2005 Dodge Dakota complaints

JUST LIKE OTHER 2005 DODGE DAKOTA OWNERS REPORTED WITH THE STEERING RACK PINION FAILED. FLUID LEAK AT STEERING RACK PINION WHICH CAUSED VEHICLE TO PULLED TO RIGHT. IT FAILED TO TURNED BACK TO RIGHT AFTER FAILED. COULD HAVE BEEN WORST IF NOT FOR ME WENT TO AN OPEN FIELD. NO INJURY OR DAMAGED REPORTED. IT SHOULD HAVE NOT FAILED ON TRUCK WITH ONLY 39500 MILES.

IN JANUARY 2009 I REPLACED THE ORIGINAL TRANSMISSION IN MY 2005 DODGE DAKOTA SLT 4X4 TRUCK. VIN NUMBER [XXX]. THE REPLACEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION COST ME $3200.00, NOT TO MENTION THE HASSLE OF BREAKING DOWN WHEN I WAS VISITING OUT OF STATE. IN 2010, I HAD TO REPLACE THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE COMPONENT THAT ENGAGES AND DISENGAGES THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE. COSTING ME ANOTHER $300.00 RECENTLY WHILE USING MY HEATED SEAT OPTION, IT BURNED A HOLE THROUGH THE SEAT AND THE SEAT COVER. I AM TIRED OF FIXING THIS TRUCK,AND IF I COULD GIVE IT BACK I WOULD, BUT SINCE THE HEATED SEATS ISN'T A WEAR AND TEAR ITEM, I WANT CHRYSLER TO ABSORB THE COST OF GETTING THIS CHECKED AT A DODGE DEALERSHIP. NOT ONLY DO I WANT YOU TO COVER THE COST OF FIXING THE ISSUE, BUT I ALSO WANT THE HOLE IN MY SEAT FIXED AS WELL. *TR

THE PINION GEAR SHAFT TO MY DIFFERENTIAL SHEARED OFF JUST AFT OF THE TAPERED ROLLER BEARING IN THE FRONT OF THE HOUSING. THE PORTION OF THE SHAFT STILL ATTACHED TO THE DRIVE SHAFT THROUGH THE UNIVERSAL JOINT AND THE ROLLER BEARING PULLED OUT OF THE HOUSING AND FELL TO THE GROUND. THIS APPEARS TO BE A FATIGUE FAILURE OF THE GEAR SHAFT. THIS OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING ON A MAINTAINED DIRT ROAD. NO MODIFICATIONS OF ANY KIND HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE VEHICLE AND ASIDE FROM OCCASIONAL USE ON MAINTAINED DIRT ROADS, NO OFF-ROADING OR OTHER SEVERE DRIVING CONDITIONS HAVE BEEN ENCOUNTERED. CONSIDERING THE MILEAGE AND LIGHT USAGE OF THIS VEHICLE, THIS IS A VERY UNEXPECTED FAILURE. A GEAR SHAFT OF THIS TYPE SHOULD NOT FAIL, CERTAINLY NOT BEFORE THE U-JOINT ITSELF. THIS WOULD THEN SEEM TO MOST LIKELY BE A RESULT OF A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. THIS IS CLEARLY A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN AS THIS FAILURE IS FOLLOWED IMMEDIATELY BY THE DRIVE SHAFT DRAGGING ON THE GROUND AND A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER. A FAILURE OF THIS TYPE AT HIGH SPEED WOULD HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS.

DRIVING VEHICLE, TURNED ON SEAT WARMERS, BACK STARTED GETTING VERY WARM AND A TERRIBLE SMELL. PULLED OFF TO SIDE OF ROAD, GOT OUT, SMOKE COMING FROM SEAT AND TWO BURN HOLES IN FABRIC.

