1999 Dodge Dakota

Defect. DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Defect. SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Defect. SKF IS RECALLING 2,805 HUB UNITS, PART NO. BR930361, SOLD AS A SERVICE PART FOR 1997-2004 DODGE DAKOTA VEHICLES AND 1999-2003 DODGE DURANGO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2-WHEEL DRIVE & REAR AXLE ABS. DUE TO A SPECIFICATION ERROR, THE ROTOR PILOT FOR THE HUB UNIT MAY BE TOO LONG. THIS RESULTS IN THE WHEEL TO NOT BE SEATED FULLY AGAINST THE HUB FLANGE FACE DURING MOUNTING.

Risk. IMPROPER SEATING OF THE WHEEL CAN RESULT IN EXCESSIVE VIBRATION, BRAKE ROTOR NOISE, DIFFICULTY REMOVING THE WHEEL AFTER INSTALLATION AND OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE, AND POSSIBLY WHEEL-END SEPARATION DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. SHOULD WHEEL-END SEPARATION OCCUR, THE DRIVER COULD LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Remedy. SKF WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE HUB UNITS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 5, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SKF VSM NORTH AMERICA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-644-8999.

Defect. CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.

Defect. CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Defect. CERTAIN REPLACEMENT K&N FUEL PERFORMANCE KITS, P/NOS. 57-1509, 57-1511, 57-1511-1, 57-1517, 57-1517-1, 57-1527, AND 57-1530. ALSO, A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THESE KITS WERE SOLD UNDER THE MOPAR PERFORMANCE PARTS BRAND NAME (P/NOS. P5007069 AND P5007070). ALL KITS WERE MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 20, 1999, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 23, 2004. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE MANUFACTURED AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN DODGE PICKUP TRUCKS AND SUVS. A SMALL PIECE OF MATERIAL FROM THE TUBE WALL COULD BE SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE THROTTLE BODY, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BECOME JAMMED IN THE OPEN POSITION.

Risk. A JAMMED OPEN THROTTLE COULD CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH OR INCREASED STOPING DISTANCES WHEN BRAKING.

Remedy. K&N WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2006.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS. SOUND DEADENER MATERIAL INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL COULD BECOME DETACHED FROM THE COVER AND HOUSING. NOTE: THE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS WERE BUILT AT THE WARREN ASSEMBLY PLANT ("S" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 16, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; ST. LOUIS NORTH ASSEMBLY PLANT ("J" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 19, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; LAGO ALBERTO ASSEMBLY PLANT ("M" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 23, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; AND SALTILLO ASSEMBLY PLANT ("G" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 23, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000. IMPORTANT: VEHICLES THAT HAVE ALREADY HAD THE PROPER CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE BEEN EXCLUDED FROM THIS RECALL. IN ADDITION, 1997-2000 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES THAT HAVE HAD A SUSPECT REPLACEMENT CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THIS RECALL.

Risk. WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE MATERIAL COULD INTERFERE WITH THE CLOCKSPRING RIBBON AND CAUSE AN OPEN CIRCUIT. THE DRIVER AIR BAG SYSTEM WILL BECOME DISABLED, AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 18, 2001. ALSO SOME 1997-200 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES THAT, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE HAD A SUSPECT REPLACEMENT CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN VAN, WAGON, PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MAY NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Risk. IF THE RETRACTOR DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY, IT WILL NOT ADEQUATELY PROTECT OCCUPANTS IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 20, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH INADEQUATE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE REAR AXLE VENT HOSE AND THE BRAKE HOSE.

Risk. A PUNCTURE IN THE REAR BRAKE HOSE WILL RESULT IN A LOSS OF BRAKING FORCE AT THE REAR WHEELS.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR BRAKE HOSE FOR EVIDENCE OF WEAR. WORN BRAKE HOSES WILL BE REPLACED. THE REAR VENT HOSE WILL BE SHORTENED BY 3 INCHES AND A CLIP WILL BE INSTALLED TO ASSURE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE AXLE VENT LINE AND BRAKE HOSE IS MAINTAINED.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS BUILT WITH 2.5L ENGINES. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH INADEQUATE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE TUBE AND THE POWER STEERING HOSE.

Risk. A PUNCTURE OF THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE TUBE CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF BRAKING FORCE AT THE FRONT WHEELS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE TUBE AND POWER STEERING HOSE FOR WEAR. IF WEAR IS EVIDENT, THE BRAKE TUBE AND/OR POWER STEERING HOSE WILL BE REPLACED. A POWER STEERING STANDOFF BRACKET WILL BE INSTALLED ON ALL VEHICLES TO ENSURE THAT ADEQUATE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE TUBE AND POWER STEERING HOSE IS MAINTAINED.

