Steering Rack And Pinion Problems of Dodge Dakota - part 1

The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that the steering wheel was extremely difficult to turn. The contact replaced the power steering pump, but the abnormal noise continued. Also, the steering wheel became tight and was unable to turn left and right. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the rack and pinion may need to be replaced. The vehicle was also inspected by a dealer (crossroads Jeep and Dodge in prince george, va, 1 (888) 704-5098), but the cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA action number: ea06004 (steering); however, the manufacturer had two technical service bulletins. The VIN and failure mileage were not available.

See all problems of the 2006 Dodge Dakota 🔎.

The steering completely locked up and would not turn. Intermittently over the past 3 months the power steering would suddenly stop working and the car was extremely hard to steer and control. After twice replacing the rack and pinion and steering pump the situation seemed to improve. Then suddenly, traveling 70 mph on the freeway, the steering jerked right and when I turned it back to the left it completely locked up and I could not turn the wheels at all, they were locked straight causing us to immediately cross all lanes of the freeway as the road turned forcing us to the center divider.

See all problems of the 2008 Dodge Dakota 🔎.

Rack and pinion seal busted while driving at some point resulting in loss of power steering fluid.

See all problems of the 2002 Dodge Dakota 🔎.

Was traveling down a regular road when the power steering became very tight and then alternately a little while later became very loose causing over correction. About a month and a half later while traveling between washington and oregon the power steering went out completely in the vehicle. Had the pump and reservoir replaced as well as intake and outtake lines. Problem was not solved had to then replace rack and pinion, vehicle still leaking after this replacement as well. Vehicle has been to two different mechanics both of which cannot determine what the problem is causing the power steering to malfunction consistently. After replacing rack and pinion was also told that ball joints needed replacement.

After 62000 miles rack and pinion needed to be replaced that warranty does not cover, 62000 is too soon to be replacing rack and pinion.

As I start the truck, it kicks when I shift to drive and start to accelerate. I took it to a dealer near me when there was a recall for the rack and pinion and they did not find anything. The truck keeps doing the kick or jumps gears. Maybe the problem is in the cable or the shifter. It keeps doing this to this day and getting worse. Now I have to move the shifter to drive and put it back to park to start the truck. Also the ignition stays on sometimes when the key is removed and this drains the battery. The truck seems to use way to much gas for the driving I do. My job is less than five miles from my house and it uses a lot of gas about 10. 00 every day for such a short distance.

2005 Dodge Dakota. Defective steering components. 68,000 miles. Vehicle shakes during braking and at highway speed. One diagnosis stated 4 defective ball joints and upper control arms requiring replacement. Another diagnosis by a Dodge dealer states one defective ball joint, defective rack and pinion and brake calipers sticking. Dodge states there is not a recall on the mentioned parts for my particular vehicle.

See all problems of the 2005 Dodge Dakota 🔎.

First falure of power steering pump which was replaced now leaking at rack and pinion.

I have read so many of these same issues that I am having with my 2004 Dodge Dakota. The steering is locking up and very hard to turn. I've taken it into a dealership 3 times now, and they have replaced power steering pump, checked my rack and pinion, and all other options and the problem is still occurring. Very scary. Just had a baby and don't know what to do at this point where no one knows what the problem is. I have read up so many of these same complaints and they are all the same as what I am experiencing. There has got to be a problem and should be recalled. Very hard to turn wheel and go stiff loose stiff loose. Please advise. Thank you.

See all problems of the 2004 Dodge Dakota 🔎.

'02 Dodge ram 1500 steering loss due to rack and pinion leaking and failing. This has happen twice now and the truck only has 58,000 mi. On it. Please make Dodge recall these trucks before someone gets killed.

The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Dakota. While driving at various speeds, the steering wheel becomes difficult to maneuver. The contact replaced the rack and pinion himself. There have been no other failures since the repair. The current mileage was 48,000 and failure mileage was 46,000.

Purchased 2002 Dodge ram used. At first service interval, rack and pinion boots were leaking, main seal was shot. Also had manifold leak, along with a steering problem that causes shaking at 40 mph. Steering problem still remains, and there is a loud rattle that the dealership cannot find. This vehicle has been a nightmare, most recently, my fuel pump decided to quit working. Also, the interior trim, namely the hand grips on the driver and passenger door have been replaced numerous times, due to the cheap plastic that is used as a holding ring. Do not purchase this type of vehicle. Have had nothing but headaches with the truck, from the simple things, to the expensive things. . . Was just told that my head gaskets are shot as well, have spent thousands on this truck, with no returns, do not get this year/model of ram 1500.

