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 2002 Dodge Dakota owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
2002 Dodge Dakota front end failure. When the consumer was maneuvering a curve the power steering failed and the vehicle hit a guard rail. The truck sustained some front bumper damage. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they replaced the steering shaft. The consumer still hears a popping noise when making sharp turns. The consumer plans to take the vehicle to another dealer for a second opinion. The consumer believes that since Dodge is have problems with their suspension that the dealer needs to look at the ball joint, tie rods, rack and pinion.
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?!
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Dodge Dakota. While driving 50 MPH on the highway, the steering wheel seized and the vehicle stalled without warning. There were no warning indicators illuminated prior to the failure. The vehicle was taken to galeana's van dyke Dodge (28400 van dyke ave, warren, mi 48093, [phone]) where the contact was informed that the vehicle was under recall for the gear shifter, and that the gear shifter and the ignition needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.
While driving 25 MPH, the consumer heard a noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. A few seconds later the vehicle went to one side and collided with a tree. The consumer was knocked unconscious in the collision. The cause of the collision was the spindle and the wheel separated from the vehicle. The manufacturer and the dealer were aware of the problem.
I had loss of control of my vehicle this morning which I believe is a direct result of my steering/ball joint / rack and pinion failure. It's at the dealer now being looked over thoroughly. The dealer just replaced the intermittent steering shaft last week.
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.
I own a 2002 Dodge Dakota. At 27,000 miles, the dealership replaced all four ball joints. They also worked on the 4 wheel drive. At 34,000 miles they replaced three ball joints and worked on the 4 wheel drive. At 42,000 miles they replaced the rack and pinion on the passenger side and worked on the 4 wheel drive. At 49,000 miles I had to replace wheel bearings in the passenger side. Fortunately, I have not had any accidents. I have heard noises and taken it to the dealership or my mechanic. I am very concerned about driving it. I do not feel safe driving it anymore. I think they have some serious front end problems that they should be addressing. I don't think I should be footing the bill for it. I am also very upset that the dealership and Dodge have known about the problems and chose to blame them on other conditions caused by the owner.
2002 - Dodge Dakota: truck mechanically sound when it comes to the engine. Recently had a tune-up & 27 point inspection @ 50,000 miles and was informed that the upper and lower ball joints need replacement and would cost about $1200.00 to fix. The dealers mechanic asked if I have been hear a "clunking" sound when making sharp turns. I advised the mechanic that this sound started happening around 30,000 miles but did not pay to much attention. I asked the dealership if it was common for this to happen so prematurely. No answer. Any recalls in the works. There seems to be May issues from others surrounding the balljoints!!! If I would have known about the additional cost of $1200.00 maybe I would not have considered purchasing the truck in the first place. Fp
Upper and lower ball joints required replacement after 2,000 miles of ownership. This was brought to the dealers attention. The dealer would not fix the problem, stating it was a wear item. It should have been caught and fixed before offering the vehicle for sale, but they claim otherwise. I was forced to replace both sets of ball joints on my own. Since then, dc has recalled the upper joints. The upper joints created a situation causing the lower joints to fail also and should be covered in their recall. They also do not specify covering the alignment needed after joints are replaced. The recall should be reissued covering upper and lower ball joints along with alignment to remedy the situation in this recall failure.
2002 Dodge Dakota quad cab v8 currently with 45, 000 miles. First noticed steering problems at 18,000 miles. The truck makes noise over bumps and when turning. Brought truck in for seat repair and to check steering at 35,000 miles. Mechanic performed front end alignment. Problems still persisted. Also, the brake rotors were warped at 18,000 miles and caused a pulsating feel in the pedal. The truck now feels as if it will fall apart over bumps and feels as if I will loose control of the vehicle on the highway. The vehicle warranty is now expired but I need this problem fixed. I have read of many complaints in Dodge trucks as well as their cars of premature steering failure.
Steering complaints in other Dakota years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2002 Dodge Dakota?
NHTSA has 44 complaints about the steering of the 2002 Dodge Dakota, 6% of the model year's 678 complaints. The component named most often is rack and pinion (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Dodge Dakota steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2002 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 2002 Dodge Dakota steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 36,000 miles, and 26% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 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.