Daimlerchrysler corporation (dcc) is recalling the target population of approximately 600,000 my 2000 through 2003 durango and dakota vehicles with four-wheel drive to replace the front suspension upper ball joints with redesigned parts that do not have the joint integrity concerns and have substantially improved joint retention capacity (NHTSA recall no. 04v-596).though dcc does not admit to a safety-defect in the subject components, odi believes that the facts in this investigation show otherwise.because of the low rates of separation incidents in the remaining subject vehicles, a …

ILLUMINATED MIL AS THE RESULT OF A DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0420 - CATALYST EFFICIENCY, OR MAY HAVE FAILED A CALIFORNIA SMOG OR STATE I/M TEST BUT WITHOUT AN ILLUMINATED MIL, OR A RATTLING SOUND FROM THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. CATALYTIC CONVERTER EXTENDED WARRANTY TO REPLACE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. *TT

SUBJECT REGARDING UPPER CONTROL ARM BUSHING SERVICE. *TT

SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT ABOUT A SQUEAKING / CLICKING NOISE FROM REAR LEAF SPRINGS. *TT

SUBJECT PERTAINS TO 9.25 AXLE GEAR MARKING COMPOUND CAUSING A MILKY-LIFE APPEARANCE TO THE AXLE FLUID. *TT

THIS BULLETIN MENTIONS THAT THE FRONT WHEEL BEARING GREASE IS EVIDENT ON THE BEARING SEAL AREA. *TT

EXPERIENCING A SQUEAK NOISE COMING FROM REAR LEAF SPRING. *TT

EXPERIENCING SQUEAKING OR CREAKING FROM FRONT WHEEL AREA AT LOW SPEEDS. *TT

DRIVING ON TAKE OFF HEARD A PIPING ON RIGHT SIDE. FRONT TOOK TIRE OFF SEEN WHERE BOLTS ON CALIPER POP OUT FROM SPINDLE KNUCKLE ## VIN PASSED ## ##

OFTEN WHEN I START MY TRUCK THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE WILL GO ALL THE WAY UP, THE GAUGE FOR THE BATTERY STAYS DOWN, AND WHEN IT DOES START, THE SERPENTINE BELT WILL SQUEAL, SOMETIMES IT WILL START AND IDLE, OTHER TIMES IT WILL NOT IDLE, UNLESS I KEEP MY FOOT ON THE GAS, AS SOON AS I TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE GAS IT WILL STALL, AFTER ABOUT 15 MINUTES, EVERYTHING WILL GO BACK TO NORMAL AND IT RUNS FINE, BUT LATELY, ITS BEEN DOING IT MORE OFTEN, WHEN IT DOES THIS, THERE IS A FOUL SMELL COMING OUT OF THE EXHAUST. I HAVE HAD IT SCANNED AND NO CODES CAME UP ON THE SCANNER. I DO NOT HAVE A LOT OF MONEY, SO IF THERE IS A RECALL PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW A RECALL WORKS. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THE LAST TIME WAS 9/23/2019, WHEN I STARTED IT TODAY, IT RAN FINE.

VEHICLE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY IN A UNPREDICTABLE PATTERN. VEHICLE RESTARTS AFTER STALLING 7 OUT OF 10 TIMES. WHEN IT WONT RESTART IMMEDIATELY AFTER STALLING IT WILL TAKE UPWARDS OF 10 MINUTES TO ACHIEVE ENGINE OPERATION. I'VE REPLACED THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR, AS WELL THE CAM POSITION SENSOR. VEHICLE CONTINUES TO STALL INTERMITTENTLY.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE DAKOTA EQUIPPED WITH FOUR BRAND NEW COOPER CORNELL 1000 ALL SEASON TIRES, SIZE: P235/75R15. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED BURNING RUBBER. AS THE CONTACT WAS PULLING OFF THE MAIN ROAD, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE AND THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE TIRES WERE PURCHASED AT PEP BOYS ON DECEMBER 28, 2018. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO PEP BOYS AND RETURNED THE DAMAGED TIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CLOSED AND COULD NOT BE REACHED UNTIL AFTER THE HOLIDAYS. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 261,122. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 228.

DRIVING TO THE GROCERY STORE ABOUT 30 MPH NEEDING TO BRAKE AND THE FRONT BRAKES WERE GONE. RIGHT FRONT CALIPER BOLT BROKE THREAD AND THE CALIPER CAME OFF THE SPINDLE, STEERING CAUSED MORE GRINDING AND THEN I THOUGHT OF THE EMERGENCY/PARKING BRAKE. I HAVE REPLACED THE SAME SPINDLE BEFORE, BUT PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE NOW OR BEFORE. I CAN';T FIND A USED/NEW SPINDLE TO REPAIR IT AND IT JUST PASSED INSPECTION.

