2006 Dodge Dakota Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 25about this part
- Share
- 9%of 285 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 47,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the suspension of the 2006 Dodge Dakota, 9% of the 285 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 47,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Purchase this vehicle one year ago this month, as we were leaving the dealer ship, we noticed a small squeak, really didn't think anything of it, 6 months later the squeak is louder. When back to the dealership and was told, not to worry about it, it was nothing. On june 12th when to get it inspected, and guess what it failed, reason, the front balljoints are no good. I suspect that this dealership knew they were bad when they sold it, now being on a limited income, I can't get it fixed and still have to make payments on it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10598062, filed 2014-06, 47,000 miles“I noticed in november 2012 that the steering on my 2006 dodage Dakota quad cab seemed stiff and hard to turn, almost as if it wasn't getting enough power steering fluid - checked it and it was ok. Seemed at first to be stiffer when it was cold so attributed it to winter cold. Then at the end of march 2013, I was turning and heard a clunk as if I had hit a pothole. I heard it again on the same day and then heard a squeak as if the springs needed oiling. I stopped at my local repair shop. The mechanic oiled something - drove it and didn't hear a clunk. …”
NHTSA complaint #10509004, filed 2013-04, 80,000 miles“Purchased a 2006 Dodge Dakota with 29119 miles. Right front tire was worn unevenly. Purchased new tires at 33,325 miles and was told alignment could not be done because lower ball joint had failed. Waiting to check with dealer. Ridiculously low miles for a suspension part to fail.”
NHTSA complaint #10300071, filed 2010-01, 33,325 miles“In using signal lights, turn left signal on to turn and the right dash signal indicator as well as right signal light flash. If I move the tilt steering position up and then back down the lights function properly. This has happened several times. It sounds like something in the steering wheel is rubbing whenever one turns the wheel. The previous owner bought the truck new and it happened to him several times as well. Also the ball joints were all replaced by previous owner at less than 30,000 miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #10659160, filed 2014-11, 37,000 miles“The vehicle was purchased 12-14-06 and shortly after I began to experience the bouncing and rolling on the front suspension as well as numerous types of rattling noises. Shocks were replaced on 3-14-07 and front sway bar links on 4-24-07. Since then, front sway bar links were replaced again as well as one tie rod end. One sway bar link was replaced in the back of the vehicle and the other is currently needs replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10232765, filed 2008-06, 5,000 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 2006 Dodge Dakota
126 complaintsSteering
47 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
36 complaintsElectrical system
30 complaintsBrakes
24 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
15 complaintsBody and structure
12 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsExterior lighting
8 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsEngine
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 Dodge Dakota
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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