Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
210020207/08/2002635721Subject regarding revision in diagnostic procedures and labor operation times for re transmissions. *tt10/30/2002
210060103/16/2001211699621898Automatic transmission fluid usage atf+4. *tt *mj10/03/2001
21089904/30/1999604975Vehicles exhibiting buzz, whining, or moaning like noise from cold transmission when reverse gear is selected. *tt05/21/1999
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM)
18129906/18/1999181797607298This bulletin explains the operation and application of the leak detection pump (ldp) monitor test. *tt09/17/1999
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - LEVER AND LINKAGE - COLUMN SHIFT
21030003/10/2000610633Some customers may complain of a red-in-color oil seepage from under the vehicle. the oil seepage may be localized to the sector shaft seal of the transfer case. *tt05/09/2000
21229912/03/19996089820Customer complaint of nv-242 and nv-242hd sector shaft seal oil seepage from under the vehicle. *tt02/25/2000
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY
030299A08/13/1999030299607678Some vehicles may experience a high-speed driveline vibration. *tt10/05/1999
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE
03049906/04/1999606080Conditions with differential gear lubricant weeping from the front differential vent. *tt08/06/1999
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT
03049807/31/1998602320Condition with two-piece propshaft boot being torn. *yc10/26/1998
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
03029903/26/1999604711Subject regarding high-speed driveline vibration. *tt05/10/1999
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DRIVESHAFT
030199A08/13/1999030199607690Conditions with two-piece propeller shaft boot torn. *tt10/05/1999

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
POWER TRAIN
760001
 The front 4 wheel drive cv shaft broke, which caused the vehicle to pull hard to the right. *jb
09/15/1998205/01/1998
 At 9500 miles the speed control sensor malfucntioned, causing speedometer to operate erratically. dealership repaired this problem under warranty. then, with approximately 61,000 miles on vehicle, speed control sensor has malfunctioned again. *ak consumer states that when the sensor malfunctions, the abs and brake light silluminate, the abs does not work, the speedometer works erratically along with all other instrument gauges, vehicle also stalls out as soon as the consumer lets up on the gas or have it in neutral. *slc
09/30/1998109/01/1998
 Bought the vehicle new it had 295 miles on it from dealer assured me it was not a demo power train control module failed after a few days everything died as i was entering traffic dealer repaired after 4 days fuel gage not reading properly dealer repaired engine has slight miss dealer checked twice regapped plugs so they say no improvement rear end is starting to whine fluid checked at oil change am concerned if this truck is ok mapgar1391@aol.com
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
09/30/2005102950104/01/2000
 Ball joints failed, passengers side came loose and the wheel feel off and the transmisson had to be rebuilt due to cheap internal parts. but if you own a 98 dodge dakota have your ball joints checked they are a hazard and someone is going to get killed, if they already have not.... *nm
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
11/15/2001930001
 Consumer complained about an ongoing automatic transmission problem for 3 years which became worse within the last 2 weeks. the rpms revved very high when the vehicle went into second gear after accelerating from a complete stop position. when this occurred consumer had to pull off the road immediately and turn the vehicle off. dealership nor the mechanic could identify what was causing this to occur.*ak
09/10/20041
 While applying the accelerator pedal vehicle failed to move. consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that transmission needed to be replaced. *ak
09/03/200495000102/28/2003
 Vehicle accelerated and lurched forward after shifting out of park or neutral. dealer was not notified. *ak
10/01/2003590007503/08/2003
 While driving ,transmission doesn't shift to next gear, rpm's go really high and the speedometer sticks. i'm afraid while crossing an intersection that i won't be able to get across and it might cause an accident. *la
08/15/20020108/15/2002
 Transmission throttle valve adjustment...keeps the transmission from shifting at the proper time... wont downshift when gas pedal is pressed to the floor. also... shifter lever cable adjustment.... wrong gear shows up on console.*ak
01/03/200206/15/2002
 In winter time transmission does not want to shift out of low gear when it should will eventually usually at about 1500 to 2000 rpm after gets really warm still will not shift properly. changed fluid myself with atf 3 or 4. have had at shops no one really knows what causes this they guess a lot. *nlm
04/01/19980
 Owner's manual stated 87 or higher octane should be used. when putting a meduim grade gas in vehicle overdrive stopped working/torque converter would not lock up, and caused rpms to increase. rmps went up too high for truck. consumer took vehicle to dealer ,and they didn't want to do anything. please provide any further information.*ak
04/02/2001106/01/1998
 A cracked fifth gear left me coasting in neutral at 55 mph on a six lane limited access highway, desperately trying to reach the safety of the shoulder in late evening traffic. *ak
09/01/1998203/01/1998
 No summary listed for abov evehicle. *ak
09/01/2000107/01/1997
 The truck was in the driveway to the house with the engine running and in the parked position. nobody was in the truck and it automatically ran into the garage and ran into the house. it damaged the house, lawnmower, power wheel car and radiator. the truck was then turned off with the transmission still in the parked position.