BRAKES CAME APART WHEN APPLIED, NO BRAKE. RATTLE ON ROTORS, PAD DAMAGE. BOLTS THAT GO THROUGH CALIPER STRIPPED THREADS FROM SPINDLE FREEING CALIPER TO BOUNCE ON ROTOR I HAVE REPLACED WITH USED PART ONCE HOPING FOR RECALL, BAD NEWS DUDE!!!

THE NUT CAME OFF THE PINION

NOUSE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE TRUCK EVERY TIME YOU HIT A BUMP. MECHANIC SAID ALL THE BALL JOINTS WERE BAD.HE SAID THEY SHOULD BE RECALLED ,THERE WAS NO PLACE TO GREASE THEM CAUSING THEM TO RUST AND WEAR OUT .BAD CHEAP WAY DODGE MAKES THERE VEHICLES. WHAT HAPPEN TO THE DAYS WHEN DODGE MADE GOOD SAFE CARS AND TRUCKS.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINTS FOR THE FRONT SUSPENSION FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PARTS TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE NO LONGER AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO BE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT PURCHASED A LOWER CONTROL ARM TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, IT DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 63,000.

I ALREADY CHANGE THE 2 FRONT WHEEL HUB THIS YEAR N MY PROBLEM IS THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL,THERE IS A KNOCK COMING WHEN I ENGAGE IT TO DRIVE OR REVERSE.IT SEEM THE SPINDLE GEAR IS LOOSE.

I HAVE A 1999 DODGE DAKOTA. SEVERAL TIME THE TRUCK WILL NOT START OR WILL SHUT DOWN A FEW MINUTES/MILES AFTER STARTING. THE TRUCK HAS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND WHEN THIS HAPPENS EVEN 'KICK' STARTING HAS NO EFFECT. AFTER THE TRUCK SHUTS DOWN, 10 TO 15 MINUTES LATER IT STARTS UP WITHOUT ANY TROUBLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY AND IN CITY TRAFFIC. *TR

DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, EVERYTHING SHUTS OFF; MOTOR, BRAKES, STEERING. ODOMETER READS "NO BUS" AND NON OF THE GAUGES IN THE CLUSTER WORK. AFTER RESETTING THE COMPUTER BY UNPLUGGIN THE NEGATIVE TERMINAL AND VEHICLE COOLS, IT STARTS UP. THIS IS A HUGE CONCERN AS I HAVE READ FOR MANY OWNERS OF SIMILAR MODELS AND YEARS. IT CONCERNS ME BECAUSE I DRIVE CONGESTED HIGHWAYS TO AND FROM WORK. THIS IS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND ACCOUNTED FOR. *TR

PULLED OUT OF DRIVEWAY AND STARTED DOWN STREET COULD NOT CONTROL VEHICLE. THE 1999 DODGE DAKOTA R/T STARTED SCREECHING. I IMMEDIATELY APPLIED THE BRAKE TO SEE WHAT WAS PROBLEM AND THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT. I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET BUT COULD NOT TURN THE VEHICLE'S WHEEL EXCEPT ON ONE SIDE. I GOT OUT OF VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL WAS TURNED TOWARDS THE RIGHT WHILE THE LEFT WHEEL WAS STRAIGHT. I LOOKED UNDERNEATH VEHICLE AND OBSERVED THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ON RIGHT SIDE OF VEHICLE WAS BROKE FROM THE FRAME OR WELD. THE CONTROL ARM WAS HANGING FROM THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE BROKEN AWAY FROM THE WELD. I ALSO HAVE PICS OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BREAK. *TR

FOUND U-JOINTS ON STEERING SHAFT FAILING. ABLE TO TURN STEERING WHEEL 1/8TH TURN WITH NO RESPONSE FROM VEHICLE. PREVIOUSLY OWNED A 1998 V6 DAKOTA AND A 1998 V8 DAKOTA WITH IDENTICAL PROBLEM. REPLACED THE STEERING SHAFT ON ALL THREE VEHICLES. I UNDERSTAND FORD CROWN VICTORIAS/ MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS/ LINCOLN TOWNCARS HAVE A RECALL FOR A SIMILAR CONDITION ON THEIR STEERING SHAFTS. *TR