I had to replace the steering rack and all its components at only 54,000 miles on a 2002 Dodge ram 1500. I looked into this and this is a very common thing to happen, and it should not be happening at such low mileage, some as low as 20,000 miles! I think Dodge needs to look into this and find out why it is falling apart so soon, and possibly issue a recall and a reimbursement for those of us who already spent the 1100 to fix it!.

My truck all of the sudden when driving the night before was unable to turn to the right (very difficult. . No proper steering to the right). To the left it was fine. It continued to have the problem when I tried driving again today. I took it to the Dodge dealership today (next morning) and they told me the truck needed a new power steering pump, rack, & pinion. The vehicle is only 3 years old with just over 50,000 miles on it. . . It has been extremely well taken care of since purchasing it from Dodge dealer last fall. This is the 2nd major repair in the last few months (I just had a rear seal or something like that replaced as well). As of right now the truck is still at the dealership until I decide what to do. They say it is not covered under any warranties for this issue or any recalls. It is very upsetting that this new of a vehicle have such major issues already.

See all problems of the 2003 Dodge Dakota 🔎.

For no apparent reason and without warning, the rack and pinion steering failed causing excessive leaking of power steering fluid and failure of the power steering. Dodge/Chrysler denied any assistance to the issue. The vehicle is a 2002 Dodge ram 1500 quad cab, 4. 7 liter engine. 72,000 highway miles. It has come to my attention from the dealer that this is a common problem that can happen 2,000 miles to 200,000 miles indicating the continued use of a defective part. Despite my willingness to accept the labor costs of the repair Chrysler refuses to assist with the cost of the $600. 00 part. There is no after market part available due to the truck being "too new" according to the dealer. This part failed due to a manufacturing issue and not abuse on my part. The part can not be repaired and must be replaced since Dodge/Chrysler does not supply a parts package to repair the part. Due to this fact the part must be replaced and not repaired. This is also a great safety issue as the power steering leaked out without warning causing the loss of power steering. An accident could have resulted from the loss of power steering.

Tl- the contact owns a 2004 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated while driving 65 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection where they stated the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000. Rk.

Failure of rack and pinion.

My 2002 Dodge ram quad cab pickup has 49,000 miles on it. I recently brought it in to get an alignment and brakes checked, when the service writer informed my that my rack and pinion steering was leaking. 49,000 miles! if the steering is lost, the consequences could be serious, and even fatal. I called Dodge corporate for out of warranty assistance, and after sitting on hold for 30 minutes, they came back to tell me because of procedure, they will not be able to help me. The cost to fix this is $675 parts and labor. I feel that a four wheel drive truck should have it's rack and pinion last longer than 49,000 miles, and that Dodge should step up to the plate and help out. Dodge obviously does not feel that way.

We have had problems with loose steering on our 1998 Dodge Dakota for approx. 2 years now. We have had a couple adjustments, and parts replaced and finally have been told that is an issue with the manufacturing of the steering components and it will cost us in excess of $1000 to repair. I went online to see if anyone else has had similar problems with this and found out that there are literally hundreds of complaints out there for this very problem. It appears to me that Dodge is not concerned with all these complaints but I wanted to file mine anyway. I was told by my garage that the vehicle is safe to drive, but I read story after story of accidents that have caused severe damage to vehicles, injury and even death.

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1999 Dodge Dakota ball joints were loose. The rack and pinion was also loose.

See all problems of the 1999 Dodge Dakota 🔎.

Ball joint failure at 53,000 miles. Also, leak in steering rack.

The consumer stated that there was a shimmy/vibration in the front suspension. The vehicle was taken to the dealer three separate times for inspection and repair. The rack and pinion, front shocks and all four tires had been changed. The problem still exist. The consumer had been in contact with the manufacturer. (12/05/05) the vehicle had been to three different dealers with no results.

Rack and pinion failure 48,000 miles. Seals leaking and pump whining. .

While driving at highway speed steering rack and pinion failed, causing the vehicle to pull to the left, and resulting in a collision. Consumer had the vehicle towed. Dealership will be notified.

