Problems with 1999 Dodge Dakota STEERING

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!!!

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

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

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

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

My son escaped danger when the transmission/torque converter of his 1999 dodge dakota went out on an interstate highway. after replacing that and heading back home, his u joints and wheel bearings went out almost causing another wreck. these were all repaired. so far $3000 in repairs in a month. then the oil pressure dropped to zero as he was driving. now the oil pump needs replaced. along with the tie end rods, the timing chain, and the serpentine. he'd already had the total brake system replaced this summer. having all the receipts showing regular oil changes, the warranty company refuses to pay for the oil pump because of some sludge in the pump. now i find from researching on the computer that this is a very common problem in durangos and dakotas. we've put $5000 in this truck in less than one month. the manufacturer needs to admit the flaws in this vehicle. they have some responsibility here. we are just glad he was not injured or killed. but we've put over $5000 in a '99 vehicle - which is unfair when the problems are related to the design and manufacture of the vehicle. *nm

1999 dodge dakota ball joint and tie rods. ball joints are separating and tie rods are bad just like the recall for the 2000-2004 models why wasn't this extended to the 1999 model. i have 78000 miles on this truck that i bought in aug 05. *jb

Squeek developed at right front wheel area of 1999 dodge dakota pickup with only 43,596 miles. i took it to the dodge dealer i purchased it from and they discovered the upper and lower ball joints were dry rotted and all lubricate was gone. upon futher investigation, the left side upper and lower ball joints were also detriorated and cracked to a lessor degree. i feel these parts were defective upon initial installation. this truck has never been off the highway, never in any accident, nor abused in any way to cause this problem. i realize the truck is almost seven years old but still feel i should not have been expected to spend $738.40 on this .

1999 dodge dakota ball joints were loose.*mr the rack and pinion was also loose. *bf *nm

99 dodge dakota steering felt loose and wandered at highway speeds, i took it in for a alignment, technician informed me upper and lower ball joints and 1 tie rod were worn past spec, had to be replaced. the truck only has 34000 miles on it!, is in mint shape, and never driven offroad. i understand chrysler recalled 2000+ up dakota/durango for ball joint problems, what about 97-99 models? same vehicle/ same problem. can you say rip-off. *nm

Ball joint failure at 53,000 miles. also, leak in steering rack. *ak

1999 dodge dakota has problems with ball joints and tie rods.*mr the front end of the vehcile was loose and wobbling as a result. *nm

1999 dodge dakota 4x4 (83,000): vehicle "wanders". noisey front suspension. local shop diagnosed as worn ball joints and tie rod ends.*ak

I have a 1999 dodge dakota. the vehicle has the same problems in the ball joints as 2000 and up vehilcles that were recalled. i do fall out of the guide lines og the recall manufactor dates, this truck has manufactor date of 8-98 last 8 of vin#xs128563. i feel that i am close enough to the dates of recall and the ball joints used on my truck are the same defective one used on the recalled trucks , and shoulkd not have to pay to have my unsafe truck fixed . *ak

The upper and lower ball joints, control arm bushings and now wheel bearings have been replaced on this vehicle. every year when the emisson testing and safety inspection is done it seems there is a nother problem. how long before dodge will have to own up and recall and repair these items at their expense not ours. this vehicle has only 72200 miles and has had both side done and now has to be done to the left sid again. this is a disgrace. thanks for your assistance in this matter. how many problems does it take to have a recall initiated. *ak

Dodge dakota 1999 consumer states vehicle front end wobble, brake vibration and upper/lower ball joint problem. *bf the shock absorbers and transfer case was defective. the power steering pump leaked and there was extra play in the steering. a piece of the exhaust fell off the vehicle. *jb

1999 dodge dakota with 64k miles experienced faulty inner and outer tie-rods which required replacement. it was fortunate that the problem occurred after moving from a public parking space as this would have been a real safety concern if it occurred while driving and could have caused a catastrophic outcome on the highway.*ak

