Eight problems related to rear suspension have been reported for the 1998 Dodge Dakota. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The recent news of a lowered hauling capacity on the r/t , from 6400lbs. To 2000lbs. I use my truck to haul and when I bought the truck I told it could haul my 5000lb. Trailer and car. This effects me because I do not have another vehicle to haul with, and now I am being told that I can't use my truck for what I need it for. So basically I am told I have a $24000 truck in my yard that I can't use for the reasoins I bought it for.
Truck is being sold without stating towing has changed. Dodge is only offering a buy back of the truck, however the truck has been devalued and could be damaged if owner tries to tow more then 2000 pounds. Advertised it would pull 6400 pounds.
Rearend replaced on vehicle has had three rear ends replaced on vehicle however noise is still heard when driving 40-45 mph.
Towing issue.
Dakota r/t towing issue---Chrysler corp. Has lowered the tow rating on the Dakota r/t models from 6400 lbs. To 2000 lbs. . At first they told me is was the speed rating of the tires. When I asked why they do not just change the tires they told me it was in the lowered suspension that could cause frame failure. I believe it is time for Chrysler to offically say what the problem is. I also have a 1997 Dakota work truck and I bought the 1998 Dakota r/t to use as a tow vehicle for my classic car. Chrysler has offered to buy back the truck but I would lose about $3500 in costs and interest. I am not interested in losing any money on this truck because Chrysler made a mistake. Like I said earlier it is time for Chrysler to offically say what the problem is. Any help in this matter would be appreciated. Charlie hines.
Manufacturer has reduced rated towing capacity from 6400# to 2000# without stating a reason or offering an explanation. I need to know why the reduction has been made. Will towing 4000# now cause a failure/accident?.
This is my complaint. Dodge has issued an addendum for the r/t towing compacity weight. Since they sold the vehicle to me stating that it could tow up to 6400 pds; I would like to know what component(s) are failing to make them issue these addendums. Are the people who haven't received this addendum in danger on the highway if there towing a trailing. I can't get any answers from Chrysler. Maybe you people can.
Diamlerchrysler has revised the towing rating for all 1998 and later Dodge Dakota r/t trucks from 65oo pounds to 2000 pounds saying that the rear suspension can deteriorate and have a catastrophic failure . They do not intend to repair the defect and have only issued a warning to owners not to tow more than 2000 pounds . This is not satisfactory as the truck was advertised marketed and sold as being capable to tow 6500 pounds and will ultimately result in death and/or injury to a party .