Two problems related to automatic transmission torque converter have been reported for the 2002 Dodge Dakota. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
02 Dakota sxt/3. 9l/auto purchased 10-2003 from dealer at 23k miles. Vibration from drive train started at 24040 miles between 45-50 steady mph. 1st dealer balanced the tires stating they could not duplicate problem. 2nd dealer replaced driveshaft stating out of balance from factory - no change in symptoms. Back to 2nd dealer for trans flash program - no change. Was told it was normal. Back to 1st dealer - could not dup. Took to trans shop. Vibration goes away when out of overdrive - thrust bearing or torque converter bad in trans. No help from dealers or 800 customer service.
Have owned 02 ram 1500 quad cab short bed for over a year now. After purchasing in Aug 02 had immediate problems with front end vibration/skip. Dealership replaced 3 sets of rims and 4 sets of tires, skip seams to be gone. However, continue to have vibration/shake at 40 mph and above, seems as if it is a drive train or engine problem but milton Dodge in milton florida states there is no problem. If a water bottle is sitting in the cup holder you can really tell had bad the truck vibrates/shakes. Have over 12 dealer service invoices where they have tried to correct with no success.