Dodge dakota 1999 numerous problems with vehicle ball joint and steering mechanisms. *bf there were also problems with the rear end, transmission, engine malfunction lights, poor engine performance which consisted of hesitation and loss of power especially when under a load-going up and hill and seemed to get worse as the gas level in the tank lowered, hard abrupt shifting when in reverse and park to reverse, loud rubbing which was intermittent when making left turns and when stopping, the front would shake, the four wheel drive light was not visible on the dash when activated and would only show when the all wheel drive was activated, and there was a wobble, flexing and or vibration that would be present when braking along with a loose feeling or wobble when turning the front wheels. *sc *jb

I have a 99 dodge dakota with 59,000 miles. i am currently having my second 4wd transfer case replaced. first replacement was at 41,000 miles. i use my 4wd approx 20 times a year and for short distances. i have replaced the u joints twice, the a/c compressor once due to it being located in a terrible place. oh, lets discuss the ball joints as well. *jb

Consumer took vehicle to the dealer for annual maintenance, and was told that the upper ball joints/idle arm , and tie rod ends were defective.*ak

Dt: the contact stated the upper and lower ball joints along with the tie rod assembly wore out so badly that it almost caused an an accident. the dealership told him that it was not covered under the recall for the ball joints because his vin was not included. the nhtsa recall 04v596000 was issued he had the ball joints replaced, and was seeking reimbursement, but because of his vin not being included they would not reimburse. *ak updated 12/27/2005 - *nm

At 46,000 miles the ball joints failed. there was grinding in the right front side of the vehicle. had to have the tie rods and wheel bearings replaced. *ak

Upper and lower ball joint failure (multiple times) along with control arm and tie rod. *jb

Routine maintenance of brakes revealed ball joints (left and right) needed replacement. second opinion was obtained, with same opinion while also stating that vehicle was too dangerous to drive. truck has 44,000 miles on it. *nm

I had noticed the front tires cupping and brought it to a dealer for an alignment, there they told me it needed upper ball joints, lower ball joints, and a tie rod end. i then brought it back the dealer where i bought it and they told me the amount of "play" is acceptable according to dodge measurements, however they did recommend to replace the tie rod end, which i had them do and had to bring it elsewhere for an alignment as they didn't have an alignment rack. i then brought it to a place they recommended close to where i live for the alignment, where i was told the upper ball joints were shot and they would not be able to align it. i then had the shop replace the upper ball joints with aftermarket parts that can be lubed and had a warranty along with an alignment. the truck is a '99 club cab v8 4x4 w/47500 miles.*ak

front tires were wearing unevenly. vehicle was taken to the local repair shop to investigate the cause of uneven wear of the tires. upon inspection of the tires dealership determined that the upper and lower ball joints/tie rods, and drag link were worn out, and needed to be replaced. *ak *nm

Noise in front end of 1999 dodge dakota truck with only 51,000 miles on it . ad to replace both lower ball joints and one tie rod end.*ak

Because i heard of all the problems with front ends on these vehicles i have it checked every time i get my oil changed. with only 35,000 miles on my dodge dokota sport i had theupper and lower ball joint replaced, the tie rod ends and last week the u-joint. hard to believe there<s not been a recall on such a dangerous defect, guess not enuough injuries and deaths yet! please camplain if you've had these problems, something needs to be done. *jb

Bad ball joints and tie rod ends

Numerous front end/engine, exhaust, brake and electrical mafunctions/mechanical problems including increasing severity front end wobbling/vibration/flexing when turning wheels, going down a hill and when applying brakes. no accident has occurred yet but owner is very concerned with safety of vehicle and operation. i have contacted,compained, called.e-mailed and faxed the dealer where i purchased this 1999 dodge dakota with suppossedly only 44951 miles -mitchell pre-owned certified on queen street in southington, ct and also the mitchell conglomerate owner steve mitchell as well as mitchell dodge in simsbury, ct who provided this suppossedly inspected, certified safe vehicle to mitchell in southington, ct for sale to the public. *ak

Ball joints and tie rods are defective. this is very dangerous safety issue. my 1999 dodge dakota sport has 55,000 miles. via internet and word of mouth i have been made aware of many other dakotas with the same problem with much less miles.*ak

