Problems with 2000 Dodge Dakota POWER TRAIN

Bad rust issue to areas including front and rear bumber, the entire bed including mounting points, fenders, cab corners and frame. lost fender flare twice due to rust and almost caused an accident the entire bed slid back and almost fell off and fenders and bumbers are basically rust and need replaced, wheel wells on bed are falling apart causing a safety issue if i haul anything

Complaint #10734989 7-19-2015.no response from you. calling and sending e mails since october 2013 not just your department! no one will help. you, dodge or the person when i was sitting on the side of 71s. & promised someone would call me back - oh it was friday afternoon and everyone was leaving work! no one will help me resolve this.do i and have to get killed before anyone will start to listen! purchased this vehicle in july 2010.when driving at a speed of 65, long distance the engine light comes on, slows me down to 45. the engine makes the loudest whinning (like something is stuck under the hood) like it wants to blow up!!!pull over - wait til the light goes off. temperature gauges do not show overheating. i've started replacing parts.still light comes on and slows me down to 45 i actually am very upset about no one helping me. i was told to take to dealer when it does it..i did and they can't find anything wrong because light is now off to drive it there. they tell me to leave it and they will go thru it. "i don't have the money to have them do this" my life as well as my grandchildren, father, me and anyone that i have had in this car is at risk. being on the side of the expressways or exit ramps waiting for this light to go off with semi's, cars, flying by. people are driving off roads with distracted driving hitting people parked on the side. i don't want to be a fatality! my grandchildren were in the back seat and i was parked along i96. my father (alz) was in the car while i was parked on us23. my husband and i...when do i get help. when someone is dead. please please is it the cvt!!! i don't know anymore.... i was depending on you to help me or dodge. i have to drive to nc and i am actually scared to drive the distance.

Dodge/chrysler 9.25 inch rear differential failure. retaining clips for the clutch pack of the true-trak differential fall out. the metal parts get chewed up by the ring and pinion and cause the rear end to fail. this is a very common problem as i researched the problem and found hundreds probably more of the same problem. dodgetalk.com forums.there have been instances where the rear end locks up and causes crashes. i was lucky it did not cause me to crash. i called chrysler and they said cars out or warranty sorry. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 dodge dakota 4x4. the contact stated that when driving, the rear tires would suddenly lock up. he had to press the overdrive button to stop the failure. the contact stated that the problem caused him to have to replace two transmissions. the vehicle was taken to a repair shop where the transmissions were replaced. the manufacturer had not been notified. the current mileage was 131,625. the failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 dodge dakota. the contact noticed a small red puddle underneath the vehicle. upon further inspection, he observed that the transmission fluid level was low. he added transmission fluid to the vehicle. while driving at an unknown speed, he took the vehicle to the dealer. the vin was excluded from nhtsa campaign id number 00v197000 (power train:automatic transmission), although the failures were identical. the dealer would have to get authorization prior to making any repairs. the manufacturer stated that because the vehicle was eight years old, they would not assume responsibility for the repair. the vehicle has not yet been repaired. the failure and current mileages were 174,168.

We bought a 2000 dodge dakota sport in january 2008. ever since we've had it, it's rpm goes up to 3 1/2 to 4 rpms before it shift from first to second and from second to third. at first, it was when we would first leave our parking lot, and now it does it almost all the time. we bought it at kunes in delavan, wisconsin and they say that it's normal. we've never owned a vehicle or known anybody who has ever had that happened to. the truck only has 67,000 miles on it. if this is normal why is it getting worse the more we drive it. *tr

Clips in rear differential broke (believe they held the spring to the clutch plates). car is dodge dakota 2000, with 80,000 miles of light use ( no towing, light and infrequent hauling) beleive there is a design defect with the clips that may cause premature failure in the rear differential.*cn

Transmission failed on dodge dakota on a hill. no crash but i heard this is happening to tons of dodge trucks at around 70,000 miles. some one could get hurt. transmission had to be rebuilt. *nm

Transmission shifted rough from when it was brand new. brought to dealershop no less then 10 times in 5 years complaining. no problem could be id'd until last week. the engine malfunction light came on while sitting in park. the dealership id'd problem as faulty valve body. replaced valve body and transmission solenoid, at a cost of over $950. vehicle has 63,000 miles.