02/21/2000408/01/1999
 Vehicle purchased aug. 24, 1999. receipt of certified letter from national dispute center-dallas, texas. sign this lemon disclosure paper not signed when you bought truck. dealer signed contract with chrysler to disclose to next buyer they were purchasing a laundered lemon. the dealer, finance officer, nor the salesman disclosed this information to me at any time. if i didn't receive form from texas, it would still be covered up. numerous transmission failures - hauled in twice with nothing showing at the dealership. i worry each time i get behind the wheel. who will get maimed or killed? dealer committed fraud by failure to disclose. please help. no safety defect listed in summary. *ak
05/01/199904/01/1998
 Engine knock,poor gas mileage, rough idling, stalling,transmission clunk when shifting.worst truck i've ever owned!!!
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
12/01/19975012/01/1997
 Tranmission ongoing, popping in rear ongoing, tires bald in 5,000 miles. someone is going to get killed pulling out in traffic and having the transmission not work properly( dot number: tire size: p215 75r15 )
307/01/1998
 Trans. shifts very hard/popping noise from steering..dealer can't fix..??!!
04/14/1999511/01/1997
 This vehicle has been in the shop 18 times in less than 2 years. the biggest problem is with the brakes. the dealer tells me they are supposed to operate that way. these brakes are so bad i no longer call them anti-lock brakes i call them anti-stop brakes. do i have to kill someone in an accident for them to be fixed? all i know is i have ordered a new truck and it is not a dodge! i hesitate to even ride in any chrysler product!!!
1
 Transmission failed. yh
06/21/1999306/01/1998
 Sure wish that the manufacturer would notify the owners of such vehicles when there is a service bulletin out so we can make the decision as to if it applies to our vehicle or not...the aircraft manufacturers do it that way...i know..i work for the boeing aircraft company
212/02/1997
 Transmission failed twice. *yc
07/10/1999110/01/1997
 Truck was idling in park on level ground when it shifted itsel into reverse and hit a tree. i was loading items in the truck at the time of the mishap, but could not run fast enough to open the door and stop it.
 While driving at approximately 70 mph transmission locked up, causing loss of control, and resutling in an accident. *ak
12/10/1998411/01/1998
 Dealership service department contacted numerous occasions over past 7+ months with either no response or extremely slow response. tansmission/brakes/shocks/tires, and seat belts, not repaired to date. *ak( dot number: tire size: 235 75r15 )
04/16/1999
 When driving the vehicle would stay in only one gear. transmission completely failed. dealer contacted. repairwork done to remedy problem. problem still exists. provided further information. *ak
05/01/1998105/09/1998
 When accelerating the transmission fails to fully engage and the vehicle does not proceed forward as expected. *yc
 Everytime the vehicle is put into reverse the gears grind and make a loud noise. dealer can't fix problem. *ak
03/01/1998
 This concern regarding the power train - automatic transmission also includes the operation of the cruise control! the original defect manifested itself by extreme power-downshifts on moderate upgrades, while running on cruise control (all further mention of power-downshifts are while the cruise is engaged). they were extremely rough, to the point that i was concerned about not only the damage to the powertrain, but to also losing control of the vehicle if it would happen to occur at the wrong time. they even occured while running at speed on the interstate highway. the extreme of these downshifts is indicated by the fact that at 65 mph the transmission would be forced down to 2nd gear, thereby red-lining the engine on the tach. first visit brought little if any improvement, and only after an adjustment was made at the last minute from under the hood. after this adjustment (or because of problems surfacing from the power-downshifts) the transmission began to have intermittant rough shifts around 30mph. a 2nd visit brought adjustment to the tranmission throttle pressure which has almost entirely eliminated the power-downshifts (they have only occured twice in the past 2000+ miles. however, the transmission is now suffering much greater problems in shifting. not only does it give the occasional herky-jerky shift, but it now also seems to occasionally slip on shifts. the vehicle is scheduled to return to the dealership for pressure testing at a later date.
03/26/19985
 Going up hill when vehicle died out for no reason. towed to dealer & 1st time, nothing found. 2nd time it happened, was told torque convertor needed changing. 3rd time, was told transmission was in bad shape along with torque convertor & both needed replacing. *ak
05/04/1998403/27/1998
 Loud noises coming from drivetrain. dealer does not know how to fix it.
04/07/1998210/23/1998
 Transmission failure.also, engine check light came on.
109/08/1997
 Transmission not shifting properly.
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - COOLING UNIT AND LINES
04/12/1998
 While driving at any speed ther eis a loud noise and leakage in the transmission, and vehicle stalls and jerks. problem has been going on for a year. also, when applying the brakes, they go straight to the floorboard. dealer can't determine the problem. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
10/27/1997009/16/1997
 Pulled vehicle from garage & left in park. closed garage door. turned & vehicle had jumped out of gear into reverse & rolled backwards, hitting center post of garage, resulting in a collision. vehicle sustained extensive damage. was to go to arbitration but was canceled. *ak.
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - LEVER AND LINKAGE - COLUMN SHIFT
05/01/200782000511/01/2006
 Tl*the contact owns a 1998 dodge dakota. the ball joints have completely worn out and also has a very noisy lifter in the vehicle. the vehicle drifts in and out of lanes at any speed; however, the failure was noticed while driving 10 mph. the contact has not taken the vehicle to the dealer. he was informed of a recall on the previous year's model, but his vin was not included. the recall number was unavailable. the current mileage was 93,500 and failure mileage was 82,000. updated 03/14/08. *lj the shifter didn ot stay in park
01/01/200007/01/1998
 Squealing noise while driving- coming from transfer case area. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - LEVER AND LINKAGE - FLOOR SHIFT
06/29/2000111/03/1999
 The gear shift knob broke and came off in consumers hand. *mjs
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - PARK/NEUTRAL START SWITCH
06/27/20021
 Vehicle was parked and running and without prior warning, vehicle shifted into reverse and went backward into the street. dealership was aware of problem.*ak.*jb
 While vehicle was parked a 10 year old was able to change gears without applying brakes, causing vehicle to hit a tree. please give any further details*ak
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - TORQUE CONVERTER
04/01/19980
 Owner's manual stated 87 or higher octane should be used. when putting a meduim grade gas in vehicle overdrive stopped working/torque converter would not lock up, and caused rpms to increase. rmps went up too high for truck. consumer took vehicle to dealer ,and they didn't want to do anything. please provide any further information.*ak
03/26/19985
 Going up hill when vehicle died out for no reason. towed to dealer & 1st time, nothing found. 2nd time it happened, was told torque convertor needed changing. 3rd time, was told transmission was in bad shape along with torque convertor & both needed replacing. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY
09/14/2003110/19/2001
 An independent shop replaced the lower and upper ball joints lat september at the consumer's expense. dealer notified. *ak the cv drive and axle shaft were also replaced. *jb
08/01/200205/01/2098
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
04/10/1999508/01/1997
 Nothing but problems poor customer service should replace vehicle. no safety defect listed within summary. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY - AXLE SHAFT
02/18/20053
 Loud rear axle noise....brought to dealer.........replaced pinion and carrier bearings in axle.......cause was because maufacturer changed tow capacity on rt's after owners manual was published....i bought used truck at 40,000 miles and has no idea it could only tow 2,000 lbs vrs owners manual said 6,000...an 8cyl truck and can't toe boat.....how week for dodoge!*ak
 Rearend has failed twice , first at 20,000 miles and again at 25,000 later due to bearing and ring/ pinion failure. please provide further information.*ak
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY - AXLE SHAFT - SEAL
03/26/1998102/01/1998
 Transmission tailshaft/seal failed resulting in leakage.
POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
04/26/2001
 Consumer was on third clutch fan. vehicle only has 46,000 miles. first clutch fan went out at 26,000, and second went out at another 19-20,000 miles apart. dealer couldn't explain if there was a defect with the parts. *ak
12/29/2000110/01/2000
 We traded our 1999 kia sportage for a 1998 dodge dakota truck 10-12-2000, at the central kia subaru dealership in plano texas. we have had nothing but problems with this truck and we have spent over $800.00 since we have had the truck. we contacted the kia dealership ph#972-422-5300, when we started having problems they told us that dodge was responsible for any repairs etc. the truck is still under warranty we had driven the truck for one month when the problems started. the truck is a lemon and we are stuck with truck payments and we are in debt over the repairs we had to pay for out of our own pockets. this is not right and surely is not fair to us. we took the truck to bledsoe dodge, inc.ph#214-296-9800 @ marvin d. love freeway dallas texas mr. jim hurst spoke with us about the leaking brake fluid etc. and he told us that dodge is not responsible for the repairs because we bought the truck from the kia dealership. so we had to pay $200.00 to mr. jim hurst at the dodge dealership for brake repairs. we need some justice with this matter and you are the only people that we believe can help us with this matter. we need our money back that we have been out of because no one wants to take any responsibility for this lemon we have been stuck with. please help us? sincerely yours mr.& mrs r.d.leismer. *ak
12/29/2000110/01/2000
 We traded our 1999 kia sportage for a 1998 dodge dakota truck 10-12-2000, at the central kia subaru dealership in plano texas. we have had nothing but problems with this truck and we have spent over $800.00 since we have had the truck. we contacted the kia dealership ph#972-422-5300, when we started having problems they told us that dodge was responsible for any repairs etc. the truck is still under warranty we had driven the truck for one month when the problems started. the truck is a lemon and we are stuck with truck payments and we are in debt over the repairs we had to pay for out of our own pockets. this is not right and surely is not fair to us. we took the truck to bledsoe dodge, inc.ph#214-296-9800 @ marvin d. love freeway dallas texas mr. jim hurst spoke with us about the leaking brake fluid etc. and he told us that dodge is not responsible for the repairs because we bought the truck from the kia dealership. so we had to pay $200.00 to mr. jim hurst at the dodge dealership for brake repairs. we need some justice with this matter and you are the only people that we believe can help us with this matter. we need our money back that we have been out of because no one wants to take any responsibility for this lemon we have been stuck with. please help us? sincerely yours mr.& mrs r.d.leismer. *ak
1
 Transmission malfunctioned due to clutch failure. yh
06/20/1999110/01/1997
 1. noise when releasing the clutch began during a vacation trip in june 1999, with approximately 15,500 miles on the odometer. over the past 3 months the noise has become worse. the problem is being repaired by the dealer who sold me the truck. they said it was a bearing in the clutch assembly. even though the warranty for the clutch is only 1 year the dealership is fixing it for me at no charge. 2. the original cab isolators had to be replaced due to the truck making a loud clunking noise whenever i turned a corner or entered/exited a driveway. after the first replacement the clunking still occurred so the truck went back in the shop where the dealer shaved the isolators. that didn't help so the truck went back a third time and another set of cab isolators were installed and the clunking sound did not occur again. to get this repair right required 3 trips to the dealership and a total of 14 days in the shop. 3. a leak of transmission fluid was detected during an oil and filter change on a vacation tr
03/11/1998
 Fan clutch engaged when engine temperature is cold or warm resulting in a loud roaring blower noise as the car is accelerated from a stop. if the engine is revved up and down in neutral prior to putting it in drive, the problem is temporarity avoided, but it returns to this condition until the engine is finally driven for about 10 miles or more.
04/17/199804/17/1998
 Clutch failure.
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
02/08/200535400305/18/1998
 I heard a clicking noise from the front end and a low pitched growl fromn the rear end. i brought the vehicle into the dealer, who determined that at 35,428 miles theat it needed two upper ball joints and a new differential (rear end) . vehicle is a 1998 dodge dakota 4wd.*ak
09/15/2004530001
 Owner says that the differential went out on the vehicle after only 53,000mi. vehicle was purchased brand new. owner took the vehicle to the dealer and was told that there was broken pieces of disc. owner feels that what happened was to premature based on the milage of the vehicle. provide further details. *nm
07/19/200474990101/01/2003
 (1) noise from rear end (2) bearings failed, all pinion and carrier (3) replacement of bearings and seals only 75,000 miles on vehicle. *jb
03/07/1998311/01/1997
 Whine at 45 mph, complained at first service, replaced rack and pinion ger kit + some bearings, etc. noise still there. replaced again at 35964// replaced again on vacation out of town @ 40k due to being advised it was possible too dangerous to continue driving it. whine still there... replaced again at 52k + bearing axle shafts... whine is still there... concern that a deeper more internal part (never replaces) is causing all this wear & eventually will cause an accident on the road.
 Rearend has failed twice , first at 20,000 miles and again at 25,000 later due to bearing and ring/ pinion failure. please provide further information.*ak
09/01/1998203/01/1998
 No summary listed for abov evehicle. *ak
12/03/1999711/03/1999
 The differential unit has been in service on several occasions due to noise, replaced unit and components on several occasions, however the differential unit continues to make noise, dealership is now refusing to continue to replaced parts in the differential unit. *mjs
07/25/2000110/01/1997
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
03/01/1998202/01/1998
 Overhauled 10000 miles replaced assy. 13000 miles same problem dana assy. 355 style
203/01/1998
 Consumer had limited slip differential installed at 1,000 miles however new unit is very noisy at speeds of 40-45 mph. nlm
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DRIVESHAFT
08/01/200205/01/2098
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
03/02/2001
 Driveshaft disconnected while traveling at highway speed of 75 mph, causing damages to transmisson and engine block. dealer / manufacturer notified, and informed consumer that vehicle was out of its warranty, and nothing would be done. consumer complained not about warranty, but damage of driveshaft at less then 19,000 miles of wear. asking for nhtsa to look into this matter. feel free to provide any further details on this matter. *ak
04/07/1999307/01/1998
 Atf leaking onto catalytic converter -smoldering/smoke from under truck. leaks appear to be from transmission tail shaft /driveshaft yoke and fling atf onto converter 3 repairs no success a this time - repairing dealer not selling. dealer i believe this to be a fire hazard, poor shift quality due to loss of fluid. *ak
POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION
10/10/1998300308/10/1998
 I have had numerous problems with my 1998 dodge dakota. i purchased it brand new. 2 months after 8/98 purchase date, the transmission went out. the brakes have had to be replaced several times, the map sensor went out while driving down the highway causing the vehicle to shut down. i recently had to replace the lower ball joints. the seat belts come off entirely too easy. all of this and the vehicle only has 39,000 miles on it. i sent arbitration papers to chrysler twice with no response. *la
12/31/19992
 The transmission has been overhauled two times, the consumer feels this is excessive and that the first repair should have lasted longer that 40,000 miles. *mjs
06/20/1999110/01/1997
 1. noise when releasing the clutch began during a vacation trip in june 1999, with approximately 15,500 miles on the odometer. over the past 3 months the noise has become worse. the problem is being repaired by the dealer who sold me the truck. they said it was a bearing in the clutch assembly. even though the warranty for the clutch is only 1 year the dealership is fixing it for me at no charge. 2. the original cab isolators had to be replaced due to the truck making a loud clunking noise whenever i turned a corner or entered/exited a driveway. after the first replacement the clunking still occurred so the truck went back in the shop where the dealer shaved the isolators. that didn't help so the truck went back a third time and another set of cab isolators were installed and the clunking sound did not occur again. to get this repair right required 3 trips to the dealership and a total of 14 days in the shop. 3. a leak of transmission fluid was detected during an oil and filter change on a vacation tr
1
 Transmission box failed.
 Loud clunking noise while depressing accelerator-in manual trans. grinds going into reverse. cupholder defective this is my first new vehicle, and my last chrylser product, i am not happy with my dodge!!
01/08/1998201/06/1998
 Reverse gear grinds badly. the teeth are being worn each time the vehicle is put into reverse.
POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION - COLUMN SHIFT ASSEMBLY
05/01/1998105/01/1998
 Drive shaft rubber sleeve failed. yh
09/21/1998
 When at a complete stop, placing shifter into reverse, a loud grinding noise will occur due to a design flaw.
POWER TRAIN - TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
1
 The 4-wheel drive tansfer case has a defect with the output shaft bearing which causes the shaft to become disconnected from the transmission drive gears. nlm