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
990602/17/1999604491Service action regarding ethylene glycol concentration too low in engine coolant mixture. *tt05/04/1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - FAN
07099812/18/1998603101Subject on viscous fan drive service. *yc02/02/1999
07059809/04/1998602431Experiencing engine cooling fan noises. *yc11/04/1998
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE
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
992305/19/1999606035Conditions may exist where oil seepage past the engine oil filter adapter plate gasket. *tt08/05/1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE
180040201/28/2002180600C629151Subject regarding 1999 my engine spark knock. *tt03/27/2002
180600C12/01/2000180600B616723Some vehicle engines may exhibit a light to moderate spark knock condition during acceleration (under load). *tt03/08/2001
180600B09/15/2000180600A6092279Some vehicle engines may exhibit a light-to-moderate spark knock condition during acceleration (under load). *tt12/01/2000
180600A09/01/20001806006092281Some vehicle engines may exhibit a light-to-moderate spark knock condition during acceleration (under load). *tt12/01/2000
08240009/08/2000614651On some vehicles the engine cranks but does not start or starts and stalls. *tt11/29/2000
18060006/09/2000614167Subject regarding 1999 model year engine spark knock. *tt09/29/2000
18259911/15/19996089780Information on erroneous engine miss while performing diagnostics with the diagnostic scan tool (drb iii). *tt02/25/2000
09069909/10/1999607913Subject regarding spark knock and engine oil consumption due to intake manifold pan gasket oil leak. *tt10/18/1999
18379812/18/1998603137Some consumers that inadvertently flood their engines during starting may try to perform a clear flood procedure to help start their vehicles. *ak02/03/1999
18389812/18/1998603113Some vehicles may exhibit intermittent poor driveability during steady state highway driving. *yc02/02/1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM
110060512/21/200510018993Illuminated mil as the result of a diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0420 - catalyst efficiency, or may have failed a california smog or state i/m test but without an illuminated mil, or a rattling sound from the underside of the vehicle. cat01/26/2006
250040105/11/2001620071Subject regarding additional diagnostic for diagnostic trouble codes caused by an evaporative system leak. *tt07/11/2001
990702/25/1999604816Service action supplement a regarding federal exhaust system installed on vehicles equipped with california emission. *tt05/14/1999
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
18399812/18/1998603114Some vehicles may exhibit a popping like sound in the exhaust manifold during vehicle deceleration. *ak02/02/1999

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
ENGINE
07/05/20121220001
 Im not always in a good place to stop when it dies on me,i almost got hit by a car a few times because of this, it dies and wont restart for awhile, i think its in the computer. *tr
07/05/2012122000
 Im not always in a good place to stop when it dies on me,i almost got hit by a car a few times because of this, it dies and wont restart for awhile, i think its in the computer
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
02/06/20091
 Premature ball joint failure resulting in extensive repair costs, premature transmission failure resulting in replacement of transmission, excessive oil sludge build up causing loss of oil pressure, possible damage to engine. *tr
01/03/2006401/29/2002
 My son escaped danger when the transmission/torque converter of his 1999 dodge dakota went out on an interstate highway. after replacing that and heading back home, his u joints and wheel bearings went out almost causing another wreck. these were all repaired. so far $3000 in repairs in a month. then the oil pressure dropped to zero as he was driving. now the oil pump needs replaced. along with the tie end rods, the timing chain, and the serpentine. he'd already had the total brake system replaced this summer. having all the receipts showing regular oil changes, the warranty company refuses to pay for the oil pump because of some sludge in the pump. now i find from researching on the computer that this is a very common problem in durangos and dakotas. we've put $5000 in this truck in less than one month. the manufacturer needs to admit the flaws in this vehicle. they have some responsibility here. we are just glad he was not injured or killed. but we've put over $5000 in a '99 vehicle - which is unfair when the problems are related to the design and manufacture of the vehicle. *nm
02/01/200516
