2.5

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
60,159 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1997 Dodge Dakota steering problems

steering problem

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1997 Dodge Dakota Owner Comments

problem #6

Jul 152004

Dakota 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 48,956 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My 1997 Dodge Dakota-with 48ooo miles failed safety inspection, due to bad ball joints and unsafe steernig. During repair process I discovered that this is a common and even expected event with these vehicles (with low mileage) and also durangos. It is so commonplace that Dodge repair people expect it. Obviouosly tis is a sfatey defect and should be remedied at no cost to consumer. It will only be a matter of time until the parts fail; and a catastrophe happens to some un suspectig driver, unless there is a recall and permanent quality replacment of the parts.

- Eighty-Four, PA, USA

problem #5

Feb 062004

Dakota

  • 100,000 miles
The upper and lower ball joints and tie rod ends wore out completely. Consumer was concerned that the wheels will fall off while driving.

- Creswell, NC, USA

problem #4

Nov 122003

Dakota 4WD 6-cyl

  • 127,000 miles
Front end failed. Consumer stated front end was on the verge of collapsing. Consumer also stated that ball joints, inner and outer tie rods failed.

- Williamsville, MO, USA

problem #3

Jul 012003

Dakota

  • 85,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Front end suspension failed, and caused the thread on the tie rod to become weak. The threads appeared corroded which almost caused an accident. Dealer notified.

- Ashville, OH, USA

problem #2

Jul 072001

Dakota

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving less than 5 mph driver's side of vehicle dropped, tie rod had broken and gone through rim of wheel. Dealer replaced tie rod.

- Warren, MI, USA

problem #1

Dec 131999

Dakota

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Defective driver's side tie rod end broke, causing a loss of vehicle control. Also, ball joints looked worn out.

- North Ridgeville, OH, USA

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