2002 Dodge Dakota Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 44about this part
- Share
- 6%of 678 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 36,200miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 44 complaints about the steering of the 2002 Dodge Dakota, 6% of the 678 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 36,200 miles. 4 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.
“Have had steering knuckles replaced twice on my truck because the caliper bolts strip out and cause my truck do dive left or right upon braking. Also caused by brake pad rails wearing too muck and not letting the calipers move the brake pads to apply the brakes. Almost caused accidents multiple times but dealer says its not an issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10566791, filed 2014-03, 100,000 miles“The car goes into park, but park does not engage. I'm able to remove the key. The column shows park but the car continues to roll. I see that 2002 dakotas have a recall for this problem but my VIN # doesn't show a recall for this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11172312, filed 2019-01, 156,000 miles“The shifter will not move from park position. I contacted chrysler due to the recall for that specific problem with that year model. They informed me that it is VIN # related problem (it is a specific VIN numbers that it is related to). I informed them that I'm experiencing the same exact same problem that all sites, reports and blogs are talking about. The final answer is to take my car to be diagnose, depending on the report they may or may not pay for the repairs. How it is different this problem from the problem that I'm having?!”
NHTSA complaint #10678228, filed 2015-01, 65,500 miles“I had a brake and rotor job done at 36000 miles by a local mechanic and found that my rack and pinion is leaking at the boot and there is to much play from tie rods. Dealer ship will do nothing to help exept charge me $3750 to fix it. I do not no how long the problem has been there. Anouther dealership told me it was a messy oil change ya right!”
NHTSA complaint #10086268, filed 2004-08, 36,200 miles“Lower u joint in the steering shaft breaks. Mine luckly broke in my driveway but it could have been bad. The part is unavailble aftermarket. Dealer is back orderd for weeks. I had to drive over 2 hours away to get the shaft at the closest dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #10277236, filed 2009-07, 59,642 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 2002 Dodge Dakota
226 complaintsBrakes
213 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
89 complaintsElectrical system
52 complaintsEngine cooling
34 complaintsAir bags
28 complaintsExterior lighting
21 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
20 complaintsBody and structure
18 complaintsFuel system
17 complaintsTires
14 complaintsEquipment
12 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 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