 Dodge dakota 1999 numerous problems with vehicle ball joint and steering mechanisms. *bf there were also problems with the rear end, transmission, engine malfunction lights, poor engine performance which consisted of hesitation and loss of power especially when under a load-going up and hill and seemed to get worse as the gas level in the tank lowered, hard abrupt shifting when in reverse and park to reverse, loud rubbing which was intermittent when making left turns and when stopping, the front would shake, the four wheel drive light was not visible on the dash when activated and would only show when the all wheel drive was activated, and there was a wobble, flexing and or vibration that would be present when braking along with a loose feeling or wobble when turning the front wheels. *sc *jb
07/31/2003850001
 While driving engine check light came on and vehicle stalled 2 seconds later. this occurred because of oil pump failure. the oil pressure wasn't being evenly distributed, and it destroyed the engine. *ak
08/23/2003839001
 I took my truck in because the oil pressure was intermittently dropping to 0 then back up to 40. the dealer performed multiple electrical tests before going to the problem. i dont feel i should have to pay for the tests done when the oil pump has a known problem posted all over the consumer affairs and nhtsa websites. they should have checked that first.*ak
09/01/2001
 Consumer advised that engine has failed twice while driving. dealer diagnosed both incidents as the oil pump clogging due to oil being turned to sludge. first incident was in 09/01. 2nd incident in 12/02. ts
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM
07/20/2005607891
 Intake manifold pan gasket was leaking. this problem was identified during an inspection by an independent mechanic, confirmed and repaired by a dodge dealership. i was told this problem could result in destruction of the engine, despite the fact that the dakota was running well. repair cost $664.72. dodge was aware of this widespread problem, and issued a technical service bulletin the year i purchased the truck. despite the fact that this problem was considered difficult to diagnose, dodge did not notify me and suggest that i have the vehicle tested while still on warranty. i am the original owner of this vehicle. dodge has declined to assist in the cost of repair. *tr
07/20/2005428241
 Water pump failed. due to recent failures on this dodge dakota, i have also become aware that water pump failures were common on dakotas. this failure mode was known to dodge. i am the original owner and was not notified by dodge. *tr
12/28/2004114000108/01/1998
 Vehicle experienced problems with the upper ball joints. owner took the vehicle to an independent mechanic shop to have the tires replaced. it was discovered that the ball joints wore out completely. when turning the vehicle in either direction the wheels squeaked and clanked when turning and going over bumps. *ak dealer found right upper control arm bushing noisy. cooling system leak. thermostat and gasket replaced. *tt
12/22/20041111/10/2001
 To date, i have replaced the following: 1) upper ball joints - both sides 2) lower ball joints - both sides 3) calipers - both sides (front) 4) water pump 5) wheel hubs - both sides (front) 6) catalytic converter 7) headlamp switch. *jb now, i have the following problems: 1) headlamp switch (again) 2) transmission will not shift between gears 3) upper control arm bushings. *jb
440003
 The water pump stopped operating, for the third time, while driving. the thermostat had broke and caused the seal to the pump to break. taking vehicle to dealer. mechanic will check on cause of broken water pump. please provide further details. *jb
05/30/2001360002505/21/2001
 Water pump failure, after replacement of catalytic converter exhaust leak detected, slow speed from 2nd to 3rd gear, gear sticks from 3rd to 4th gear, rough idling, odometer reading failure, abs light stays on, check engine light remains lit, gas tank sensor failure (reads empty when tank is full), when driving approx. 10 - 20 mph engine stalls / shuts off, coming to stop engine shuts off, vehicle vibration when brakes applied to come to a stop or slowing down (rear brakes), engine pings / knocks in normal operation at speeds from 30 to 70+ mph, after the engine warms up, anti-lock / abs sensor out, fuel gauge - sending unit malfunction, intake manifold gasket leaking, gasket cracked / leaking, thermostat gasket leaking, drive belt cracking / deteriorating, fuel induction system failing. problems with this vehicle since date of purchase. purchased from honda north dealer.*jb
02/04/200354834111/18/1998
 I had to replace the heater core , $650.00, in my 1999 dodge dakota sport 4x4. this is absurd since the vehicle mileage is only 54834 miles. i contacted daimler chrysler they stated the failure was unfortunate and that they will log-in my complaint.
