Two weeks ago I bought a 2006 Dakota SLT Quad Cab (2WD, 3.7L V6) for $11,000 from a very reputable Ford dealership. It had 102K miles on it, but it was exceptionally clean inside and out, top to bottom. I bought a 3 year 36,000 mile powertrain warantee, just to be safe. Two weeks ago! Then a gasket blew in the steering rack , and the dealer is telling me it's gonna cost $600 to repair.

What would you do? I've seen a few blogs out there about rack and pinion steering problems on the 3rd gen Dakota. Any truth in that? Why no recall? Should I do the job myself? And what about the dealer? I feel like they should pay for the repairs. Or give me an option to return the truck and cancel the purchase... Or change out the purchase paperwork for something similar on their lot.

Any suggestions or advice out there?

 

Read your warranty carefully to see if the repair is covered. I dought it though. Dealers always charge more than a independant shop. It is a bit of work to replace the rack. If you do not want to attempt it, I think you should look around for a repair shop with a good rep and lower labor rate.
As for the recall- First they look to see if the problem will cause bodily injury. If not they calculate the cost of recalling all vehicles with the problem VS. a class action lawsuit (in the event it happens) if the (potential) lawsuit is calculated to be cheaper than the recall.... guess what they are going to choose.

 

Oh as for disolving the contract/sale, there is no way they will even think about it. Also they see it as a sale and thats it so swapping it for another is out of the question. Sorry but this is how they work.

 

Thanks for the reply, Quadrojunk. Believe it or not I talked the GM of the dealership into it. They replaced it and abosrbed the full cost. I didn't pay a dime. Whew!

 

You bought it 2 weeks ago??? Take it back. MAKE SOME NOISE !!! Either they fix it.
Or you with go to the Better Business Bureau, about poor business practice.
You'll will go to the DOT to have the mechanic's license yanked for safetying and vehicle with a leaking rack. and the dealership will get audited.
This should NOT cost you a dime. Any vehicle sold at a dealership should have safe steering.