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05:20:25 - 04/28/2024
General Dakota Board
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Mary
Dodge Dakota
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11/15/2004
18:28:58
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 Subject: Door Locks
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Okay, I've read (and posted my own) gripes about Dodge's faulty door locks (actuators). These little babies cost $200+ a piece to replace or at least $75+ your valuable time if you do it yourself. We have had 5! go out in less than 2 years and that is just ridiculous. I am still being told by my dealer that this is "an unusual occurance and he really doesn't hear of these door actuators failing very often." HA! What a joke!I have sent an email to Dodge and a letter. It may not do much good but maybe its time we all write also instead of just complaining. Just an idea. you can call customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or email them at www.dodge.com and click on contact us.
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JasonB
Dodge Dakota
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11/15/2004
19:50:28
|  RE: Door Locks
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Lighten up, it's just a door lock actuator. If it were me, I would find a competent dealer, or body electrical technician, and have them figure out why the issure is repeating so often for you. The lock actuator design is not the problem.
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Mary
Dodge Dakota
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11/15/2004
20:18:36
| RE: Door Locks
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Actually Jason if you look around this site you will see that many people are having the same recurring problem. If you go to the dealer, and are told you are the only one, then that's a problem too. If they fix it, it is 200.00+ if you fix it yourself it still runs 75.00 each, plus your time and inconvenience. We are now starting round 2, all 4 doors have been replaced, and now the second time for the same door. If you do nothing you can eventually run the risk of the doors locking and staying locked automatically and you are locked out of your vehicle at an inopportune time and your keys are rendered useless. Again I direct you to other posts on this site that tell the tale of these same occurences.
I have owned other cars, namely our Toyota and our Honda which both have keyless entry and have not had this problem. So yes, I am angry. Dodge used a substandard part and refuses to do anything about it. I am now forewarned. This was my first and last Dodge. You may not have this problem yourself but now you are forewarned. Do with it what you will.
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Jeremy
Dodge Dakota
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11/16/2004
00:37:53
| RE: Door Locks
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I've never had a problem with mine, and this is the first I've heard of a problem. If the part is so inferior then quit buying it. There are many after market optoins available.
Go ahead and direct us to the other posts like you said you would. Did you forget or what?
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DUDE
Dodge Dakota
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11/16/2004
01:27:06
| RE: Door Locks
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My driveshaft fell out....WAAAAAAA
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Mary
Dodge Dakota
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11/16/2004
01:36:40
| RE: Door Locks
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Okay boys, I get it. You can post on this site, but not if you have a legitimate complaint right? So to further substantiate the fact that I am not just whining but that I am actually trying to help people, maybe even you, here goes nothing.... This is what I have found by doing my research, as I assume you 2 also have, right Jeremy and Jason?
if you click on the General board, V8 Dakotas or any other link to the left on this site and type in "door lock" or "door actuator" in the search bar you will see over 317 messages on this site alone that deal with door lock issues. I have read all of them. More than 60% deal with a malfunction of these actuators exactly like the kind I experienced. I have also spoken to friends, collegues and others who own all models of Dodges and it would appear that after approximately 2 years, these actuators begin to fail. I have spoken to a mechanic at the dealership in San Luis Obispo Ca where I live and he informed me that he replaces these door actuators on a regular basis, i.e. every week he does at least one or two. If you intend to own your car more than 5 years you will probably begin replacing them. I work hard for my money, I have owned 5 cars since I graduated high school, this is my first American made car. All the rest (Toyotas and Hondas) lasted over 150,00 miles each with only new tires, batteries and routine maintenance. This Dodge has been a steady drain of repairs, replacement parts, and money out of my pocket. My car is just 4 years old and has had the brake rotors replaced due to warpage, brake pads twice, a/c compressor go bad and 5 actuators. It is obvious that Dodge uses parts designed to last slightly longer than the warranty and that's it. If this is the kind of product you are interested in, pay no attention to my post. I thought this was a good forum to bring these issues up. I will know better next time.