02/04/200354834511/18/1998
 I have replaced the serpentine belt five times since purchasing my dakota (54,000 miles) as a new vehicle from a dodge dealership in '98. i have not received any reason for the constant wearing of this item. it has become a very expensive maintenance item.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
10/31/2001212/01/2000
 Consumer was traveling about 25mph on a residential street. she was bending down to pick up something from the floor while vehicle was still traveling and hit a brick fence. upon impact, front airbags didn't go off.*ak when the consumer was traveling about 25-30 mph on residential street. the truck in front of consumer lost object from back of his truck. consumer swerved to miss and hit a parked car. upon impact airbags didn't go off. consumer stated that a/c was inoperative, transmission was not shifting correctly, engine leaks oil from oil pan area, thermostat leaks, the intake manifold gasket was leaking. *yh
10/18/2000105/01/1999
 Right front ball joint were falling out. left front ball joint in disrepair.dealer notified on 4/10/00.mileage5536 .catalytic converter replacedat20445. thermostat housing replaced at 13478.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE
01/01/2010170000
 Tl*the contact owns a 1999 dodge dakota. the contact stated that while driving 35 mph the vehicle stalled. the contact waited for approximately fifteen minutes before the vehicle would restart. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to determine the cause of failure after performing a diagnostic test. the stalling of the vehicle occurred at least six times even though routine maintenance was performed. the manufacturer was not contacted. the failure mileage was 170,000.
01/01/2010170000
 Tl-the contact owns a 1999 dodge dakota. the contact stated while driving 35 mph the vehicle stalls. the contact would wait for about fifteen minutes before the vehicle would restart. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who cannot find the problem after running diagnostics test. the stalling of the vehicle has happen at least six times even though the vehicle has routine maintenance. the manufacturer was not contacted. the failure mileage was 170,000...mw
10/11/20091380001
 I own a 1999 dodge dakota v-8 magnum 5.2l, it only has 138,000 miles on it. when i bought it it only had 76,600 miles. in that little time i have had to replace the upper and lower ball joints twice, and the rack and pinion, and the water pump, the thermostat, the power steering pump, the tie rods, and there is so much more wrong. why am having to replace these things twice in such little mileage? after reading up on it through the internet i am not the only one with these problems, there are hundreds of people with the same complaints, why is there a recall on the 2000, & 1998 but not 1999? i am out so much money and have almost wrecked my truck twice because of these problems, once with 6 kids in the car with me and again with my 3 kids. this needs immediate attention before several people get hurt or worse, die!!! *tr
12/10/200579729110/15/2000
 At 79,729 miles and all the regularly scheduled oil changes at the dealership (last one at 70,000) throughout the life of the vehicle, the check gauges light suddenly came on. i immediately stopped and checked fluid levels (oil, transmission, and radiator) which were fine. oil pressure would drop to 0 and jump back to 40 when engine was restarted. thinking (incorrectly) that it might only be an oil pressure sensor failure, i tried to drive home to get it serviced the next day, but it began knocking and smoking after a few miles and had to be towed. it is being evaluated now, but it will probably involve a complete engine replacement to repair. i noticed several similar complaints and think that dodge should own up to this defect. *nm
05/04/2004104850105/16/2000
 Oil pressure light goes to 0 and back to 40 then stays at 0. numerous other people having same problems with oil pump and oil sending unit, screens and etc. obviously a defect from the manufacturer. should be recalled and fixed for free. *jb
04/01/200438900109/19/1999
 Faulty intake manifold gasket in my 99 dodge dakota with 38,900 miles on it. chrysler daimler covered only parts. it cost me 370 dollars to get it repaired. i contested when they said they would only cover parts. chrysler stated that it was out of warranty and that this is all they would do. i found numerous complaints on the internet of other people with the same problem with a leaking intake manifold gasket at very low miles on this chrysler product. i believe that this is unacceptable. chrysler won't talk to me anymore. they stated that the only way i could still fight it was to pay the full price for the repair and then contest it. i needed my truck back. the dealer told me that it was unsafe to drive it far do to the oil consumption. i was stuck. i paid it cause i needed a vehicle. age shouldn't matter in a case like this. 38,900 is way to low of miles for a major repair like this. i am worried that it will happen again and that chrysler will just say tough. i have read complaints on the web where people have had it replaced 3 times within 100,000 miles. *nm
04/18/200371739504/19/1999
 Excessive engine knock.pper ball joint failure.nadequate headlight projection on low beam. *ak
08/29/200324305409/18/1998
 Oil pressure gauge drops to zero, when coming to a stop, after running at highway speed. this problem has been addressed by the dealer(4) times : replaced oil sending unit 4-9-01/24,305 mi. ; replaced oil pump 8-24-01/28,730 mi. ; checked oil pressure gauge 2-7-03/ 45,478 mi. ; replaced oil pump and connecting rod bearings 8-29-03/ 50,903 mi. this problem continues to occur. *jb
02/20/200328225108/18/1999
 While highway driving , the check engine light came on and my acceleration dropped 20 mph while still pressing on the pedal. hesitation also while climbing hills. *jb
06/01/2002
 While traveling about 50mph on highway vehicle shutdown. also, without prior warning steering wheel will lock up. dealership is aware of problem.*ak
10/31/2001212/01/2000
 Consumer was traveling about 25mph on a residential street. she was bending down to pick up something from the floor while vehicle was still traveling and hit a brick fence. upon impact, front airbags didn't go off.*ak when the consumer was traveling about 25-30 mph on residential street. the truck in front of consumer lost object from back of his truck. consumer swerved to miss and hit a parked car. upon impact airbags didn't go off. consumer stated that a/c was inoperative, transmission was not shifting correctly, engine leaks oil from oil pan area, thermostat leaks, the intake manifold gasket was leaking. *yh
12/01/2001111/01/1998
 Engine block had to be replaced due to defective cylinder heads. manufacturer declines any responsibility because no extended warrenty was purchased.*ak
06/16/2001106/01/1999
 Vehicle was taken to a chrysler dealership to diagnose the problem. the mechanic there said he had seen this problem a few times with this same model. that it was a defect in the oil pump. repair would cost around $4,000. vehicle was well cared for and we have complete journal of oil changes and all other care and repairs.*ak
08/01/1999506/17/1999
 Vehcile wanders left to right on dry road. front end vibrates intermitently. consumer has been waiting for the district representative to call but no contact.*ak engine valve failed five times. steering failed three times. rear oil seal is leaking. *yh
 Intermittently vehicle will stall out and die without warning. dealer has not been able to duplicate the problem.*ak
11/06/199810
 While traveling at various speeds vehicle would shut down for no reason. would have no warning. had been to dealer numerous times for problem, but mechanic was unable to find the problem or duplicate it. *ak
10/16/1998
 Headlights are unstable, causing poor visibility, consumer also having problem with engine valves knocking. consumer has contacted the dealer. please provide any further details.*ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE
06/19/200230000311/20/2001
 I had bought my 1999 dodge dakota in 2001, less than 1 year of purchasing this truck, i lost oil pressure, returned the truck to dealer where they tried to replace my motor with a motor that had more miles, this did not happen. then another year later, gears in my transmission were spent where i had to pay a few thousand dollars to have it repaired. truck has been sitting for a year, cause of engine knocking again, with no oil pressure, also replaced the oil pump, still no pressure. new converter was put in, still good!! brakes and rotors are another big complaint of mine, when i have to constantly replace these parts, like every 6 months, can you tell me why? i used to love dodge, but this truck has been a 1 big headache, even parked, cause i know it is going to be costly to repair it again. *jb
06/25/2002102/01/2001
