Anyone thinking of buying Dodge..........check this first

I agree.

Dodge Dakota I bought new in '99. Before the warranty (60,000km) expired:

1. Paint peeled off front bumper.
2. Seals in A/C were replaced.
3. Transmission shift linkage replaced.
4. Front upper ball joints replaced. Dealer told me it would take awhile to get all the "bugs" out.

After the warranty had expired:

1. Battery replaced (4 years old)
2. Waterpump
3. Both wheel bearings.
4. y pipe on exhaust.
5. cruise control stopped working
6. Front rear seal on transmission

7.Flimsy Dodge box liner warps when sun shines on it.

1. Transmission pan rusted out.
2. Transfer case leaking fluid.
3. Seat belts won't retract. I've done the recommended maintenace on this lemon since day one. I use this truck to travel to work and have never had it off road. The few times I've used it to go on a trip (never over 1000KM) something major has gone wrong.

Service on the recommended schedule doesn't do much for lemons, nor does DC serve lemonade.

rob wrote:

Not only does Dodge sell junk........they are killing people Latest Gen3 Unlatching Claims Two Lives DaimlerChrysler Denies Safety Problems DaimlerChrysler has started a vigorous public relations campaign to deny safety problems with the Gen3 seat belt buckle. Furthermore, they have begun issuing a statement to the media that the GEN3 "passes all federal safety standards." But federal regulations require that seat belt buckles "be designed to minimize the possibility of accidental release," and the Gen-3 buckle does not minimize the possibility of accidental release

Two women were killed and a child seriously injured in a roll-over accident Dec. 28, 2002, near Beeville, Texas. This brings the total number of deaths to 17 and serious injuries to 27 in accidents in which Gen3 buckles are believed to have unlatched.

or just service your vehicle like it says to do in your owners manual. that's seems to help.

If truly a problem, the NHTSA will force a safety recall. Daimler won't have a choice in the matter.

When someone can prove to me that a particular brand and model of vehicle has never killed anyone or had any reliability problems whatsoever, please let me know...I'll buy 3. Until that time, I'll pick a vehicle that fits my needs, is relatively safe and relatively reliable, and drive it till it breaks down and isn't worth fixing...

Wesley

Good reason to stick with Chrysler. Fewer roll-overs, rear-end gas tank explosions, and most car for the money - anywhere.

2002 Dodge Intrepid 2000 Dodge Neon 2000 Dodge Dakota 1998 Dodge Dakota

we can't forget ford's recent SUV roll-over issues. or was it the tires that didn't cause other vehicles to roll over - only fords?

Service on the recommended schedule doesn't do much for lemons, nor does DC serve lemonade.

rob wrote:

Hi Group,

I have had Dodges, Plymouths, and Chryslers most of my adult life since my first car in 1974, a slant 6, 1971 Duster.

This whole thing is a mixed bag, and expecting Mercedes quality for Dodge prices is not realistic. I do however feel that consumable items like windshield wiper blades, brake rotors, and brake pads, tires, etc. SHOULD NOT last longer than items like Serpentine belt tensioners, and rear hydraulic brake cylinders. These items are not in mother mopars PM schedule either, so following that alone leads to unexpected failures.

I have heard from other well meaning folk on this group to check this or that frequently because if you don't problems will likely follow. I agree whole heartedly. I also disagree with some of you in that if you really need to check the Serpentine belt tensioner and pulley alignment every oil change, then that should be stated in the owners PM guide. If you really need to check for brake fluid seepage every 3 months (rear drum brakes) then that should be in the owners PM guide. Sure they cannot cover everything, and admitting there is a problem might have legal consequences.

For the first time in 30 years I just bought a Toyota. It's kind of sad to put 3 decades of mopar enthusiast in me to rest. I'm still partial to mopar's, and have two 1999's. When these reach the "end of life" I will certainly reconsider my choice again. I leave the door open. The "grass ain't always greener" when switching to brand X.

Regards, Jim

Not at all. Based on first hand experience with two DC purchases, the last.

rob wrote:

68, 71, 80, 84, 86, 89, 90, 94..........no problems I didn't create on my own.....

and 30,000 ford trucks caught fire in the ignition switch, and the crown vics have gas tank fire problems and the cops hate them for the damn anti lock brakes causing accidents, and GM is recalling half of what they own, and people threatened to sue in the 70s over air bags in fords, and the pinto was a rolling rear end bomb, and the corvair kept blowing plugs out of the aluminum heads, and the Hudson was a huge lead sled, and Mr. tucker couldn't produce as many tuckers as he claimed or say the say.....yep uh huh......got any more?

How careless of you.

'96, '98 -- no problems DC didn't create in sourcing or assembly.

rob wrote:

ho hum................

Yep, more satisfied customers. Remind me, where is "replace serpentine belt tensioner" on the factory maintenance schedule?

">what is the best wat to remove the serpentine belt tensioner ? The >> tensioner (not the pully the spring part) broke as I started it sun. >> nothing seems lock up all pullys turn freely, AC was not on. >> 99 caravan 3.3

rob wrote:

still trolling i see

And show me were it is written that mechanical pieces are indestructible, never were out, etc. TROLL! Do you own a chrysler still? If not go troll in a group that will appreciate a nut bar! alt.miserable.troll.whohasnolife