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JasonB
Dodge Dakota
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11/16/2004
10:54:25
| RE: Door Locks
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#1...No intelligent people will argue with the fact that often, imports are of higher quality.
#2...No intelligent vehicle owner (import or domestic) can expect to have all vehicles last 150000 miles without troubles of some sort. (My 1995 Nissan had electric door lock failure at 65000 miles).
#3...You addressed this issue as if it should be a recall of some kind. Why?
#4...When you do have to repair an import, average repair expenses are more than domestics (I said average).
#5...Even though this website does allow for venting of frustrations of Dakota owners, most of the folks here are very satisfied with their vehicles and don't appreciate anybody trash-mouthing the vehicles they choose to own.
I like domestic vehicles. Imports still are no comparison to me for overall performance, ease of repair and styling. I realize I pay for wanting this with increase repair needs, BUT it is a cost I choose to pay. I do this with all the knowledge that anyone here can offer concerning Dakota (or any domestic vehicle) failures. I work in the service department at a DODGE dealership.
You can not and will not replace my preference of domestic vehicles by comparing them to imports. There is no choice there for me. I prefer domestics and always will. I have owned 2 imports and was satisfied with the vehicle quality, but not overwhelmed by the ownership experience. I love my Dakota. I did not love my Nissan and did not love my Mitsubishi.
It's unfortunate that you are experienceing repeat failure of door lock actuators, but if you choose to not investigate why it repeats on yours and not others, then you are doomed to have it repeat again, and again, and therefore will have more to whine about. The facts are that the only MAJOR repeat issues with Dakotas are brake rotors and ball joints. If you experience repeat issues with other failures (ie door lock actuators), it would be to your advantage to ask "Why?"
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Mary
Dodge Dakota
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11/16/2004
21:20:15
| RE: Door Locks
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JasonB
You just explained it all to me.
You work for Dodge. Enough said. so here's a list of my own
#1 You wrote many words there, you are the expert, yet you did not bother to explain to me why you think my door lock are failing, in your expert opinion. Funny neither did my dealership hmm.....
#2 You did not deny that many of the posts on this very site complain about the same problem.
#3 You do not address or deny seeing this problem in the dealership you work in.Why is that?
#4 Instead you give me nice sentimentalities about how you love your car. Well, I love my dog. But I expect my car to get me from point A to point B effeciently and reliably.
#5 Where's the value for my money? The Dakota is not a inexpensive vehicle, it is not a Hyundai or a Ford Escort, or a Yugo.
I'm an American consumer, born, raised and indoctrinated in our capitalist culture. I believe if the product you buy does not deliver the perceived value, then it is not a valued product. You may chose to spend your paycheck on upkeep and replacement of substandard
parts, but my money is more valuable to me and my next car will be an import that will take 150,000 miles of wear and keep on going without a hitch.
#6 If Dodge stands behind a vehicle thats needs repair as much as these seem too (and just look at any of these forum to see posts about a/c problems, ball joints, rotors etc) then they are the ones who have to reconcile themselves to what pride of craftmanship means, not me.
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mikec041
Dodge Dakota
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11/16/2004
21:50:46
| RE: Door Locks
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That's funny Jason
My dealer and D/C customer service says my front Rotors warping "is an isolated incident" you and numerous postings say otherwise.
My dealer says my electric door motor is on "nationwide back order" which indicates a problem but you an employee of a dodge dealer say otherwise.
Did you also graduate from Chrysler B.S. University?
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Mary
Dodge Dakota
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11/16/2004
21:58:36
| RE: Door Locks
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Thank you Mike. I was beginning to think no one else would speak up. I wasn't as angry about replacing the parts as I am about the denials and refusals to take responsibility for faulty parts and craftsmanship. I have done my research, and talked to owners of Durangos, Rams and Dakotas, looked at sites such as this, etc and seen that obviously there is a problem. And still...still.. Dodge tows the company line and refuses to admit it. That makes me mad.
