Tl* the contact owns a 2006 dodge dakota. The contact stated that the steering wheel was extremely difficult to turn. The contact replaced the power steering pump, but the abnormal noise continued. Also, the steering wheel became tight and was unable to turn left and right. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the rack and pinion may need to be replaced. The vehicle was also inspected by a dealer (crossroads jeep and dodge in prince george, va, 1 (888) 704-5098), but the cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency action number: ea06004 (steering); however, the manufacturer had two technical service bulletins. The VIN and failure mileage were not available.
Dodge Dakota steering noise problems
58 of the 6,482 owner complaints about the Dodge Dakota describe clunking or noise when steering, most of them for the 2000 model year.
- owner complaints
- 58
- worst model year
- 2000
- typical repair cost reported
- $800
- typical mileage
- 49,000
By model year
Often reported together
Ball joint 24Harsh shifting 10Grinding brakes 6Pulling 3Knocking 2Wipers 1Whining noise 1Won't shift 1
What owners say
I bought my truck at auto advantage in hendersonville n.c. In march 2016 to days later transmission went in limp mode they replaced computer three times, then a week an half later happen again this time they rebuilt transmission. Then wipers want stop at times in park when cutoff. Steering has a popping when turning. Now the truck thru 4 codes check everything next day check codes has 3 codes checked again went to work codes still on that evening started home no light or codes thrown its like it fixed its self need help to solve problems. Can not afford anymore fixes. I owe two loans both on truck auto advantage would not help on transmission repairs. Never buy from them again worst buy I ever had. Can you help me with my problems?
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge dakota. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH and turning left or right, the steering wheel made an abnormal noise. The contact stated that it sounded like a gear was loose. The failure recurred. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
I noticed that the steering started getting sloppy and started popping. Now if you hit a bad patch of road it wants to jump out of road getting scary. I am disabled and depend on my truck to get back and forth to 4 different doctors. I live on social security and cant afford repair bills on parts that should not be wore out. Please help!
Began to experience heavy, difficult steering, especially when cold, and metallic clunking or grinding noises when turning tightly at low speeds accompanied by power steering pump whine on a 2004 dodge dakota 4.7l v8 4x4 quad cab. Steering has also become abnormally heavy at normal driving speeds with difficulty centering steering wheel and reduced power steering assist. Inspection of steering components revealed severe rust on steering intermediate shaft upper u joint caused by road salt and moisture, which resulted in steering difficulty and strain on power steering system. This condition is extremely dangerous due to the extra effort required to steer the vehicle. Lubricating the joint with grease temporarily alleviates the issue, but problem returns after a period of time and will require eventual replacement of upper/lower intermediate shaft(s) at a parts cost of approximately $226, plus labor. Internet research reveals this is a widely occurring issue on this generation of dakota pickup caused by poor design (lack of lubrication, no protection from the elements, and inadequate rust proofing) of a critical steering component, where failure can result in a serious safety hazard by making the vehicle more difficult to steer, and thus chrysler group llc should be held liable for repair costs of this component.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 dodge dakota. While driving approximately 5 MPH, the contact heard a loud popping sound and the steering wheel became unstable. The contact stated the sound was also heard when the steering wheel was turned while the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but the mechanic was unable to diagnose the failure and recommended the manufacturer be contacted. The manufacturer was contacted and stated there were no other complaints and did not provide any further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.
Intermediate steering shaft needs replacing, clunk sound. Oem has now been upgraded to a beefier shaft because oem was not holding up. This should be a recall issue.
The tie rod on the passenger's side front suspension is separating from the steering rack. Tie rod boot is twisted and vehicle makes a loud knocking and clicking noise while turning. Dealer service mechanic stated the steering rack was separating and a gear box needed replacement as well. Failure of tie rod could result in steering failure and loss of vehicle control. Needs replacement, but was informed an entire steering rack and gear box must be replaced.
1. Normal driving circumstances. Front end suspension started making clunking/popping noises and steering became erratic. Truck has 85,000 miles. 2. Could not safely drive the vehicle. The steering was too risky. I also noticed while the tow truck driver was pulling the vehicle onto the truck that the front right wheel was leaning over at about 30 degree angle. 3. Mechanic diagnosed that the upper ball joints has basically rusted and deteriorated. Lower joints were also on their way to failure. Additional research has shown that the 4 wheel drive models were recalled. Why weren't the 2 wheel drives. This problem mirrors the issue that they had.
My 2005 dodge dakota has has a steering problem starting july 2005. The vehicle makes a loud noise/squealing sound when steering is turned either right or left. This noise is made with little movement of the steering wheel and continues to the stop. The vehicle has been serviced three times replacing the belt and tensioner twice, power steering pump, and power steering rack. Vehicle still makes noise and dealership has no idea what problem is. I contacted corporate and advised them of the problem and have been getting the run around from them also. They do not know what the problem is, yet they tell me it is safe to drive! As of today they continue to tell me that engineering is looking into the problem.
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 steering noise
Which Dodge Dakota years have clunking or noise when steering problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2000 (12 complaints), 1998 (11 complaints) and 2001 (7 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix clunking or noise when steering on the Dodge Dakota?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $800 (median of 5 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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