2005 AND EARLY 2006 DODGE DAKOTA'S EQUIPPED WITH THE 8.25 INCH REAR AXLE HAVE A DEFECTIVE BRAKE DESIGN. THEY UTILIZE A SINGLE SPRING BETWEEN THE REAR BRAKE SHOES WHICH CREATES VARYING DEGREES OF BRAKE SHUDDERING UPON APPLICATION. IN ADDITION MANY OF THESE TRUCKS ARE EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE AXLES WHICH CONTRIBUTE TO THE SHUDDERING PROBLEM. IN LATE 2005, DODGE ISSUED A TSB TO THEIR DEALERS ON HOW TO CORRECT THESE PROBLEMS. THIS WAS SOON SUPERSEDED BY TSB 05-002-006. I PURCHASED A TRUCK WITH BOTH THE DEFECTIVE BRAKES AND DEFECTIVE AXLES IN AUGUST OF 2005. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF EITHER TSB BY CHRYSLER CORPORATION. I NOW UNDERSTAND THAT SINCE MY VEHICLE IS OVER ONE YEAR OLD THAT I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR MUCH OF THE COST OF REPAIRING THESE FACTORY DEFECTS TO AN IMPORTANT SAFETY SYSTEM. DODGE ISSUED TWO TSB'S AND BEGAN INSTALLING A PROPERLY DESIGNED REAR BRAKE ASSEMBLY ON ALL NEW DAKOTAS BUILT AFTER JANUARY 2006. I BELIEVE THAT DODGE SHOULD ISSUE AN IMMEDIATE SAFETY RECALL FOR ALL AFFECTED 2005 AND EARLY 2006 DAKOTA TRUCKS AND REPAIR THEM FOR LITTLE OR NO COST TO THE OWNER. THIS PROBLEM HAS UNDOUBTEDLY INCREASED THE RISK FOR SERIOUS ACCIDENTS DUE TO DIMINISHED BRAKING POWER AND DRIVER REACTION TO THE PULSATING PEDAL ON HARD BRAKING. IN ADDITION, NUMEROUS OWNERS HAVE PROBABLY PAID FOR UNNECESSARY AND INEFFECTIVE REPAIRS SINCE THE SYMPTOMS OF THIS DESIGN DEFECT MIMIC THOSE OF OUT-OF-ROUND BRAKE DRUMS. *TR

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. *TR

AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLLY IN A 40 MPH CRASH IN MY 2005 DODGE DAKOTA PU. CRASH INVOLVED THE FRONT RIGHT CORNER OF THE VEHICLE INTO CONCRET BARRIER ON INTERSTATE. IN THE PAST, I HAVE REPORTED AN ISSUE WITH THE "CHECK AIR BAG LIGHT" COMING ON AND STAYING ON FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME FROM THE DAY THE VEHICLE WAS NEW AND UNDER WARRANTY AND THEY INVESTIGATED WITHOUT FINDING ANY ISSUES. TODAYS INCIDENT CAUSES ME GREAT CONCERN OF POTENTIAL FAILURES IN OTHER FRONTAL CRASHES WITH MORE SERIOUS INJURIES. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED MOVING FORWARD. THERE WAS SNOW ON THE GROUND WHICH ALSO PLAYED A PART IN THE VEHICLE SLIDING INTO AN EMBANKMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE LEFT TIRE ROD CAME APART, BUT THERE WAS NO PHYSICAL DAMAGE THAT WOULD INDICATE THAT. THE DEALER SAID THE RIGHT SIDE TIE ROD WAS DAMAGED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AS WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 60000. UPDATED 01/11/2011*LJ