I have a 1999 dodge dakota 4x4. at 50,000 i installed new tires and took my truck to a mechanic for a wheel alignment. i recently moved and the mechanic was new, but had good reports. he told me that he could not do the alignment because of bad ball joints and tie rod ends. i was outraged, thinking that he might be trying to rip me off. i told him at 50,000 miles i should not have to get new steering parts, but the mechanic said that he has replaced ball joints and tie rod parts on several dakotas and durangos at that mileage. i told him to replace the parts and do the alignment. when i picked up my dakota, he showed me the parts, they were bad. i have worked for two large agricultural machinery manufacturers and have seen them cut costs by installing cheap chinese parts. the cost to produce the product goes down and the consumer price of the product goes up increasing the margins and lining the pockets of mr. ceo and other higher ups without a concern to the consumer. it happens everywhere. this on the other hand is serious involving cheap parts on the steering components on a highway vehicle. this is a safety concern and i pray that dodge does not have blood on their hands if someone gets in an accident because of their neglegence. i have also had brake issues with my dakota. the dakota with the 5.2 goes like a bat out of hell, but the handling components such as steering and brakes are less than to be desired.*ak

Ball joints on 1999 dodge dakota excessive tire replacement(3)sets of tires on front vehicle has only 65000 miles also had to replace rotors and brakes i don't beliee this is typical for this amount of miles.

Found excessive wear - upper and lower ball joints & inner tie rods. replaced upper and lower ball joints & the inner tie rods. *jb

Ball joint replacement. i am on my third set of ball joint on 1999 dodge dakota 4 by 4. with the 5.2 liter v8. last year at annual insection and again this year at annual inspection. *ak

I had been noticing for some time a loud rattling from the front end of my dodge dakota pickup truck. as the steering got worse, i took it to the local dealer, and the service manager said that the control arms on the steering were shot and needed to be replaced. this cost me more than $1,000.00 to repair. i have sinceheard that several people have been having problems with the front ends of their dodge vehicles. i would like to know if this is a common problem and if there is a recall.

I had been noticing for some time a loud rattling from the front end of my dodge dakota pickup truck. as the steering got worse, i took it to the local dealer, and the service manager said that the control arms on the steering were shot and needed to be replaced. this cost me more than $1,000.00 to repair. i have sinceheard that several people have been having problems with the front ends of their dodge vehicles. i would like to know if this is a common problem and if there is a recall.

The ball joints in my 1999 dodge dakota, upper and lower both sides, are worn out and need to be replaced. the truck has 70,000 miles and should not need this approximately $1,000.00 repair. the reason they wear out so fast is that there are not grease fittings, and the part can't be properly lubricated. the daimler chrysler corporation representative i spoke to said i can't get any relief unless there is a recall. please recall these parts. *ak

Every time i used the lighter the fuse would blow, my radio would fail and i would have troubles with my wipers. i checked all fuses and didn't find a problem. all of a sudden my headlights will go out and once in a while if i click my high beams on and off the driving headlights will eventually come back on. i was in northern maine and i lost my power steering. i had to walk through the woods to a cabin i could see had its house light on and knock on the door for help. once my truck was freed from being stuck i had to drive 3 miles back to the mountain w/no power steering. when i brought it to the local dealer they showed me that there was some long silver rod like thing, which had just broken in half!! i didn't think anything of it because it was still covered under warranty. a while later, my brake system had to be replaced at a cost of $800. i said i just didn't have the money at that time. lee dodge of westbrook maine called and said they could fix the problem for $150! i had an accident about january 2001 and my airbag did not go off. i was run off the road in a snowstorm and hit a tree. this past june my truck went in to be inspected and i was told my upper control arms and ball joints needed to be replaced!! even i knew that at 44k or so miles it was far too soon for me to need those parts replaced. i live on a fixed income because i am disabled. when i went to pick up my truck my passenger side door would no longer close correctly, my hood would no longer open and the headlight problem became much worse. before i had the chance to have the car looked at, i had an accident. i had pulled out of my drive and my boyfriend pulled out after me in my brother?s car. when he pulled out of a drive, i went to pull up along side him, my tires were spinning on piles of wet leaves, my wheel would not respond, my gas and my brake would not respond. i had both feet on the floor not either gas or brake... ...

