Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
06E024000K&N ENGINEERING, INC. E (Equipment)4438604/20/2006MFRCHRYSLER GROUP LLC03/15/200603/17/2006
Defect SummaryCertain replacement k&n fuel performance kits, p/nos. 57-1509, 57-1511, 57-1511-1, 57-1517, 57-1517-1, 57-1527, and 57-1530. also, a small percentage of these kits were sold under the mopar performance parts brand name (p/nos. p5007069 and p5007070). all kits were manufactured from april 20, 1999, through september 23, 2004. these assemblies were manufactured as replacement equipment for certain dodge pickup trucks and suvs. a small piece of material from the tube wall could be sucked into the engine throttle body, which could cause the throttle to become jammed in the open position.
Consequence SummaryA jammed open throttle could cause unintended acceleration of the vehicle, possibly resulting in a crash or increased stoping distances when braking.
Corrective SummaryK&n will provide owners with a free repair kit along with repair instructions. the recall began on april 20, 2006.
NotesThis recall only pertains to replacement k&n fuel performance kits and has no relation to any original equipment installed on dodge vehicles manufactured by daimlerchrysler.customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - FAN
07059809/04/1998602431Experiencing engine cooling fan noises. *yc11/04/1998
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE
2208/01/200610020666Reprogram pcm and inspect catalytic converter. *kb12/08/2006
09050002/25/2000610005Experiencing spark knock and engine oil consumption due to intake manifold pan gasket oil leak. *tt04/13/2000
18010002/04/2000609988Subject regarding misdiagnosed leak detection pump systems with diagnostic trouble codes p1494, p0442 p0455, or p0456. *tt04/12/2000
18109802/27/1998600429Condition with gasoline engines will not illuminate the mil properly when misfire is detected. *yc05/14/1998
980702/16/1998600389Some vehicles have incorrect dipstick installation. *yc05/12/1998
18269709/05/199754426Subject pertaining to obd ii misfire indicator. *yc04/07/1998
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE
180500G12/01/2000180500F616722Some vehicles may exhibit a light to moderate spark knock condition during acceleration (under load). *tt03/08/2001
180500E09/01/20001805006092295Some vehicle engines may exhibit a light-to-moderate spark knock condition during acceleration (under load). *tt12/04/2000
180500F09/15/2000180500E6092297Some vehicle engines may exhibit a light-to-moderate spark knoc condition during acceleration (under load). *tt12/04/2000
08240009/08/2000614651On some vehicles the engine cranks but does not start or starts and stalls. *tt11/29/2000
18050006/09/2000614165Some vehicle engines may exhibit a light-to-moderate spark knock condition during acceleration (under load). *tt09/29/2000
180500A06/23/2000180500614166Subject regarding 1998 model year engine spark knock. *tt09/29/2000
18359712/31/1997600486Condition with sagging or hesitation while accelerating from a stop with a cold engine or after a partial cool down. *ak11/05/1999
09069909/10/1999607913Subject regarding spark knock and engine oil consumption due to intake manifold pan gasket oil leak. *tt10/18/1999
18049902/26/1999604103Some vehicles may exhibit a rough idle, sag / hesitation, start & stall, and light spark knock. *tt04/13/1999
18349712/31/1997600487Engine may spark/knock when warm under moderate to heavy acceleration. *ak05/18/1998
25019802/06/1998600388A knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. *yc05/12/1998
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM
250040105/11/2001620071Subject regarding additional diagnostic for diagnostic trouble codes caused by an evaporative system leak. *tt07/11/2001
83108/01/1999608112Emissions recall to reprogram your vehicle's powertrain control module. *tt11/03/1999
25029810/23/1998602881Subject regarding i/m ( inspection maintenance ) testing - obd ii carb readiness monitor information. *yc01/20/1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
11079812/11/1998603108Outer exhaust manifold studs may fatigue/break. *ak02/02/1999
11079807/31/1998602327The outer exhaust manifold studs may fatigue and break. *yc10/26/1998

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
11/14/2010114000
 Tl*the contact owns a 1998 dodge dakota. the contact stated that the vehicle shut off without warning. the contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic who suggested that the air idle control solenoid be replaced. the contact replaced the idle control solenoid but that did not remedy the issue. the vehicle continued to shut off without warning at 50 mph. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer who was unable to duplicate the problem. the contact stated the vehicle is unsafe to drive and the dealer needed to diagnose the failure. the contact also noticed online that the ecm needed to be replaced but the dealer did not performed a diagnostic test. the failure mileage was 114,000.
