Seven problems related to sway bar have been reported for the 2005 Dodge Dakota. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Have had to replace tie rod ends,sway bar link rods,and now lower control arms to keep the truck safely on the road. The dealer says this is normal. I have never had to replace these items on a vehicle with less than 100000 miles.
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Dakota. While driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle exhibited an abnormal popping sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician stated that the sway bar and the lower ball joints would need to be replaced because they were worn. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
While entering highway (40mph) my vehicle went into an uncontrollable spin that resulted in minor impact damage with brush and ditch. When I removed the flat tire (left front), I found that the sway bar link had snapped. This 2005 Dodge Dakota only has 58,00 miles and has never been used for anything other than house hold chores and local driving. I found many complaints through on-line forums about these sway bar links, but Dodge has no recall posted. This incident could have resulted in a much worse accident had there been other vehicles or pedestrians on or beside the road when my vehicle went out of control. I cannot prove, but believe that the sway bar failure caused my spin-out and that Dodge should be held accountable for resultant damages.
Have a 2005 Dodge Dakota 4x4 with 56329 miles on it and just had to have both lower ball joints replaced, the front sway bar link kit and bushings replaced and the left outer tie rod replaced. This is a lot of repair work to be done on a vehicle that is just driven for pleasure. It is not taken off-road and rough housed. I feel that this is poor workmanship of parts that were originally put on this truck.
Heard rattling in front end. Checked and noticed sway bar loose on right side. Drove less than 1 mile to Dodge dealer and spoke with mechanic. He said that both links had been broken which he thought was unusual. I asked if he thought it was safe to drive to home 3 miles away since it would take several days to get parts and then repair. He said he would not advise driving it for extended period. While attempting to drive it from off the street parking to dealer parking lot to remain for repair. The right tire was punctured by sway bar. Decided to have car towed to have sway bar linkages installed and tire replaced at other garage that was less expensive.
Loud noise whenever turning - tech found upper ball joint very dry, also found sway bar links worn - replaced left upper ball joint and both sway bar links.
Purchased a pre owned 2005 Dodge Dakota 2/2007. The dealership guaranteed me the vibration in the vehichle would be resolved. The first 2months they had the vehicle more than I. 5 times the vehicle has been back to this dealership. Replaced the rotors, break pads, new sway bar(that was disconnected). The vehicle still vibrates. At speed of 50-60 mph when applying the brakes, the vehicle will vibrate considerably. At normal speed it still vibrates but not as much. The warrenty on the vehicle is up in about 30 miles. I believe the dealership has just worn us down. The owner of the dealership said he would make things right, but as of today, nothing. No resolution. Something is definetly wrong with this vehicle and I won't drive it far for fear of failure. My wife owned a jeepliberty w/recalls on ball joints. . . Needless to say the 2nd set of ball joints failed, causing an accident and $4000 later was traded off. Will not purchase another Dodge chryslerjeep product again in my life. Guress we go back to chevy.