Upon starting the vehicle consumer was unable to shift gears to third. also, vehicle failed to go into reverse. excessive force had to be applied to clutch to get it to go into reverse. then, vehicle stalled. when the tow truck arrived consumer was able to change gears with 2 fingers. dealership was currently taking the transmission apart , but indicated that the failure may be due to a bad flywheel. two tsbs, #6089740 and #6089792 were issued on this failure.*ak

While pulling away from a stop light the pinion nut fell off, causing the rear end to lock up. this caused the pinion to twist inside the differential, and lock up between the differential casing and the ring gear. *ak

Dodge dakota quad cab 2000, problem with transfer case shifting. *bf the truck began to shift out of normal gear. when the vehicle did go out of gear, the consumer had to coast to the side of the road and come to a complete stop before he could get the vehicle to shift back into gear. the consumer stated a truck of this age and mileage should not require this type of repair. *jb

The vehicle would make a whining noise while driving 30 mph or more. the vehicle was taken to a repair shop. the mechanic informed the consumer that the differential unit needed to be replaced. the consumer stated this would be the forth replacement within a year. the dealer and the manufacturer were notified. *jb dealer however. there is vibration at 40 mph. tires and suspension inspected, no problem found. engine hard to start following overheating. dealer found no condition that merits a repair. *tt

While driving at 45 mph ball joints on driver's side exploded underneath the pickup, breaking into bits and pieces. the tire completely disengaged. the axle was bent, and the inner tie rod had to be replaced. *ak *ts *tc

Vehicles transmission would heat up and we could only use first gear. after driving the vehicle 25 miles at 55 mph transmission would only use first, reverse and park. it has been to two transmission shops and two dealerships and still don't know what is wrong. *jb

The transmission just act liked it went into neutral, but now i know the transmission completely went out suddenly. *jb

Front drive axel, left mount broke. dodge has a tsb # 889 issued on aug 2000, regarding this. this tsb covers the front axel pinnion nose bracket bolts which may losen. these loose pinnion bracket bolts cancan cause the bracket to break off. in addition a customer satisfaction notification was issued to replace bracket bolts. at this time dodge is talking about $3,400 for repair at my cost. otherwise i'm still work on resolving this issue. vehical has 52,000 miles on odometer with less than 50 miles on front drive axel

While driving at 40 mph check engine light came on. vehicle would not shift into a gear higher than two. vehicle was driven to a dealer, who informed the consumer that the aceum piston, in the valve body broke. *ak

Rear differential on vehicle locked up and the pinion shaft behind the forward differential bearing sheared and the entire drive shaft fell out of the truck.*mr the consumer believed the vehicle was made with poor quality or sub-standard parts. *jb

Failure of rear differential. *ak

Transmission in a 2000 dodge dakota, transmission started to slip in overdrive. dodge recommended a total rebuild. total cost of rebuild was $1465.00 at my expense. *cb

Consumer stated that while driving the vehicle would only shift to neutral. dealer notified. *ph when the vehicle was in 3rd gear it went to neutral and the engine rpm's increased for a short period of time when the transmission should have changed to 4th gear. the vehicle had been to the service dealer 6 times for repairs. there was a vibration in the front of the vehicle due to warped rotors. faulty wheel bearings caused a popping noise in the steering when the consumer made left turns. *scc *nlm

Upper and lower ball joints have failed. 40,000 miles on vehicle. ball joints should last much longer than this. dealer wants $1,200.00 to change them. truck has already had new front drive shaft, new sway bar bushings, new driver seat cushion, new fuel injectors, new electric motor in right rear window. what has happened to "ram tough". may have to go back to "like a rock". old pickup 1979 chevrolet never had ball joint problems, much less any thing else major. thanks rick worsfold. *nlm

2000 dodge dakota ball joints failed prematurely and wheel hub assembly came loose.

Rear diff went out

I stopped the truck and put in the park position, i then came out of the truck, closed the door and the truck started to move in the reverse direction, i ran after the truck to see if i could stop it but the reverse speed was to fast for me and the truck hit the tree damaging the rear bumper and i fell back injuring my back. checked the position of the shift after above incident to see the pointer position above "r". i tried several times to duplicate the same symptom without any success. this i know for certain you can not get out of the truck when it is in reverse. *jb

Rear tire on passengers side sticks out about 2 inches more than the drivers side. dealer called factory. dealer told me that this is normal condition. *nlm

Latest problem is stalling at stops. one occurred while crossing railroad tracks. the problem was traced to the transmission. ph

2000 dodge dakota quadcab - i was going forward in my driveway when i stopped the truck and put it in "park", engine still running. i got out of the truck and after about 15 seconds it engaged itself in reverse. it smashed through a gate and i got injured when i got caught between the gate and the left front fender of the truck. when the truck stopped i got in and still found it indicating in "park". the driveway was level. i have since been able to duplicate the condition with the gear shift just slightly out of "park", particularly with a cold engine.

