At about 62 k mi. Steering became stiff, especially in cold weather. Check power steering fluid and topped off. Problem seemed to disappear over time. However more recently at about 70k mi. Problem has returned with stiffer steering and then with looseness. Seemingly that I am overcompensating my turns. My power steering fluid is normal.
Dodge Dakota power steering loss problems
83 of the 6,482 owner complaints about the Dodge Dakota describe loss of power steering, most of them for the 2004 model year.
- owner complaints
- 83
- worst model year
- 2004
- typical repair cost reported
- $800
- typical mileage
- 65,000
Is there a fix? There are 4 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Ball joint 17Loss of power 9Check engine light 5Stalling 4Grinding brakes 4Jerking 3Headlights 2Engine failure 2
What owners say
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
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 dodge dakota. While driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel began to lose steering power and seized without warning. The failure was persistent. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinon failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
Truck shifted into 4 wheel drive by itself. Event occurred without any warning lights or indication it was 4 wheel drive. I noticed truck was in 4 wheel drive when I was slowing to make a left hand turn at about 20 MPH and the steering was difficult and front tires were hopping and jerking until I stopped. I think this is an unsafe condition and that the truck should failsafe and never allow the truck to go into four wheel drive if some component in system fails. A warning light should come on and the system should block any attempt to engage 4 wheel drive. Luckily this event occurred at low speed and without a vehicle in front of me.
Felt a jerk, engine light came on, engine quit running. Had to coast off highway and stop, no power steering or power brakes.
My truck has started having trouble with steering. It seems to happen at just about any speed, but is most noticeable once I get to ~45 MPH. As a turn the wheel to the right or left of center, I feel like I have no power steering and really have to wrestle the wheel. When I come back to center, it feels like it's working again, and I end up cranking the steering wheel too hard because of how much power I needed to use to turn away from center.
While driving vehicle there was a sudden loss of steering. After having mechanic look at vehicle the high pressure hose was found to be leaking. After replacing the hose, found that the pump was leaking. In addition, approximately 1 inch from the teflon coating from inside the hose is missing and is believed to be stuck in the system and the likely cause for failure.
Rack and pinion seal busted while driving at some point resulting in loss of power steering fluid.
The steering is hard when the vehicle is cold. . When you turn the steering wheel is stiff and hard to turn and does not go back to a neutral position. You have to manually turn the steering wheel back to straighten it out. When the vehicle is driven for a hour the steering improves. I have seen many other complaints about the same problem with the same vehicle. It is a safety hazard.
Noticed a problem with the power steering on my 2004 dodge dakota at the beginning of april. The steering is stiff and hard to turn. It requires assistance to bring the steering wheel back to center. It doesn't matter what speed you are going. It seems to get better after about 30 minutes of driving but after sitting for a while the problem is back. I bought the truck last year as a second vehicle and now regret doing so. I have had the truck to the dealership twice. 4/14/14 they replaced the lower ball joints, front rotors and power steering pump. That did not fix the problem. 4/24/14 they replaced the steering rack. $2,300.00 later the problem still exists. It is going back to the dealership 5/14/14 but I have my doubts the problem will be fixed after reading other complaints online. I have contacted chrysler about this and have been assigned a case manager. I am waiting to hear what they have to say. I do not wish to spend anymore money trying to fix a design flaw in their steering components. The steering poses a safety issue and I do not feel comfortable driving it very far.
Related recalls
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: 4x2 pickup truck convertibles equipped with v6 engines (built from november 1988 - june 1990) and 4x2 pickup trucks equipped with the shelby package (built october 1988 - june 1989). The frame can crack at the steering gear attachment and/or the steering gear mounting bolts can fracture.
- Risk
- The steering gear can separate from the vehicle frame resulting in a loss of vehicle control increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
- Remedy
- Dealers will add reinforcements to the frame and replace the steering gear mounting bolts. If the frame is already cracked, the steering gear weld nuts will also be replaced. Owner notification began august 27, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 01V232000 · Recall details
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)
- What is wrong
- The frame can crack at the steering gear attachment and/or the steering gear mounting bolts can fracture.
- Risk
- The steering gear can separate from the vehicle frame resulting in a loss of vehicle control increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
- Remedy
- Dealers will add reinforcements to the frame and replace the steering gear mounting bolts. If the frame is already cracked, the steering gear weld nuts will also be replaced.
Recall number 96V094000 · Recall details
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar
- What is wrong
- The steering wheel armature stamping can crack due to fatigue and separate from the center hub attachment to the steering column.
- Risk
- This condition can cause separation of the center hub attachment to the steering column resulting in a loss of control and an accident.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the steering wheel for armature cracks and replace any wheels exhibiting cracks. All other vehicles will have a reinforcement plate installed to prevent steering wheel separation if cracking occurs.
Recall number 95V089000 · Recall details
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar
- What is wrong
- While making a turn, the extra keys on a vehicle operator's key ring can become temporarily lodged in the screw access holes in the back cover of the steering wheel.
- Risk
- This condition can hamper the steering wheel return orcause the ignition to be turned off, resulting in loss of vehicle control and an accident.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the steering wheel back cover with a redesigned cover.
Recall number 95V088000 · Recall details
Questions about the Dodge Dakota power steering loss
Which Dodge Dakota years have loss of power steering problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2004 (17 complaints), 1990 (8 complaints) and 2006 (7 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix loss of power steering on the Dodge Dakota?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $800 (median of 7 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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