2005 Dodge Dakota suspension problems

SUSPENSION

*Incomplete Recall Status* ***Defect in transfer case*** Complaint of Manufacturer Defect in 2005 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab 4x4 3.7l v6. While driving at a speed of 30mph on a smooth paved highway and selector switch turned to 2 wheel drive mode; out of nowhere, the transfer case tried to engage 4 High which resulted in SVC 4X4 warning lamp illumination and a loud grinding/stuttering sound from under carriage as well as halting me to 10 mph without any help from me. after pulling over on the roadside and putting truck in park and turning the engine off, i waited a couple of minutes and SVC 4X4 indicator and 4High dash light had gone. I restarted the truck only to find that the SVC 4X4 Warning lamp immediately returned and now the 4lo illuminated dash light is constantly showing and truck is still showing in 2 wheel drive with selector switch but 4x4 will not engage at all now. Took to a mechanic shop 1/2 mile down the road and had it read for any DTCs and inspected. Code came back as C1404. Transfer case still tries to engage as soon as truck door is opened and dome light comes on. SVC 4X4 warning indicator stays on the dash lit up and 4lo warning light flashes non stop. Manufacturers communication letter has been sent to dealerships for the proper installation steps of the transfer case on the model of my truck due to improper positioning. I have noticed no Recall but have found a Campaign ID listed for this issue. I've owned this truck for only DAYS now with the intention of presenting it to daughter for her 16th birthday next month and now there's a BIG concern here for safety and the fact that a recall hasn't been issued is crazy! ....it's completely absurd and should be escalated immediately until a consumer resolution is made. This truck is NOT safe at all with this defect by manufacturer transfer case! I am demanding that this faulty part be investigated and taken considerable responsibility for just for the amount of time allowed to pass!!

NHTSA complaint #11456536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

I TOOK MY 2005 DAKOTA TO REPAIR SHOP BECAUSE OF CLUNKING NOISE ON FRONT DRIVERS SIDE. NOISE WAS HEARD WHEN DRIVING OR ROCKING THE TRUCK WHEN IT WAS PARKED. REPAIR SHOP SAID LOWER BALL JOINT COMPLETELY FAILED AND WAS RIDING ON LOWER CONTROL ARM INSTEAD OF SUPPORTED BY BALL JOINT. UPPER BALL JOINT WAS ALSO BAD. PASSENGER SIDE UPPER BALL JOINT WORN OUT AND LOWER BALL JOINT BOOT WAS CRACKED. ALL TIE ROD ENDS ALSO NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.

NHTSA complaint #11163897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

HELLO, I RECENTLY PURCHASED A ONE OWNER 2005 DODGE DAKOTA, WHICH HAS LESS THAN 35,000 MILES AND HAS BEEN VERY WELL MAINTAINED. THE CAR FAX CAME BACK CLEAN FOR ACCIDENTS ETC, BUT I HAVE FOUND, THAT BOTH THE FRONT AND REAR SECTIONS OF THE CHASSIS HAD TO BE REPLACED ON DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES AND MOST OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION HAD TO BE REPLACED TOO. DUE TO EXCESSIVE DEEP RUST. TO THE POINT OF THE NUT HOLDING THE LEFT OUTER TIE ROD END DISINTEGRATED. THE STRAIGHT SIDE RAILS OF THE CHASSIS ARE EXCESSIVELY DEEP RUSTED. AS WELL AS THE OIL PAN AND REAR AXLE HOUSING (WHICH ARE ORIGINAL). THE DEALERSHIP HAD TO CUT OFF THE FRONT SUSPENSION COMPONENTS AND REPLACE ALL BUSHINGS AND MOST OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION COMPONENTS. DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST AND WEAR. MY TRUCK HAS BARELY BEEN ON THE ROAD FOR ITS YEAR AND HAS HAD MINIMAL EXPOSURE TO ROAD CHEMICALS SUCH AS SALT ETC. THESE COMPONENTS ROTTING AWAY TO THIS EXTENT WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE REGARDLESS OF AGE INDICATES THE USE OF POOR QUALITY MATERIALS BEING USED DURING ASSEMBLY AND POSING A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE TO CONSUMERS. I OPENED A CASE# 57271603 WITH CHRYSLER AND THE AGENT TOLD, THAT EVEN IF THE CASE WAS MOVED UP FOR REVIEW . IT WOULD BE SENT BACK DUE TO THE AGE OF THE TRUCK . WHICH I DISAGREE WITH, AS THE FRONT SUSPENSION COMPONENTS SHOULD NOT HAVE ROTTED AND DISINTEGRATED SO BADLY AND THE CHASSIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAD TO HAVE EXTENSIVE REPAIRS IN LESS THAN 35,000 MILES. I WOULD THINK, THAT THIS POSES A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE FOR ANYONE BUYING TRUCKS USING THE SAME CHASSIS AND COMPONENTS FROM THE SAME VENDOR, IF THEY ARE NOT MANUFACTURED AT A DODGE PLANT. ULTIMATELY IT SHOULD BE THE CAR MANUFACTURER'S RESPONSIBILITY, THAT THE PARTS THEY ARE USING ARE QUALITY AND WILL NOT POSE POTENTIAL SAFETY RISK TO CONSUMERS . PLEASE LET ME KNOW, IF FURTHER INFORMATION ETC. IS NEEDED. THANK YOU

