Wheel stays in turned direction unless manually turned to correct.