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

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. *TR

IN JUNE 2009 I PURCHASED 4 NEW TIRES FROM POWER DODGE OF VALENCIA, CA. AT THE TIME I NEEDED TIRES AND I WAS TOLD THE TIRES THEY WERE SELLING WERE NEW. ON OCTOBER 18, 2010, I HAD A BLOW OUT OF ONE OF THE TIRES ON THE FREEWAY. THE TIRE HAD APPROXIMATELY 8,000 MILES ON IT. I WENT TO GET IT REPLACED AT A TIRE SHOP AND WAS ADVISED THE TIRE WAS OVER 3 YEARS OLD, I QUESTIONED THE FACT I JUST PURCHASED THE TIRE ON 6-09 HOWEVER, I WAS SHOWN THE TIRE WAS MANUFACTURED 6-07. I WENT TO THE DEALER AND THEY ADVISED ME THAT FOR SAY THE TIRE WAS NEW WHEN I PURCHASED IT AND THEY HAVE BEEN TOLD BY CHRYSLER THAT TIRES HAVE A SHELF LIFE OF 5 YEARS? NEEDLESS TO SAY THEY DID NOT OFFER A REMEDY OTHER THAN BUY ANOTHER. IS THERE NOT A LAW, RULE OR SOMETHING THAT SAYS A MANUFACTURE CANNOT SELL A TIRE THAT HAS BEEN ON THE SHELF FOR OVER A YEAR? THE TIRES BEING SOLD THAT HAVE BEEN ON THE SHELF FOR 2,3,4, AND EVEN 5 YEARS ARE UNSAFE. IT IS EVIDENT THAT THESE DEALERS DO NOT HAVE ETHICS OR CARE ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMERS. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD BOOMING SOUND WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. ONE WEEK PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE TRANSMISSION HAD BEEN SERVICED. THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL WAS ALSO REPLACED FOR THE THIRD TIME THE WEEK BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALER AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 75,000.

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.

2005 DODGE DAKOTA SHAKES WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED ABOVE 50MPH. DEALER TURNED ROTORS AT 9000 MILES, STOPPED PROBLEM FOR A COUPLE THOUSAND MILES. STARTED AGAIN AT ABOUT 12,000MILES, HAD ROTORS TURNED AGAIN. STILL HAD ISSUE AT 21,000 MILES, FRONT ROTORS REPLACED. THE NEW ROTORS WERE FINE FOR A FEW THOUSAND MILES, BUT STARTED SHAKING AGAIN AT ABOUT 26,000 MILES. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE, TRUCK NOW HAS 60,000 MILES (AND 3RD SET OF ROTORS) AND STILL SHAKES. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AT ANY SPEED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILED COMPONENT WAS THE INTERMEDIARY SHAFT. WHEN HE LUBRICATED IT WITH WD40 THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO STEER NORMALLY FOR A SHORT TIME. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD BE REPAIRED AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 57,000. UPDATED 02/02/11 *CN

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. *TR

PEPBOYS/DEFINITY DAKOTA H/TP255/65R16, I PURCHASED 4 OF THESE TIRES THROUGH A MEINEKE CAR CARE CENTERON 7/10/10 LOCATED AT 49TH & SPRUCE STREETS IN PHILADELPHIA, PA. WITHIN THE FIRST TWO WEEKS THE TIRES WERE ON MY DODGE DAKOTA, THE TIRES WERE SPIN BALANCED 4 TIMES AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS DUE TO EXCESSIVE VEHICLE SHAKING IN THE SEAT AND IN THE STEERING WHEEL. ON 7/26/10, I NOTICED THAT ON THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE 3 SIDE BELTS APPEARED BROKEN AS THERE WERE INDENTATIONS ON THE SIDE WALLS THAT I HAD NOT OBSERVED PREVIOUSLY. UPON CLOSER INSPECTION, IT WAS OBSERVED THAT TWO OUT OF THE FOUR NEW TIRES HAD BROKEN BELTS. I CALL PEPBOYS CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER LISTED ON THEIR WEBSITE AND WAS ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A PEPBOYS FOR INSPECTION. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO PEPBOYS LOCATED AT 41ST & MARKET IN PHILADELPHIA AND WHEN THE SERVICE ATTENDANT INSPECTED THE TIRES, HE REPORTED THAT THREE OF THE FOUR TIRES HAD BROKEN BELTS. SUCH SIGNIFICANT TIRE FAILURE, LACK OF VEHICLE CONTROL IS BELIEVED BY ME TO BE A HAZARD. THIS TRUCK HAS SCARED THE CRAP OUT OF ME EVER SINCE THE TIRES WERE PUT ON THE TRUCK. THE LACK OF VEHICLE CONTROL HAS BEEN TO THE POINT THAT THE TRUCK HAS ACTED LIKE IT IS GOING OFF THE ROAD WHEN GOING AROUND CORNERS. THESE TIRES ARE DANGEROUS. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA PICKUP TRUCK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WHEN THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE LUG NUTS WERE FAULTY. THE MECHANIC STATED THE LUG NUTS WERE DESIGNED WITH A METAL COVERING THAT MADE THE NUTS DIFFICULT TO REMOVE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND WAS NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED WITH THE ABILITY OF CHANGING THE TIRE IN AN EVENT OF A FLAT OR BLOWOUT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 68,010. UPDATED 08/12/10 *BF UPDATED 08/17/10