11/14/2010114000
 Tl. the contact owns a 1998 dodge dakota. the contact stated the vehicle shuts off without warning. the contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic and the mechanic suggested the air idle control solenoid should be replaced. the contact replaced the idle control solenoid but that did not remedy the issue. the vehicle continued to shut off without warning at 50 mph. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer and the dealer could not duplicate the problem. the contact stated the vehicle is unsafe to drive and the dealer needs to find the problem. the contact notice on a online form that the ecm needs to be replaced but the dealer has not performed a diagnostic test. the failure mileage was 114,000. jo
07/26/2009900001
 Warm weather causes 98 dodge dakota 3.9 engine to stall at any speed, anytime. engine completely dies and takes 20 to 30 min for engine to cool while off. then able to restart, but problem persists within 5 to 15 minutes after cooling. consequences are i have paid to have pcm replaced, as well as fuel pump. could cause death on freeway when everything dies at 70 mph. almost caused wreck today. no known fix, have spoke with chrysler and dealership on many occasions with no answer. *tr
04/08/2004104/07/2004
 Vehicle has a cracked mirror, crack in the catalytic converter, and a broken manifold bolt. (nar) *mr the evening that the consumer took the vehicle home he noticed a rattling noise in the engine area which he did not notice during the test drive. the vehicle was taken tot a different dealer for an unbiased opinion. the dealer determined that the vehicle had a broken manifold bolt, a crack near/on the catalytic converter and a broken mirror. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who initially decided to repair the vehicle. later the dealer refused repair stating that the vehicle was purchased as is. *nm *cb
01/01/1998812/04/1997
 Engine experiences rough and low idle, and stalling, dealer has replaced throttle body, manifold gaskets, and valve body, however stalling still exists, dealer stated the combination of stopping, shifting, and the turning of the steering wheel causes the engine to stall, there was also an oil pan leak and coolant leak, purge solenoid was also noisy. reverse lights had a defective switch and the headlights had a defective switch. exhaust was noisy and the exhaust bolts were broken. moldings were leaking, dealer had to also replace carpet. brakes locked up, dealer found they were full of brake dust, front rotors gouged, dealer replaced brakes and rotors. steering gear box and power steering gear assembly both leaked. transmission experienced many problems, a defective leaking pressure line, vibration in driveline, vehicle would slam in reverse when going from drive, differential was replaced due to a humming noise, and the gear shift broke. new tires (no size or brand) due to vibration in front end. *slc
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM
12/19/2008890001
 Tl*the contact owns a 1998 dodge dakota. when the contact activated the heater, he smelled antifreeze. he inspected the vehicle and could not find any leaks. approximately one month later, the overflow for the antifreeze was empty; however, antifreeze was still present in the radiator. the contact performs his own repair work and stated that the heater cores were defective. the dealer and manufacturer were not notified. the current mileage was 104,000 and failure mileage was 89,000. updated 2/23/09 *cn the consumer stated the heater core was leaking into the heater box, when the heater was on. updated 02/26/09. *jb
04/10/1999508/01/1997
 Nothing but problems poor customer service should replace vehicle. no safety defect listed within summary. *ak
01/01/1998
 No summary.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - FAN
101/01/1997
 Engine fan failed.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
12/21/1997
 Coolant system failed. vehicle overheats and leaks radiator fluid.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE
11/18/20049630001/10/2000
 My husband and i own a 1998 dodge dakota, vin 1b7gg26x9ws729721. we have had numerous problems with this vehicle, beginning in the second year of our lease. during the past four years, we have spent approximately $9,000 on vehicle repairs including a new transmission, new engine, new starter, new wheel baring, new brake caliper, new heater core and new water pump. the catalytic converter and alternator have been replaced twice and two o2 sensors have been replaced. the air conditioner has been repaired four times. while these repairs have been costly and inconvenient, none of them has posed a safety concern per se. i am writing now to complain about our most recent vehicle failure which most certainly is a safety issue. on november 18, 2004, my husband was driving approximately 35 mph when his front driver side tire broke off from the axle. the tire fell on its side and the truck landed on the tire. the steering wheel locked up, and the truck skidded to a stop in the left turn lane. my husband had no control of the truck. when we took the truck to our mechanic, he found that the passenger side wheel was near the breaking point as well and replaced that axle as well. we are still driving on the two front tires, but we were informed that we should get an alignment and probably have the tires replaced as well. we understand that dodge has recalled the 2000-2003 dakotas for this same defect. we believe that our vehicle should also be covered under this recall. *nm
1
 The crankshaft position sensor failed. this caused the vehicle to lose power brakes and steering without warning. *ak
04/16/20031
 The engine block cracked, which caused the vehicle to be inoperative. *jb
04/05/1998110/01/1997
 1. front crank seal leaking at first oil change, dealer finally replaced. 2. leaking front right shock absorber noticed at first oil change. dealer replaced both at owners request. 3. there is a loud popping sound coming from the front steering components when the vehicile is in motion and you turn the steering wheel lock to lock. the sound is made when turning left or right. 4. water leak through back slider window resulted in two new carpet/pad assemblies to installed. dealer finally fixed after 4th visit and threat of filing for lemon law protection. 5. drivers side air bag failed to deploy at 25 mph in a front end collision.
