Problems with 2004 Dodge Dakota STEERING

In reference to odi complaint 10224785... i have experienced the same failure on my vehicle twice. it is the same make and model, that being 04' dakota. i believe the issue is known to dodge as they have a very small notation in the owner's manual in reference to the steering shaft. at present this failure seems to occur every 2nd spring (after spring thaw and wet roads), and in my opinion it's due to a lack of grease fittings on the steering linkage. aftermarket replacement parts have these "grease tips", however the standard dodge supplied parts do not. it is an extreme safety issue as it occurs without warning and simulates the feeling of complete power steering loss. personally it almost resulted in 2 accidents, however i was able to correct my vehicle before any oncoming traffic became involved. as i am canadian i have filed a report with transport canada, however felt it important to report to odi as well. *tr

Steering wheel would stiffen as if there were no power steering ability. when he turns the steering wheel, it does not turn back unless he does it manually. this is a safety issue because it could lead to the steering wheel disconnecting from the rack unit. i believe that the cause of the failure is the lower steering intermediate shaft. if i spray the u joints of the steering shaft with wd 40 or pb blaster it steers great, but wears off when you least expect it!! now truck has 57,000 miles. has had this problem since i have had it. *tr

I am reporting the premature failure of the intermediate steering shaft resulting in loss of steering. my meticulously maintained 2004 dodge dakota quad cab exhibited intermittent binding of the steering making the vehicle extremely difficult to steer. the chrysler dealership confirmed my suspension that it was the intermediate steering shaft that was binding due to ?rust? and replaced the component at a cost to me of $310.00 parts and labor. this component had surface rust only on a sealed non-greasy fitting and should not have failed with a vehicle less than 4 years old with only 58,000 miles of use. i contacted chrysler directly to address this serious safety issue and they indicated there was nothing they could do since the vehicle was out of warranty. *tr

Steering very tight - takes two hands to turn steering wheel - read dodge forum and found that the intermediate shaft was freezing up. i soaked with penetrating spray oil and it immediately freed up. now concerned that the knuckles are weakened and should be replaced. poor design that may cause an accident due to lack of steering response. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 dodge dakota. while driving at any speed, the power steering failed and does not allow the contact to turn the vehicle in any direction. there were no warning indicators prior to the failure. the failure occurs everytime the vehicle is driven. the vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. the current mileage was 62,000 and failure mileage was 59,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 dodge dakota. the contact stated that the steering locks while driving. he took the vehicle to the dealer three different times and they replaced the power steering pump, which did not correct the failure. he then took the vehicle to an authorized automotive engineer and was informed that the universal joint that goes into the yoke was bent when it should be straight. the dealer finally repaired the vehicle, but the contact does not feel safe driving the vehicle. the failure mileage was 34,000 and current mileage was 47,017. updated 8/27/09 *cn updated 09/09/09 *jb

After making a turn the driver's side tie rod separated from the steering link,both the tie rod and the steering link were stripped out,loss of steering luck would have it there was no traffic next to me and my speed was slow able to get vehicle off road with the passenger side steering still attached,had the truck towed to a shop where the link and the tie rod were replaced,after inspection the mechanic suggested the passenger side be done due to wear not as bad.*ak

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 dodge dakota. while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel becomes difficult to maneuver. the contact replaced the rack and pinion himself. there have been no other failures since the repair. the current mileage was 48,000 and failure mileage was 46,000.

The tie rod on the passenger's side front suspension is separating from the steering rack. tie rod boot is twisted and vehicle makes a loud knocking and clicking noise while turning. dealer service mechanic stated the steering rack was separating and a gear box needed replacement as well. failure of tie rod could result in steering failure and loss of vehicle control. needs replacement, but was informed an entire steering rack and gear box must be replaced. *nm

Tl- the contact owns a 2004 dodge dakota. the contact stated while driving 65 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection where they stated the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 160,000. rk

On july 30th 2005, 2004 dodge dakota tie rods pulled apart while making a turn from a complete stop. truck has 14500 miles on it. chrysler refuses to cover under warranty. *nm

The truck has been in the shop numerous times for the same problems. i have a groaning noise in the steering wheel that dodge can not seem to fix. it already has a leaking a/c system at 47000 miles. also, the a/c system wil not get cold unless it is night time. it also just has way to many squeaks, and makes me feel very unsafe in the vehicle. the wiper control module needs replacing