THERE'S AN EXISTING TSB (CHRYSLER/DODGE 05-002-06 SUPERSEDES 05-004-05) THAT COVERS THE REPAIR OF THE REAR AXLE SHAFTS AND BRAKING SYSTEM. THERE WAS A DEFECT IN THE DESIGN OF THE PARTS THAT CAN CAUSE THE REAR WHEELS NOT TO BRAKE AND CAN CAUSE THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. DODGE ISSUED THE TWO AFOREMENTIONED TSBS TO CORRECT THE ISSUE, BUT IT WASN'T WIDELY PERFORMED. LOTS OF 05 AND 06 DAKOTAS WITH THE DEFECT ARE STILL ON THE ROAD. *TR

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

PROBLEM IS WITH THE REAR AXLE ON THE 2005 DODGE DAKOTA. I HAVE HAD THE DEALERSHIP REBUILD THE AXLE AT 15,000 AND 50,000 MILES. IT'S BEING REBUILT FOR A 3RD TIME BY A INDEPENDENT AUTO SHOP. I TRIED TO TAKE IT TO A DODGE DEALERSHIP IN SANTA MARIA CA TO SEE IF THEY WOULD REPAIR IT SINCE IT WAS A ONGOING ISSUE BUT INFORMED ME THAT IT'S NOT AND WOULD COST $2200. OF COURSE THE INDEPENDENT SHOP IS DOING IT FOR ROUGHLY HALF THAT. I WENT TO DODGE.COM AND FILLED OUT A COMPLAINT WITH THEM. I FAXED THE REPAIR DOCUMENTATION WITH THEM AND LEFT MESSAGES BUT MY REP (DAVID) NEVER CALLS BACK. I DID RECEIVE A EMAIL FROM DODGE FOR A CUSTOMER SURVEY BUT IT'S FUNNY HOW THEIR LINKS DON'T WORK AND THEIR WEBSITE SECURITY CERTIFICATES ARE OUT OF DATE. I GUESS IF THEY CAN'T MAINTAIN A WEBSITE IT'S PROBABLY ASKING TOO MUCH TO FIX A TRUCK. *TR

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.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FRONT WHEELS WOULD EXHIBIT AN UNUSUAL NOISE AND WOULD VEER THE VEHICLE TO ONE SIDE. THE DEALER ADVISED THE HUBS AND BEARINGS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE AND THE FAILURE DID NOT RECUR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 45,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 53,000.

TL* 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.

BALL JOINTS KEEP GOING BAD. *TR

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. *TR

VEHICLE: 2005 DODGE DAKOTA WITH 24,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHTS FOR BOTH THE PASSENGER AND DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAGS CONTINUALLY GO ON AND OFF PRESUMABLY INDICATING THAT THE AIRBAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS STARTED ABOUT 3 - 5 WEEKS AGO. THE DEALERSHIPS SERVICE ADVISOR SAID TO MAKE SURE THERE WAS NOTHING UNDER THE SEATS (THERE ISN'T) AND OTHER THAN THAT, SINCE THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY, BE PREPARED TO SPEND A LOT OF MONEY HUNTING FOR THE CAUSE OF AN INTERMITTENT SENSOR FAILURE. *TR

