One problem related to steering pinion shaft has been reported for the 2005 Dodge Dakota. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
2005 Dakota club cab. Consumer writes in regards to problems with vehicle gears and rear axles. The consumer stated when he applied the accelerator, from a stopped position, the vehicle lurched slightly forward and a high pitched whining sound emitted from the vehicle. The consumer then realized, he didn't have any gears. He was able to drift the truck off the road, since he was on a slight upgrade. The truck was towed to a repair shop. An inspection revealed, the pinion gear had metal fatigue and fractured on the shaft behind the spline and ahead of the gear.