02/11/1998111/29/1998
 Serpintime belt worn out. yh
 Motor mounts rusted . the dealer has replaced the motor mounts. *ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE
707981
 While driving engine was making a loud pinging noise. took vehicle to dealer, and dealer said engine was not getting enough fuel. *ak
04/26/2001104/01/1998
 Engine check light came on while we were on a trip to palm coast, fl on thursday, april 26, 2001. the oil pressure dropped from normal to 0. we pulled off at the next exit. the truck was still running, however we called chrysler and they said they would tow it to the nearest dodge dealership. we told them to take it tallahassee as we were in madison. after one week being in the shop they told us the engine was blown due to non-maintenance (oil changes). we did not understand that because we had the oil changed. it was not every 3000 miles but it was sufficient. they told us that the oil had never been changed in this truck. this is totally untrue. we gave them receipts where it was changed and they said the inspector from chrysler had to check it out. we had to pay russell dodge over $200.00 to break it down just for an inspection. the inspector for chrysler came after 3 days and said it was not covered under warranty. so my husband works for prestige infiniti dealership in tallahassee and we had it towed to their garage to look at. they told us the engine was gone and they had never seen anything like it. we are going to have to replace the engine. we believe there is a defect in the 6 cylinder 1998 dodge truck engines, because we can prove that the oil was changed, therefore something in the engine was not working and caused a back up of oil or something was not functioning properly. the funny thing is that when we called to get a replacement engine, the person we ordered it from said they had sold 17 engines for 1998 dodge 6 cyclinders in the last month. now come on 17 in a month, what is wrong with this picture???? a 1998 is only 3 years old and our engine had 42,000 miles on it. should not an engine last more than 42,000 miles without being totalled???? i think there is definitely something wrong here. also the chrysler corporation will not send us a copy of their inspection report do they have something to hide. *ak
09/01/1998203/01/1998
 No summary listed for abov evehicle. *ak
09/23/2000811/01/1997
 This trruck has been a lemon from beginning and chrysler service center told me to get a lawyer and they do not care help me!! i have only drive my truck 1/2 the time that i have had it, because it always has broken down. *ak
09/20/2000209/01/2000
 Loose clunking eminating from the steering wheel and brake pedal. this occurs when turning, accelerating and applying the breaks. appears to be a loose fitting in the steering wheel colom or the mid shaft. getting worse all the time. only 21k on this truck. also, truck slides all over the road when surface is damp or wet. this happens even at low speeds. antilock system does not appear to work. truck also burns up tires after 15k miles. engine miss-fires and utilizes way to much fuel. aprox. 12 mpg. overall, my two main concerns are the steering and brakes. problem. this is most certainly an unsafe vehicle which should be looked into before someone looses their life. the time is now, not later. i have been in contact with several owners of this year and model. they too report the same sittuation with respect to the steering and brake system.*ak
05/01/199904/01/1998
 Engine knock,poor gas mileage, rough idling, stalling,transmission clunk when shifting.worst truck i've ever owned!!!
02/01/1999401/15/1998
 Engine failed. yh
12/28/1999108/01/1998
 This happened 1 day after an oil change. a qualified mechanic should have noticed this. no safety defect mentioned in the summary. *amk
03/26/1998401/01/1998
 Engine has intermittent stumble/detonation problems. computer flashed per tsb. oxygen sensor replaced per engine data readout. distributor reindexed per technician's seat of the pants. still occurs, but so infrequently dealership can't duplicate.