2005 DODGE DAKOTA 4X2. CHRYSLER FUEL LINE PART# 68043248AA. FUEL LINE LEAK NEAR TANK. WHEN VEHICLE IS TURNED ON, FUEL SPRAYS OUT OF THE HOSE UNDER PRESSURE FROM FUEL PUMP. LOOKING AT THE TANK THROUGH THE DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL WELL, GAS CAN BE CLEARLY SEEN SPRAYING FROM THE HOSE ONTO THE UNDERSIDE OF THE TRUCK BED AND INTO THE WHEEL WELL THEN PUDDLING UNDER THE BED OF THE TRUCK. A LOT OF FUEL COMES OUT AND PUDDLES UNDER THE VEHICLE. WE WERE NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM BY A DRIVER IN ANOTHER OTHER VEHICLE THAT SMELLED GASOLINE. THEY FOLLOWED US UNTIL WE STOPPED. VEHICLE WAS IMMEDIATELY TAKEN TO REPAIR SHOP. THERE WAS NO REASON FOR THE LINE TO FAIL. VEHICLE IN EXCELLENT SHAPE OTHERWISE. WE WERE LUCKY THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT CATCH FIRE. *TR

I HAVE A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA LARAMIE. THE BRAKES USUALLY WORK ALL RIGHT BUT IF THERE IS A LITTLE BIT OF ICE THE ABS ENGAGES EARLY AND THE CAR DOES NOT STOP. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE TO ME ON ICE. ONCE I ALMOST HIT SOMEONE. TODAY I DID REAREND SOMEONE. THE CAR DIDN'T EVEN FEEL LIKE IT WAS SLOWING DOWN AT ALL. *TR

2005 DODGE DAKOTA PLAY IN STEERING EVERY SINCE PURCHASED ONE YEAR AGO AS AN OFF LEASE RETURN. NOW TRUCK IS IN SHOP DUE TO ACCIDENT INVOLVING FRONT END DAMAGE FROM IMPACT WITH PILLAR / POLE. ACCIDENT UNRELATED TO STEERING PROBLEM. WAS CONTACTED BY REPAIR SHOP TODAY AND THEY STATE ALL IS REPAIRED EXCEPT THE UNRELATED STEERING PROBLEM AND THAT IT IS NOT PART OF ACCIDENT AND WILL BE SEPARATE COST IF I WANT IT REPAIRED AND THAT IT IS LOOSE STEERING COLUMN AND RACK AND PINION LOOSE *CN

2005 DODGE DAKOTA KEY WILL NOT TURN TO START VEHICLE. *NJ

FRONT END NOISE-PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SWAYBAR LINKS BROKEN.*TR

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. *TR

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. *TR

ON MY 2005 DODGE DAKOTA IT RANDOMLY SHIFTS IN AND OUT OF 4 WHEEL DRIVE. THIS OCCURS EVEN AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SHUT OFF AND THE KEY REMOVED. I DISCONNECTED THE SELECTOR SWITCH IN THE CABIN AND THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURRED. MY MECHANIC PINPOINTED THE PROBLEM TO THE CRANK CASE POSITION SENSOR. AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER FOR A REPLACEMENT PART HE WAS TOLD THEY ARE ON NATIONAL BACKORDER AND THEY DEALER HAS NO IDEA WHEN THEY WILL BE RELEASED. NOW I HAVE A VEHICLE THAT I CAN'T DRIVE BECAUSE OF A SAFETY DEFECT. *TR

2005 DODGE DAKOTA WITH BRAKE SHUDDERING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THIS IS A PROBLEM REPORTED BY NUMEROUS OWNERS, AS IS EVIDENCED BY SEARCHING THE INTERNET. THE DEALERSHIPS DO NOT TAKE OWNERSHIP OF THE PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH DODGE FIRST ISSUED A TECHNICAL BULLETIN ON THIS PROBLEM IN NOVEMBER OF 2005 (BULLETIN 05-004-05) AND UPDATED IT IN MAY 2006 (BULLETIN 05-002-06). IN SOME INSTANCES, THE ISSUED BULLETIN REQUIRES THE VEHICLE REAR AXLES TO TO BE REPLACED. *TR

SHUTTER AND PULSATING WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. HAS BEEN BACK TO THE DEALERS SEVERAL TIMES. THEY TURNED ROTORS AND PROBLEM WAS NOT CORRECTED. THEY SAID THERE WAS NO FIX AT THAT TIME. TRUCK WAS RETURNED AGAIN AND THEY REPLACED A REAR AXLE, REAR BRAKES, AND RE-SURFACED THE FRONT ROTORS THIS CORRECTED THE PROBLEM FOR A SHORT TIME, THE TRUCK NOW HAS LESS THAN 15000 MILES ON IT, AND IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AT SPEEDS OVER 35 MPH,SO IT IS SELDOM USED. *TR

