Four problems related to driveshaft have been reported for the 2000 Dodge Dakota. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
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.
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).
At time of purchase consumer asked the dealer what the skid plates were made out off. Consumer was told metal. Later, consumer found out that they were plastic and broke off, causing the 4- wheel drive to quit. Dealer said the driveshaft would have to be replaced.
When vehicle accelrates a winding noise occurs in rear end due to defective driveshaft. Cause unknown. Please give any further details.