Steering is tight when trying to turn. Looses it's power assist. Per trindle auto repair service the intermediate steering shaft and joints rusted. This was a safety hazard, I could have lost the ability to steer the vehicle. According to trindle they have had to replace other intermediate steering shafts because of severe rust. The cost of the repair $378.95.
2005 Dodge Dakota steering complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 47, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Low noise in front while turning - dealership verified complaint and found both outer tire rod ends to be loose and left lower ball joint to be noisy - replaced both outer tire rod ends and set toe also replaced the left lower ball joint.
Loud noise whenever turning - tech found upper ball joint very dry, also found sway bar links worn - replaced left upper ball joint and both sway bar links.
Have had to replace tie rod ends,sway bar link rods,and now lower control arms to keep the truck safely on the road. The dealer says this is normal. I have never had to replace these items on a vehicle with less than 100000 miles.
2005 dakota club cab. Consumer writes in regards to problems with vehicle gears and rear axles. *smd the consumer stated when he applied the accelerator, from a stopped position, the vehicle lurched slightly forward and a high pitched whining sound emitted from the vehicle. The consumer then realized, he didn't have any gears. He was able to drift the truck off the road, since he was on a slight upgrade. The truck was towed to a repair shop. An inspection revealed, the pinion gear had metal fatigue and fractured on the shaft behind the spline and ahead of the gear.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 dodge dakota. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering felt loose. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was found that the trans cooler line failed and was leaking. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileages were approximately 85,000.
I was traveling 55-60 MPH on the highway in a straight line with the cruise control engaged when I hit a dip in the road and the truck literally jumped off the highway. It completely left my lane and drove itself out of control across traffic and to the right into a ditch. It caused front end body damage (moderate) and scared me to death. I have since disconnected the cruise control from my truck. Now over the last 12 months the trucks front end shakes and rattles and is difficult to corner, acts if it will jump off the road. This front end of the dakota should be recalled before it kills many people.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 dodge dakota. While driving approximately 40 MPH, a loud noise emitted from the steering column followed by a sudden loss of steering control. The contact continued to drive and was able to regain control of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnosis. The technician stated that the intermediate steering shaft would need to be replaced. There was a closed investigation pertaining to the defect under the federal safety agency action number: ea06004 (steering:column). The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, was unable to provide any assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 dodge dakota. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the power steering stopped functioning when he made a left turn. The vehicle then became difficult to steer. The vehicle was driven to a mechanic and the contact was informed that the power steering pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 72,100.
I noticed that the steering started getting sloppy and started popping. Now if you hit a bad patch of road it wants to jump out of road getting scary. I am disabled and depend on my truck to get back and forth to 4 different doctors. I live on social security and cant afford repair bills on parts that should not be wore out. Please help!
First falure of power steering pump which was replaced now leaking at rack and pinion.
I have a 2005 dodge dakota 4x4 club cab, I recently started having irratic steering problems with my truck with only 40,000 miles on, this dodge has had alot of front end problems with low mileage, from upper and lower ball joints, tye rod ends and hubs wareing out. I have not been involved with any accidents because of the problem, the problem is turning the vehicle wants to over turn, when turning corners or on curves on highway. Which I am sure can be dangerous to all.
