Four problems related to steering failed have been reported for the 2004 Dodge Dakota. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Tl- the contact owns 2004 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated while traveling 10 miles per hour the steering wheel became increasingly difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the diagnosis was intermediate steering shaft failure. The failed component was replaced and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The VIN was unknown. The failure and current mileage was 74,000 rds.
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated the steering wheel would become stiff while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where they informed that the steering mechanism failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 52,000.
I started having difficulty to steering my vehicle. As each day passed it became more and more difficult to turn the steering wheel. It felt as if it had no steering wheel fluid. And by January I could barely turn the wheel at all. I could barely make a turn. This occurred every day and I was afraid I was going to have an accident. I changed the steering fluid and the tires thinking that was the problem. Brought it to the dealer last week who replaced the steering shaft. I have never heard of a steering shaft failure before in a vehicle.
Steering began to feel loose and heard a clunk infront end. Ball joints were bad and had to be replaced. After work was completed still had steering issues. Dealer said that it was normal, local mechanic found that the intermediate steering shaft was failing. When it was removed to be replaced the lower u-joint came apart. Imagine that happening at 55 mph.