2006 Dodge Dakota: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Nov 30, 2016 · Suspension · 90,000 miles · IL

Truck needs struts and parts have been on back order for over 6 months, there is a bolt and nut that cannot be removed without cutting it off because of poor design. The replacement part for the nut and bolt are not available .... Struts are available. This is a known defect in dodges but as far as I can tell there has not been a recall. Truck is now unsafe to drive control arms have to be cut off to replace struts

Filed Sep 16, 2015 · Steering · 54,000 miles · VA

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 dodge dakota. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken in for an inspection and it was discovered that the front driver side tie rod was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 54,000.

Filed Feb 19, 2015 · Body · 36,000 miles · IN

Have had to replace upper and lower ball joints both sides of vehicle prior to 65k miles. Lower front clip/frame, frame mounts and lower radiator support rusting away (under the paint). First noticed problem around 36k miles with surface rust appearing thru paint. Steel has deteriorated to point where chunks are falling off (paint still attached), and some of the steel has turned to flakes/powder beneath the paint. To this date this is the only area of truck frame affected by this problem. Brake lines are showing excessive rusting and will be replaced soon due to concern of rupturing. Have never encountered brake lines rusting like these are. Inquired about rusting of frame and was told it is common on chrysler vehicles painted silver. Truck is well maintained and kept clean. My opinion is it's a combination of low quality steel and paint. I am concerned how much this will compromise the integrity of vehicle safety in event of front end collision.

Filed Nov 19, 2014 · Lights, Steering · 37,000 miles · WI

In using signal lights, turn left signal on to turn and the right dash signal indicator as well as right signal light flash. If I move the tilt steering position up and then back down the lights function properly. This has happened several times. It sounds like something in the steering wheel is rubbing whenever one turns the wheel. The previous owner bought the truck new and it happened to him several times as well. Also the ball joints were all replaced by previous owner at less than 30,000 miles. Now at 55,000 miles the struts, shock absorbers, rear stabilizer links and quite possibly sway bar links front and rear need to be replaced.

Filed Nov 14, 2014 · Brakes, Suspension · 75,000 miles · WA

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 dodge dakota. The contact stated that the ABS brake warning light remained illuminated. When driving over a bump, the vehicle made a loud knocking sound. The contact was a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the upper and lower ball joints had become loose and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.

Filed May 8, 2014 · Steering · 100,000 miles · OR

Was traveling down a regular road when the power steering became very tight and then alternately a little while later became very loose causing over correction. About a month and a half later while traveling between washington and oregon the power steering went out completely in the vehicle. Had the pump and reservoir replaced as well as intake and outtake lines. Problem was not solved had to then replace rack and pinion, vehicle still leaking after this replacement as well. Vehicle has been to two different mechanics both of which cannot determine what the problem is causing the power steering to malfunction consistently.after replacing rack and pinion was also told that ball joints needed replacement.

Filed Apr 21, 2013 · Steering, Suspension · 80,000 miles · IA

I noticed in november 2012 that the steering on my 2006 dodage dakota quad cab seemed stiff and hard to turn, almost as if it wasn't getting enough power steering fluid - checked it and it was ok. Seemed at first to be stiffer when it was cold so attributed it to winter cold. Then at the end of march 2013, I was turning and heard a clunk as if I had hit a pothole. I heard it again on the same day and then heard a squeak as if the springs needed oiling. I stopped at my local repair shop. The mechanic oiled something - drove it and didn't hear a clunk. Three days later I took it to him and said it is clunking regularly and the steering still seems stiff. He replaced upper and lower ball joints that had gone bad, control arms, and tie rods that had play in them. This at 82,000 miles. These repairs are ridiculous for 82,000 miles. After spending $1400 I am still having tight steering. I don't know about dodge executives, but I can't afford repairs like this. The most complaints listed for this model and year are for steering and I've heard from the dealer that the ball joints go out early - as mine did. This vehicle should be recalled for steering and ball joints! My 1993 dakota is still going without these problems and it has 204,000 miles. If they can't make them the way they used to I'm not buying dodge again. P.s. My sister's 2009 dakota had a broken tie rod, ball joint, and steering issues. They can't find anything wrong with the steering. She is dumping it - won't drive it again.

Filed Feb 13, 2013 · Steering · 48,000 miles · VA

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 dodge dakota. The contact stated that he experienced difficulty steering the vehicle. The contact also stated that he had to apply an excessive amount of force in order to turn the steering wheel .the vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and they stated that both the tie rod and the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 48,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Nov 21, 2012 · Suspension · 40,000 miles · MN

Loud clunking noises from front end of truck. Took truck to repair shop and was informed that the sway bars and lower ball joints needed to be replaced. Front tie rods were replaced in july 2012.

Filed Apr 12, 2012 · Steering · 38,450 miles · PA

Power steering inconsistent, nearly locks up during slow speed turns and is very difficult to turn at highway speeds. This does not always happen, does not matter if left or right turns. Have had to dealer who states no problems with steering. Have had tie rod ends and ball joints replaced multiple times, this helps for a short time, but problem never leaves completely. Am told once again that the ball joints are bad. Quit going to dealer, as I am getting no where with the dealer/manufacturer. Have found huge amount of similar complaints on the internet, and a few on the federal safety agency site. Would be great if someone would actually find out what the cause is and get fixed before I am in a major crash and or get killed.

Filed Jan 24, 2012 · Steering, Suspension · 30,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 dodge dakota. The contact stated that there were rattling noises coming from the front end of the vehicle while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the rack and pinion failed. The contact was also informed that the sway bar links were loose. The vehicle was repaired. The failure had since recurred every few months. The vehicle was taken back to the authorized dealer where various front suspension components were replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 30,000. Updated 02/15/12*lj the rack and pinion, sway bar links, lower ball joints, upper control arm ball joint and shocks were all bad. Also, the shifter was coming out of park and the tie rods were worn. Updated 05/02/12

Filed Jul 15, 2011 · Suspension · 75,000 miles · WI

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 dodge dakota. The contact stated that the front tie rod end detached from the vehicle while the contact was in reverse. The dealer diagnosed that the upper ball joints would need replacing. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000 and the current mileage was 85,000.