1999 Dodge Dakota Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 72about this part
- Share
- 11%of 641 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 54,824miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 72 complaints about the steering of the 1999 Dodge Dakota, 11% of the 641 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 54,824 miles. 3 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.
“Driving to the grocery store about 30 MPH needing to brake and the front brakes were gone. Right front caliper bolt broke thread and the caliper came off the spindle, steering caused more grinding and then I thought of the emergency/parking brake. I have replaced the same spindle before, but parts are not available now or before. I can';t find a used/new spindle to repair it and it just passed inspection.”
NHTSA complaint #11046501, filed 2017-11, 153,000 miles“I have a 99 Dodge Dakota with 59,000 miles. I am currently having my second 4wd transfer case replaced. First replacement was at 41,000 miles. I use my 4wd approx 20 times a year and for short distances. I have replaced the u joints twice, the A/C compressor once due to it being located in a terrible place. Oh, lets discuss the ball joints as well.”
NHTSA complaint #10107773, filed 2005-01, 59,111 miles“During a routein tire rotation at my chrysler dearer it was discovered that after only 44,529 miles the ball joints were ready to fail on my 1999 Dakota sport cc pickup. Before I left the dealer he replaced the upper and lower ball joints both sides and the left and right inner tie rod ends. I was lucky I went in for a tire rotation.”
NHTSA complaint #10102888, filed 2004-12, 44,529 miles“I have had to replace the shocks three times within the first year and two other times since. The bolts kept breaking off of them, upper and lower ball joints, inner and outer tie rods and the steering box. I have spent aprx $5,000.00 taking care of these problems and they are still not correct.”
NHTSA complaint #10060319, filed 2004-03, 30,000 miles“99 Dodge Dakota steering felt loose and wandered at highway speeds, I took it in for a alignment, technician informed me upper and lower ball joints and 1 tie rod were worn past spec, had to be replaced. The truck only has 34000 miles on it!, is in mint shape, and never driven offroad. I understand chrysler recalled 2000+ up Dakota/durango for ball joint problems, what about 97-99 models? Same vehicle/ same problem. Can you say rip-off.”
NHTSA complaint #10141333, filed 2005-10, 34,000 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 1999 Dodge Dakota
342 complaintsBrakes
95 complaintsEngine cooling
70 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
56 complaintsAir bags
32 complaintsTires
24 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsEquipment
17 complaintsVehicle speed control
15 complaintsFuel system
14 complaintsOther or unknown
14 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 Dodge Dakota
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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