 We have been told by mckinney dodge in mckinney, texas that we have an intake leak on our manifold. we have made arrangements with our mechanic to have this fixed. i went to the west loop dodge in ft. worth and picked up the manifold gasket kit from the parts department. upon reading the insert it stated that the new bolts are now 1/2 inch longer and that the gasket itself is now thicker as well. also with speaking with our mechanic, he informed us that we are the second truck in the past two weeks that has had the same problem. he was even able to tell us exactly where our leak was before inspecting it. this seems to me that dodge has been aware of this problem and instead of recalling their defect in their product, they made changes to the gaskets and bolt sizes and are now charging over $600 to have this repaired. i feel that this should be considered a defect in their product and dodge should be responsible for paying the bill and not the consumer that has purchased their product.*jb
06/01/20013
 Vehicle intermittently stalls, and may not start back up. problem is assumed to be fuel pump. diagnostic test had no readings. *ak consumer stated sometimes after sitting for an hour it may start, problem may be fuel injector, powertrain control module or automatic shutdown relay. *yh
06/11/2001
 When starting vehicle brake light came on. after releasing parking brake, light stayed on. consumer states after a couple of minutes abs,engine check light, and emrgency brake light was on, then, vehicle died. consumer has not contacted dealer. please provide any further information.*ak
 Without warning engine blew while driving. prior to incident, vehicle was inspected by dealer. dealer changed the guage. please provide further details. *ak
12/24/2000
 Engine has stalled while driving at 30mph, and right before engine also stalled. engine started making some noises like knocking. contacted dealer, and dealer accused consumer of not taking care off vehicle even though consumer has all paper work on service checkups. ak
10/18/2000101/01/1999
 5.2l engine; 20,418 mi; high oil consumption & spark knock due to faulty intake manifold valley-pan gasket. dealership replaced gasket at no cost (warranty).
08/01/1999506/17/1999
 Vehcile wanders left to right on dry road. front end vibrates intermitently. consumer has been waiting for the district representative to call but no contact.*ak engine valve failed five times. steering failed three times. rear oil seal is leaking. *yh
08/10/200003/01/1999
 Interior water leak@6620mileage,whole interior replaced,2 serpentine belts replaced, 5 times for engine stalling either in idle or while driving , engine light eluminated and vehicle would stall and not start, towed twice for this problem. currently awaiting abitration hearing with ncds through chrysler
08/10/2000503/01/1999
 Interior water leak@6620milage,2 serpentine belts replaced,5 times engine/interior engine light eluminated caused vehicle to stall while driving
08/10/2000503/01/1999
 5/5/00 milage-24009 engine light on - vehicle stalled (towed) 6/22/00 milage-26743 engine light on-vehicle stalled 6/23/00 milage-26774 engine light on-vehicle stalled6/26/00 milage-26930 engine light on-vehicle stalled 8/10/00 mileage28776 engine light on-vehicle stalled chrysler case#7556187 filed for abitration due to safety issues and burdensome repairs. replaced parts:spark plugs,pcm, sprk plugwire,headgasket, cylinder.
01/15/2000511/01/1998
 Engine repeatedly breaks #2 spark plug. dealer has no solution.*ak
05/05/2000103/23/1999
 While traveling noticed engine check light flashing soon after vehicle stalled. dealer has repaired veicle, but problem returned. *ak the vehicle also stalls during idle. *yh
 While driving vehicle caught on fire in the engine compartment on the driver's side, cause unknown. please give any further details. *ak
03/01/1999
 Engine knock. dealer has tried to fix twice using tech bulletins and problem persists. only fix i have found was to use highest octane fuel. owners manual states only 87 oct. is required and resulting damage from prolonged spark knock may not be covered by warranty. a service tech. stated to me there is no fix avail. for this problem. *ak
04/01/1999
 5.2l engine has a loud knock when warm and accelerating past 2200rpm. the engine also burns 2+ qts of oil between scheduled changes. cortese dodge twice has told me this is normal behavior. problem was reported at 9000 miles, still there at 12000 miles
04/10/1999310/01/1998
 I have had three things wrong with this truck. all have been because the factory did not put the parts togeter right in the first time.i have the truck in the shop for the noises, if it is not fixed to the standards of a new 1999 truck, i will like a different truck. if this is not possible, i will sell this and never buy from dodge again!!!
05/25/19992504/01/1999
 The engine pings in normal operation at speeds from approximately 30 to 70+ miles per hour after the engine warms-up. the dealer, dispite repeated attempts, has not been able to resolve the problem which, in my estimation is a safety issue as the dealer can not (or will not perhaps) say that the problem will not lead to failure of the engine or some significant component. the dealer advises that they have contacted daimlerchrysler corporation and have not been able to get advise that will resolve the problem.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM
11/09/200588000108/18/1999
 Dodge dakota 99, 2wd. bumper prematurely rusts. exhaust manifold bolts prematurely rust causing manifold to separate from engine block. possibility of causing exhaust gases to enter drivers cabin. dodge will not fix failure - warranty expired. *nm
02/07/20051
 Dodge dakota 1999 consumer states vehicle front end wobble, brake vibration and upper/lower ball joint problem. *bf the shock absorbers and transfer case was defective. the power steering pump leaked and there was extra play in the steering. a piece of the exhaust fell off the vehicle. *jb
06/15/200372000
 Computer controls, loud spark knock under moderate acceleration, updated osftware on pcm exhaust/emission, loud popping sounds (bad converter) suspension, loud popping from right front side upon shifting, braking, exiting and entering vehicle, repl right upper and lower control arms, alignment
09/09/1999204/01/1999
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL
11/03/2005210/22/1999
 In 2003, when my vehicle, a dodge dakota pick-up was due a smog check. mileage was only approximately 39,900 miles. it failed. it failed 3 times. after paying about $800.00 it pass the smog test. this year, my pick-up was due a smog test. the mileage was 49,900 miles, again it failed the smog test (twice now). to this date, it has not passed the smog test and cost has already gone to approximated $300.00. *nm
05/30/200356649105/22/1999
 The consumer's vehicle didn't pass an emission test. the dealer inspected the vehicle but could not duplicate or correct the problem. *ak *cb *nlm
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
03/27/2006310/08/1998
 This web site under vehicle doesn't have the correct choices for a 98 dodge dakota 2 door club cab truck - manufacturer chrysler 2 issue 1 - design flaw in the ball joints of the dadge dakota trucks a) we replaced them april 2003 cost to us $1107.89 b) tv special aired about defects dec 2003 and dec 2004 c) looking for reimbersment - old part not available 2 - catalytic converter a) having our third catalytic converter replaced - known defect but chrysler will not cover the cost. replacement scheduled for 3/28/06. *jb
06/20/2004604/21/2004
 Numerous front end/engine, exhaust, brake and electrical mafunctions/mechanical problems including increasing severity front end wobbling/vibration/flexing when turning wheels, going down a hill and when applying brakes. no accident has occurred yet but owner is very concerned with safety of vehicle and operation. i have contacted,compained, called.e-mailed and faxed the dealer where i purchased this 1999 dodge dakota with suppossedly only 44951 miles -mitchell pre-owned certified on queen street in southington, ct and also the mitchell conglomerate owner steve mitchell as well as mitchell dodge in simsbury, ct who provided this suppossedly inspected, certified safe vehicle to mitchell in southington, ct for sale to the public. *ak
12/22/20041111/10/2001
 To date, i have replaced the following: 1) upper ball joints - both sides 2) lower ball joints - both sides 3) calipers - both sides (front) 4) water pump 5) wheel hubs - both sides (front) 6) catalytic converter 7) headlamp switch. *jb now, i have the following problems: 1) headlamp switch (again) 2) transmission will not shift between gears 3) upper control arm bushings. *jb
12/17/200455000105/20/1999
 Catalytic converter failure, excessive rattling and noise during operation. *jb
05/02/200115000106/05/1999
