Problems with 1999 Dodge Dakota STEERING

I notice today an investigation by nhtsa of complaints on dodge durango upper ball joints. i own a 1999 dodge dakota and have replaced same at 48,000 miles (at my own expense). this truck is the pickup version of the durango. the truck still exhibits negative characteristics such as loss of tracking and control when negotiating turns on bumpy roads. example is the on-ramp to the verrazzano narrows bridge (i-278), brooklyn side. the truck will jump lanes at speeds over 40 mph. not good.

Excessive engine knock.pper ball joint failure.nadequate headlight projection on low beam. *ak

I own a 1999 dodge dakota sport 4x4 and i needed to have the ball joints (upper and lower) and tie rods replaced at 67,000 miles. i found out that they needed to be replaced because i was having brand new tires installed, and when new tires are installed i figured it would be good to get an alignment as well. the mechanice said he couldn't give the truck an alignment because the ball joints were too loose - and this is a very reputable mechanic here in town, so i knew i wasn't getting taken for a ride. so, for a cost of $1,052 i had to have the ball joints and tie rods replaced. the mechanic did say it was not a safety issue as of yet, but after seeing in the news recently with all the other dakotas/durangos having this problem, i wonder how much longer i could have gone before it was a safety issue, so i'm glad i had them replaced, but am thinking the truck should be recalled and the joints replaced not with the same joints, but with a better designed one.*ak

Consumer received a recall letter from the manufacturer four months ago and dealer still does not have the part. consumer call every other months and dealer stilldoes not have the part. please provide further information. *mr

Upper and lower ball joints,tierod ends on both sides went out on my 1999 dodge dakoda. had then repalced twice already and cost alot of money. *ak

2 lower ball joints, 2 upper ball joints and 2 inner tie rods all replaced at 48,600 miles in 2/02. new recall only covers 2000-2004 dakotas when it is obvious that the 1999 model should also be covered. reimbursement from chrysler for parts/labor/alignment at $806 for defective parts should be expected. *nm

I own a 1999 dodge dakota.( same suspension as durango).i was advised by my mechanic that the upper control arms, lower ball joints and the idler arm were severly warn and needed to be replaced. while diassembling all joints did come apart. at the time the vehicle had 73,778 miles on it. 99 percent of these miles are highway miles, and i was surprised and irritated that they had worn out so soon, also god only knows what would have happened if i had not caught it prior to the ball joint separating. *ak

Due to defective steering shaft and pump while driving steering system malfunctioned, causing no power steering, which may result in vehicle crashing over an embankment. *ak the cause for power steering problem was discovered to be power steering pump failure. *yh

I have had to replace the shocks three times within the first year and two other times since. the bolts kept breaking off of them, upper and lower ball joints, inner and outer tie rods and the steering box. i have spent aprx $5,000.00 taking care of these problems and they are still not correct.

Engine stalled, check engine light - on, odometer read "no bus" lost power steering and power brakes, would not restart and had towed, problem traced to 20amp fuse and computer module.*ak

This vehicle was purched used with less then 30,000 miles at the time i noticed a shimmy in the right front wheel, took it back to the dealer and was told there was nothing wrong with it. the wheels now have an excessive shimmy and grinding when making a right turn. the shimmy can be felt in the steering wheel as well as noticed from the outside when the truck is moving. have taken it back to the dealer and told that this is something that dodge is aware of and has done nothing to fix the problem, as the service machanic said its just dodge, then he went on to say he wouldn't own a dodge dakota and he services them!!!*ak

Intermittently when there are other keys on the ring the other keys will get jammed in the steering wheel due to a hole in the back of the housing. the dealer has inspected the vehicle. *ak

Vehcile wanders left to right on dry road. front end vibrates intermitently. consumer has been waiting for the district representative to call but no contact.*ak engine valve failed five times. steering failed three times. rear oil seal is leaking. *yh

Vehicle been experiencing ongoing problem with vibration. also, whenever vehicle runs over a rough surface or a bump, it causes erratic operation of power steering. dealer notified and correction still unresolved. can nhtsa help in this matter. *ak

Defective bolts fell off rack and pinion causing rack and pinion to move up and down, resulting in steering wheel getting stuck, and causing a crash. please provide further information and vin#. *ak

1999 dodge dakota we bought it new rotors have been replaced 4 times for cracking tie rod ends are bad the first set of tires lasted 14000 miles. front tires are impossible to keep. *ak