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JasonB
Dodge Dakota
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11/17/2004
00:27:04
| RE: Door Locks
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Mary
"You just explained it all to me."
But it appears you are not interested in my advice. You want someone to tell you there is a "secret recall" for your failure. My guess is that if you ever get thi issue resolved, you are still not a happy vehicle owner. If that's the case, why not trade?
"You work for Dodge. Enough said."
Ummmm....I do not work for Dodge. I work for a Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep franchise dealership. Covering up any problem serves me, or the dealership, no purpose. You're getting awfully close to making this personal, sister.
"#1 You wrote many words there, you are the expert, yet you did not bother to explain to me why you think my door lock are failing, in your expert opinion. Funny neither did my dealership hmm....."
My powers of internet vehicle diagnostics fail me at this moment. Pardon my failure.
My opinion would simply be that, an opinion. I have no clue why your door locks are failing but I did offer an option for you...have someone tell you why it is a repeat failure. You may choose to compare your circumstances to the posts you see here, but you will find that dogs in pain bark louder than others.
"#2 You did not deny that many of the posts on this very site complain about the same problem."
Right. What's the point? I choose not to pick at everyone who has a vehicle failure, only thise who think their problem should be a recall.
"#3 You do not address or deny seeing this problem in the dealership you work in.Why is that?"
I based my response to you on what I see at my dealership. I did not pull it out of my arse. The door lock actuator failure that you describe happens. If you want percentages, I would guess the failure rate to be less than 2%.
"#4 Instead you give me nice sentimentalities about how you love your car. Well, I love my dog. But I expect my car to get me from point A to point B effeciently and reliably."
Right. That's why this forum was created. My car (1999 Dodge Dakota) does get me from point A to point B "effeciently and reliably". AND, it's stylish, performs like I desire and is easy to repair.
"#5 Where's the value for my money? The Dakota is not a inexpensive vehicle, it is not a Hyundai or a Ford Escort, or a Yugo."
You chose a vehicle that offers one thing while you expected something else. People do it often. Trade! Most people do that when they figure out the vehicle they chose is not providing what they thought they were getting for their money.
I am empathetic of your circumstances. Repeat door lock actuator failure must be a traumatic event for you.
"...obviously there is a problem..." Yes there is, and if you choose to not find out why yours are failing repeatedly, then your issue will never be resolved. Even if the part failure rate was 50% (incredibly high), that still would not explain the number of failures you have had. Ask the right questions if you want the right answers.
"That makes me mad."
It's a car. Consider trading and avoid the ulcers.
mikec041
"My dealer and D/C customer service says my front Rotors warping "is an isolated incident" you and numerous postings say otherwise."
Your dealership has an agenda. Who knows what it is. DC customer service personnel, regardless of how many times a rotor warps, can not change the policies of Chrysler. They can only determine if an exception should be considered for your circumstances. Trust me on this one, there will be little or no help from Chrysler on this one or the ball joints (investigation underway) unless a recall is issued by the NHTSA (is that the right name?).
"My dealer says my electric door motor is on "nationwide back order" which indicates a problem but you an employee of a dodge dealer say otherwise"
I just checked the DC website. Your dealer fibbed (I just checked door lock actuators for 1999 and 2002 year models, randomely chosen), there is not a back order.
"Did you also graduate from Chrysler B.S. University?"
Why is it that when people do not hear what they want to hear, they choose to make it personal?
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Mary
Dodge Dakota
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11/17/2004
01:05:22
| RE: Door Locks
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Jason,
Enlighten me...What exactly is the right question, and who should I be asking?
Is it to my dealership, the one the commercials say I should trust.
Should the question to them be, as I foolishly thought it should have been, "The door lock is making a terrible noise, it has stopped working properly. What's wrong with it? Is this a recurring problem?" Their answer was an emphatic "No! Very unusual, never happens."
Was it when I asked other Dodge owners if they had had door actuator failures resulting in the need for replacement? To which the answer was yes.
Was that where I failed to ask the right questions Jason?