I GOT THE '99 DAKOTA ABOUT 7 MONTHS AGO AND LIKED IT DROVE PRETTY GOOD EVEN THROUGH THE WEEK WHEN IT WAS ALL SINGLE DIGITS NO PROBLEM. THEN ONCE IT STARTED TO WARM UP INTO THE MID TO HIGH TEENS AND UP TO THEN 60S AND 70 IT WOULD SHAKE AT LEAST TWICE A WEEK. IT ALWAYS SEEMED TO START AT ABOUT 45 THEN ONCE THE ENGINE WARMED UP IT WOULD STOP. THAT STOPPED NOW THAT ITS IN THE 80S AND 90S. NOW I BARELY HAVE POWER STEERING AND LOOKING AT IT, IT SEEMS TO BE THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT WHICH LOOKING AT ALL THE COMPLAINTS I'M SURPRISED YOU HAVEN'T LOOKED INTO IT FOR IT TO BE RECALLED BY NOW ALONG WITH THE TIE RODS, BALL JOINTS, ETC. THESE THINGS SEEM TO BE FALLING APART AT THE FRONT. I JUST HOPE NOBODY DIES BEFORE THIS IS FIXED. *JS

I HAD BOUGHT THE TRUCK IN FEB OF 2013 FROM A PRIVATE SELLER AND I HAD NOTICED THE DRIVER SIDE WAS LEANING A BIT MORE THAN THE REST OF THE TRUCK, SO I CRAWLED UNDER AND LO AND BEHOLD I NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED SO BAD THAT THE CAB MOUNTS WAS ALMOST GONE , AND I GOT TO LOOKING AND THE WHOLE ENTIRE FRAME FROM FRONT TO REAR WAS RUSTED REALLY REALLY BAD. I HAVE NEVER SEEN A FRAME RUST THAT BAD WITH 110000 MILES . *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HE WAS REPLACING THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE BRAKE PADS WHEN HE REMOVED THE CALIPER PIN AND NOTICED IT WAS STRIPPED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE PIN THREE DIFFERENT TIMES HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS, WHO STATED THAT THE STEERING KNUCKLE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,000.

KEPT TRUCK INSIDE SINCE PURCHASE IN 2/25/99 UNTIL THE FALL OF 2009. PARKED TRUCK OUTSIDE UNTIL PRESENT TIME. TRUCK ONLY HAS 32,217 MILES ON IT. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT ALL THE CLEARCOAT IS COMING OFF OR PEELING ALL OVER THE TRUCK. HAVE USED MOTHER'S BRAND SOAP FOR CLEAR COAT FINISHES. HAVE 93 T-BIRD AND 32 FORD WHICH BOTH HAVE CLEARCOAT AND HAVE NO PROBLEM. HAVE SEEM 3 OTHER RED DODGES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I THINK DODGE SHOULD STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT, SINCE THE BASECOAT AND CLEARCOAT WAS NOT APPLIED RIGHT. SINCE THE TRUCK ONLY HAS 32000 MILES ON IT. PLEASE REPLY. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 30 MPH, HE CRASHED INTO THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE CONTACT RECEIVED INJURIES TO THE CHEST AND LEFT SIDE OF THE BODY. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 01V153000 (AIR BAGS) FOR THE CLOCK SPRING ASSEMBLY, BUT THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED HE WAS THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 160,000.

IM NOT ALWAYS IN A GOOD PLACE TO STOP WHEN IT DIES ON ME,I ALMOST GOT HIT BY A CAR A FEW TIMES BECAUSE OF THIS, IT DIES AND WONT RESTART FOR AWHILE, I THINK ITS IN THE COMPUTER. *TR

I WAS COMING TO A STOP WHEN SUDDENLY THE BRAKE PEDAL SANK ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. A HOLE WAS LATER NOTICED IN THE HARD BRAKE LINE JUST BELOW THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. THE ENTIRE LINE IS COMPLETELY RUSTED AS ARE THE LINES LEADING TO THE OTHER BRAKES. LUCKILY, NOBODY WAS INJURED. *TR

