Steering Is Tight Problems of Dodge Dakota

The steering is very hard to turn either left or right at most times. Feels as if the power steering has failed, but had it inspected by mechanic and says power steering pump and belts are fine. This difficulty in steering is also accompanied by a grinding type of noise in the steering column behind the steeing wheel. It has become more than just an occasional annoyance but rather a more permanent safety issue since my wife is no longer able to use the truck because of the difficulty with the steering. Please advise on what may be the cause and if the manufacturer is aware of similar problems with other Dakota pick ups and if they have issued a recall in the past to remedy the problem. I am hoping to have this resolved quickly since I fear it may only lead to some tragic or catastrophic result. Thank you.

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The steering is hard when the vehicle is cold. . When you turn the steering wheel is stiff and hard to turn and does not go back to a neutral position. You have to manually turn the steering wheel back to straighten it out. When the vehicle is driven for a hour the steering improves. I have seen many other complaints about the same problem with the same vehicle. It is a safety hazard.

Noticed a problem with the power steering on my 2004 Dodge Dakota at the beginning of April. The steering is stiff and hard to turn. It requires assistance to bring the steering wheel back to center. It doesn't matter what speed you are going. It seems to get better after about 30 minutes of driving but after sitting for a while the problem is back. I bought the truck last year as a second vehicle and now regret doing so. I have had the truck to the dealership twice. 4/14/14 they replaced the lower ball joints, front rotors and power steering pump. That did not fix the problem. 4/24/14 they replaced the steering rack. $2,300. 00 later the problem still exists. It is going back to the dealership 5/14/14 but I have my doubts the problem will be fixed after reading other complaints online. I have contacted Chrysler about this and have been assigned a case manager. I am waiting to hear what they have to say. I do not wish to spend anymore money trying to fix a design flaw in their steering components. The steering poses a safety issue and I do not feel comfortable driving it very far.

Steering is tight when trying to turn. Looses it's power assist. Per trindle auto repair service the intermediate steering shaft and joints rusted. This was a safety hazard, I could have lost the ability to steer the vehicle. According to trindle they have had to replace other intermediate steering shafts because of severe rust. The cost of the repair $378. 95,.

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On Feb. 15, 2012 was driving and went to make a turn and the after a quarter of the way into the curve the steering locked up and became very hard to turn, causing me to almost hit the car setting at the light. And since that time the steering is hardest to turn when cold and easier when warm. The steering when it is cold is stiff when you are a quarter the way into the curve and then releases then hard again all in the same turn, making it very dangerous because it makes your vehicle swerve and become reckless. Dodge needs to issue a recall on the defective steering parts. I have been told it because of poor design and lack of lubrication points causing the failure. Please mandate that they issue a recall on this vehicle for this problem, thank you very much.

Steering erratic and choppy. Steering wheel fails to center smoothly when released. Steering is hard at times. Wheel stays in turned direction unless manually turned to correct.