When starting vehicle with foot on brake pedal, consumer states the vehicle will roll backwards. dealer has been contacted. please provide any further information. ts

Consumer states that while driving and no warning the drive shaft are hitting the right rear tire causing heavy vibration and damage to the tire. dealer notified. mr

Rear end of truck is failing. this problem is occurring on many other dakota's and there is shortage of used and replacement parts.*jb

While at dealer for transmission problem, mechanic determined engine head was cracked. please add further information.*ak

The steering column starting squeaking, and the shift stick would wiggle a little while in gear. then one of the next times i went to go move the truck i put it into reverse, stepped on the gas and it shifted itself into drive. also, when driving it, when i turn the wheel it would change gears. i have taken it to my dealer a year ago for the same problem, but all they did was tightened things in the steering column.

Truck was in for several things wrongat 1542 miles , brakes and powertrain was a couple of then they said it was okay, they must not have checked anything because now they are failling in a short time while i'm tring to get all this straightened out my truck is getting worse please help

I am the daughter of the owner and am writing and sending this because my father is illiterate and speaks very little english. he is 70 years old and retired. my parents were traveling back from albuquerque, nm on i-40 approx. 8:30 pm at 75 mph when they heard this loud, terrible noise from underneath the vehicle. the steering mechanism stiffenend and they slowly manuevered the truck off the freeway. preliminary report from a mechanic states it may appear that they driveshaft broke initially and in return, it hit and tore apart the transmission and the transfer case. previously, this vehicle has no history of having any sort of problems nor had my parents had any inclination that something could be wrong, such as hearing noises, squeaks, etc. this occurred so suddenly. this vehicle also had 90% highway miles verses 10% flat, graveled or dirt road. my father was unlikely to go 4-wheeling or to mistreat this vehicle (as the dodge dealership is implying).*ak

Transmission failed after 45,500 miles. dealer had tried to fix problem in april 2001 but transmission failed in october.

Clutch system/flywheel failed due to excessive heat. vehicle had not been used for towing or hauling, and had relatively low miles. front brake rotors and rear brake drums were warped and had to be machined to specifications. no work was covered by manufacturers warranty or extended warranty.

Transmission failed and replaced at 40000 miles and 1 1/2 years on the road. just had transmission serviced 7000 miles ago. dodge agreed to replace parts, but i still have to pay service which is over 1000. dodge never told me why it failed, nor how. i asked them to check fluid level, never did. brakes when applied cause vehicle to "wobble". brake repair said rotors were warped. they were fixed only to be occurring again. i shall never buy another dodge.*ak

When shifting transmission made a crunching sound and hesitated, then, would not shift. vehicle was taken to dealer 3-4 times, could not find cause of problem. vehicle at dealership at this time. this started at 5000 miles.*ak

2000 dodge dakota,4.7l aout transmission/upper control arm ball joint assembly defective.replaced at 1.100 miles,lower control arm assembly ball joint came apart at 9,200 wheel came off. *ak

My transmission sticks at intermitent times the first time it did this i was going 75ph on the freeway and could not get the vehicle back into gear.*ak

There was a loud noise in rear axle. manfacturer's representative was sent out and acknowleged the problem,but could not fix it. *ak the rear axle was replaced after keeping the vehicle for a period of nine days, come to find out the axle was not replace the axle was just repainted that just justifies that rear axle is noisy the front suspension is the same.*jb

As of 10/22/00 until 01/14/01 i have had 18 problems with vehicle. wont start at different times, but will restart after several minutes. transmission stays in 3rd gear or slips in & out of gear. brakes make growling noise & shutter. truck will die with no warning. has spark knock with 87 or 89 octane fuel. many problems.*ak

Speedometer does not operate smoothly. on acceleration or deceleration movement is erratic (jerky); it moves as if it is getting stuck. dealer has replaced the instrument cluster 3 times with no improvement. they now say this operation is 'normal' beacuse it is electronic and computer controlled. they now appear to be unwilling to do anything else to the truck. the suspension pops/clunks when making sharp right turns. it occasionally will also pop when stopping and immediately again upon startup (going straight). the intensity of the noise varies. dealer says they can't find the problem until it gets worse. *ak

Whenever slowing down or changing gears, vehicle would either stutter or stall. have taken vehicle to dealership serveral times & mechanic indicated it was a factory defect & that manufacturer knew of problem. can not resolve stalling problem. *ak

Dip stick will not fully seat in tube, permitting transmission fluid to leak from tube during vehicle operation. fluid drips onto hot engine.*ak

Defect applies to 5 speed transmision models. vehicle intermittantely stalls shutting down power steering and power braking system to shut down.

Hubs are warped w/o harsh driving, hauling, towing. *ak

When driving vehicle shifts into other gears. lever, will go into other gears if driver hits it with arm or something by an accident. consumer has to force lever to stay in position. please provide any further information.*ak