BRAKE LINE FAILURE, REAR BRAKES SEIZED. REPLACED REAR BRAKE SHOES AND WHEEL CYLINDERS 6,500 MILES AGO (APPROXIMATELY 1 1/2 YEARS AGO). SEVERAL WEEKS AGO 9/23/2011 MY TRUCK SUFFERED REAR BRAKE LINE FAILURE - STEEL LINE THAT RUNS FROM FRONT TO BACK - FAILURE ADJACENT LEFT REAR TIRE WITHIN FRAME HOUSING. I DISCOVERED THE LINE WALL FAILURE WITHIN AN AREA OF EXTREME CORROSION OF THE LINE - APPROXIMATELY SIX INCHES OF THE BRAKE LINE WITH REMAINING NINE PLUS FEET OF THE LINE IN LIKE NEW CONDITION. FURTHER REVIEW DISCOVERED THE LEFT REAR BRAKE ASSEMBLY TO BE SEVERELY CORRODED, IE SHOES, SPRINGS, ADJUSTERS, ETC. AS WELL AS THE LEFT FRONT ROTOR ASSEMBLY. REVIEW OF THE PHYSICAL BODY OF THE TRUCK FOUND THE LEFT FRONT CAB BODY MOUNT TO BE "GONE" (RUSTED AWAY!) AS WELL AS SEVERAL AREAS OF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE BODY PROPER ALSO EXHIBITING OXIDATION (TWO YEARS AGO THIS WAS NOT THE CASE AT ALL). THE REMAINDER OF THE TRUCK, CENTER SECTION AS WELL AS THE RIGHT SIDE (BRAKES INCLUDED) TO BE IN LIKE NEW CONDITION EXHIBITING NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR, WITH NO CORROSION. MY CONCLUSION, AS WELL AS A NUMBER OF OTHER "GEAR HEAD FRIENDS", IS THAT THE NEW ICE INHIBITOR BEING ADDED TO THE CENTER SECTION OF OUR CONNECTICUT ROADS DURING THE WINTER MONTHS IS PROMOTING EXTREME PREMATURE CORROSION RESULTING IN ULTIMATE FAILURE OF BRAKE, AND POSSIBLY FUEL LINE COMPONENTS, OF OUR VEHICLES. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAITED FOR APPROXIMATELY FIFTEEN MINUTES BEFORE THE VEHICLE WOULD RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE AFTER PERFORMING A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE STALLING OF THE VEHICLE OCCURRED AT LEAST SIX TIMES EVEN THOUGH ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WAS PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

1999 DODGE DAKOTA INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT HAS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM OF THE JOINTS GOING BAD CAUSING EXCESSIVE PLAY IN THE STEERING, DODGE EVEN CAME OUT WITH A NEW VERSION OF THE PART KNOWING THIS WAS DEFECTIVE BUT WONT MAKE IT A RECALL. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH AND THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM ON ALL YEARS EVEN WITH UNDER 10K MILES! I BELIEVE THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN FOR THE OWNERS AND OTHER PEOPLE ON THE ROAD WITH THESE VEHICLES. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS! THANK YOU. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50-55 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND STAYED ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED ABOUT RECALL 01V153000 (AIR BAGS). BOTH THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE BEGAN AUGUST 2009 AND HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 220,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 225,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CABLE THAT HOLDS THE SPARE TIRE BROKE CAUSING THE TIRE TO FALL OFF WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH. THE BRACKET THAT WAS CONNECTED TO THE CABLE HAS EXCESSIVE RUST WHICH ALSO CAUSED IT TO BREAK. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE FAILURE AND THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND HE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A MAJOR CRASH TO OCCUR. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE DAKOTA WITH 160000 MILES. THE FAILURE STARTED WHEN THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL BY ENGAGING THE RADIO BUTTON AND THE CRUISE CONTROL BUTTONS ON THE STEERING WHEEL. THE AIR BAG LIGHT ALSO CAME ON. THE VEHICLE WAS SELF DIAGNOSED AND THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE CLOCK SPRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT RECALL 01V153000 AIR BAGS WAS RELATED TO THE FAILURE. A NEW CLOCK SPRING WAS PUT INTO THE VEHICLE. THE PART NUMBER TO THE NEW CLOCK SPRING WAS 56045456AG. THE PART NUMBER FOR THE DEFECTIVE PART WAS 56045456AD. THE CONTACT HAD A PREVIOUS CRASH WHERE THE ORIGINAL CLOCK SPRING WAS REPLACED WITH THE DEFECTIVE ONE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED ABOUT THE FAILURE BUT THEY COULD NOT TELL THE CONTACT THE PART NUMBER OF THE ORIGINAL CLOCK SPRING. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THEY PUT THE DEFECTIVE PART IN HIS VEHICLE AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED.

TSB#030299A, SOUNDS LIKE MY TRUCK IS GOING TO FALL APART. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT BRAKES WOULD NOT RELEASE, CAUSING THE ROTORS TO BECOME EXTREMELY HOT. THE CONTACT REPLACED ALL OF THE FRONT BRAKE COMPONENTS; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT SPOKEN WITH THE MANUFACTURER WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 71,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 71,900.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE DAKOTA CLUB CAB. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN A HEAD ON COLLISION AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 20 MPH AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A GARAGE AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY WILL PICK UP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED IN THE ACCIDENT AND IS STILL RECOVERING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEY NEVER HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR BAGS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE SYSTEM DID NOT ACCEPT THE VIN AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT.THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 51000.

