Dodge Dakota shudder problems

Filed Jun 5, 2018 · Transmission · 90,000 miles · FL

When accelerating it shudders tremendously. Let of the gas and it stops sometimes.

Filed Jul 15, 2017 · Transmission · 71,100 miles · SC

Vehicle: 2007 dodge dakota st club cab, 2wd, 3.7l v6, 42 rle automatic trans problem: at road speeds of 34-50 MPH the vehicle shudders, vibrates, and sounds as though on a rumble strip. My research indicates that the powertrain control module has an error that incorrectly tells the torque converter to start the lock up range at too low an RPM, resulting in the engine and torque converter to not be synched correctly. This problem began shortly after I'd bought the truck at 71,100 miles. I'm at 71,500 miles now. The remedy is as little as reprogramming the PCM flash to as much as replacing the PCM, the torque converter, and transmission. I fear that the problem could result in catastrophic failure of the drive train components in a way that could result in a vehicle crash. There are two technical service bulletins of which I'm aware on the matter.

Filed Jul 6, 2014 · Transmission · 82,000 miles · PA

Rear wheels locked up after pulling onto roadway from a grade and turning left. Accelerated to approx. 25 MPH to enter roadway, heard loud bang and felt vehicle shudder. Drive shaft separated from rear differential, rear wheels would not move; vehicle stopped in middle of 35 MPH roadway. Metal shaft appears sheared off. Used 4x4 mode to power front wheels to pull onto shoulder. Had I been merging onto highway my truck could have stopped without warning, potentially causing a serious accident. Vehicle removed by flatbed tow - again rear wheels would not roll. Vehicle serviced regularly including rear differential pinion seal replaced on 11/5/10 and again on11/29/13 by dodge dealer. 2005 dodge dakota laramie 4x4 quad cab with tow package; very little towing performed over vehicle life.

Filed Jul 16, 2011 · Brakes · 80,844 miles · WI

Brought 2002 dodge dakota into dealership a total of 6 times since may 2010 because of problems with the front brakes. The first time the brakes were shuddering so bad when braking on a hill, it was difficult to hold the steering wheel straight. The dealership recommended replacement of the rotors and pads to resolve the problem in light of the fact that they supposedly visually passed inspection, and had plenty of pad surface remaining. The day following replacement, I took the vehicle out and noticed a distinct clicking below the brake pedal when braking. I took it back to the dealer, where they kept it for a day, told me they thought they fixed it, and returned it to me. As soon as I drove into my driveway, the passenger front was seizing and smoking. I called the dealership and they came to pick it up. It remained at the dealership for a few days until they disassembled the slide on the caliper, cleaned and regreased it, and resurfaced the new rotor. The problem reoccurred again within two weeks, when I had to return it again. This time I brought it in while the brake was pouring out smoke. They kept it for a week, and then decided the brake line required a replacement. Less than 3500 miles later, I was out of state visiting family. As soon as I arrived in that town, I could smell the brake burning again. Took it to the dodge dealership there where they said it was apparent that both front calipers had been sticking for some time and required replacement and well as the rotors resurfacing due to the heat. There is obviously some problem with the brake system or materials dodge uses now for their vehicles... Too many failures amongst too many people. While brakes seizing is preferable to them not working at all, this is just not acceptable. These are brakes, not brain surgery...

Filed Dec 29, 2010 · Brakes · 300 miles · AZ

2005 and early 2006 dodge dakota's equipped with the 8.25 inch rear axle have a defective brake design. They utilize a single spring between the rear brake shoes which creates varying degrees of brake shuddering upon application. In addition many of these trucks are equipped with defective axles which contribute to the shuddering problem. In late 2005, dodge issued a tsb to their dealers on how to correct these problems. This was soon superseded by tsb 05-002-006. I purchased a truck with both the defective brakes and defective axles in august of 2005. I was never notified of either tsb by chrysler corporation. I now understand that since my vehicle is over one year old that I am responsible for much of the cost of repairing these factory defects to an important safety system. Dodge issued two tsb's and began installing a properly designed rear brake assembly on all new dakotas built after january 2006. I believe that dodge should issue an immediate safety recall for all affected 2005 and early 2006 dakota trucks and repair them for little or no cost to the owner. This problem has undoubtedly increased the risk for serious accidents due to diminished braking power and driver reaction to the pulsating pedal on hard braking. In addition, numerous owners have probably paid for unnecessary and ineffective repairs since the symptoms of this design defect mimic those of out-of-round brake drums.

Filed Feb 18, 2010 · Suspension · 40,000 miles · TX

Have a 2005 dodge dakota, 40400 mile on it, the whole front end has to be replace, due in my opinion to defective manufacturing. When coming to a stop the whole front end shudders. Have replaced ball joints once and now having to replace whole suspension, at my expense. These vehicles should be recalled and dodge should have to fix the problem. When researching this issue, I discovered that it is a major issue with dodge vehicles. What I would like to know is why this is not being investigated more extensively and why these vehicles are not being recalled. Just because there has not been a loss of lives, it doesn't mean that dodge owners should have to pay for these repairs out of their pockets. Dodge created this problem and dodge should fix the problem.

Filed Oct 21, 2009 · Brakes · 29,300 miles · CA

2005 dodge dakota with brake shuddering at highway speeds. This is a problem reported by numerous owners, as is evidenced by searching the internet. The dealerships do not take ownership of the problem even though dodge first issued a technical bulletin on this problem in november of 2005 (bulletin 05-004-05) and updated it in may 2006 (bulletin 05-002-06). In some instances, the issued bulletin requires the vehicle rear axles to to be replaced.

Filed Mar 6, 2009 · Brakes · 36,000 miles · NM

Rear brake juddering (shaking) causes the truck to "bounce" in the rear which, if happening suddenly, can cause the operator to lose control of the vehicle. The rear drums on the '05 dodge dakota are too small and heat up and "warp", which causes the rear brakes to be much less effective at helping to slow the vehicle. Chrysler motors released a tsb related to the rear braking system, but only owners within the first 12,000 miles of their vehicle's life are eligible for the free repair.

Filed Aug 12, 2008 · Transmission · 53,000 miles · KS

The transmission in my 2004 dodge dakota slt is a piece of crap. First I had to replace the valve body at 53,000 miles, now the torque converter tries to lock too soon (at 30 MPH), which results in the truck shuddering between 30 and 40 MPH. It only occurs under light acceleration. Heavy acceleration keeps the converter from locking.

Filed Jul 6, 2007 · Brakes · IL · crash

1999 dodge dakota applied brake and vehicle pulled to the left**cw** 2nd car from document number 10195900 the consumer stated when the brakes are applied, the brake pads wear, and pressure was being placed on the lugs/slide bars. The consumer also stated that it was also quite possible the brakes could be delayed from engaging because the backing plates are not able to ride up and over the wear spot. The consumer stated when he attempted to apply the brakes a delay in braking occurred, followed by a slight shudder, then the wheel locked up. The vehicle didn't stop and consequently he rear ened another vehicle.