3.6

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
35,163 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1997 Dodge Dakota suspension problems

suspension problem

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1997 Dodge Dakota Owner Comments

problem #11

Feb 142006

Dakota 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 54,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My ball joints and tie rods were going bad at 54,000 miles. Dodge would not do anything about the problem. Also, my transmission started to go bad at 74,000 miles. 2nd gear went out, then it went completely out at 91,000 miles. Obviously Dodge wasn't going to do anything about it. I wont buy another Dodge again.

- Marion, IN, USA

problem #10

Dec 182002

Dakota

  • 79,795 miles
The vehicle's ball joints were bad. The vehicle's front brakes also had to be replaced. The consumer learned of a recall for balljoints. The consumer was told by a servce rep that his vehicle was not included in the recall due to the model year.

- Green Bay, WI, USA

problem #9

Oct 312003

Dakota 8-cyl

  • miles
Upper and lower ball joints needed replacement. (nar) the vehicle was taken to a tire service facility for a front end alignment due to noticeable right front tire wear. Once the technician looked at the vehicle he determined that the vehicles upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced. The vehicle wa taken to the dealer who indicated that the ball joints were within specs. The consumer had the ball joints replaced despite the dealer findings. The consumer request reimbursement from the manufacturer.

- Ridgefield, WA, USA

problem #8

Apr 262004

(reported on)

Dakota

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

New tires couldn't be aligned because the ball joint were so bad.

- Bearumont, TX, USA

problem #7

Apr 062004

(reported on)

Dakota

  • miles
At 54K miles, the ball joints had to be replaced.

- Saint Charles, MO, USA

problem #6

Mar 292004

(reported on)

Dakota

  • miles
The consumer replaced the upper/lower ball joint and front wheel bearing. The consumer questioned whether or nor daimler Chrysler would be taking the fault. The consumer requested to be reimbursed.

- Unknown, DC, USA

problem #5

Mar 192004

Dakota 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 99,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Ball joints defective-taken to dealer parts not available-vehicle unsafe according to dealer-no re-call issued yet - may re-call later-various accidents were reported nation wide-of front wheels falling off!!!!!!!

- Henderson , KY, USA

problem #4

Nov 222003

Dakota 8-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 77,000 miles
Upper and lower ball joints failed at 77,000 miles. The vehicle started squeaking over slight bumps and worsened to squeaking all of the time, the steering wheel began to make unusual noises when turning, and coolant leaked from the engine.

- Fuquay Varina, NC, USA

problem #3

Jul 012003

Dakota 8-cyl

  • 77,000 miles
The upper and lower ball joints experienced premature wear. As a result, the ball joints produced a grinding noise. Please provide additional information.

- Martinsburg, WV, USA

problem #2

Oct 281997

(reported on)

Dakota

  • miles
Suspension system problems, causing excessive tire wear.

- Lexington, KY, USA

problem #1

Jul 261998

(reported on)

Dakota 4WD

  • miles
Dealer unable to correct alignment problems after numerous attempts.

- Ellenton, FL, USA

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