09/01/19982507/01/1998
 No summary
06/08/1999711/01/1998
 Since the 8th of june 99, i have had a continuious sound of engine knock, i understand the owners manual says you'll have a faint engine knock noise. what i have continues at all speeds and is worst at higher speeds. example is on the highway with the radio and a/c on you can here the engine knock. vehicle has less then 11,000 miles on it. every time the vehicle goes in for a check the service manager, technicians and upper management says yes there is a problem, but comes time for the work they are unable to find the problem, then they tell me there is nothing wrong. as i leave the dealership the problem still exsist, excesive engine knock and exshaust sounds. i don't drive the vehicle that much due to the excessive engine noise. the engine noise tells me that of a problem does exsists, which could lead to the destruction of the engine.
05/12/19990
 When running the a/c and stopping at a red light, then attempting to restart, and car just quits. *ak
10/08/1998
 While driving. vehicle cuts off. also while idling, giving vehicle gas or stopping at intersections, vehicle also cuts off. *ak
12/16/199802/01/1998
 Continued spark knock. has been in shop 4 different times. dealer not sure how to fix it.
508/28/1997
 Vehicle would shut off, total electrical shutdown, at any given speed. multiple brake failures. no cause determined for either problem.
03/26/1998302/01/1998
 Engine continually backfiring, unable to rectify.
06/01/1998106/01/1998
 The vehicle has been making a preignitionknocking noise coming from under the hood since the day i purchased it.i have had it in numerous times and they can not correct it.the dealer has told me this is an emissions knock and will not damage the engine as they can't fix it yet.i am under the impression that any preignition is not good and will eventually damage the engine.it knocks considerably at first start up when it is cold and quiets down when it warms up.
10/01/1998107/01/1998
 This truck jumps around in the rear end when it is empty. does not seem to be safe in bad weather.
01/30/1998
 Engine failed.
07/30/199809/15/1997
 Upper ball joints wore out. also experiences oil leaks and ignition system malfunctioning.
 While driving engine shuts down, causing the vehicle to stall. please provide details. ak
 Engine backfires when decelerating.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM
1
 When the vehicle was left idling for several hours, the floor board over heated on the passenger side due to the exhaust system had become extremely hot. several items that were left on the floor melted, which included some portions of the seat belt. *jb
09/23/2002504/01/2098
 The catalytic converter on my dakota keeps falling apart. i have taken it back to the dealer for replacement 4 or 5 times now (the first time was not long after i had bought the vehicle). each time they put a new converter on, it falls apart within a years time. i asked them about it and they blame it on faulty manufacturing of the converter. i know other dakota owners that have the same problem and are given the same story (just faulty manufacturing). i e-mailed dodge, but they directed me to the dealer. is anyone being held accountable for this? my vehicle is no longer under warranty, i am a single parent and can not afford to pay for a new converter when this new one falls apart. i see that there have been other complaints is anything being done??? my brakes also make a terrible noise when it is cold and/or rains or if it is foggy. the dealer said oh, its just moisture but there is really nothing wrong with your brakes. when it is raining, it seems that the brakes don't work as they should and the anti-lock does not seem to work intermittently. one other problem is the engine races after the truck has sat overnight or while i am at work, and it takes awhile before it idles at the normal rpm. i was told by the dealer, don't worry about it, it is just the cold air solenoid. what has nhtsa concluded in regard to the catalytic converter? or are you the wrong contact? dt
01/01/1998812/04/1997
 Engine experiences rough and low idle, and stalling, dealer has replaced throttle body, manifold gaskets, and valve body, however stalling still exists, dealer stated the combination of stopping, shifting, and the turning of the steering wheel causes the engine to stall, there was also an oil pan leak and coolant leak, purge solenoid was also noisy. reverse lights had a defective switch and the headlights had a defective switch. exhaust was noisy and the exhaust bolts were broken. moldings were leaking, dealer had to also replace carpet. brakes locked up, dealer found they were full of brake dust, front rotors gouged, dealer replaced brakes and rotors. steering gear box and power steering gear assembly both leaked. transmission experienced many problems, a defective leaking pressure line, vibration in driveline, vehicle would slam in reverse when going from drive, differential was replaced due to a humming noise, and the gear shift broke. new tires (no size or brand) due to vibration in front end. *slc
03/21/2000312/01/1998
 This problem occurs at the frequency of every 6000. miles without exception. no safety defect listed within the summary. *ak
10/10/1999109/01/1998
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
10/06/200589000302/14/1998
 My 98 dodge dakota has had the exhaust catalytic converter replaced 2 times already under warranty, the last one about 10 month ago, now it rattles like rocks in a tin can again, now my mileage is over the warranty by about 9000 miles and they say they will not replace unless i pay! obviously there is a major problem nation wide with this emission componet. *jb
02/18/2005400003
 Failure of equipment......manufacturer defect...replaced 3 catalyatic converters on my 1998 dakota rt.....vin# 1b7gl22z5ws671318........cost each service $600..........now rear end noises (pinions and bearings out)...due to owners manual states towing capacity 3 times higher than what truck can tow....was a change after market. *ak
04/15/200470000305/15/1998
 I am on my third catalytic converter on a 1998 dodge dakota, i just hit 70,000 miles and there seems to be an aweful lot of bad catalytic converters on this vehicle. now the dealer tells me the biggest safety problem with my truck is the upper and lower ball joints (it'll cost almost $1000), these are the same as used on the durango and they have had all kinds of problems also.*ak
12/20/200311000506/25/1998
 Catalytic converter has been replaced 4 times in 4 years. now at the 5th year it need to be replaced again and the dealer refuses because they did it 14 months ago and it's no longer under their 12 month warranty and is no longer covered under the federal 8 yr, 80,000 mile warranty because i'm at 109,000 miles, therefore it will cost me over 600$ to replace a defect in their equipment. i can't afford to put 600$ into my car every 14 months for such a major component plus all the other minor upkeep a vehicle takes.