I was driving my 2005 dodge dakota at 25 MPH there was a loud noise in right tire and I lost control of truck could not steer it the tie rod broke completely off the right side front could not move it and the inner tie rod was bent we had it towed home I had my mechanic look at it both front tie rods had failed had to replace them he straightened out inner tie rod for now very scary situation thank god I wasn't driving on the highway and no one was hurt .there should be a recall on these trucks before someone is killed truck only had 53,000 miles.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 dodge dakota. The contact stated that while in the process of making a turn, the steering wheel tightened and was difficult to turn. The failure recurred while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop for a failure diagnostic, where the contacted was informed that the steering linkages failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contacted also stated that the front stabilizing bars were missing bolts. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop, where the missing bolts were installed. The failure mileage was 58,000 and the current mileage was 58,355. Updated 8/30/11 *cn updated 09/21/11
Steering column intermediary shaft failure. Shaft joint froze reducing steering capacity while driving on highway. Attempted 1 repair to lubricate joint, replace belt, and adjust tensioner at cost of 300.00. Problem subsided then returning with even greater failure requiring replacement of shaft at 500.00. Dodge chaulks it up as normal wear and tear. Total repairs on vehicle bought in 2005 and has recorded 84k miles(about 14k) now exceeding 4k with 800.00 recouped by dodge. Have part in possession.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 dodge dakota. While driving approximately 5 MPH, the contact heard a loud popping sound and the steering wheel became unstable. The contact stated the sound was also heard when the steering wheel was turned while the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but the mechanic was unable to diagnose the failure and recommended the manufacturer be contacted. The manufacturer was contacted and stated there were no other complaints and did not provide any further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.
Just like other 2005 dodge dakota owners reported with the steering rack pinion failed. Fluid leak at steering rack pinion which caused vehicle to pulled to right. It failed to turned back to right after failed. Could have been worst if not for me went to an open field. No injury or damaged reported. It should have not failed on truck with only 39500 miles.
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 dodge dakota. The contact was attempting to make a left turn and the vehicle continued moving forward. There was snow on the ground which also played a part in the vehicle sliding into an embankment. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who stated that the left tire rod came apart, but there was no physical damage that would indicate that. The dealer said the right side tie rod was damaged and needed to be replaced as well. The vehicle was being repaired at the time of the complaint. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileages were 60000. Updated 01/11/2011
To whom it may concern: I was referred to you by www.carcomplaints.com.they felt that what I had to say may be safety related. I have a 2005 dodge dakota 4x4. I bought this truck new. Starting in may of 2010 I started to hear a clunking noise in the front, or maybe rear end, only when I turn left or right.I have been to 3 garages and the last one being a dealership. I have replaced both lower ball joints, both front stab links, both tie rods,both rear stab links, and as recent as this sept.,both leaf springs. The truck still has the same noise and I'm out 2000.00. The dealer doesn't even know what's wrong. Now, all this happened before the truck turned 50,000. Miles. I know it's out of warranty. I also,know now, the manufacturer's have studies on how long a vehicle is to last in order for the consumer to give it a passing grade as to by it again. I have had many trucks in my day and I maintained all just as well as this one. I had an s10 4x4 with 120,000 miles on it and the front and rear end was as tight as the day I bought it. An accident ended that vehicle. I think dodge should find out what's wrong and fix it at their expense. Not mine or the dealership but, theirs!!!!!! I know my purchase will not make or break dodge. However, I am one and done with dodge products and I will continue to spread the word about my troubles with my dakota. I'm asking you too, to go on line and google dodge dakota 2005 front end or suspension troubles. You will not be disappointed. Thank you for your time!
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 dodge dakota. The contact stated that while driving the steering wheel locked up at any speed. The contact stated that the failed component was the intermediary shaft. When he lubricated it with wd40 the vehicle began to steer normally for a short time. The dealer stated that the vehicle could be repaired at the owners expense. The vehicle was not repaired. The current and failure mileages were approximately 57,000. Updated 02/02/11
2005 dodge dakota. Defective steering components. 68,000 miles. Vehicle shakes during braking and at highway speed. One diagnosis stated 4 defective ball joints and upper control arms requiring replacement. Another diagnosis by a dodge dealer states one defective ball joint, defective rack and pinion and brake calipers sticking. Dodge states there is not a recall on the mentioned parts for my particular vehicle.
2005 dodge dakota play in steering every since purchased one year ago as an off lease return. Now truck is in shop due to accident involving front end damage from impact with pillar / pole. Accident unrelated to steering problem. Was contacted by repair shop today and they state all is repaired except the unrelated steering problem and that it is not part of accident and will be separate cost if I want it repaired and that it is loose steering column and rack and pinion loose
2005 dodge dakota front end was making a rattling noise. Took it to my mechanic and he said the lower ball joint is bad. What gives with all of these problems with the front end of these dakotas without any recalls. Jeep had a recall on the same problem.
