Steering Anti-theft Device Problems of Dodge Dakota

Steering wheel and transmission do not lock when key is removed. I found this out when a 2 year old girl was in the front seat of the parked vehicle and pulled the transmission lever into gear. The key switch was in the locked position and the keys were removed.

See all problems of the 2001 Dodge Dakota 🔎.

While attempting to turn right the steerling locked up and was not able to turn. This caused the vehicle to go off of the road and into a field before stopping. This could have been a lot worse if there had been other vehicles involved. Mechanic has recomended that all of the following components be replaced. (4) ball joints (2) control arms (2) tie rod ends have seen numerous complaints about premature failures of the components on 97 - 04 Dodge Dakota and durango models. Mine is a 98 Dakota w/ 63665 miles. Chrysler has not issued a recall, stating this is not a safety issue. Not being able to turn your steering wheel seems to be a safety issue to me. After considerable effort I was able to break the "locked" condition and free up the steering. After this, the steering was still sticking, but got better as time went on. It seems to stick the most when the temperature is below 40 deg. F. I have not had the repairs done yet.

See all problems of the 1998 Dodge Dakota 🔎.

While driving at any speed, intermittently steering wheel locked up/ brakes failed, and turn signal was not working. Dealer had inspected vehicle 3 times; firs t time battery cable, second time dealer kept vehicle 1 day and could not duplicate the problem, and third time installed a monitor for ten days, and still couldn't correct the problem. (dealer stated this wa san electric issue.

See all problems of the 2003 Dodge Dakota 🔎.

Steering wheel locked while towing behind a recreational motor home. This caused the front tires to drag sideways while being driven around a curve.

See all problems of the 2004 Dodge Dakota 🔎.