FAULTY WELD AT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM[RT SIDE] CONTROL ARM WELD FAILED FROM INADEQUATE PENETRATION NEARLY RESULTING IN LOSS OF WHEEL AND CRASH. NO EVIDENCE OF ANY DAMAGE TO ANY OTHER PART OF VEHICLE TO CAUSE WELD FAILURE. *TR

BALL JOINT FAILURE. *TR

POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKING WITH NO VISIBLE REASON. NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY ADMINISTRATION LISTS A RECALL FOR 1999 DODGE DAKOTA FOR INADEQUATE CLEARANCE BETWEEN LEFT FRONT BRAKE TUBE AND POWER STEERING HOSE. CALLED CHRYSLER TO SEE IF WE COULD STILL ACT ON THIS RECALL AND THEY TOLD ME NO SUCH RECALL EXISTS. IS YOUR SYSTEM ACCURATE IN REPORTING THIS RECALL AND CAN WE STILL HAVE THIS VEHICLE CHECKED OUT? IT WAS JUST BOUGHT BY MY SON IN SEPTEMBER 2009 SO HE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED WITH THE ORIGINAL RECALL. RECALL NO. 00V193000. *TR

UPON STARTING MY 1999 DODGE DAKOTA, IT IMMEDIATELY WENT FULL THROTTLE AND LURCHED FORWARD, BRAKES WOULD NOT HOLD THE VEHICLE. WAS PLACED IN REVERSE AND VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY WENT BACKWARDS IN FULL THROTTLE. STILL UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE WITH BRAKES, HIT AN OAK TREE WHICH TOTALLY WRECKED THE TRUCK. NOTE: THE TRANSMISSION WAS STILL IN "PARK" WHEN TRUCK WENT FORWARD. THINGS HAPPENED SO FAST THAT MY WIFE, WHO WAS DRIVING THE TRUCK, DID NOT THINK TO TURN OFF THE IGNITION. *TR

I OWN A 1999 DODGE DAKOTA V-8 MAGNUM 5.2L, IT ONLY HAS 138,000 MILES ON IT. WHEN I BOUGHT IT IT ONLY HAD 76,600 MILES. IN THAT LITTLE TIME I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS TWICE, AND THE RACK AND PINION, AND THE WATER PUMP, THE THERMOSTAT, THE POWER STEERING PUMP, THE TIE RODS, AND THERE IS SO MUCH MORE WRONG. WHY AM HAVING TO REPLACE THESE THINGS TWICE IN SUCH LITTLE MILEAGE? AFTER READING UP ON IT THROUGH THE INTERNET I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THESE PROBLEMS, THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME COMPLAINTS, WHY IS THERE A RECALL ON THE 2000, & 1998 BUT NOT 1999? I AM OUT SO MUCH MONEY AND HAVE ALMOST WRECKED MY TRUCK TWICE BECAUSE OF THESE PROBLEMS, ONCE WITH 6 KIDS IN THE CAR WITH ME AND AGAIN WITH MY 3 KIDS. THIS NEEDS IMMEDIATE ATTENTION BEFORE SEVERAL PEOPLE GET HURT OR WORSE, DIE!!! *TR

1999 DODGE DAKOTA HAD BALL JOINTS AND TIE ROD ENDS REPLACED. NOW THE CONSUMER HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE LINE AND WANTS TO KNOW ABOUT ANY RECALL INFORMATION FOR THIS VEHICLE. *NJ THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE BRAKE LINE LOOKED A LITTLE WORN. WITHIN A WEEK AFTER THE BALL JOINTS AND TIE RODS WERE REPLACED THE BRAKES WENT OUT. THE CONSUMER RETURNED TO HIS MECHANIC AND HAD THE BRAKE LINE REPLACED. *JB

WATER PUMP FAILED. DUE TO RECENT FAILURES ON THIS DODGE DAKOTA, I HAVE ALSO BECOME AWARE THAT WATER PUMP FAILURES WERE COMMON ON DAKOTAS. THIS FAILURE MODE WAS KNOWN TO DODGE. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND WAS NOT NOTIFIED BY DODGE. *TR

