I just got my new Dakota back from the dealer (late night pick up) and it's no different from when I dropped it off. I took it in for 2 things. 1-the rear door does not latch solid on the bottom on only one side, and 2-the steering wheel does not lock when the key is removed.
The write up on it says they found no problem with the door latch. But if you tug on the bottom of the door, there is a good 1/2 inch of play. The drivers side does not budge. And for the steering wheel lock, they say you need to turn almost a full rotation before the lock will engage.
Have any of you experienced these issues, if so, have you had them checked and what was the outcome.
Thanks

 

my steering wheel wont lock either when key is out. never bothered me though so i dont worry about it. also dunno about the door that dont sound rite if both sides dont do it. btw i have a ram

 

I cant say for chrysler products but i work for a lincoln mercury dealer (i know i know I do own my ram though) and ford did away with the column lock completely in 2003. I wonder if chrysler did the same thing. And being a service advisor myself i had to call fords technical assistance hotline to find out for sure.

 

I think it could be that your tailgate is removable. On my RAM the tailgate removes from the passenger side and slides out the driver's side. You should check out how to remove and install the tailgate in the manual to see if you can fix this problem.

 

THIS problem solved.
I made another trip to the dealer. The techs quicklt told me there was nothing wrong.
"Can I see the service manager please?"
I gave a tug on the door on both sides for him to see. He closed the door and tugger 3 times before sending it off to the body shop to have the doors realigned. Both sides actually latch now.