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.

- Visalia, CA, USA

Failure of equipment......manufacturer defect...replaced 3 catalyatic converters on my 1998 Dakota rt.....VIN# [xxx]........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. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Aviston, IL, USA

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.

- Harwinton, CT, USA

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.

- Milwaukee, WI, USA

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's needed to be replaced. I know that the federal emissions law states that they have to cover it up to 80,000 miles for the catalytic converter, but my truck currently has 76,000 miles on it, thus I am getting close. I have heard many complaints about this with the Dodge Dakotas and I fear that this will continue to happen and will end up to cost a lot of money out of my pocket for a mistake on the part of Dodge which they will not take responsibility for to try and correct the problem instead of it being ongoing.

- Altamonte Springs, FL, USA

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.

- Fryeburg, ME, USA

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!

- Oakley, CA, USA

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. The consumer was stranded and was unable to get to work due to the catalytic convertor failure.

- Marine, CA, USA

This going to be the fith cataletic converter I have had replaced.

- Xenia, OH, USA

This the second catalytic converter, the first @ 11000 miles and now @ 17000 miles.

- West Haven, CT, USA

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.

- Tewksbury, MI, USA