Steering Rack And Pinion problems of the 1998 Dodge Dakota

We have had problems with loose steering on our 1998 Dodge Dakota for approx. 2 years now. We have had a couple adjustments, and parts replaced and finally have been told that is an issue with the manufacturing of the steering components and it will cost us in excess of $1000 to repair. I went online to see if anyone else has had similar problems with this and found out that there are literally hundreds of complaints out there for this very problem. It appears to me that Dodge is not concerned with all these complaints but I wanted to file mine anyway. I was told by my garage that the vehicle is safe to drive, but I read story after story of accidents that have caused severe damage to vehicles, injury and even death.

When turning to the left the steering wheel will lockup and no turn. Heard popping noise and steering worked again. Replaced rack and pinion.

In 1999 steering was tight/ hard to turn, and difficult to steer. Consumer tookvehicle to dealer, and they replaced rack and pinion. Currently, vehicle needs another rack and pinion. Consumer states he thought he saw where there was a recall regarding steering on his vehicle. Ball joints need replaced, however shop could not get the pin out to make repairs. Front end needed alignment, it was out of specs.

There is play in the steering wheel which contains the rack and pinion steering, first starting at a half inch, dealer could not find problem, play is up to one inch and a quarter.

While driving can hear a humming sound. Took vehicle to dealer, and they stated it was rack and pinion steering. Please provide any further information.

While driving at 40-50 mph consumer heard a sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the consumer that rack and pinion needed replacement.

Rack & pinion experiencing failure, when driving over 40 mph vehicle experience noise, since date of purchase.