I'm looking at a nice 2011 Dakota Big Horn 4x4. I keep hearing tons of horror stories about issues with Chrysler/Dodge paint, rust, and suspension. There also seems to be higher than usual instances of problems with simple things like power windows and door locks. I'm looking for honest opinions on this and am not trying to attack the brand. Have a lot of these issues been resolved for Chrysler/Dodge by the 2011 model year? Or should I look elsewhere, such as Nissan or Toyota? I get that you guys have a bit of bias for the Dakota since you have chosen to own one. I'm just looking for honesty before considering the Dakota any further.

 

Front end problems galor on these trucks. Weak front suspension parts. Tie rods, sway bar end links and struts. That being said, they can be replaced by the DIY'r and if you use quality aftermarket parts, the problems have a very low rate of reoccurance. I can't speak to the paint/window/rust problems as I never had any. One thing you will see if you search enough around here is there seems to be some "Monday" trucks, some "Wednesday" trucks and some "Friday" trucks. As in, some have tons of issues all the time, some have a few minor issues and some have no issues at all. I did n ot have any issues with mine except a rear u-joint, but that was probably cause I drove it like I stole it most of the time. I would not hesitate to buy another one.

If you do decide to get one, get a warranty (if possible) and also take it to an independent mechanic for a thorough inspection (get it up on a lift and pick apart the suspension). It's much better to spend $100 for a pre-purchase inspection than getting stuck with an expensive bill for repairs after the purchase. If you have a link or pics of the truck, post them up here so we can see it.

 

I would post a link, but I'm afraid someone might take it out from under me

I read quite a bit on this forum about the front end and how people are replacing parts with Moog parts. Taking wheel bearings into account, it will probably need $1000 worth of work to replace the inevitable failure of the OEM parts. I can live with that, though. My real concern is rust and paint fading/flaking.

Congrats on the excellent experience you have had with your truck!

 

I think the Dakota will be a better deal than the others you find due to the bad rap it gets. Plus you'll have something thats not as common. I still get compliments on my truck, people who haven't seen one before lol. Rust? The only rust I have is on that bracket under the grill. Front End? The only thing I've had to change was the wheel bearings. Gas mileage sucks, but gas is getting cheaper everyday.

 

My 06's paint looks great, no rust. The previous owner did terrible at taking care of the paint as well and just a few hours buffing and polishing and it shines like new. Mileage wise probably not a huge difference either way. I get 17 city and 20 highway. My buddies tacoma gets more like 14 and 17.

 

Thanks for all of the great input so far. So what would be the full parts list to overhaul the front end? Do any of you have recommendations, or is Moog the consensus choice among replacement parts?

 

Moog is consensus. The problem solver line which come with grease fittings. I really would not worry about it until you have some problems. Just be aware that the potential is there. As Jaded states, some will have no issues. If you decide to lift the front with spacers, that can hasten the demise of the CV axles, tie rods and ball joints. Stuts are weak from the factory, Monroe or Rancho are the preferred replacements Most use Rock Auto to get the parts. To completely overhaul the front end:

Tie rod ends
Ball joints
Struts
Sway bar bushings and end links
A few have replaced the entire control arms, but I don't think that is a necessity at this point.

As stated, get it up on a lift and inspect some things. Especially the CV axle boots.

 

+1 on all. The rust issues arise for the people who still don't understand that the bottom of the doors need to be washed from inside and that wheel wells can hold road salt too. I live without this problem now but after any trip into snow country I still know what to do afterward. I used NAPA end links, MOOG hubs and Monroe coil-overs with good service so far. The truck always felt great even when the stock stuff was getting tired because the balance of the truck is better than most.

 

The truck I have been dealing on is located out of state, so I went to a local dealer to see one of these up close and personal. It was a 2010 with only 52000 miles, v8 4x4, and I was actually considering it instead of the one in KY. I looked under it and the bottom is covered in rust. When I popped the hood, the two spots that are welded at either edge of the grill area were both rusted. Bolt heads and many other parts in the engine compartment were rusty as could be. No offense guys, but looking at that truck made my mind up for me. I loved the way it felt. The power and ride were excellent. I just can't get past all of that rust. It was truly unbelievable how bad it was.

 

Where do you live? The truck you looked at was probably never washed throughout the winter. That's not the truck's fault. It's up to the owner to undercoat their vehicles and rinse off the road salt. Some higher end trucks might have better factory protection but these aren't high-end and Frontiers or Tacomas might be worse if not maintained. Why can't you ask them for some more pictures of certain areas?