2004 Dodge Dakota Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 74about this part
- Share
- 36%of 206 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 59,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 74 complaints about the steering of the 2004 Dodge Dakota, 36% of the 206 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 59,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The steering in my 2004 Dodge Dakota truck would get stiff while turning and then would turn easy then back to stiff. It is very hard to control the truck while making turns. The steering is like very unstable and could cause an accident. Are there any recalls on this issue I see that there is alot of this happening to these trucks?”
NHTSA complaint #10509812, filed 2013-04, 220,000 miles“From the very beginning I kept hearing noises from the brakes and front end. This was going into the 2nd year of ownership. My Dodge Dakota has been in the shop at least 15 times for the same thing. They have replaced the steering parts, sway bar, brakes rotors, caliber and still make a a moaning groaning noise when ever I turn or go over bumps.”
NHTSA complaint #10242546, filed 2008-09, 240,000 miles“Issue with the steering, appeared to be a problem with the pump. Occurred at about 50k miles, 6 yrs. While driving the steering would get hard like the pump had failed, and then without warning, would return to the power assist and over steer due to the pressure I was already exerting. This took place at all speeds and under city and highway conditions. Very disconcerting. After about a week of this I took it to the dealer. They determined it was a failing fluid control valve in the power steering pump and replaced it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10781713, filed 2015-10, 50,000 miles“Got in vehicle and started to drive when I noticed making a turn the steering wheel would not return to center. The steering was real heavy like the power steering was failing. Checked power steering fluid-it was okay,tire pressure was ok. As I continued to drive the steering got better. Since that incident the problem with the steering comes and goes. I went on the web and found out how many more 2004 Dodge Dakota truck owners are having the same problem. The steering problem seems to be in the intermediate shaft and/or the steering rack. …”
NHTSA complaint #10680384, filed 2015-02, 86,000 miles“I am reporting the premature failure of the intermediate steering shaft resulting in loss of steering. My meticulously maintained 2004 Dodge Dakota quad cab exhibited intermittent binding of the steering making the vehicle extremely difficult to steer. The chrysler dealership confirmed my suspension that it was the intermediate steering shaft that was binding due to ?rust? And replaced the component at a cost to me of $310.00 parts and labor. …”
NHTSA complaint #10224785, filed 2008-04, 58,131 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 2004 Dodge Dakota
45 complaintsBrakes
23 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
19 complaintsAir bags
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaintsEngine cooling
12 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 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