Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Dodge Dakota owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that the vehicle was involved in a crash and was repaired; however, the repairs were not completed correctly. After driving the vehicle home the following day the vehicle was unable to shift into drive. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission damage. The transmission was replaced. Also, while driving various speeds, the vehicle would veer to the left or right inadvertently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with several different issues, such as a damaged front cross member, a fractured front passenger side stabilizer link, a worn passenger side upper control bushing, and other issues. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000. Updated 03/02/17***updated 05/09/17
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Dakota. While the vehicle was undergoing routine maintenance, the contact was informed that the subframe of the vehicle was bent. The contact was also informed that the front passenger side axle was damaged. While driving 70 MPH, there was an abnormal vibration in the steering wheel. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 139,584.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle started vibrating abnormally. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 169,000.
Truck needs struts and parts have been on back order for over 6 months, there is a bolt and nut that cannot be removed without cutting it off because of poor design. The replacement part for the nut and bolt are not available .... Struts are available. This is a known defect in dodges but as far as I can tell there has not been a recall. Truck is now unsafe to drive control arms have to be cut off to replace struts
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Dakota. While driving at 60 MPH over a bump in the road, the vehicle started to bounce uncontrollably. The contact stated that the failure was recurring. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the front shocks needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 13,000. Ma 08/13/15 updated 11/01/2017
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. Three days later I took it to him and said it is clunking regularly and the steering still seems stiff. He replaced upper and lower ball joints that had gone bad, control arms, and tie rods that had play in them. This at 82,000 miles. These repairs are ridiculous for 82,000 miles. After spending $1400 I am still having tight steering. …
Regards to a 2006 Dodge Dakota clubcab pickup truck. Loud bang from rear end of truck @ a stop @ a toll booth on mass pike I-90 in westboro,ma. Towed to nearby westboro Dodge dealer. Rear end from the drive shaft down failed. Could have cause injury or death. Still @ dealership. Truck is out of warranty by 3000 miles. Been in touch with Chrysler dealer, they are calling it a defect but want me to pay first $500.00. This is a very serious defect that the dot should be aware of. If I was traveling and not stopped the drive shaft could have fell completely out and caused a crash or even worse. My truck is still not repaired. This happened on July 16 2008. I'm a single mom and took very good care of the truck. It was serviced ever 3,000 miles oil, fluids ect. I'm waiting now on faxes from westboro Dodge in westboro ma. To see all of the defects involved. Please contact me thank you!
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that there were rattling noises coming from the front end of the vehicle while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the rack and pinion failed. The contact was also informed that the sway bar links were loose. The vehicle was repaired. The failure had since recurred every few months. The vehicle was taken back to the authorized dealer where various front suspension components were replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 30,000. Updated 02/15/12 the rack and pinion, sway bar links, lower ball joints, upper control arm ball joint and shocks were all bad. Also, the shifter was coming out of park and the tie rods were worn. Updated 05/02/12
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. The condition has gotten progressively worse and now includes a front end shaking on almost smooth roads as well as the steering wheel moving left and right in my hands when going around turns. This vehicle is a safety issue as I have to virtually hold a death grip on the wheel to keep from loosing control when I hit a bump, dip, strip bump, pavement waves, etc.
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. Now at 55,000 miles the struts, shock absorbers, rear stabilizer links and quite possibly sway bar links front and rear need to be replaced.
Suspension complaints in other Dakota years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2006 Dodge Dakota?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the suspension of the 2006 Dodge Dakota, 9% of the model year's 285 complaints. The component named most often is front (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Dodge Dakota suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 2006 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 2006 Dodge Dakota suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 47,000 miles, and 19% before 25,000 miles.
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.