*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!!
Dodge Dakota grinding brakes problems
157 of the 6,482 owner complaints about the Dodge Dakota describe grinding or squealing brakes, most of them for the 1999 model year.
- owner complaints
- 157
- worst model year
- 1999
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,095
- typical mileage
- 46,000
By model year
Often reported together
Ball joint 70Harsh shifting 12Premature wear 7Steering noise 6Pulling 4Power steering loss 4Whining noise 3Won't shift 3
Trouble codes mentioned
C1404 1
What owners say
Often when I start my truck the oil pressure gauge will go all the way up, the gauge for the battery stays down, and when it does start, the serpentine belt will squeal, sometimes it will start and idle, other times it will not idle, unless I keep my foot on the gas, as soon as I take my foot off the gas it will stall, after about 15 minutes, everything will go back to normal and it runs fine, but lately, its been doing it more often, when it does this, there is a foul smell coming out of the exhaust. I have had it scanned and no codes came up on the scanner. I do not have a lot of money, so if there is a recall please let me know how a recall works. This has happened several times, but the last time was 9/23/2019, when I started it today, it ran fine.
The steering is very hard to turn either left or right at most times. Feels as if the power steering has failed, but had it inspected by mechanic and says power steering pump and belts are fine. This difficulty in steering is also accompanied by a grinding type of noise in the steering column behind the steeing wheel. It has become more than just an occasional annoyance but rather a more permanent safety issue since my wife is no longer able to use the truck because of the difficulty with the steering. Please advise on what may be the cause and if the manufacturer is aware of similar problems with other dakota pick ups and if they have issued a recall in the past to remedy the problem. I am hoping to have this resolved quickly since I fear it may only lead to some tragic or catastrophic result. Thank you
Driving to the grocery store about 30 MPH needing to brake and the front brakes were gone. Right front caliper bolt broke thread and the caliper came off the spindle, steering caused more grinding and then I thought of the emergency/parking brake. I have replaced the same spindle before, but parts are not available now or before. I can';t find a used/new spindle to repair it and it just passed inspection.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge dakota. While driving various speeds, the brake pedal was applied and began to grind and squeak. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the front driver side brake caliper and brake pads needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Truck is going into 4wd by itself. I almost crashed going at a high speed. Truck steering wheel locked up, tires locked up, truck lost all power and turned off. The 4x4 light turns on and off. When using the keyless entry button on remote I can hear a clicking and grinding noise under truck. The 4wd engages without me even being in the truck it happens sometimes when I ise the remote to unlock truck. I jad the 4wd engage also while making a turn. The wheels ceased up and couldnt get truck to advance. This has been happening since 2 weeks ago. Started with the 4wd light turning on amd off and progressively getting worse.
I'm left with a dilemma. I own a 2005 dodge dakota 4x4. This vehicle has a problem where the transmission electronically switches from 2 wheel drive to 4 wheel drive without the driver's consent. This is a well documented problem across the internet with other owners of this vehicle. We've known the transmission has had issues for a while, but (warranty company) has a theory of can't replicate it, won't fix it .and that is what occurred. On 3/23 while driving at 70mph, the vehicle attempted to electronically shift into 4lo from 2wd, a system that should only function under 20mph. It failed to engage, causing grinding noises from the transaxle case and a slow stop on side of interstate. Upon later inspection by a in network repair facility, the vehicle failed to produce a PCM code and mechanically could not be replicated in the 2 hrs at the shop. We were charged a $112.51 and sent on our way. Today 3/28, it happened again but in worse format, the transmission did engage 4lo at 70mph and it caused rear wheels to lock up and freeze. We were forced to swerve under control to a stop in the median of the interstate again. We immediately had a local automotive parts store drive to us where he was once again unable to pull any PCM codes. He tested the vehicle in the median and was able to immediately replicate the problem.