See all problems of the 2000 Dodge Dakota 🔎.

2005 Dodge Dakota play in steering every since purchased one year ago as an off lease return. Now truck is in shop due to accident involving front end damage from impact with pillar / pole. Accident unrelated to steering problem. Was contacted by repair shop today and they state all is repaired except the unrelated steering problem and that it is not part of accident and will be separate cost if I want it repaired and that it is loose steering column and rack and pinion loose.

Consumer was making a right turn a loud knocking noise was heard coming from the front. Consumer drove vehicle to the dealer, and mechanic determined that the rack and pinion,and both front driver's side and passenger's side upper ball joints needed to be replaced.

2002 - Dodge Dakota: truck mechanically sound when it comes to the engine. Recently had a tune-up & 27 point inspection @ 50,000 miles and was informed that the upper and lower ball joints need replacement and would cost about $1200. 00 to fix. The dealers mechanic asked if I have been hear a "clunking" sound when making sharp turns. I advised the mechanic that this sound started happening around 30,000 miles but did not pay to much attention. I asked the dealership if it was common for this to happen so prematurely. No answer. Any recalls in the works. There seems to be may issues from others surrounding the balljoints!!! if I would have known about the additional cost of $1200. 00 maybe I would not have considered purchasing the truck in the first place. Fp.

While driving steering wheel jumped on its on. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and took it to the dealer for inspection. Mechanic determined that the rack and pinion steering and upper ball joint needed to be replaced.

I have 44,000 miles on my 2001 quad cab Dakota 4x4 and the steering has gotten really bad. It clunks and pops on turns and bumps so bad to the point I'm afraid to drive it. There is no reason this new of a vehicle and low mileage should have this kind of problem. Chrysler refuses to do anything about since my warranty is up and the dealer wants $930 to replace the rack & pinion steering which might not be bad.

See all problems of the 2001 Dodge Dakota 🔎.

I had loss of control of my vehicle this morning which I believe is a direct result of my steering/ball joint / rack and pinion failure. It's at the dealer now being looked over thoroughly. The dealer just replaced the intermittent steering shaft last week.

Bad ball joints and tie rod ends.

Recall campaign : the vehicle's ball joints failed prior to recall notification 04v-596. The vehicle' s ball joints, rack and pinion steering and outer tire rods also had to be replaced. The consumer request reimbursement.

Currently own a 2002 Dodge ram quad cab. I have had numerous problems with my truck. I myself have also experienced the same problems with the transmission jerking as well as the vehicle completely shutting off when idling (and not even at long periods of time). At times when putting into reverse, the vehicle will not move at all and I have to completely shut off the truck and restart it to get it to move. I haven't had it reported at the dealer yet because they will be unable to duplicate. Just noticed a problem with my rear taillights. At different times, different bulbs would seem to go out causing the "lamp out" indicator lamp to illuminate. When I went to change the bulb myself (cause bulbs are not warranty), I found that the sockets were causing the bulb housing to melt inside the sockets as well as on the bulbs. I took it to the dealer and they only replaced one side because the other they did not have in stock, yet they did not even bother ordering the other side. I have already had my rack & pinion replaced because it was leaking and also have had to have my tcm and pcm reprogramed because they were causing my check engine light to come on as well as making my air conditioning inoperative.

I own a 2002 Dodge Dakota. At 27,000 miles, the dealership replaced all four ball joints. They also worked on the 4 wheel drive. At 34,000 miles they replaced three ball joints and worked on the 4 wheel drive. At 42,000 miles they replaced the rack and pinion on the passenger side and worked on the 4 wheel drive. At 49,000 miles I had to replace wheel bearings in the passenger side. Fortunately, I have not had any accidents. I have heard noises and taken it to the dealership or my mechanic. I am very concerned about driving it. I do not feel safe driving it anymore. I think they have some serious front end problems that they should be addressing. I don't think I should be footing the bill for it. I am also very upset that the dealership and Dodge have known about the problems and chose to blame them on other conditions caused by the owner.

Electrical - cannot charge a cell phone in any of the receptacles. Works in other vehicles. Transmission - changes gears very rough, somtimes on acceleration, all the time when decelerating. Steering - at times the steering does not want to work. Will not turn, very hard as if no rack and pinion. Truck slides out at times during turns, steering gets pulled.