Was it when I asked on this forum under the V8 Dakota and Recall forums if anyone had experienced similar door actuator problems? Probably wrong question again huh Jason?
I guess I wasted 4 years of college and 3 years of graduate school on nothing because I can't even ask an appropriate question according to you.
So tell me, Who should I have asked if not the trained Dodge repair staff, and other actual owners?
I was specifically told by a mechanic at another dealer repair facility in an adjacent town not more than 2 weeks ago that "yes indeed, these door actuators fail regularly, Dodge knows it, they are upgrading the part and it will now cost more to replace." Oops I should have never asked that question.
So by your standards Jason, when you buy a product and it fails you, you just say " oh shucks, oh darn, my bad!" That philosophy might work for a toaster oven or a glue gun, but not a $20,000 vehicle.
Besides sounds like door locks are just the tip of the iceberg. You can casually write off the only two things that are KNOWN to repeatedly fail: rotors and ball joints, like that's a plus!
I will trade in, I will buy something else that lasts and I will continue to stand up for my right to get my money's worth. If you don't like that idea it may be because you deal all day long with people confronting you about these same issues and you are just a little too sensitive about it.
I find it so facinating that you would rather challenge me on this issue than do any research of your own. Have you bothered to type "door lock" or "door actuator" into the search bar. Try it, read those 317 threads, then tell me I am making this up.
I came to this forum looking for a little open honest communication, and so far all I've gotten is testosterone charged defensive rhetoric.
Why did you pick my post to answer when you were not really looking to help, but only trying to attack my experiences? Is that the question you were looking for?
Who, and what else can I ask???!!!!!
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Mary
Dodge Dakota
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11/17/2004
02:35:51
| RE: Door Locks
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Jason,
Whether you realize it or not you have answered the questions I have been asking in your post to Mike, you said "your dealership has an agenda" You would know you work for one. You told me it serves you no purpose to deny a problem, however you tell Mike his dealership has an agenda and it will do him very little good to try to get help on an issue that has been proven to be faulty.(Rotors)
You go on to say that the ball joints, currently under investigation for rusting and breakage, cannot be resolved for him until Dodge is pushed to do so by what??... say it with me now Jason...a RECALL!! and how do you suppose this recall process started?? I bet it was -annoying, stupid question asking, refusing to take good enough for an answer, don't know when to shut up- people like me.....Ahh its the American way..makes you proud to be part of the process don't it...See ya in court..I'll make sure to supoena you as a witness for Dodge..you can practice that.."well if you don't like it just trade it in" line
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JasonB
Dodge Dakota
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11/17/2004
10:27:21
| RE: Door Locks
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Mary, I had no intention of insulting your intelligence. I respect the educational accomplishments of anyone who chooses to further their education as much as you have. Nor, did I have any intention of building your anger. On the other side of the coin, I am sure you did not have any intention of repeatedly assaulting my six and a half years of actual experience with the vehicles in question.
The facts are this: Door lock actuators in Dakotas and Durangos fail more often than they do in other vehicles. There is no recall nor does this issue seem to parallel issues that I have seen that are considered for recall.
There are other failures that are more of a safety concern that I would like to see addressed.
Also, look at GMs history of alternator failures dating back to the 80's. No recall either. WHY? Because there are bigger and better fish to fry.
It would suit me if there were, I would make lots of money seeing that door lock actuators are replaced. Very few owners experience a repeated failure as you have. Your efforts here will most likely accomplish less than you desire. I will offer you a better place to possibly help get a recall investigation started. Try this link http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/
I think you and I see the same issue differently due to personal experience. I see 30 to 50 DaimlerChrysler Corp vehicles each day. I see my personal ownership experiences with imports and domestics and am currently very satisfied with my Dodge Dakota. I hear vehicle talk all day long. I am blessed [said with a smirk].
Fortunately for me, I have never owned a vehicle (9 total vehicles) with failures that made me angry. Due to my work experience (a total of 16+ years in customer service and over six years of that as a Service Advisor), I do understand people's frustrations, although I do not always agree with them.