AIRBAG SENSOR CAME ON FOR NO APPARENT REASON THIS MORNING. STARTED TRUCK AS NORMAL, PANEL LIGHTS CAME ON AS NORMAL, THEN SENSOR LIGHT CAME BACK ON WITH DING. FAILURE MILEAGE 33840. SINCE THIS TRUCK IS A LEASE, WHICH IS UP IN 2 WEEKS, WILL NOT BE CONTACTING DEALER. *TR

RIGHT SIDE BALL JOINTS ON 2005 DODGE DAKOTA ARE WORN OUT LESS THAN 37000 MILES. *TR

HEADLIGHT - PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE, I HAVE REPLACED 4 HEADLIGHTS IN THE PAST YEAR. THERE HAS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THIS PARTICULAR SIDE. THIS IS A DODGE 2005 DAKOTA, EXT CAB. THE TAYLOR CITY POLICE STOPPED ME ON SUN. , GAVE ME A WARNING MY HEADLIGHT WAS OUT. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE ESTIMATED COST FOR REPAIR WAS $3,000. REPORT NUMBER 18727338 WAS FILED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 71,254.

BOTTOM BALL JOINTS ON 2005 DODGE DAKOTA ARE WORN OUT LESS THAN 42000 MILES. *TR

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. *TR

ENGINE LIGHT AND TRANSMISSION TEMP LIGHT CAME ON AFTER DRIVING UP AND DOWN A LARGE INCLINE. STOPPED VEHICLE TO ALLOW TEMP TO COOL. BOTH LIGHTS REAPPEAR AFTER 30-40 MINUTES DRIVING AND GOES OFF AFTER STOPPING AND COOLING FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. TOOK VEHICLE TO DODGE SERVICE AND THEY RECOMMENDED TRANSMISSION FLUID AND FILTER CHANGE. NEXT DAY BOTH LIGHTS REAPPEARED AFTER 30+MIN OF DRIVING. NEXT DODGE SERVICE RECOMMENDED CHANGING SOLENOID WHICH WAS UNDER WARRANTY, EXCEPT FOR $100.00 DEDUCTIBLE. NEXT DAY BOTH LIGHTS APPEARED AFTER 30+ MIN OF DRIVING. NEXT DODGE SERVICE RECOMMENDED FULL TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT WHICH CORRECTED PROBLEM. MILEAGE WAS 69834 AND SO TRANSMISSION SERVICE WAS UNDER WARRANTY AND PAYMENT FOR REPLACING TRANSMISSION LINES; THEY SAID OLD ONES WERE LEAKING ALTHOUGH NO SIGNS WERE OBSERVED PREVIOUSLY. PARTS REPLACED: SOLENOID, TRANSMISSION LINES, CONVERTER, PUMP KITS, SEAL PKG, O-RINGS, DISCS, PLATES, RETNR PKG. *TR

2005 DODGE DAKOTA FRONT END WAS MAKING A RATTLING NOISE. TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND HE SAID THE LOWER BALL JOINT IS BAD. WHAT GIVES WITH ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT END OF THESE DAKOTAS WITHOUT ANY RECALLS. JEEP HAD A RECALL ON THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

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?? *TR

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? *TR

DODGE DAKOTA SLT 2005 MISFIRE IN CYLINDER 5 WAS THE CODE GIVEN. REPLACED SPARK PLUGS AND COIL. DID NOT HELP, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STILL ON. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP...THEY RAN DIAGNOSTIC SAID IT WAS NOT THE COMPUTER THERE IS A MISFIRE. DEALERSHIP SUGGESTED COMBUSTION CLEANING (ABOUT $200) AND IF THAT DIDN'T WORK THEN THEY WOULD REPLACE HALF OF THE INTAKE VALVE LOCKS AND IF THAT DIDN'T WORK THEY WOULD REPLACE THE OTHER HALF OF THE INTAKE VALVE LOCKS (ABOUT $1650). THEY WOULD WARRANTY THE WORK FOR 12 MONTHS OR 12,000 MILES. THE PROBLEM IS THE TRUCK HAS ONLY 25,000 MILES ON IT NOW! THE TRUCK IS ALMOST NEW IN TERMS OF MILEAGE BUT YET HAS THIS ISSUE. I HAVE ALSO COME TO REALIZE THAT THE "IDLE LOW UNTIL IT ALMOST DIES" IS ANOTHER COMMON COMPLAINT AMONG THESE TRUCKS. OBVIOUSLY, DODGE MADE A HUNK OF JUNK AND I BOUGHT ONE. AFTER LOOKING AT SOME OF THE BLOGS, I SEE THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON STUCK WITH AN EXPENSIVE LAWN DECORATION. *TR

