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.
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that while in the process of making a turn, the steering wheel tightened and was difficult to turn. The failure recurred while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop for a failure diagnostic, where the contacted was informed that the steering linkages failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contacted also stated that the front stabilizing bars were missing bolts. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop, where the missing bolts were installed. The failure mileage was 58,000 and the current mileage was 58,355. Updated 8/30/11 updated 09/21/11
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Dakota. While driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle exhibited an abnormal popping sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician stated that the sway bar and the lower ball joints would need to be replaced because they were worn. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
While entering highway (40mph) my vehicle went into an uncontrollable spin that resulted in minor impact damage with brush and ditch. When I removed the flat tire (left front), I found that the sway bar link had snapped. This 2005 Dodge Dakota only has 58,00 miles and has never been used for anything other than house hold chores and local driving. I found many complaints through on-line forums about these sway bar links, but Dodge has no recall posted. This incident could have resulted in a much worse accident had there been other vehicles or pedestrians on or beside the road when my vehicle went out of control. I cannot prove, but believe that the sway bar failure caused my spin-out and that Dodge should be held accountable for resultant damages.
To whom it may concern: I was referred to you by www.carcomplaints.com.they felt that what I had to say may be safety related. I have a 2005 Dodge Dakota 4X4. I bought this truck new. Starting in may of 2010 I started to hear a clunking noise in the front, or maybe rear end, only when I turn left or right.I have been to 3 garages and the last one being a dealership. I have replaced both lower ball joints, both front stab links, both tie rods, both rear stab links, and as recent as this Sept.,both leaf springs. The truck still has the same noise and I'm out $2000. The dealer doesn't even know what's wrong. Now, all this happened before the truck turned 50,000. Miles. I know it's out of warranty. I also, know now, the manufacturer's have studies on how long a vehicle is to last in order for the consumer to give it a passing grade as to by it again. I have had many trucks in my day and I maintained all just as well as this one. I had an S10 4X4 with 120,000 miles on it and the front and rear end was as tight as the day I bought it. An accident ended that vehicle. I think Dodge should find out what's wrong and fix it at their expense. Not mine or the dealership but, theirs!!!!!! I know my purchase will not make or break Dodge. However, I am one and done with Dodge products and I will continue to spread the word about my troubles with my Dakota. I'm asking you too, to go on line and google Dodge Dakota 2005 front end or suspension troubles. You will not be disappointed. Thank you for your time!
2005 Dodge Dakota. Defective steering components. 68,000 miles. Vehicle shakes during braking and at highway speed. One diagnosis stated 4 defective ball joints and upper control arms requiring replacement. Another diagnosis by a Dodge dealer states one defective ball joint, defective rack and pinion and brake calipers sticking. Dodge states there is not a recall on the mentioned parts for my particular vehicle.
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Dakota. While driving 40 mph, the contact noticed an unusual clicking sound in the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the front end bulbs and bolts. The failure mileage was 45,000 and the current mileage was 53,000.
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.
Both lower ball joints had to be replaced at 35555 miles. The garage said I was very lucky that the ball joints didn't break and cause an accident. We need to have these Dodge Dakota recalled before they cause a wreck. I had cars/trucks with 90,000 miles on them and never have problems.
Have a 2005 Dodge Dakota 4X4 with 56329 miles on it and just had to have both lower ball joints replaced, the front sway bar link kit and bushings replaced and the left outer tie rod replaced. This is a lot of repair work to be done on a vehicle that is just driven for pleasure. It is not taken off-road and rough housed. I feel that this is poor workmanship of parts that were originally put on this truck.
Heard rattling in front end. Checked and noticed sway bar loose on right side. Drove less than 1 mile to Dodge dealer and spoke with mechanic. He said that both links had been broken which he thought was unusual. I asked if he thought it was safe to drive to home 3 miles away since it would take several days to get parts and then repair. He said he would not advise driving it for extended period. While attempting to drive it from off the street parking to dealer parking lot to remain for repair. The right tire was punctured by sway bar. Decided to have car towed to have sway bar linkages installed and tire replaced at other garage that was less expensive.
Front end noise-both front swaybar links broken-both outer tie rod ends bad. Tie rod ends replaced. Both links replaced with heavier-duty links at customer expense and told by service department this was normal wear-and-tear and they've been getting several of these lately. We live one mile out a gravel road and this truck is babied by a 53 year old female driver!!! normal??
For the last 3 or 4 years, I have complained about my 2005 Dodge Dakota 4X4 jerking which seemed to get worse when I applied my brakes. I just took it in for inspection and was told that my lower & upper ball joints need replaced in order to pass inspection. This just doesn't seem right when the truck only has 22,400 miles on it and has been only driven on city streets. I did get on the internet and searched this problem and it seems like alot of people have been having this same problem. Shouldn't there be a recall when so many people are experiencing the same problem?
In January, 2009, noticed a growling in the front end of the 2005 Dodge Dakota (~43,000) with difficulty turning corners. Took it to several repair shops who indicated that the front end needed work, including but not limited to, ball joints, tie-rods, tires at a cost over $1000. Took it to a Dodge dealer who indicated that only needed grease and greased. In the past week, March, 2009, shimming and noise in front end when turning. Took to Dodge dealer who indicated that the tie-rods, sway bars and tires (split) needed repair cost >$1000. Took it to another repair shop and received same news plus ball joints were worn. Having work done and wanted to report since I noticed that there seems to be a number of incidents related to same issue on your website. No injuries but there was the possibility if the front end had failure on the highway while driving on icy/snowy/wet roads.
Purchased a pre owned 2005 Dodge Dakota 2/2007.the dealership guaranteed me the vibration in the vehichle would be resolved. The first 2months they had the vehicle more than I. 5 times the vehicle has been back to this dealership. Replaced the rotors, break pads, new sway bar(that was disconnected). The vehicle still vibrates.at speed of 50-60 mph when applying the brakes, the vehicle will vibrate considerably. At normal speed it still vibrates but not as much. The warrenty on the vehicle is up in about 30 miles. I believe the dealership has just worn us down. The owner of the dealership said he would make things right, but as of today, nothing.no resolution. Something is definetly wrong with this vehicle and I won't drive it far for fear of failure. My wife owned a jeepliberty w/recalls on ball joints...needless to say the 2nd set of ball joints failed, causing an accident and $4000 later was traded off. Will not purchase another Dodge chryslerjeep product again in my life. Guress we go back to Chevy.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Worcester, MA, USA