 When making sharp turn a popping noise was coming from the steering wheel. took vehicle to mechanic who determined that ball joints needed to be replaced.*ak the reports were made when the vehicle had relatively low miles. visual inspection of the ball joints indicated they needed to be replaced. the consumer received a quote to replace the upper ball joint but they have not been repaired yet. the lower ball joint also needs to be replaced. the consumer also heard a rattling noise under the vehicle. the technician determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced due to excessive wear. while driving 40 mph or higher the consumer complained of wind noise. the technician replaced the right front door weather strip. *nm
12/11/2003388802
 Consumer took vehicle to an independent repair shop for regular maintenance, and the technician indicated the need to be replace the catalytic converter and the lower ball joint. *ak
11/04/200370000211/15/1999
 I had my catalytic converter go out. took out the muffler and burned out the clutch platewell after that the trucks went to hell then the oil pump went out now about 8 months later my truck lost all oil pressure now they say if i dont prove enough oil changes over the last 4 years they arent going to warrenty it even though im pretty sure that the cataylac converter stopped up and the oil pump going out has ruint that motor there fault but they want to say sludge my ass there selling lemons and lies ive looked up on internet and there is alot of people thousands with the same problem somebody needs to correct them its there mistake not mine and honor there warranty. *ak
09/01/20036
 Multiple failures of vehicle's catalytic converter.*mr *ph *jb the engine light had come on, the oil pressure gauge had become inoperative and the vehicle had trouble climbing steep hills. *sc
10/20/200125000204/27/2000
 Catalytic converter has been replace twice. now waiting for third which is on back order. *nlm
05/30/2001360002505/21/2001
 Water pump failure, after replacement of catalytic converter exhaust leak detected, slow speed from 2nd to 3rd gear, gear sticks from 3rd to 4th gear, rough idling, odometer reading failure, abs light stays on, check engine light remains lit, gas tank sensor failure (reads empty when tank is full), when driving approx. 10 - 20 mph engine stalls / shuts off, coming to stop engine shuts off, vehicle vibration when brakes applied to come to a stop or slowing down (rear brakes), engine pings / knocks in normal operation at speeds from 30 to 70+ mph, after the engine warms up, anti-lock / abs sensor out, fuel gauge - sending unit malfunction, intake manifold gasket leaking, gasket cracked / leaking, thermostat gasket leaking, drive belt cracking / deteriorating, fuel induction system failing. problems with this vehicle since date of purchase. purchased from honda north dealer.*jb
07/25/2002101/01/2099
 Catalytic converter rattling, making noise. dealer repaired under federal emmissions warranty, 8 years or 80,000 miles.*ak
10/01/1999
 Vehicle is on third catalytic converter since purchase, makes a loud clanking sound. also, does not shift properly. *ak
10/18/2000105/01/1999
 Right front ball joint were falling out. left front ball joint in disrepair.dealer notified on 4/10/00.mileage5536 .catalytic converter replacedat20445. thermostat housing replaced at 13478.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
01/15/20045
 When driving at an undetermined speed oil light appeared on the dashboard. consumer took the vehicle to the dealership for inspection, and mechanic determined that the intake manifold failed.*ak
10/22/2003660002
 Exhaust manifold bolts and studs broken off. from what i read on the internet, this is a common occurrence. *la
05/25/200312500104/06/1999
 The consumer stated the engine started to knock on acceleration, then he noticed the oil consumption started to go up. it was confirmed the plenum seal leaked. *ak *jb
550001
 Intake manifold is leaking fluid.*ak
 Exhaust manifold bolts cracked, causing exhaust fumes to come inside vehicle. please give any further details.*ak
10/01/20000
 While driving vehicle back fired and noticed a lot of racket, and a lot of oil consumption. consumer stated it was manifold gasket. *ak