3.3

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
40,650 miles

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problem #2

Mar 062007

Dakota 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 66,300 miles
Truck fuel leak. 2000 Dodge Dakota quad cab purchased new December 1999; mileage 66,000 + ; extensive preventative maintenance performed on vehicle, also garaged when not in use; truck is not 4WD and is only driven over paved roads.. started smelling fuel in garage, then could smell fuel when truck parked in open, finally could smell fuel when stopped at traffic light with windows closed and air / fan not on recirculate. Went to dealer, found fuel dripping from vehicle tank. Dealer says it is a molded fuel line from the tank, and it is being replaced now. This is the second fuel leak in this vehicle!! just over 2 years ago, the truck intermittently quit while driving, and it took 4 visits to 3 dealers to get the fuel pump / filter diagnosed as the problem. That repair left a fuel leak which required 2 subsequent trips to dealer [ and one other repair facility] to get repaired. Driver / owner is 60+, with extensive driving experience, having owned 3 trucks, and at least 10 over vehicles manufactured in the us, Japan, and germany, and is a Pilot by training. Driver / owner has never experienced a fuel leak in a previous vehicle; he also thinks that his expectations are not outrageous, and that this is a safety issue.

- Bedford, TX, USA

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problem #1

Apr 052004

Dakota 4WD 8-cyl Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 15,000 miles
At approx. 8K miles, pulsing and shimmy started in front end. Had to resurface rotors. Had to do again later at about 35K. Not normal. At 15K reported front end creaks/groans dealer found no problem. At 35K more of the same, dealer replaced front stabilizer/sway bushing. At 38K miles, replaced lower steering column. Helped some but still creaking when steering at low speed. At 53K asked again about steering groan. Dealer says he could fix for about $1000 (of course out of warranty now! and I've been asking about this since 15K miles). Also at 53K, replaced lower ball joints left side and fuel pump. At 59K back in the shop today to replace right ball joints which cause vehicle steering to "wander" and have badly worn inside right tire. Quality of vehicle is lousy and they won't admit it or stand behind it. The rotor and front end problems could be very dangerous because they impair the drivers control of the vehicle.

- Southbury, CT, USA

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