1997 Dodge Dakota Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 34about this part
- Share
- 8%of 446 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 34 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Dodge Dakota, 8% of the 446 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Consumer was replacing upper and lower ball joints every 35,000 miles. Also, consumer replaced the idler arm. Consumer contacted the dealer, who informed consumer that they will not warranty the suspension parts. Provide further details. The consumer stated the manifold plenum gasket was leaking oil into the intake. The consumer replaced the gasket himself.”
NHTSA complaint #10103527, filed 2005-01, 35,000 miles“Locked vehicle in four wheel drive high, started going through flat pasture, either brakes locked up or front pumkin turned up and locked front wheels up, lost control and rolled onto driver side.”
NHTSA complaint #10552659, filed 2013-11, 190,000 miles“The front brake caliper bolts to the steering knuckle on a 1997 Dodge Dakota, 4wd. Due to the nature of the design, the threads that hold the brake caliper mounting studs can strip out, thereby leaving the caliper to float on the knuckle. Under prolonged use, these studs can back out, letting the caliper fall off, which could lead to a crash. On my particular vehicle, this has happened for the third time now, once on the driver's side and twice on the passenger side. …”
NHTSA complaint #10222670, filed 2008-03, 70,000 miles“Due to poor choice of materials (I assume) the front hub and spindle assembly wears. Leaving front brake slider pins unattached to caliper mounting plate. When this happens, the front caliper wobbles in it's place, possibly ejecting the slidepins because they wobble in the knuckle holes designed to retain them. This causes excess wear on the front hub assembly, increased wear in brakes, and stress on the hub bearings. Having read the alldata data base, there is a redesigned knuckle with improved slide pin supports. …”
NHTSA complaint #10267391, filed 2009-04, 180,000 miles“Consumer complained about a steering box problem. Also, dealer replaced the ball joints and idler arm. Consumer is keeping an eye on the fuel filler tube because it seemed to be rusted. Also, brake line is also rusted.”
NHTSA complaint #10061197, filed 2004-04, 55,000 milesSteering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 5 | 14% |
| 2008 | 17 | 19% |
| 2007 | 12 | 8% |
| 2006 | 47 | 16% |
| 2005 | 47 | 10% |
| 2004 | 74 | 36% |
| 2003 | 14 | 5% |
| 2002 | 44 | 6% |
| 2001 | 48 | 7% |
| 2000 | 68 | 8% |
| 1999 | 72 | 11% |
| 1998 | 47 | 9% |
| 1997 | 34 | 8% |
| 1996 | 7 | 4% |
| 1995 | 19 | 9% |
| 1994 | 20 | 12% |
| 1993 | 12 | 9% |
| 1992 | 8 | 4% |
| 1991 | 15 | 12% |
| 1990 | 27 | 43% |
| 1989 | 19 | 30% |
| 1988 | 26 | 47% |
| 1987 | 5 | 25% |
Other parts of the 1997 Dodge Dakota
142 complaintsBrakes
73 complaintsEngine cooling
49 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
46 complaintsFuel system
38 complaintsAir bags
37 complaintsSeats
22 complaintsElectrical system
17 complaintsTires
16 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Dodge Dakota
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology