Ten problems related to steering have been reported for the 2003 Dodge Dakota. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Upper ball joints determined to be seriously worn. Need to be replaced ASAP. Was told Dodge had recall/extended warranty on these parts but Chrysler will not cover replacement at current time and with current mileage. Was told by Chrysler to initiate NHTSA contact relative to Chrysler case #24796745.
The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle and in reverse, the contact attempted to steer the vehicle to the right and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis and the contact was informed that the steering shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and current mileage was 91,500.
Has death wobble at 60mph hitting bumps in road.
Steering shaft universal joint has excessive wear, appears it is due to poor design as road splash hits the lower steering joint and poor seals allow rust and cause it to seize, making steering difficult and then when it is lubed by spraying a lubricaant on it it fails a short time later. Survey the Dodge dealers and see how many of these joints they are replacing. . . This part is also on national bank order per my local dealer, watsons Chrysler-Dodge in manistee, michigan 49660.
Our 2003 Dodge ram 1500 dash started cracking and caving in nearly a year ago. As time goes by cracks worsen as well as new cracks have appeared. Plastic dash pieces are falling behind (into) dash board and coming out sometimes in the floorboard. Concerned about air bag safety. Would have to replace entire dashboard in order for the problem to be fixed. Our daughter owns the same year Dodge truck and hers is doing the same thing. Also, our steering wheel makes cracking, popping sound when turning. And the ball joints have been reported to be bad.
2003 Dodge Dakota 4x4 4. 7 automatic: steering/handling looseness, instability, skittishness on roadways worse at higher speeds, very pronounced over bumps. Inconsistencies in roadways. Vehicle "walks" sideways when going across road discontinuities. Dealer service return for diagnosis: major safety component intermediate steering shaft defective/worn.
I purchased a 2003 Dodge Dakota on 02/01/2003. Since I have had this vehicle I hear a metalic popping noise when I turn sharply. I was told by the dealer that the noise is probably my spare tire lock but even if I secure the lock the noise continues. Because of the recent news stories about a possible recall I'm concerned that the noise I am hearing may be from the ball-joint defect that is being scrutinized.
I own a 2003 Dodge Dakota truck. I have 15,500 miles on it and on 03/03/04 the left upper ball joint had to be replaced. In 2001 I owned a 2001 Dakota and had no problems with it. ( it was traded at 17,000) miles. From 1987 until 2001 I owned a 1987 Dakota, at the time of trade it had 187,000 miles with no ball joint problems, and it is still used on the road every day.
While driving 65 mph, the vehicle swerved in different directions. The consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle and drove it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic was unable to duplicate the problem. Please provide further details.
: the contact stated at 60 mph the vehicle turned left and right without warning. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer where the steering gear was replaced. Updated 05/063/06.