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

While driving, heard clunking noise that seemed to come from under the vehicle. The outside of the vehicle appeared normal, including the wheels. I checked under hood and under front end and found nothing broken, missing or leaking and continued driving. The left front wheel later fell off with all studs sheared off. Also, one lug nut on the right front wheel was missing and several others were found to be loose, with several studs cracked. Both wheels had been properly installed and tighten some months earlier. To correct, the left front wheel was replaced. All studs on both front wheels and all lug nuts were replaced. Also, the front brake rotors and pads were replaced because the vehicle fell onto the left front rotor.

- Summit, NY, USA

From the very beginning I kept hearing noises from the brakes and front end. This was going into the 2nd year of ownership. My Dodge Dakota has been in the shop at least 15 times for the same thing. They have replaced the steering parts, sway bar, brakes rotors, caliber and still make a a moaning groaning noise when ever I turn or go over bumps.

- Tinley Park, IL, USA

Rotors warped / damaged. Brake rotors are severely warped. Brake pads have more than 35% life and the dealership cannot give any explanation why the rotors are damaged. I called Dodge corporation customer service and they will not help. Vehicle maintained only at Dodge dealerships and all service has been performed according to Dodge recommendation since purchased new.

- Weymouth, MA, USA

I have a 2004 Dodge Dakota 4 door cab 2 wheel drive truck. The brakes failed at less than 12,000 miles. They were replaced by the dealer and failed again less than 8,000 miles later. I had to pay for that failure. The symptoms were shimmy/shake when the brakes were applied. I had not made any panic stops and most of the driving had been on interstate or state highways.

- Carrollton, GA, USA

Here's what I submitted to the Dodge website: Last night I returned from my Dodge dealership after having new brake pads and new rotors installed. The vehicle is driving fine and the brakes are operating perfectly. The assistant service manager, wes, was helpful and professional. However, I don't think spending $900 on new rotors should be required after two years of operation and less than 50,000 miles. I am meticulous about maintenance and tire rotation. I do not ride the truck hard and all of my driving is country, not city, mileage. Even your Dodge personnel could not give me any reason why this would happen so soon. I am not a certified mechanic, but I believe there is something seriously wrong with either the design of the brakes or the materials or components used in the brake design. I bought a new '91 Dodge daytona and said I would never buy another Dodge due to problems and maintenance costs. In 2003, I thought I would give Dodge another shot and bought a new loaded, Dakota truck. Rest assured, this will be the last Dodge vehicle I ever own. Sincerely, william wilson.

- Clements, MD, USA