2005 Dodge Dakota suspension problems

Filed Mar 13, 2022 · Electrical, Suspension · TN

*Incomplete Recall Status* ***Defect in transfer case*** Complaint of Manufacturer Defect in 2005 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab 4x4 3.7l v6. While driving at a speed of 30mph on a smooth paved highway and selector switch turned to 2 wheel drive mode; out of nowhere, the transfer case tried to engage 4 High which resulted in SVC 4X4 warning lamp illumination and a loud grinding/stuttering sound from under carriage as well as halting me to 10 mph without any help from me. after pulling over on the roadside and putting truck in park and turning the engine off, i waited a couple of minutes and SVC 4X4 indicator and 4High dash light had gone. I restarted the truck only to find that the SVC 4X4 Warning lamp immediately returned and now the 4lo illuminated dash light is constantly showing and truck is still showing in 2 wheel drive with selector switch but 4x4 will not engage at all now. Took to a mechanic shop 1/2 mile down the road and had it read for any DTCs and inspected. Code came back as C1404. Transfer case still tries to engage as soon as truck door is opened and dome light comes on. SVC 4X4 warning indicator stays on the dash lit up and 4lo warning light flashes non stop. Manufacturers communication letter has been sent to dealerships for the proper installation steps of the transfer case on the model of my truck due to improper positioning. I have noticed no Recall but have found a Campaign ID listed for this issue. I've owned this truck for only DAYS now with the intention of presenting it to daughter for her 16th birthday next month and now there's a BIG concern here for safety and the fact that a recall hasn't been issued is crazy! ....it's completely absurd and should be escalated immediately until a consumer resolution is made. This truck is NOT safe at all with this defect by manufacturer transfer case! I am demanding that this faulty part be investigated and taken considerable responsibility for just for the amount of time allowed to pass!!

Filed Dec 28, 2018 · Suspension · 105,000 miles · WA

I took my 2005 dakota to repair shop because of clunking noise on front drivers side. Noise was heard when driving or rocking the truck when it was parked. Repair shop said lower ball joint completely failed and was riding on lower control arm instead of supported by ball joint. Upper ball joint was also bad. Passenger side upper ball joint worn out and lower ball joint boot was cracked. All tie rod ends also needed to be replaced.

Filed Oct 27, 2018 · Steering, Suspension · RI

Hello, I recently purchased a one owner 2005 dodge dakota, which has less than 35,000 miles and has been very well maintained. The car fax came back clean for accidents etc, but I have found, that both the front and rear sections of the chassis had to be replaced on driver and passenger sides and most of the front suspension had to be replaced too. Due to excessive deep rust. To the point of the nut holding the left outer tie rod end disintegrated. The straight side rails of the chassis are excessively deep rusted. As well as the oil pan and rear axle housing (which are original). The dealership had to cut off the front suspension components and replace all bushings and most of the front suspension components. Due to excessive rust and wear. My truck has barely been on the road for its year and has had minimal exposure to road chemicals such as salt etc. These components rotting away to this extent with such low mileage regardless of age indicates the use of poor quality materials being used during assembly and posing a potential safety issue to consumers. I opened a case# 57271603 with chrysler and the agent told, that even if the case was moved up for review . It would be sent back due to the age of the truck . Which I disagree with, as the front suspension components should not have rotted and disintegrated so badly and the chassis should not have had to have extensive repairs in less than 35,000 miles. I would think, that this poses a potential safety issue for anyone buying trucks using the same chassis and components from the same vendor, if they are not manufactured at a dodge plant. Ultimately it should be the car manufacturer's responsibility, that the parts they are using are quality and will not pose potential safety risk to consumers . Please let me know, if further information etc. Is needed. Thank you

Filed Sep 4, 2017 · Suspension · 50,000 miles · IL

Around 50,000 miles upper and lower ball joints making popping sounds. Took to local repair shop . Replaced all 4 , then popping stopped. Way to early for ball joint replacement. Occured while moving 5 MPH and turning either direction.

Filed Mar 23, 2017 · Suspension · 173,000 miles · KY · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 dodge dakota. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the rear of the vehicle aggressively swayed to the left without warning. The driver lost control of the vehicle. As a result, the contact crashed into a ditch and the vehicle rolled over several times. The contact stated that the rear axle detached from the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed. A police report was filed. The contact received injuries to the face, chest, stomach, leg, and feet areas. Medical attention was not needed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 173,000.

Filed Mar 4, 2016 · Steering, Suspension · 77,105 miles · WA

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 dodge dakota. While driving at low speeds down a mountain, the front driver side wheel detached from the vehicle while braking. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the driver side tie rod and hub assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,105.

Filed Aug 20, 2015 · Suspension · 41,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 dodge dakota. The contact stated that while making a left turn at approximately 5 MPH, the front passenger side wheel detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the front end needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. After the repair, the front end aluminum clamps that held the stabilizer bar fractured. The vehicle was taken to another dealer where it was diagnosed that the clamps fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 41,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Jul 28, 2015 · Steering, Suspension · 12,400 miles · GA

Issue I am fighting now. At speeds between 55 - 75 intermittently the truck will begin to vibrate. If you take your foot off the gas it gets worse. If you then apply the brakes the steering wheel begins to shake almost violently, and the brake pedal pulses. If I slow down to about 30 MPH it stops and may happen again quickly or may not happen again for a while. I have replaced the rotors and calipers and tie rod ends and gotten an alignment. Still the issue exists. I have new michelin tires. I have also already had to replace lower ball joints and front wheel bearings. I have replaced the rotors and calipers 3 times already on this truck. It has less than 13000 miles on it. No one seems to be able to figure out what the problem is. I will never, ever buy another chrysler / dodge product. This was my first and will be my last.

Filed Jun 16, 2014 · Locks, Suspension · 140,000 miles · VA

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 dodge dakota. The contact stated the four wheel system disengaged on its owns while driving at unknown speeds. The doors malfunctioned and locked and unlocked while the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 140,000. The approximate current mileage was 150,000.

Filed Apr 9, 2014 · Brakes, Steering · 65,000 miles · OH

I bought this 2005 dakota new. I have spent thousands in repairs and there is always something wrong with it. I've also never seen anything rust like this truck. This particular issue I am fighting now. At speeds between 55 - 75 intermittently the truck will begin to vibrate. If you take your foot off the gas it gets worse. If you then apply the brakes the steering wheel begins to shake almost violently, and the brake pedal pulses. If I slow down to about 30 MPH it stops and may happen again quickly or may not happen again for a while. I have replaced the rotors and calipers and tie rod ends and gotten an alignment. Still the issue exists. I have new michelin tires. I have also already had to replace lower ball joints and front wheel bearings. I have replaced the rotors and calipers 3 times already on this truck. It has less than 65k miles on it. No one seems to be able to figure out what the problem is. I will never, ever buy another chrysler / dodge product. This was my first and will be my last.