04/11/20032
 I have had to replace the catalytic converter on my truck twice since it was bought in 1998 brand new from the dealership. the first time i took it in to the dealership i was told that the noise my truck was making was due to the suspension and not to worry about it. the truck was not even evaluated, i was just told that i was wrong, and it was not the catalytic converter and was sent on my way. when i went back after this incident 2 days later i requested to speak with the service manager and proceeded to tell him what had happened. they then put my truck on the lift and found it was the catalytic converter and fixed it. it then happened again and it
03/09/2002407/01/1998
 I have had to have the catalytic converter on my 1998 dakota 3 times since i buy the truck. each time the dealership said that they were going to look into the cause of the problem. and each time they would say we didn't get a chance to look at what might have caused the problem but, if it happens again we will. well, it happened again on 3/09/02. now they refuse to cover the cost of the replacement of the converter. they say this is due to the fact that the emissions warrenty has run out. i find this ridiculous, due to the fact that it is an ongoing problem. i have also learn that contrary to what the dealership and chrysler claim, i'm not the only one that has this ongoing problem. *ak
07/01/1998
 I have recently noticed my catalytic converter making ticking noise again, my extended warranty has just recently expired too. this part had been replaced at 22000 miles. now just less than 2 years later i am running into the same delema. i have spoke to several auto mechanics and they all say that this must be a defected part. when i notified my dodge dealer, he stated because the warranty had expired, i will have the burden of paying all the cost. yet again this is the second time in a truck that was purchased brand new less than 4 years ago. i feel that after reading other complaints and talking to several other dodge ownershaving the same problem, that the part is a defect. above all, dodge doesn't seem to stand behind their product. they were rude and would not budge to satisfy their customers. in fact my service advisor even went on to tell me that i probably hit a bump that made the catalytic converter go out. come on now this is a 4x4, you mean to tell me that if i hit a speedbump my engine will drop? dodge tough ? yeah right! they certainly lost my business in the future. please check on this defected part, there has got to be justice for the consumer. bad word of mouth is the worst advertisement dodge and i got a big mouth guys!*ak
03/25/2001105/31/2000
 While traveling up a hill noticed vehicle not gaining power. also, while on highway vehicle will not travel over 45 mph. technician stated catalytic converter needed to be replaced. *ak the consumer was stranded and was unable to get to work due to the catalytic convertor failure. *yh
10/05/2000412/01/1998
 This going to be the fith cataletic converter i have had replaced.*ak
03/05/1999203/01/1998
 This the second catalytic converter, the first @ 11000 miles and now @ 17000 miles. *ak
09/01/1998
 Ongoing problem with vehicle having following defective3 parts parts: 1. engine accelerates at high rmp when vehicle is started. 2. rear end makes unnecessary noise when driving. 3. when consumer applied brake, could hear air leaking. 4. front tire wearing uneven. and 5. replaced catalyic converter system. *ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
11/12/200445000211/16/1998
 I have a 1998 dodge dakota. i bought it with 11,000 miles on it. during my warranty at about 20,000, the truck would backfire when shifting up a gear.towson dodge had my truck for a day and said that they couldn't duplicate the circumstances and it cost me $75 anyway. around 45,000 miles my truck was running real poor with no power. the catylitic converter clogged up so bad the truck stopped running. the goodyear place where i took it, carney tire, didn't tell me of the federal warrenty on converters and replaced it and the muffler for a few hundred dollars. after my learning of the warrenty, carney tire refused to refund 50% as suggested by the chrysler rep. on the phone. now at 80,000 miles the muffler rusted enought to loose the tailpipe, which now resides in my driveway. this is totally unexceptable for this truck. i had an '87 dakota with 145,000 miles on it and never had an exhaust problem . i was going to trade it in for a 2500 ram but this and other complaints will keep me from ever buying another chrysler. i will bad mouth dodge,especially towson dodge (schaefer & stromenger), to anyone who askes me.the service managers over there didn't help a bit. i was given a service bulliten by the mechanics about a broken bolt on the manifold after my third visit,when the 2 managers weren't around. i'll never buy anouther chrysler product and i'll badmouth dodge to everyone i can. i'm going to buy a gmc product where i know they take care of any complaints a customer might have, beings they know the customer is always right.*ak