NHTSA complaint #11143394 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

AROUND 50,000 MILES UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS MAKING POPPING SOUNDS. TOOK TO LOCAL REPAIR SHOP . REPLACED ALL 4 , THEN POPPING STOPPED. WAY TO EARLY FOR BALL JOINT REPLACEMENT. OCCURED WHILE MOVING 5 MPH AND TURNING EITHER DIRECTION.

NHTSA complaint #11021384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:HUB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS DOWN A MOUNTAIN, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE BRAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE TIE ROD AND HUB ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,105.

NHTSA complaint #10839928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT END NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE FRONT END ALUMINUM CLAMPS THAT HELD THE STABILIZER BAR FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLAMPS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10749965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

ISSUE I AM FIGHTING NOW. AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 55 - 75 INTERMITTENTLY THE TRUCK WILL BEGIN TO VIBRATE. IF YOU TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF THE GAS IT GETS WORSE. IF YOU THEN APPLY THE BRAKES THE STEERING WHEEL BEGINS TO SHAKE ALMOST VIOLENTLY, AND THE BRAKE PEDAL PULSES. IF I SLOW DOWN TO ABOUT 30 MPH IT STOPS AND MAY HAPPEN AGAIN QUICKLY OR MAY NOT HAPPEN AGAIN FOR A WHILE. I HAVE REPLACED THE ROTORS AND CALIPERS AND TIE ROD ENDS AND GOTTEN AN ALIGNMENT. STILL THE ISSUE EXISTS. I HAVE NEW MICHELIN TIRES. I HAVE ALSO ALREADY HAD TO REPLACE LOWER BALL JOINTS AND FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS. I HAVE REPLACED THE ROTORS AND CALIPERS 3 TIMES ALREADY ON THIS TRUCK. IT HAS LESS THAN 13000 MILES ON IT. NO ONE SEEMS TO BE ABLE TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. I WILL NEVER, EVER BUY ANOTHER CHRYSLER / DODGE PRODUCT. THIS WAS MY FIRST AND WILL BE MY LAST.

NHTSA complaint #10744075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THE FOUR WHEEL SYSTEM DISENGAGED ON ITS OWNS WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS. THE DOORS MALFUNCTIONED AND LOCKED AND UNLOCKED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

NHTSA complaint #10598554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

I BOUGHT THIS 2005 DAKOTA NEW. I HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS IN REPAIRS AND THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING WRONG WITH IT. I'VE ALSO NEVER SEEN ANYTHING RUST LIKE THIS TRUCK. THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE I AM FIGHTING NOW. AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 55 - 75 INTERMITTENTLY THE TRUCK WILL BEGIN TO VIBRATE. IF YOU TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF THE GAS IT GETS WORSE. IF YOU THEN APPLY THE BRAKES THE STEERING WHEEL BEGINS TO SHAKE ALMOST VIOLENTLY, AND THE BRAKE PEDAL PULSES. IF I SLOW DOWN TO ABOUT 30 MPH IT STOPS AND MAY HAPPEN AGAIN QUICKLY OR MAY NOT HAPPEN AGAIN FOR A WHILE. I HAVE REPLACED THE ROTORS AND CALIPERS AND TIE ROD ENDS AND GOTTEN AN ALIGNMENT. STILL THE ISSUE EXISTS. I HAVE NEW MICHELIN TIRES. I HAVE ALSO ALREADY HAD TO REPLACE LOWER BALL JOINTS AND FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS. I HAVE REPLACED THE ROTORS AND CALIPERS 3 TIMES ALREADY ON THIS TRUCK. IT HAS LESS THAN 65K MILES ON IT. NO ONE SEEMS TO BE ABLE TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. I WILL NEVER, EVER BUY ANOTHER CHRYSLER / DODGE PRODUCT. THIS WAS MY FIRST AND WILL BE MY LAST.