DODGE DAKOTA 4X4 REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS. WEAR OF BALL JOINTS RESULTED IN PREMATURE, RAPID DESTRUCTION OF A SET OF TIRES DUE TO INNER SHOULDER WEAR. SET OF 4 TIRES HAD TO BE REPLACED AT APPROXIMATELY 1/2 OF EXPECTED TREAD LIFE. TOTAL REPAIR COST DUE TO PREMATURE FAILURE OF BALL JOINTS, INCLUDING NEW TIRES, WAS $1384.93 CONDITION OF BALL JOINTS WAS HAZARDOUS AND COULD HAVE RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT THROUGH SUSPENSION OR TIRE FAILURE. CONDITION WAS ALSO DIFFICULT TO NOTICE, AS THE WEAR WAS ON INNER SHOULDER OF FRONT TIRES. THE BALL JOINT AND TIRE WEAR WAS NOT IDENTIFIED DURING A THOROUGH INSPECTION BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AT 60586 MILES OR BY A DODGE DEALERSHIP DURING 60,000 MILE SERVICE PERFORMED AT 60789 MILES. DODGE IS AWARE OF THE SAFETY HAZARD OF THE FRONT BALL JOINTS ON THESE VEHICLES, HOWEVER DID NOT NOTIFY ME OF THE CONDITION. I AM THE ORIGINAL VEHICLE OWNER, AND THESE ARE ORIGINAL MILES. DODGE HAS DECLINED TO ASSIST IN THE COST OF REPAIR. *TR

INTAKE MANIFOLD PAN GASKET WAS LEAKING. THIS PROBLEM WAS IDENTIFIED DURING AN INSPECTION BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, CONFIRMED AND REPAIRED BY A DODGE DEALERSHIP. I WAS TOLD THIS PROBLEM COULD RESULT IN DESTRUCTION OF THE ENGINE, DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE DAKOTA WAS RUNNING WELL. REPAIR COST $664.72. DODGE WAS AWARE OF THIS WIDESPREAD PROBLEM, AND ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN THE YEAR I PURCHASED THE TRUCK. DESPITE THE FACT THAT THIS PROBLEM WAS CONSIDERED DIFFICULT TO DIAGNOSE, DODGE DID NOT NOTIFY ME AND SUGGEST THAT I HAVE THE VEHICLE TESTED WHILE STILL ON WARRANTY. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE. DODGE HAS DECLINED TO ASSIST IN THE COST OF REPAIR. *TR

SHAKY STEERING WHEEL, SHAKY VEHICLE,LEFT FRONT TIRE CUPPING, WEARING UNEVENLY. ALIGNMENT SHOP CANNOT ALIGN, SAID BALL JOINTS ARE DEFECTIVE. VEHICLE UNSAFE, NOW PARKED AWAITING DISPOSITION FROM MFGER. DEALER NOTIFIED. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH OR LESS, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD THUMPING NOISE UNDERNEATH THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE NOISE INTENSIFIED WHENEVER A TURN WAS MADE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE BALL JOINTS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED YEARS LATER AND THE UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED AT 59,244 MILES. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THE CHRYSLER BALL JOINTS DO NOT HAVE GREASERS, WHICH THE NEW REPLACEMENT BALL JOINTS HAVE ALONG WITH A LIFETIME WARRANTY. HE BELIEVES THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL. THE FIRST TIME THE BALL JOINTS FAILED, THE CONTACT WAS FORCED TO REPLACE THEM WITH CHRYSLER PARTS. HE BELIEVES THAT THIS IS WHY THEY FAILED A SECOND TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,904 AND CURRENT MILEAGE IS 59,244. UPDATED 05/26/09 *BF THE CONSUMER REPLACED THE BALL JOINTS AT HIS EXPENSE. UPDATED 05/28/09.*JP

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE DAKOTA. THE VEHICLE HAS HERITAGE TRAIL TRAC AP TIRES, SIZE 235/75/R15 (NA). WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED A CONSTANT SLOW AIR PRESSURE LEAK IN THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. IN ADDITION, THE TIRE EXHIBITED EXCESSIVE CRACKS IN THE SIDEWALL. THE TIRE HAS NOT BEEN REPLACED AND THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 162,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE DAKOTA SPORT. IN JUNE OF 2008, THE WHEEL BEARINGS WERE REPLACED ON THE VEHICLE. IN SEPTEMBER AND DECEMBER OF 2008 AND AGAIN IN JANUARY OF 2009, THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS WERE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN TAKEN TO GET SERVICED PROFESSIONALLY. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, A CLICKING SOUND IS HEARD COMING FROM THE WHEELS. THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS HAVE FAILED FIVE TIMES BEFORE WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS CURRENTLY THE SIXTH OCCURRENCE AND THE CONTACT WOULD LIKE SOME ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

1999 DODGE DAKOTA SPORT TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 150,000MI AND AIR COND. GONE *TR

PREMATURE BALL JOINT FAILURE RESULTING IN EXTENSIVE REPAIR COSTS, PREMATURE TRANSMISSION FAILURE RESULTING IN REPLACEMENT OF TRANSMISSION, EXCESSIVE OIL SLUDGE BUILD UP CAUSING LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE, POSSIBLE DAMAGE TO ENGINE. *TR