In january, 2009, noticed a growling in the front end of the 2005 dodge dakota (~43,000) with difficulty turning corners. Took it to several repair shops who indicated that the front end needed work, including but not limited to, ball joints, tie-rods, tires at a cost over $1000.00. Took it to a dodge dealer who indicated that only needed grease and greased. In the past week, march, 2009, shimming and noise in front end when turning. Took to dodge dealer who indicated that the tie-rods, sway bars and tires (split) needed repair cost >$1000. Took it to another repair shop and received same news plus ball joints were worn. Having work done and wanted to report since I noticed that there seems to be a number of incidents related to same issue on your website. No injuries but there was the possibility if the front end had failure on the highway while driving on icy/snowy/wet roads.
I have a 2005 dodge dakota slt. I purchased it in 10/2005. I have had problems with this truck since I first bought it. Recently I had to replaced the tire rods, sway bar and linkage, brakes, calipers, and rotors. Two days after I had all of these things fixed I noticed that the truck was still shaking and making a lot of noise. When I brought the truck to dodge I was informed that the rear axle in the truck needed to be replaced. I was told that when the truck was manufactured the wrong size axle was put in the truck. This caused all kinds of problems. I was told that other parts are damaged and need to be replaced and repaired.(rear brake shoes, front disc rotors) I was told that the axle part is covered under warranty but I have to pay the $100 deductible. I was told that everything else that is damaged (due to the axle) and requires repair and replacement is not covered because it is considered "normal wear and tear". I was given a quote of somewhere around $400. (depending on labor) my complaint is simple, I am being forced to pay for damaged parts on my truck that are directly caused by the manufactures error. A problem that can be proved to be the manufacturers fault. I was sold a vehicle that had the wrong axle installed. Which then caused additional problems. When I bought this truck I was under the impression that the manufactures made the vehicle properly. They did not. They sold me a truck with the wrong part installed. Not only is this wrong but there should be some kind of an investigation into this. If the wrong size axle is in my truck, there are other trucks that also have the wrong size axle installed. It is dangerous and suspicious. I think it is even safe to say that it is fraud too! Selling trucks that have the wrong parts installed and then making profit from the repairs and replacements. Sounds like fraud to me.
Bought a 2005 dodge dakota with 61,000 miles on it...was driving about 30 MPH after picking up my child and all of a sudden lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle pulled me right off the road almost into a ditch where I was finally able to come to a stop and get out. To hear that my tire is about to fall off. The tie-rod had broke away and I lost control, if I had been going any faster I probably would have rolled the vehicle and may have injured my family or other people. I had the vehicle towed to a mechanic where he had told me these models do not have a nipple to lube the tie-rods so they break often. This should not be happening I could have been killed as could have my mother and 2 year old daughter or even someone else on the road. A vehicle with 61000 miles should not be having these issues. This problem should be resolved before someone does get hurt or even worse killed!
Left front steering rod end broke into two pieces causing a complete loss of steering control.
I bought a 2005 dodge dakota v6 4 x 4 less that three months ago. The power steering pump went out. I bought a new pump at the dealership for $172.00 & put it in. The truck is still not working. I believe the new pump is also shot now. The hoses have been cleaned out & the rack is not leaking. There was always fluid in the power steering reservoir. None of the fluid is circulating.
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 dodge dakota. While driving at any speed, but particularly at speeds between 50-70 MPH, the steering wheel vibrates out of the contact's hand when the brake pedal is depressed. The dealer replaced the front rotors and brakes. Two weeks later, the failure recurred. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage was 32,000 and failure mileage was 20,000.
Premature failure of lower ball joints on 2005 dodge dakota 4wd pu.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2005 Dodge Dakota?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history