general problems of the 2005 Dodge Dakota

*incomplete recall status* ***defect in transfer case*** complaint of manufacturer defect in 2005 Dodge Dakota quad cab 4x4 3. 7l v6. While driving at a speed of 30mph on a smooth paved highway and selector switch turned to 2 wheel drive mode; out of nowhere, the transfer case tried to engage 4 high which resulted in svc 4x4 warning lamp illumination and a loud grinding/stuttering sound from under carriage as well as halting me to 10 mph without any help from me. After pulling over on the roadside and putting truck in park and turning the engine off, I waited a couple of minutes and svc 4x4 indicator and 4high dash light had gone. I restarted the truck only to find that the svc 4x4 warning lamp immediately returned and now the 4lo illuminated dash light is constantly showing and truck is still showing in 2 wheel drive with selector switch but 4x4 will not engage at all now. Took to a mechanic shop 1/2 mile down the road and had it read for any dtcs and inspected. Code came back as c1404. Transfer case still tries to engage as soon as truck door is opened and dome light comes on. Svc 4x4 warning indicator stays on the dash lit up and 4lo warning light flashes non stop. Manufacturers communication letter has been sent to dealerships for the proper installation steps of the transfer case on the model of my truck due to improper positioning. I have noticed no recall but have found a campaign id listed for this issue. I've owned this truck for only days now with the intention of presenting it to daughter for her 16th birthday next month and now there's a big concern here for safety and the fact that a recall hasn't been issued is crazy! . . . . It's completely absurd and should be escalated immediately until a consumer resolution is made. This truck is not safe at all with this defect by manufacturer transfer case! I am demanding that this faulty part be investigated and taken considerable responsibility for just for the amount of time allowed to pass!!.

Hello, I recently purchased a one owner 2005 Dodge Dakota, which has less than 35,000 miles and has been very well maintained. The car fax came back clean for accidents etc, but I have found, that both the front and rear sections of the chassis had to be replaced on driver and passenger sides and most of the front suspension had to be replaced too. Due to excessive deep rust. To the point of the nut holding the left outer tie rod end disintegrated. The straight side rails of the chassis are excessively deep rusted. As well as the oil pan and rear axle housing (which are original). The dealership had to cut off the front suspension components and replace all bushings and most of the front suspension components. Due to excessive rust and wear. My truck has barely been on the road for its year and has had minimal exposure to road chemicals such as salt etc. These components rotting away to this extent with such low mileage regardless of age indicates the use of poor quality materials being used during assembly and posing a potential safety issue to consumers. I opened a case# 57271603 with Chrysler and the agent told, that even if the case was moved up for review . It would be sent back due to the age of the truck . Which I disagree with, as the front suspension components should not have rotted and disintegrated so badly and the chassis should not have had to have extensive repairs in less than 35,000 miles. I would think, that this poses a potential safety issue for anyone buying trucks using the same chassis and components from the same vendor, if they are not manufactured at a Dodge plant. Ultimately it should be the car manufacturer's responsibility, that the parts they are using are quality and will not pose potential safety risk to consumers . Please let me know, if further information etc. Is needed. Thank you.

The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Dakota. While driving approximately 45 mph, the rear of the vehicle aggressively swayed to the left without warning. The driver lost control of the vehicle. As a result, the contact crashed into a ditch and the vehicle rolled over several times. The contact stated that the rear axle detached from the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed. A police report was filed. The contact received injuries to the face, chest, stomach, leg, and feet areas. Medical attention was not needed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 173,000.

The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated the four wheel system disengaged on its owns while driving at unknown speeds. The doors malfunctioned and locked and unlocked while the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 140,000. The approximate current mileage was 150,000.

The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Dakota. While driving 20 mph, the contact heard a bang and lost control of the vehicle. He struck two parked vehicles. The driveshaft was pulled out at the scene and there was transmission fluid on the ground. A police report was filed. The rear passenger side leaf spring snapped off. The contact called the manufacturer's warranty service and was advised to have the vehicle towed to the dealer because it was still under warranty. Because the vehicle was in a crash, the contact's insurance company instructed him not to go to the dealer. The current and failure mileages were approximately 12,000. Updated 09/10/08 updated 09/11/08.

Original owner of vehicle with 21,00 miles. Approx 1 week ago began hearing scraping sound when turning. Noise became progressively worse. Mechanic says vehicle needs new tie rod. Advised us against driving it because he considers it to be very unsafe.

My trucks steering wheel pulsates when driving at speed above 40 mph and unbearably at speeds of 60 to 65. When driving the truck it will shimmy and shake violently when going over any road service that is not perfectly flat. I will no longer operate this vehicle with my wife or children in the car. No one should attempt to tow with this vehicle. The pulsation throughout out the truck will get you sick. You will feel as though you are about to lose control of your vehicle at any moment due to its instability. After a half hours use in traffic my brakes heat up and feel like a car with the abs being activated everytime you touch the brake. My dealer has made five attempts to fix this truck, they tried to blame good year for the composition of the tire. I have taken the truck to a good year dealer and they concluded the tires are fine and there is no unusual wear pattern, I had the same tires on my durango. I have only 8,000 miles on my truck and feel I have spent to much time trying to be a test for Dodge to correct its engineering mistakes. I am going to begin the lemon law paperwork. Please make Dodge try to correct this problem before some is seriously injured or killed.

Purchased 2005 Dodge Dakota quad cab with 3 miles , noticed a vibration,shimmy in steering wheel and floor board at all speeds and on all types of roads, it increases on bumpy or construction roads. Have been to dealership 7 times, they balanced the tires they installed new tires then they installed rear axles and drums but vibration continues. The last couple of times they said normal for that vehicle or could not duplicate but the air pressure in tires is always changed or tires rotated,. I filed a lemon law complaint but of course the verdict is drives normal. I just want a vehicle that doesn't shake when I drive, could be hazzard. Safty concern.