03/04/2004204/01/2002
 Purchased used 1998 dodge dakota truck in april 2002 from toyota dealer with mileage of 42,000. i heard a knocking noise in motor on 11-11-2003 took to my mechanic and he had to replace bolts in the manifold. again on 3-2-2004 heard clicking noise in wheel my mechanic had to replace front suspension ball joint. i wrote a letter to daimler chrysler of the problems and they said that they are unable to assist me with the problems because i was no longer covered under the warranty. so i feel, that other purchasers should be made aware of the protential problems with this vehicle.*ak
08/05/200258000308/14/1998
 I had catalytic converter replace last summer because it was defective . i have an exhasust leak know and took it to the dealer and they said i have 3 broken exhaust manifold bolts. they said it would cost 65 to 75 dollars apiece to fix. i work for daimler chrysler at twinsburg stamping as a machine repairman. i have never heard of exhaust bolts just breaking.i beleive there is a problem here they ought to fix. there more people at work that had the same problem. thank you
06/07/20011
 The mainfold bolts broke flush with the manifolds. 1998 4 cylinder dakotas are known for this defect. chrysler will not pay for any part of this problem. they claim ignorance and basically told me i was stupid for not buying an extended waranty. i talked to and showed the truck to other mchanics and they said, this shoudl not have happend to this truck. chrysler also told me when i called to take it to a chrysler/dodge dealer to get the work done for any consideration of helpingh to cover expenses. i did that and got an outrageous bill fro 1806.99. i called the damler corp. back and josh told ne too bad. i also have been doing research and it is my understanding that even though it has been recorde in 4 cylinder dakotas you cna ssume the ame problem exists in the same make and model and year trucks. i am outraged. i have had nothing but problems with my 1998 dodge dakota truck. to date the catalletic converter, drive column, gear box, dome light switch and ball jpint have been replaced. all were covered except the ball joint. they told me it just passed at the lower end of their standard using some sort of tool. that's a crock. also, i had to take it to 3 dealer sto get a water leak fixed. i had over 3 inches of water in my truck at one time. they finally found it and had to rip out the entire interior and clean it becasue4 it stank. how do i know that isn't going to rust in the future becasuse of the leaks. now, the manifold studs have broken. i also had to get a car rental at the cost of 600 plus dollars. what can i do and how do i get daimler to own up to their poor quality/defective products? *ak
04/22/200004/21/2000
 Exhaust leakage due to a broken manifold bolt; dealer notified. manifold stud replaced at no cost to owner. *ak *ml
1
 Vehicle is pinging numerious times broken the manifold bolts. yh
09/17/1999206/01/1998
 Truck bucked violently and stalled immediately after getting discount gas, stalled thereafter shifting from reverse to drive and while waiting at stop signs/red lights . dealer said it needed tune-up, problem not solved. different dealer fixed gasket on intake manifold that was drawing oil into engine. soon after transmission would hesitate before shifting, then rev high (from 2,000 rpm to 4,000) suddenly, then shift to next gear. first dealer claimed pinion bearings were worn, problem was not with transmission. problem continued day after pinion bearings replaced, dealer pressed to look at transmission. diagnosed clutch failure. day after repair rattling sound was heard from exhaust, returned to dealer. bolt had sheared off into exhaust manifold from heat shield, dealer claimed it was from snow packing on shield. copy of letter to daimler-chrysler being sent to nhtsa. *ak