DODGE TOLD ME THIS WASN'T A SAFETY ISSUE. IT ISN'T A DRIVING ISSUE BUT I DO FEEL IT IS A VERY IMPORTANT SAFETY ISSUE MAINLY FOR FEMALES. MY HUSBAND OWN A 2003 DODGE CAR WITH TWO KEY HOLES. HIS REMOTES TO HIS CAR WORKS WITH NO PROBLEM. I OWN A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA WITH ONE KEY HOLE AND BOTH REMOTE KEYS DO NOT WORK. FIRST I THINK IT IS ODD HOW A 2005 REMOTE DOESN'T WORK AND A OLDER MAKE REMOTE WORKS WITH TWO KEY HOLES. I JUST WONDER IF THEY DID THAT TO MAKE MORE MONEY. MY CONCERN IS THIS THEY DON'T HAVE A KEY HOLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. IT IS SAD TO SAY IT ISN'T A SAFE WORLD TODAY. I DID ASK DODGE WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF I PARK MY TRUCK IN A PARKING LOT AND WHEN I GOT OUT OF A STORE THERE WAS A VAN PARK BESIDE MY TRUCK ON THE DRIVERS SIDE WITH A GUY IN THE VAN. HOW WOULD I GET INTO MY TRUCK? MY REMOTE DOESN'T WORK I DON'T HAVE A KEY HOLE ON THE OTHER SIDE. HE JUST TOLD ME IT WASN'T A SAFETY ISSUE. SO I JUST ASKED HIM DO YOU HAVE TO WAIT FOR SOMEONE TO GET HURT FIRST? I DID HAD THE REMOTE SENSOR CHECK AND WAS TOLD THAT WAS FINE. I HAD ASK THEM THIS SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY ESPECIALLY CAUSE THE TRUCK HAS ONE KEY HOLE. I WANTED THEM TO COVER IT UNDER THE WARRANTY OR GIVE ME ANOTHER KEY HOLE. I FEEL ALL VEHICLES SHOULD HAVE THE TWO KEY HOLES. ALSO ONE TIME I HAD A CAR PARK SO CLOSE TO MY DRIVER DOOR THAT I HAD TO MANY SHOPPING BAGS THAT I COULDN'T GET IN MY TRUCK. WENT TO THE PASSENGER SIDE TO GET IN AND I FORGOT I COULDN'T I HAD TO PUT ALL MY BAGS DOWN TO GO AROUND TO UNLOCK MY D

ABOUT A WEEK AGO I NOTICED WATER DRIPPING WHILE IT WAS RAINING FROM MY GRAB HANDLE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AREA. A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER THE WEATHER CHANGED TO FREEZING AND MY WINDSHIELD CRACKED. INSURANCE REPLACED THE CRACKED WIND SHIELD AND THE TECHNICIAN SAID THAT IT WAS DUE TO THE CAUSE WAS DOOR SEAL/ROOF SEAM SEAL. THIS WAS A RECALL ON DODGE RAM 2002 THROUGH 2004 REFERENCE #23-003-04. I WENT TO THE DEALER AND BASICALLY WAS TOLD NOTHING IS COVER FOR THE SAME PROBLEM ON MY 2005 DODGE DAKOTA. EVEN THOUGH IT IS THE SAME PROBLEM. ALSO BEING TOLD THAT UNLESS THE GOVERNMENT ISSUES A RECALL OR REPLACEMENT DODGE WILL NOT FIX THIS. *TR