2005 Dodge Dakota Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 51about this part
- Share
- 11%of 470 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 45,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 51 complaints about the suspension of the 2005 Dodge Dakota, 11% of the 470 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 45,000 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.
“I took my 2005 Dakota to repair shop because of clunking noise on front drivers side. Noise was heard when driving or rocking the truck when it was parked. Repair shop said lower ball joint completely failed and was riding on lower control arm instead of supported by ball joint. Upper ball joint was also bad. Passenger side upper ball joint worn out and lower ball joint boot was cracked. All tie rod ends also needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #11163897, filed 2018-12, 105,000 miles“Loud clunking noise while turning, stopping or even getting into truck diagnosis found lower right ball joints loose - recommended replacing. I have not done this yet - if you look at my history, I have had my local Dodge dealer make the repairs to the front ball joints previously at 45,120 miles and 59,072 miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #10533021, filed 2013-08, 87,070 miles“Consistent driveline vibration, unable to diagnose or repair. I took my 2005 Dodge laramie quad cab in for a front end alignment on march 5, 2007 to try and repair the previously mentioned problem. Since this time I have had the truck back to the dealership a minimum of ten times and it has been in their possession at least 60 days. …”
NHTSA complaint #10197660, filed 2007-07, 19,963 miles“Both lower ball joints had to be replaced at 35555 miles. The garage said I was very lucky that the ball joints didn't break and cause an accident. We need to have these Dodge Dakota recalled before they cause a wreck. I had cars/trucks with 90,000 miles on them and never have problems.”
NHTSA complaint #10293501, filed 2009-11, 35,555 miles“While entering highway (40mph) my vehicle went into an uncontrollable spin that resulted in minor impact damage with brush and ditch. When I removed the flat tire (left front), I found that the sway bar link had snapped. This 2005 Dodge Dakota only has 58,00 miles and has never been used for anything other than house hold chores and local driving. I found many complaints through on-line forums about these sway bar links, but Dodge has no recall posted. …”
NHTSA complaint #10370835, filed 2010-12, 58,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10020924Oct 20, 2006Axle fluid level.
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 | 2% |
| 2010 | 2 | 6% |
| 2008 | 5 | 5% |
| 2007 | 13 | 9% |
| 2006 | 25 | 9% |
| 2005 | 51 | 11% |
| 2004 | 45 | 22% |
| 2003 | 100 | 34% |
| 2002 | 226 | 33% |
| 2001 | 236 | 35% |
| 2000 | 282 | 35% |
| 1999 | 342 | 53% |
| 1998 | 217 | 40% |
| 1997 | 142 | 32% |
| 1996 | 12 | 6% |
| 1995 | 17 | 8% |
| 1994 | 9 | 5% |
| 1993 | 8 | 6% |
| 1992 | 7 | 3% |
| 1991 | 1 | 1% |
| 1990 | 2 | 3% |
| 1989 | 1 | 2% |
| 1988 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2005 Dodge Dakota
143 complaintsBrakes
83 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
81 complaintsSteering
47 complaintsSeats
41 complaintsElectrical system
32 complaintsEngine cooling
12 complaintsEngine
11 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 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