Purchase this vehicle one year ago this month, as we were leaving the dealer ship, we noticed a small squeak, really didn't think anything of it, 6 months later the squeak is louder. When back to the dealership and was told, not to worry about it, it was nothing. On june 12th when to get it inspected, and guess what it failed, reason, the front balljoints are no good. I suspect that this dealership knew they were bad when they sold it, now being on a limited income, I can't get it fixed and still have to make payments on it. What can be done about this, this vehicle was only driven during the winter months, since it was a 4x4.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 dodge dakota. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, he heard a squeaky noise. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician diagnosed that the bolt joints, tie rod and sway bar were malfunctioning and would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 45,000 and the current mileage was 45,427.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 dodge dakota. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH he heard a loud grinding noise as the vehicle engaged into neutral independently. The failure recurred numerous even when the vehicle was parked and the vehicle shifted into four wheel drive with no driver or passenger inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis but the failure could not be duplicated. The failure continued to recur. The vehicle was returned to the dealer but again the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and current mileage was 70,000.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
- What is wrong
- On certain pickup trucks equipped with four-wheel antilock brake systems (ABS), the ABS electronic control unit (ecu) may cause a loss of front to rear brake balance, and the rear brakes could lock up prematurely during certain braking conditions.
- Risk
- This could result in a loss of vehicle control and cause a crash without warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the ABS ecu. The recall is expected to begin during the week of july 17, 2006. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 06V038000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: pickup trucks. Some vehicles may have been built with inadequate clearance between the rear axle vent hose and the brake hose.
- Risk
- A puncture in the rear brake hose will result in a loss of braking force at the rear wheels.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the rear brake hose for evidence of wear. Worn brake hoses will be replaced. The rear vent hose will be shortened by 3 inches and a clip will be installed to assure clearance between the axle vent line and brake hose is maintained.
Recall number 00V198000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: pickup trucks built with 2.5l engines. Some vehicles may have been built with inadequate clearance between the left front brake tube and the power steering hose.
- Risk
- A puncture of the left front brake tube can result in a loss of braking force at the front wheels, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the brake tube and power steering hose for wear. If wear is evident, the brake tube and/or power steering hose will be replaced. A power steering standoff bracket will be installed on all vehicles to ensure that adequate clearance between the brake tube and power steering hose is maintained.
Recall number 00V193000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks (2 wheel drive only). The front brake hoses or anti-lock brake system (ABS) sensor wire may be abraded at the front wheels by contact with a front wheelhouse splash shield.
- Risk
- Prolonged brake hose contact can cause a partial loss of the braking system. Prolonged ABS sensor wire contact can cause a loss of ABS function.
- Remedy
- Dealers will trim the front wheelhouse splash shields and the brake hoses and ABS sensor wires will be inspected. If evidence of abrasion is found on any hose or ABS wire, they will be replaced.
Recall number 97V170000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist
- What is wrong
- The power brake booster vacuum hose could be improperly installed and not clamped to the brake booster vacuum nipple.
- Risk
- A disconnected vacuum hose can cause an increase in engine idle speed and loss of brake power assist during brake application without prior warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the vehicles to insure that the brake booster vacuum hose connection is fully seated and clamped to the vacuum check valve nipple at the brake booster.
Recall number 95V199000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
- What is wrong
- Some of the ABS equipped vehicles were built with an undersized brake return check valve. In incidents where hard brake pedal effort is applied on low friction road surfaces, like rain covered streets, the valves may fail, causing the ABS to become inoperative. This creates excess brake pedal travel and may cause the ABS warning light to come on.
- Risk
- Lack of front wheel ABS could cause the front wheelbrakes to lock, increasing stopping distance which may result in an accident.
- Remedy
- Replace the return check valve with the correct valve.
Recall number 93V082000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- The right front brake hose may rub against the tire during a full lock left turn, which may eventually cause wear through of the brake hose on the right front side.
- Risk
- Wear through of the right front brake hose would causefluid loss from half of the split brake hydraulic system and increase stoppingdistance which could result in an accident.
- Remedy
- If clearance between the brake hose and tire on the right front is inadequate, replace brake hose with a modified version to ensure adequate clearance.
Recall number 91V200000 · Recall details
Questions about the Dodge Dakota grinding brakes
Which Dodge Dakota years have grinding or squealing brakes problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1999 (21 complaints), 2001 (18 complaints) and 2003 (18 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix grinding or squealing brakes on the Dodge Dakota?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,095 (median of 10 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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