I would like to bury the hatchet and wish you well in your endeavor and that your issue is resolved to your satisfaction.
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Jeremy
Dodge Dakota
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11/17/2004
11:28:14
| RE: Door Locks
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First of all Mary, you didn't read all 317 threads, that's just stupid. I glanced through a few of them and didn't see any similiar to yours. So again. Unless you can provide some evidence that this is a problem, I'm done with this.
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Mary
Dodge Dakota
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11/17/2004
19:36:30
| RE: Door Locks
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Jason,
Why did it take so many posts back and forth for you to finally say that "yes these door locks fail more often than others?"
This is the problem.
This is what leads to the frustration.
This is what happens at the dealership.
The refusal of the people who have the background, inside information to be upfront and honest. For whatever the reason, economics, company policy, I get all the varibles there, there is no honesty from the repair facitlities.
I work in dentistry. If you come to me and I place a material in your mouth I know is going to fail in 3 years, you come back in 2 years, I replace it, charge you again and don't tell you I know its substandard from the beginning, I am practicing at a level of service that is below standard and I can be sued.
Where's the accountablity here?
Obviously you as a member of a staff of a repair facility have the inside information on what is good and what should be avoided. I noticed your post on another page about putting slotted brakes on your truck, is this because you have the inside info that the brakes and rotors from the factory often warp?
You have that luxury, I do not.
You have that access, I do not.
I have to take a gamble that my dealership will be honest, if they are not then I change.
However, you must first get burned to find this out.
You have the luxury of knowing ahead of time which dealerships are honest, I do not.
When Mike mentioned a "backorder" on door locks, you could look that up. I can't.
When Mike mentioned the ball joints you knew the status of the NHSTA recall, I bet you have checked and greased your ball joints, you have that luxury.
Want to take a guess on the chance that my dealership has ever even look at the ball joints on my Dakota?
You have access and the ability to upgrade, repair and head off problems with your truck way before the public ever knows a problem is occuring.
I am at the mercy of what the dealership is willing to tell me. Or what I can find out on sites like this. Or from other owners.
You have that inside knowledge, that until the last post you refused to share.
Think about it from that point of view and you might be a little angry too. It is hard to get the info when no one will share it.
I have to ask....Why out of all the positive, Rah Rah Go Dodge posts that are on this board, did you feel so strongly that you had to respond to mine?
Why did you have to feel the need to try to tell me I was making a big deal out of nothing?
Then after all that...finally admit that YES
these door locks DO FAIL more often.
Why was that so hard?
Why can't the dealership do that?
I guess it boils down to how you live your life. I came to this site looking for information. Interestingly enough the one person who could provide it, that was you, choose not to. Instead you choose to challenge me, insinuate I was not intelligent, and when I wouldn't back down you finally said my point had validity.
That's a little sad in my book.
Maybe you should just not answer the posts from people asking questions you don't like, it doesn't seem to help either side.
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Mary
Dodge Dakota
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11/17/2004
19:45:00
| RE: Door Locks
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Jeremy,
Dude get in the game! At the risk of sounding sarcastic..Do you not see how long the posts are between Jason and I? Do you really doubt I read all 317 door lock messages? You are obviously not as dedicated to the issue as he and I are so suck it up and come back when you have more to contribute than one paragraph or some lame argument.
P.S.
I'll give you the Cliff Notes on our posts so far-
Jason devulges to Mary he works for a Dodge/Jeep/Chrysler facility and has been trying to convince Mary that she was crazy and trivial. Mary has been trying to convince Jason that her dealership lied and these door locks are faulty.
In the last installment Jason finally admits to Mary that these door locks DO FAIL more often, he asks her to marry him, buy a Toyota Tundra and they live happily ever after.
See what happens Jeremy if you read all the posts!!!
