Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Dodge Dakota owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Locked vehicle in four wheel drive high, started going through flat pasture, either brakes locked up or front pumkin turned up and locked front wheels up, lost control and rolled onto driver side.
Due to poor choice of materials (I assume) the front hub and spindle assembly wears. Leaving front brake slider pins unattached to caliper mounting plate. When this happens, the front caliper wobbles in it's place, possibly ejecting the slidepins because they "wobble" in the knuckle holes designed to retain them. This causes excess wear on the front hub assembly, increased wear in brakes, and stress on the hub bearings. Having read the "alldata" data base, there is a redesigned knuckle with improved slide pin supports. There also is a repair kit involving the usage of "heli-coil" inserts to secure brake pad carrier to spindle assembly. (slide pins) I feel totally unsafe with this arrangement. I prefer to have the re-designed spindle assemblies installed for free by dealer with up-dated part numbers. The dealer wants $1000 per side for the redesigned units. I think this is absurd. …
The front brake caliper bolts to the steering knuckle on a 1997 Dodge Dakota, 4wd. Due to the nature of the design, the threads that hold the brake caliper mounting studs can strip out, thereby leaving the caliper to float on the knuckle. Under prolonged use, these studs can back out, letting the caliper fall off, which could lead to a crash. On my particular vehicle, this has happened for the third time now, once on the driver's side and twice on the passenger side. The threads strip out, and the mounting boss section is so small that a larger thread cannot be retapped without danger of breaking the hole out. Auto parts suppliers sell slightly oversize, self tapping studs, but these do not last long. The steering knuckle is a very pricey part (on the order of $600 just for the part) and continuing replacement is cost prohibitive. …
My 1997 Dodge Dakota-with 48ooo miles failed safety inspection, due to bad ball joints and unsafe steernig. During repair process I discovered that this is a common and even expected event with these vehicles (with low mileage) and also durangos. It is so commonplace that Dodge repair people expect it. Obviouosly tis is a sfatey defect and should be remedied at no cost to consumer. It will only be a matter of time until the parts fail; and a catastrophe happens to some un suspectig driver,unless there is a recall and permanent quality replacment of the parts.
Consumer was replacing upper and lower ball joints every 35,000 miles. Also, consumer replaced the idler arm. Consumer contacted the dealer, who informed consumer that they will not warranty the suspension parts. Provide further details. The consumer stated the manifold plenum gasket was leaking oil into the intake. The consumer replaced the gasket himself.
Consumer complained about a steering box problem. Also, dealer replaced the ball joints and idler arm. Consumer is keeping an eye on the fuel filler tube because it seemed to be rusted. Also, brake line is also rusted.
I have a 1997 Dodge Dakota sport with four wheel drive, a v8 engine and automatic transmission. I noticed my front tires wearing on the inside. I took the truck to the dealer on 12-20-01. I was told it needed lower ball joint and upper control arms. On 1-31-03 I returned to the dealer complaining of a vibration in the front end, again I was told it needed lower ball joints and upper control arms. Now I am noticing the tires wearing on the inside again and the dealer tells me it again needs upper ball joints but that the new redesigned parts are on backorder from the manufacturer. These failures have happened at ten thousand mile intervals, the first repair was at 46,261 the second at 56,125 and now it has 67,261 miles on it. This truck has never been off road and is used as a daily commuter vehicle. …
52000 miles and I have replaced these items: belt tensioner, A/C compressor, 3 sets of front tires (the tires are wearing on the outside edge-the truck has been aligned each time the tires were replaced), 2 sets of rotors, 2 brake calipers, 4 sets of brake pads, the steering knuckle that broke into three (3) pieces while the truck was going 65 MPH, and now I have to take it to a transmission shop because the truck jumps from drive to neutral while the truck is in motion. All of these repair cost have been paid by myself. Dealer said there has been no other complaints about the Dodge Dakota I find that hard to believe.( dot number: tire size: lt21575r15 )
Prior to exp. Of warranty, (36000 miles) vehicle was brought into an independent shop for a complete inspection. Was informed ball joints and idler arm were completely worn out. Previous owner, (a personal friend) and myself never '4 wheeled' the truck. Normal city/highway use. Viewed internet bulletin boards on Dakota maint problems, and found others have had the same problem with early ball joint/idler arm failures. 36,000 miles under normal use is far to early for this type of problem. I fear there are many Dakota's out there with the same problem.
Vehicle has been to the dealer 3 times for the same problem, loud clunking noise in steering column while turning or going over bumps, dealer replaced a steering linkage in the engine compartment and the entire steering column, the technician noted loose steering, and advised not to drive until column is replaced.
Steering complaints in other Dakota years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1997 Dodge Dakota?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Dodge Dakota, 8% of the model year's 446 complaints. The component named most often is linkages › tie rod assembly (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Dodge Dakota steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 1997 Dodge Dakota, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1997 Dodge Dakota steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.