Dt: contact stated when applying the brakes a noise was coming from the steering when making a right or left hand turn. he contacted the dealer, who replaced the steering column and the connector part twice. when driving the vehicle without touching the brake did not hear the noise. *ak updated 12/7/2005. the dealer replaced the upper shaft per the star hotline and the steering intermediate shaft. the consumer stated that the problem is more prevalent in warm/hot weather. *nm

From the very beginning i kept hearing noises from the brakes and front end. this was going into the 2nd year of ownership. my dodge dakota has been in the shop at least 15 times for the same thing. they have replaced the steering parts, sway bar, brakes rotors, caliber and still make a a moaning groaning noise when ever i turn or go over bumps. *tr

Dt: the consumer stated that there was a shimmy/vibration in the front suspension. the vehicle was taken to the dealer three separate times for inspection and repair. the rack and pinion, front shocks and all four tires had been changed. the problem still exist. the consumer had been in contact with the manufacturer. *ak (12/05/05) the vehicle had been to three different dealers with no results. *sc

I just read about the steering problems being experienced on the 2004 dodge dakota club cab models. i have twice experienced the same problem . once under warranty and once at my own expense. the steering just freezes up and the wheel cannot be turned with out a lot of effort. when you round a corner, it does not recover and you must turn the wheel back yourself to have the vehicle continue on a straight course after the turn. both times i was required to have the "middle steering shaft" replaced. apparently there is a top,middle and lower steering shaft and both times at different repair facilities it was diagnosed as the middle shaft that had failed. it completely freezes up on you. *tr

Dt: 2004 dodge, dakota. the consumer stated steering has been replaced three times and it was still defective. the idler arms were replaced once. the consumer stated that a month after purchase the vehicle made a clicking noise on the front passenger side. she repeatedly took the vehicle to dealer, and had the idler arms replaced. the vehicle would click when the steering wheel was turned, it was replaced three times and problem recurred. the consumer filed a complaint with the manufacturer. also, power steering pump, the radio, and the knee panel has been replaced twice. in addition, the rear shocks and springs/ the rear window regulator/driver's side seat/the clock driver's side door handle, roof joint molding were replaced. the vehicle was purchased new with 800 miles on it.*ak

I am looking for all people that are willing to speak to my attorney about problems they are having with their 04 dakota's. i have had clunking noise coming from front end, whirling noise at idling gets louder when blinker on, windows make clunking noise while rolling up or down, sever e shaking while braking ( warped rotors), transmission leaking, and the list goes on. i am in the middle of lemon law and it took me a long time to be able to find an attorney. this one is excellent.*jb

Consumer was making a right turn a loud knocking noise was heard coming from the front. consumer drove vehicle to the dealer, and mechanic determined that the rack and pinion,and both front driver's side and passenger's side upper ball joints needed to be replaced.*ak

2004 dodge dakota quad cab 4x4, purchased 8/16/04. currently 2,200 miles on the vehicle. within the first week of ownership, the vehicle developed rattling or clunking noises in the front end when traveling over bumps. additionally, the vehicle is out of alignment, and pulls to the left when braking. tire wear (although very slight @ 2,200 miles in not symmetrical between lh front to rh front tire). i will be taking the truck into the dealership @ 3,000 miles to have them look at the front end, as well as the alignment.

Got dodge dakota 4x2 brand new. brakes squealed after 6,000 miles, fixed under warranty. at 12,000 miles there was a loud clunking noise while turning, taken to dealership, said it was fixed. it was not fixed. at 14,000 miles, both tie rods snapped while making a turn from a complete stop. fixed under warenty. now at 15,000 miles, the clunking noise is back while brakes are applied and making turn. these cars are not safe to drive. *ak

Recall campaign : the vehicle's ball joints failed prior to recall notification 04v-596. *nm the vehicle' s ball joints, rack and pinion steering and outer tire rods also had to be replaced. the consumer request reimbursement. *nm

Loud thunking noise comes from the transmission when attempting to stop. rep from chrysler stated this was coming from the gas tank . there is a vibration between 30-45 mph coming from the drive train. rep stated this was "normal".there is also a loud whirring noise coming from the fuel pump. rep also states this is normal.bearing nosie is coming from the power steering pump. my 2004 dodge dakota sxt has been to the dealer 5 times and the dealer still cannot fix. the rep from chrysler stated this is the "best" truck dodge has ever built. i'd hate to see the worst! so far the dealer has replaced the ac condenser, complete rack & pinion steering system, complete drive shaft, rear differential housing, rear swaybar links, the brakes shudder when attempting to stop , left front brake squeal, front end needed aligning after rack & pinion steering replacement . transmission fluid leaking from tail shaft seal. *ak