Steering Column problems of the 2006 Dodge Dakota

Tl the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Dakota. When the contact placed the key in the ignition and started the engine, the key would come out and the steering wheel seized. The contact had to use excessive strength to turn the vehicle and the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to rick hendricks Dodge (1468 savannah hwy, charleston, SC 29407, (843) 352-6931) and the mechanics were unsure if a new steering column and/or new ignition switch was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 103,000.

2006 Dodge Dakota (cab) truck: have had recurring issues with the steering column. Started making a loud squeaking grinding noise. Brought it in and the dealer replaced a bolt in the steering column. We brought it back to the dealer (8 mos later - though the vehicle has been making the same noises consistently for quite a while again. This last time there was "play" in the steering.

Whenever the contact would drive over a bump he noticed that the entire front of the vehicle would shake and rattle. The contact also noticed that whenever he turns in any direction the steering wheel will creek and bump. The vehicle was taken to the dealership where the contact was informed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The contact did not notice any differences beforehand, the current and failure mileage is 53000. Bml updated 9/17/09 the consumer also stated the front struts and sway bars were replaced. Updated 09/18/09.

We purchased a new 2006 Dodge Dakota in August. After test driving several models we ordered one from the dealership. We were not told that we were test driving a vehicle with tilt wheel. So the vehicle we received had no tilt wheel, which would be fine if you could see the speedometer when the speed is 50 to 70 mph. The drivers are 5'6" and 6' tall. The 6' tall person has the seat back as far as the legs will allow and has the seat tilted back. The 5'6' person is unable to sit up straight in the seat and see the speedometer. Upon calling the dealership we were told that the steering column is a design flaw and we are stuck with the problem. We feel this is a safety issue and this problem should be corrected. Tilt wheels should not be an option it should be standard. Chrysler's service representatives told us that its was our problem, they would not allow us to talk to their managers and eventually hung up on us. We were un able to contact the Chrysler regional reprsentative for our area, because they refuse to give out that information. Everyone has been quite uncooperative in this situation.

The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that the steering column was impossible to adjust. The dealer stated that the failure was uncorrectable. The contact believed this to be a safety hazard. The current mileage was 10,300 and failure mileage was 500. Updated 09/11/07.