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Verde SAR Dog
Dodge Dakota
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11/17/2004
20:31:42
| RE: Door Locks
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Mary all cars fall apart some time, some earlier than others. Auto manufacturers are in business to make money so of course they will buy parts as cheap as they can. I doubt that chrysler makes the door actuators that are giving you grief. My truck didn't even come with lock actuators, I put some on that I got from an auto stereo store for about $25.00 each, they have worked with no problems for over 5 years now. I have never had a brake rotor warp but have had to replace both of them twice because they are not made hefty enough to resurface when replacing brake pads. My Dakota (which I bought new) is over 10 years old with over 180k miles and has needed NO major repairs. There are some things about it which I feel could have been engeneered or made better but overall I am very satisfied with it. I use it daily for construction and rough off road search and rescue missions. Automobiles are extremely complex machines, if the only problem you have with your truck is door locks get over it!
Namaste, Michael
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Mary
Dodge Dakota
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11/17/2004
21:22:28
| RE: Door Locks
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Michael,
I love how many people can only give the advice "get over it" it is only a... I know they are only door locks.
I know this is not the answer to world peace or going to cure AIDs.
I have a very firm grip on reality, have lived overseas, been to college, have children, a husband, a job, friends...otherwise known as a LIFE!! I GET IT!!!!
What angers me is that I was being told by my dealership that what was happening was only happening to me, and to fix it would cost 200.00 each time.
I came to this site looking for other people with similar problems.
I found them by reading the threads.
I asked for support with a problem and feedback.
This is what rational people call discussion and problem solving techniques.
Instead I get grief from Jason (a serviceman at a dealership)who finally admits after miles of posts that yes these door locks DO FAIL at a higher rate than others.
Jeremy ( a slacker who just wants to post and run)
and now you, who probably also did not research anything I said above, look at any of the threads mentioned or give it any thought beyond the fact that my name is female and you have not had this problem yourself.
See my predicament?
No help here, just knee jerk reactions from Dodge owners who can't stand to hear anything negative said about their choice of automobile.
I'm glad your rotors and ball joints are fine.
I also hope this site has made you aware of the problem that exists for others and that Dodge is considering a recall on the ball joints.
I am also certain that somewhere along the line when someone complained about those rusted ball joints, some helpful person like you told them to get over it! Then their wheel fell off. Lucky for me, I just get locked out of my car.
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DakotaOwner01
Dodge Dakota
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11/17/2004
21:36:22
| RE: Door Locks
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Mary sell your truck and get import. Jesus, this is a stupid thread you hate your truck think it is a POS, Jason likes his, every car has its problems however you are not inteligent enough to figure it out so you are venting at dodge and Jason. Door actuators do not go bad 5 in 2 years that is not normal. It is not a normal problem it is an extroadinary problem. If you were a doctor you would be the take some pain pills for the rest of you life kind. There is obviously something else causing the door actuators to go bad. If your mechanic can't find it go to a different mechanic, all dealerships must honor factory waranties, find one that looks deeper at the problem rather then just fixing the symptom. In defense of your dealer though if you take the attitude with him that you have taken in the post, I don't blame him for trying to get rid of you quick. If your truck is out of warranty then maybe just maybe you should try befriend some one like jason on this board and he will help you solve your problem.
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Mary
Dodge Dakota
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11/17/2004
21:55:23
| RE: Door Locks
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Dakota OwnerO1
Thanks for all your support.
Just what I have become accustomed to on this board.
Actually, if you were to read all the way through the posts above you would see the whole story. Jason says... Dodge Dakota and Durango door locks DO FAIl more often. Who knew???
Apparently this post thread is so dumb yet strikes a nerve in the likes of you and Jason and others that you can't help defend Dodge.
YOu jump right to the assumption I was mean to the poor little dealership. Wrong. But i refuse to back down when challenged. I have read other peoples posts ( mostly men I might add) calling their Dodges P.O.S and how ugly the '05 model is or degrading other aspects of their Dodge and you don't respond to them the way you do me.
Why? Especially when I have a fact based, actual
problem that others on this same site have experienced.
I guess only you can answer that.
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