During a routein tire rotation at my chrysler dearer it was discovered that after only 44,529 miles the ball joints were ready to fail on my 1999 dakota sport cc pickup. before i left the dealer he replaced the upper and lower ball joints both sides and the left and right inner tie rod ends. i was lucky i went in for a tire rotation. *ak

1999 dodge dakota slt 4wd. routine state inspection revealed front ball joints excessive wear and play. failed new hampshire inspection[safety related item:control] only 54k miles. ball joints replaced and alignment completed at sullivan tire inc. manager revealed he had done another dakota and a durango that same day for ball joints also. frequent item for dodge so he now keeps them in stock in house.*ak

on 11/21/01 i took my dakota in to cumberland ave. garage for inspection. i usually go to lee auto mall. i was in a hurry to get the truck inspected so i went to cumberland garage. i came upon a repair order from cumberland ave. garage. aside from some minor repairs they had listed both upper ball joints as needing repair. at $298.74. i ended up taking my truck to lee auto mall in westbrook (me.) they never mentioned the ball joints had a problem. note the date of the repair order from cumberland garage as being 2001. this means lee dodge let me drive a vehicle that wasn't safe since 2001! i brought my truck in to lee dodge this past summer. i was told both my ball joints and upper control arms needed to be replaced!the cost was $900.00. i mentioned i knew at just46k mls. it was unusual for a vehicle to have ball joints that needed replacement. i said this type of problem usually didn't occur until about 100k miles. i was told this was untrue. also note when cumberland garage noticed my truck needed ball joints repaired my truck had only about 37k miles. 11/04/03 i had a minor accident.the short of it : i lost control of my tires. my wheel would turn but my front tires would not respond and my rear tires were stuck/spinning on piles of wet leaves. i stepped on the gas while trying to turn my vehicle and the gas did not respond. my break went to the floor and then all of a sudden my truck thrust forward and hit my brothers car. i have had a lot of trouble sleeping just thinking about what could have happened to me, someone i love or someone else just because lee dodge wanted to squeeze money out of me. or because chrysler did not want to tell their customers they had put faulty parts in their trucks. i suppose i should contact a lawyer with regards to this matter. i am very upset i have been driving a vehicle that may have caused an accident at any time! do you have any advice for me? *ak

Own a 1999 dodge dakota 4wd. ball joints and idler arm going bad. vehicle has 56,000 miles. noticed noise arising from front suspension and loosening at around 40,000 miles, but did not know till around 53,000 miles when a mechanic brought it to my attention while it was at an alignment shop. these parts, i was advised, should not be wearing till around 130,000 miles. two people at my work also own these vehicles, one person owns a 2wd dakota, another owns a 4wd durango. both persons are having the same problems with ball joints as well. *la

Consumer stated while driving on the highway, the power steering failed, which almost caused an accident . after the power steering malfunctioned, the vehicle was hard to steer. also, the consumer found out that gear box had a hole in it. there was a 2 inch piece of a bolt that was knocked out with forced pressure. the dealer did not want to help the consumer.*ak the steering box leaked and contained excessive play. the rotors and windshield wipes needed to be replaced. *jb *nm

Lost of steering in a 1999 dodge dakota 4x4, steering box exploded. came within inches of having an accident. *la

1999 dodge dakota 4wd 71500 miles. notified by mechanic that i need both upper ball joints, both lower ball joints and both tie rod ends replaced. took it in for unusual tire wear that has occurred since 40,000 miles. mechanic was very familiar with this problem with dakotas. said he has seen many like it.*ak

I have a 1999 dodge dakota club cab 4x4 that had 32,000 miles on it when the lower front tie rod went out while i was driving down the road. i had to get the inner and outer tie rods and lower ball joints replaced. the vehicle is out of warranty by time but not the mileage. with this incident, it's the mileage that puts the wear on this particular problem not time. i have notified chrysler about the problem and that i wanted to be reimbursed for the cost of the repair. i was told no. the bottom line is that this particular problem shouldn't be happening at such a low mileage rate. i want chrysler to stand behind their product, not line their pockets with unnecessary repair costs. *nlm