2008 Dodge Dakota steering problems

Filed Mar 26, 2017 · Steering · 130,000 miles · CA

The steering completely locked up and would not turn. Intermittently over the past 3 months the power steering would suddenly stop working and the car was extremely hard to steer and control. After twice replacing the rack and pinion and steering pump the situation seemed to improve. Then suddenly, traveling 70 MPH on the freeway, the steering jerked right and when I turned it back to the left it completely locked up and I could not turn the wheels at all, they were locked straight causing us to immediately cross all lanes of the freeway as the road turned forcing us to the center divider.

Filed Sep 24, 2015 · Fuel system, Steering · 29,000 miles · CA

As I start the truck, it kicks when I shift to drive and start to accelerate. I took it to a dealer near me when there was a recall for the rack and pinion and they did not find anything. The truck keeps doing the kick or jumps gears. Maybe the problem is in the cable or the shifter. It keeps doing this to this day and getting worse. Now I have to move the shifter to drive and put it back to park to start the truck. Also the ignition stays on sometimes when the key is removed and this drains the battery. The truck seems to use way to much gas for the driving I do. My job is less than five miles from my house and it uses a lot of gas about 10.00 every day for such a short distance.

Filed Jul 30, 2015 · Steering · 100,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge dakota. While driving at various speeds, the steering wheel seized without warning. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Jul 28, 2015 · Steering, Suspension · 66,000 miles · OH

My father had taken this truck into the dealership multiple times for front end noises. He passed 3 months ago, and the truck became mine. Once I got it, I took it into the shop to have it looked over. They informed me the front suspension was ready to fall out of it at 66k miles. We had the front suspension fixed and it still makes suspicious noises. I believe there are probably more 08's out there that have this problem, so I think the 08 dakota's should be included in the newest dodge recall. The entire time my father owned this truck, he repeatedly took it to the dealership saying something was wrong with the suspension. I'm sure key chrysler in new carlisle oh has records of these visits and his complaints. It's a shame he didn't live to see this recall, he would have felt vindicated. The 2008 dodge dakota should be included in this recall.

Filed Jul 6, 2015 · Steering · 28,587 miles · PA

Fluid leakage informed from mechanic that rack and pinon leaking

Filed May 27, 2015 · Electrical, Steering · 25,000 miles · IL

Crank position sensor failed causing total loss of engine power harsh downshift from transmision at speed and loss of power brakes and power stearing could get someone killed if it was in a intersection or on the highway replacement should be free + towing

Filed Dec 10, 2014 · Steering · 100,000 miles · NC

My husband was driving his 08 dodge dakota less than 2 miles from our home. We live in a very rural area. He was not going more than 35-40 MPH. He lost control of the vehicle due to an incredible amount of shaking in the front end of the truck. Luckily, he was close to a rarely used road and pulled over. It was unusable and had to be towed to the mechanic's shop. Both tie rods had broken along with other parts that were severely worn. We had just had a baby less than two weeks before and we had all ridden in the truck together days before this happened. Thank the good lord my husband did not wreck and the baby and myself were not with him. The chrysler company needs to fix this problem!!! It was expensive to fix for a family with a new baby and very, very dangerous!!

Filed Nov 18, 2014 · Lights, Steering · 55,623 miles · ID

While driving the outer tie rod failed and the vehicle was unusable, the dealer stated there was no warranty. The vehicle would have crashed if I had not been lucky and brought it to the side of the road quickly. Both tie rod ends were found to be defective as well as the sway bar mounts. In addition this vehicle has routinely had a turn signal problem, when you turn on the left signal the right signal illuminates about 25 percent of the time.

Filed Nov 20, 2013 · Brakes, Steering · 30,000 miles · MI

Repair shop said I needed new front brake pads & rotors, tie rods were about to fall off, said it was danger to drive. Chrysler dealer said it was out warranty.

Filed Jul 18, 2013 · Steering · 62,000 miles · NH

After 62000 miles rack and pinion needed to be replaced that warranty does not cover, 62000 is too soon to be replacing rack and pinion.