NHTSA complaint #10578549 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

LOUD NOISE WHENEVER TURNING - TECH FOUND UPPER BALL JOINT VERY DRY, ALSO FOUND SWAY BAR LINKS WORN - REPLACED LEFT UPPER BALL JOINT AND BOTH SWAY BAR LINKS.

NHTSA complaint #10533015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

LOW NOISE IN FRONT WHILE TURNING - DEALERSHIP VERIFIED COMPLAINT AND FOUND BOTH OUTER TIRE ROD ENDS TO BE LOOSE AND LEFT LOWER BALL JOINT TO BE NOISY - REPLACED BOTH OUTER TIRE ROD ENDS AND SET TOE ALSO REPLACED THE LEFT LOWER BALL JOINT.

NHTSA complaint #10533017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

LOUD CLUNKING NOISE WHILE TURNING, STOPPING OR EVEN GETTING INTO TRUCK DIAGNOSIS FOUND LOWER RIGHT BALL JOINTS LOOSE - RECOMMENDED REPLACING. I HAVE NOT DONE THIS YET - IF YOU LOOK AT MY HISTORY, I HAVE HAD MY LOCAL DODGE DEALER MAKE THE REPAIRS TO THE FRONT BALL JOINTS PREVIOUSLY AT 45,120 MILES AND 59,072 MILES. CHRYSLER RECALLED 2000-2003 DODGE DAKOTAS STATING THAT "EXCESSIVE WEAR OF THE UPPER BALL JOINT MAY CAUSE THE FRONT WHEEL TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE AND RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL" IN THE SAME RECALL THEY ALSO STATED' " WATER MAY ENTER INTO THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINTS AND CAUSE CORROSION AND PREMATURE WEAR."

NHTSA complaint #10533021 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

HAVE HAD TO REPLACE TIE ROD ENDS,SWAY BAR LINK RODS,AND NOW LOWER CONTROL ARMS TO KEEP THE TRUCK SAFELY ON THE ROAD. THE DEALER SAYS THIS IS NORMAL. I HAVE NEVER HAD TO REPLACE THESE ITEMS ON A VEHICLE WITH LESS THAN 100000 MILES.

NHTSA complaint #10506012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

IN OCTOBER OF 2010, I WAS DRIVING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY ONTO A MAIN STREET MAKING A RIGHT TURN WHEN I HEARD A METAL SNAPPING SOUND. AS I CONTINUED TO DRIVE, I FELT SOME SLACK IN THE STEERING WHEN I MADE A TURN AFTERWARDS. I INSPECTED THE SUSPENION SYSTEM SEVERAL TIMES IN THE NEXT WEEK BUT DIDN'T SEE THE CAUSE. LATER I FOUND THE FRONT SWAY BAR LINK BROKE APART WHERE IT ATTACHED TO THE SWAY BAR. I DIDN'T SEE THIS ON EARLIER INSPECTIONS BECAUSE THE 2 PARTS CAME TOGETHER WHEN STATIC TO CONCEAL THE BREAK. I PURCHASED A REPLACEMENT KIT AND REPLACED BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT SIDE SWAY BAR LINKS MYSELF. (DAMAGED PARTS STILL AVAILABLE) IN THE EARLY PART OF 2011, I BEGAN TO HEAR CREAKING NOISE FROM THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM AS I DROVE AND ON TURNS. I INSPECTED THE SYSTEM SEVERAL TIMES AND CONCLUDED THAT 1 OR MORE OF THE BALL JOINTS WERE DRY AND NEEDED GREASE. THE BALL JOINTS HAD NO FITTINGS TO APPLY GREASE SO A NEEDLE VALVE WAS USED TO INJECT GREASE INTO THE BOOTS. THIS HELPED FOR A SHORT PERIOD BUT THE CREAKING CAME BACK A FEW MONTHS LATER. I SENT THIS VEHICLE INTO THE REPAIR SHOP AND THEY SAID THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE DRY AND HAD EXCESS SIDE PLAY. THEY RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT FOR SAFETY AND ALIGNMENT CONCERNS AT LESS THAN 40000 MILES. I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT THESE SUSPENSION PARTS ARE FAILING FAR TOO SOON. THE CONSUMER HAS NO WAY TO ADD GREASE TO THESE PARTS AND MUST RELY ON THE ORIGINAL PARTS BEING PROPERLY LUBRICATED TO HAVE REASONABLE DURABLITY. FAILURES AT THIS EARLY STAGE INDICATES DEFECTIVE PARTS AND PROCESSES THAT MUST BE ADDRESSED ASAP. NEEDLESS TO SAY, I WILL BE FORCED TO HAVE THESE PARTS REPAIRED FOR SAFETY CONCERNS AND A HIGH COST TO THE VEHICLE OWNER. THESE PARTS SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO LAST LONGER THAN THE SHORT PERIOD I HAVE EXPERIENCED ON THIS VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #10479598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2005 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A LOUD SQUEAKY NOISE WAS HEARD WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE FRONT BALL JOINTS WERE LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 56,000.

