2004 Dodge Dakota: harsh or hard shifting

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 Sep 9, 2009 · Brakes, Suspension · 103,000 miles · NY

While driving, heard clunking noise that seemed to come from under the vehicle. The outside of the vehicle appeared normal, including the wheels. I checked under hood and under front end and found nothing broken, missing or leaking and continued driving. The left front wheel later fell off with all studs sheared off. Also, one lug nut on the right front wheel was missing and several others were found to be loose, with several studs cracked. Both wheels had been properly installed and tighten some months earlier. To correct, the left front wheel was replaced. All studs on both front wheels and all lug nuts were replaced. Also, the front brake rotors and pads were replaced because the vehicle fell onto the left front rotor.

Filed Jan 12, 2009 · Steering, Suspension · 70,000 miles · NY

Steering began to feel loose and heard a clunk infront end. Ball joints were bad and had to be replaced. After work was completed still had steering issues. Dealer said that it was normal, local mechanic found that the intermediate steering shaft was failing. When it was removed to be replaced the lower u-joint came apart. Imagine that happening at 55 MPH.

Filed Jul 8, 2006 · Suspension · NJ

2004 dodge dakota pickup 4x4 had clunking from front suspension. Replaced upper ball joint.

Filed Dec 7, 2005 · Body, Brakes · FL

I am looking for all people that are willing to speak to my attorney about problems they are having with their 04 dakota's. I have had clunking noise coming from front end, whirling noise at idling gets louder when blinker on, windows make clunking noise while rolling up or down, sever e shaking while braking ( warped rotors), transmission leaking, and the list goes on. I am in the middle of lemon law and it took me a long time to be able to find an attorney. This one is excellent.

Filed Dec 23, 2004 · Brakes, Suspension · 10,000 miles · NY

I own a 2002 dodge dakota [xxx]. I now have 40,000 miles on it. My front brakes (disc) needed to be replaced three times due to pulsating. This pulsating is attributed to rotors warping. The rotor warping is caused by too much heat friction in the front braking system. As a result, the rotors warp causing a substantial loss in braking power. The ball joints and control arms were also replaced under warranty because they were 'loose' and they made a clunking sound often. Since the parts were replaced, the same sound still occurs leading me to believe that the oem parts are faulty. I do not use this vehicle for medium or heavy loads at any time; I do, however, use this vehicle under normal driving conditions in the capacity of a passenger vehicle.*ak updated 07/24/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

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 Oct 21, 2004 · Steering, Suspension · 125 miles · MI

2004 dodge dakota quad cab 4x4, purchased 8/16/04. Currently 2,200 miles on the vehicle. Within the first week of ownership, the vehicle developed rattling or clunking noises in the front end when traveling over bumps. Additionally, the vehicle is out of alignment, and pulls to the left when braking. Tire wear (although very slight @ 2,200 miles in not symmetrical between lh front to rh front tire). I will be taking the truck into the dealership @ 3,000 miles to have them look at the front end, as well as the alignment.

Filed Aug 8, 2004 · Suspension · 32,047 miles · WI

On 10/22/03 I had upper and lower left side ball joints replaced due to noise and vibration with mileage under 32100 miles. On 7/20/04 the rear universal joint had to be replaced at 37821 miles. All repairs 100% my cost. Here we are again at 38340 miles; noise, clunking, and vibration in the front suspension. Back to the dealer.