I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS, THEY FAILED. NOW I HAVE TO REPLACE FRONT BALL JOINTS. WHY IS THIS NOT BEING RECALLED? IS MY SAFETY NOT A CONCERN TO DODGE OR NHTSA? I HAVE ALREADY BEEN STRANDED ON THE HIGHWAY AT MIDNIGHT, THANKS. *TR

CALIPER BOLTS SEPARATING FROM SPINDLE CAUSING CALIPER TO FALL ON TO BRAKE ROTOR. LOSS OF BRAKING TO WHEEL, DIFFICULTY STEERING VEHICLE. SPINDLE (STEERING KNUCKLE) HAD TO BE DRILLED OUT AND RE TAPPED AND THREADED. HELI COILS (9M) INSTALLED TO HOLD CALIPER BOLTS. NEW CALIPERS AND ROTORS INSTALLED. FURTHER INSPECTION DETERMINED THAT UPPER BALL JOINT FAILED. ALL BALL JOINTS WILL BE REPLACED SINCE THE UPPER ONES ARE NOT SERVICEABLE AND I DO NOT TRUST THE LOWER ONES. THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALLS FOR MODEL YEAR 1999 DAKOTA HOWEVER THERE ARE SEVERAL TSB'S #050399, 0200600 AND SEVERAL THOUSAND COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET. WHY HASN'T THIS SAFETY ISSUE BEEN ADDRESSED BY THE NHTSA? *TR

TWO YEARS AGO I PURCHASED A 1999 DODGE DAKOTA 4WD PICK UP TRUCK WITH APPROX. 63K MILES. AT 68,500 MILES I REPLACED THE BRAKE ROTORS, PADS AND CALIPERS. THE CALIPER BOLTS PULLED OUT OF THE SPINDLE ON EACH WHEEL AND ALLOWED THE CALIPER TO DROP DOWN ONTO THE ROTOR CAUSING THE BRAKES TO PULL TO THE LEFT SIDE AND OVERHEAT. WHEN I REMOVED THE CALIPERS THE BOLTS WERE REMOVABLE BY HAND AND THE THREADING IN THE SPINDLE WAS RUSTED OUT AND WOULD NOT HOLD NEW CALIPER BOLTS. I CONTACTED TWO DODGE DEALERS (PARTS DEPT) AND THEY STATED THEY KNEW OF NO PROBLEMS WITH THE SPINDLES. I CHECKED ON THE INTERNET AND IT SEEMS THAT THERE HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE BOLTS PULLING OUT OF THE SPINDLES ON THIS MODEL OF DAKOTA'S AND DURANGO'S. THIS IS CLEAR CUT SAFETY PROBLEM THAT SHOULD BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF DODGE AND THE NHTSA SHOULD BE FORCING THEM TO MAKE THE REPAIR OR AT LEAST PROVIDE THE PARTS FOR A SOLUTION. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL DID BEGIN TO OVERHEAT AND ACTUALLY BEGAN TO CATCH ON FIRE WHICH REQUIRED ME TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND ALLOW IT TO COOL DOWN AND TEMPORARILY ADJUST THE CALIPER IN ORDER TO GET HOME. *TR

AFTER APPLYING THE BRAKE TO SHIFT GEARS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR WITH VERY LITTLE RESISTANCE. THE BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON THE DASHBOARD. WHEN I GOT OUT OF CAR, THERE WAS A LARGE POOL OF BRAKE FLUID UNDER THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, I NOTICED THE BRAKE FLUID LEAKING FROM THE RUSTED BRAKE LINE. *TR

THIS IS IN REGARDS TO A 1999 DODGE DAKOTA SPORT WITH A CLUB CAB. IT ONLY GETS DRIVEN A FEW MONTHS OUT OF THE YEAR AND ONLY HAS 53,000 MILE ON IT. I DROVE MY TRUCK TO THE CITY TRANSFER STATION ON SUNDAY. WHILE BACKING UP TO THE DUMPSTER MY BRAKES LET GO. THE ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON AND I WAS BARLEY ABLE TO STOP BEFORE THE TRUCK ROLLED INTO THE DUMPSTER. UPON INSPECTION OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM ONE OF THE BRAKE LINES HAD ROTTED AND GAVE WAY. THAT FOLLOWING MONDAY I TOOK IT TO THE REPAIR SHOP. MY TECH SHOWED ME THAT EVERY BRAKE LINE UNDER THE TRUCK WAS ROTTEN AND HAD TO BE REPLACED COSTING $900 PLUS. *TR