NHTSA complaint #10446263 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

AFTER ONLY 62,000 MILES MY BALL JOINTS ARE SHOT. I HAVE OWNED MANY CARS IN THE PAST AND NEVER HAD TO REPLACE BALL JOINTS. THIS IS NOT ALOT OF MILES TO WEAR DOWN BALL JOINTS ON A TRUCK, IT IS OBVIOUS THERE IS A DEFECT.

NHTSA complaint #10423197 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 55 - 75 INTERMITANTLY THE TRUCK WILL BEGIN TO VIBRATE. IF YOU TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF THE GAS IT GETS WORSE. IF YOU THEN APPLY THE BRAKES THE STEERING WHEEL BEGINS TO SHAKE ALMOST VIOLENTLY, AND THE BRAKE PEDAL PULSES. IF I SLOW DOWN TO ABOUT 30 MPH IT STOPS AND MAY HAPPEN AGAIN QUICKLY OR MAY NOT HAPPEN AGAIN FOR A WHILE. I HAVE HAD THE TRUCK TO THE DEALERSHIP 3 OR 4 TIMES AND THEY STATE THEY CAN NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM. I HAVE REPLACED THE FRONT BALL JOINTS, FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS 3 TIMES AND RECENTLY PUT ON THE 3 SET OF BRAKES AND ROTORS ALL ON ADVISE FROM DODGE DEALERSHIP. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. VERY UNSAFE. HARD TO CONTROL THE TRUCK. I NO LONGER DRIVE THE TRUCK ON THE HIGHWAY. HAVE CALLED DODGE CHRYSLAR AND THEY STATE TO TAKE THE TRUCK TO THE DEALERSHIP. I GET THE RUN AROUND AND SENT ON MY WAY. AS FOR AT DATE OF INCIDENT, THIS HAPPENS FREQUENTLY. I JUST PICKED A DATE.

NHTSA complaint #10414938 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT

TL* 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 *CN UPDATED 09/21/11

NHTSA complaint #10413396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT

TL* 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.

NHTSA complaint #10394398 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT

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 2000.00. 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!

NHTSA complaint #10365718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:REAR

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 2000.00. 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!

NHTSA complaint #10365718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT

2005 DODGE DAKOTA CLUB CAB 4X2 S 105,636 MILES HAVE JUST REPLACED FRONT SWAY BARS, FRONT UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS, RIGHT-FRONT BRAKE CALIPER.

NHTSA complaint #10362861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA EXTENDED CAB. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO EXHIBIT AND UNUSUAL SQUEAKING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FACILITY FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS AND STABILIZER BAR COULD COLLAPSE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT WARNING AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. NO OTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,908.

NHTSA complaint #10357783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:STABILIZER BAR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA EXTENDED CAB. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO EXHIBIT AND UNUSUAL SQUEAKING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FACILITY FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS AND STABILIZER BAR COULD COLLAPSE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT WARNING AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. NO OTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,908.

NHTSA complaint #10357783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT

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.

NHTSA complaint #10348490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT

FRONT END SHAKES/VIBRATES STARTING AT AROUND 60MPH. MAKES CAR DIFFICULT TO HANDLE. REPLACED TIRES, STEERING RACK, TIE RODS AND NO CHANGE.

NHTSA complaint #10332423 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE MADE A CLUNKING NOISE AT SLOW SPEEDS BECAUSE THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE THE FAILURE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE BALL JOINTS AND SWAY BARS WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER AGREED TO GIVE HIM A DISCOUNT ON THE LABOR EXPENSES. THE CONTACT HAD FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 10,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 62,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10330269 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:STABILIZER BAR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE MADE A CLUNKING NOISE AT SLOW SPEEDS BECAUSE THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE THE FAILURE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE BALL JOINTS AND SWAY BARS WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER AGREED TO GIVE HIM A DISCOUNT ON THE LABOR EXPENSES. THE CONTACT HAD FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 10,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 62,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10330269 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.