I own a 2004 Dakota quad 4X4 with 78K miles on it. I bought the truck new and have taken care of it. Most of the miles are highway and it has not been driven off road. Since its no longer under warranty I got online to research a diy solution. I found that many of the problems I have had and are having are not just being experienced by myself but other Dakota owners. 1) steering issues the steering wheel becomes extremely hard to turn at times both going into and coming out of a turn. This started happening in Feb 2009 with 71K on it. It is much more prevalent in cold weather. I was unable to drive the truck until the weather warmed up. (I have not had this fixed yet.) 2) brake issues 27K I had to have the front rotors and the rear drums turned and new pads and shoes installed and had the brake fluid changed. 46K I had to have new front rotors and pads along with the brake fluid changed 77K rear brakes began making noise. The parking brake pad had fallen off. I now need new rear drums and shoes and parking brake shoe. ( I have not had this fixed yet) 3)suspension 77K I need a front upper ball joint probably due to excess strain from the defective steering. ( I have not had this fixed yet).

- Lowell, IN, USA