RoadVitals

1997 Dodge Dakota

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
446
Latest Feb 23, 2018
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
12
Latest May 11, 2009
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
47
30 injuries, 1 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 446 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1997 Dodge Dakota, most frequently naming the suspension, brakes and engine categories. 12 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 107 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

12 campaigns cover this model year

View all 12

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
09E025000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

May 11, 2009
42,540 units potentially affected
The defect: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
DOPE, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
09E012000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Apr 7, 2009
16,270 units potentially affected
The defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
SABERSPORTView on NHTSA.gov
08E064000

SUSPENSION:FRONT:HUB

Oct 20, 2008
2,805 units potentially affected
The defect: SKF IS RECALLING 2,805 HUB UNITS, PART NO. BR930361, SOLD AS A SERVICE PART FOR 1997-2004 DODGE DAKOTA VEHICLES AND 1999-2003 DODGE DURANGO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2-WHEEL DRIVE & REAR AXLE ABS. DUE TO A SPECIFICATION ERROR, THE ROTOR PILOT FOR THE HUB UNIT MAY BE TOO LONG. THIS RESULTS IN THE WHEEL TO NOT BE SEATED FULLY AGAINST THE HUB FLANGE FACE DURING MOUNTING.
The risk: IMPROPER SEATING OF THE WHEEL CAN RESULT IN EXCESSIVE VIBRATION, BRAKE ROTOR NOISE, DIFFICULTY REMOVING THE WHEEL AFTER INSTALLATION AND OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE, AND POSSIBLY WHEEL-END SEPARATION DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. SHOULD WHEEL-END SEPARATION OCCUR, THE DRIVER COULD LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
The remedy: SKF WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE HUB UNITS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 5, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SKF VSM NORTH AMERICA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-644-8999.
SKF USA, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA03023ClosedEngineering Analysis

UPPER BALL JOINT SEPARATION

Opened Nov 19, 2003
Closed Feb 11, 2005

DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) IS RECALLING THE TARGET POPULATION OF APPROXIMATELY 600,000 MY 2000 THROUGH 2003 DURANGO AND DAKOTA VEHICLES WITH FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE TO REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINTS WITH REDESIGNED PARTS THAT DO NOT HAVE THE JOINT INTEGRITY CONCERNS AND HAVE SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED JOINT RETENTION CAPACITY (NHTSA RECALL NO. 04V-596).THOUGH DCC DOES NOT ADMIT TO A SAFETY-DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS, ODI BELIEVES THAT THE FACTS IN THIS INVESTIGATION SHOW OTHERWISE.BECAUSE OF THE LOW RATES OF SEPARATION INCIDENTS IN THE REMAINING SUBJECT VEHICLES, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THOSE POPULATIONS AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS IN THOSE VEHICLES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

SUSPENSIONLed to recall 04V596000

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 446
Brakes
Filed Feb 23, 2018

BRAKE LINE CRODDED, LOSS OF BRAKES IN MOTION IN DRIVEWAY

NHTSA ID
11074563
Incident
Jan 31, 2018
Mileage
184,231 mi
Driver assistanceElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Oct 2, 2016

HEADLIGHTS KEEP FAILING. HAVE CHANGED HEADLIGHT SWITCH SEVERAL TIMES, BUT FAILS AGAIN. TRANSMISSION WON'T SHIFT INTO OVERDRIVE. CRUISE CONTROL IS DIFFICULT TO ACTIVATE. SOMETIMES TRANSMISSION WON'T SHIFT FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR

NHTSA ID
10911071
Incident
Jul 8, 2016
Mileage
120,000 mi
Engine
Filed May 6, 2016
Fire reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND OPENED THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
10863588
Incident
Apr 28, 2016
Brakes
Filed May 29, 2015

TOOK VEHICLE TO DODGE DEALER (BRYDEN MOTORS BELOIT) FOR INSPECTION OF FUEL LINE AND BRAKES (FUEL LINE IS NOT RIGHT AND REAR BRAKE LINE IS LEAKING AFFECTING BRAKING) FUEL LINE PART WAS ORDERED NUT BRAKES WERE NOT INSPECTED AND IGNORED. I AM SUPPOSED TO RETURN WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON TO HAVE ORDERED FUEL LINE PART(S) INSTALLED.

NHTSA ID
10722378
Incident
May 29, 2015
Mileage
118,000 mi
BrakesEngineFuel system
Filed Apr 19, 2015

3 DAYS AFTER WE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE THE FUEL SYSTEM WENT DOWN. REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP AND STILL WANTS TO STALL AND ACT LIKE ITS CLOGGED IN THE FUEL LINES. ITS BEEN FLUSHED. WHEN DRIVING IT BOGS DOWN AND CHUGS. IT WANTS TO DIE AND SHUT OFF WHILE YOUR DRIVING THE TRUCK. THE BRAKES ONLY WORK HALF THE TIME. MOST OF THE TIME I CAN'T EVEN STOP UNTIL I'M HALFWAY THROUGH THE INTERSECTION. REPLACED ALL THE SENSORS AND STILL DOESN'T WANT TO START AND STAY RUNNING. FUEL PUMP KICKS ON, BUT HAS TO RUN EXTRA HARD TO TRY AND KEEP THE ENGINE RUNNING. *TR

NHTSA ID
10706503
Incident
Sep 26, 2014
Mileage
171,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Dec 2, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A FUEL ODOR EMITTING OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL LINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 00V199000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
10661594
Incident
Nov 20, 2014
Mileage
121,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Sep 10, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 00V199000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THEY HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

NHTSA ID
10632232
Incident
Aug 4, 2014
Mileage
120,000 mi
Interior & seats
Filed May 1, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER FRONT SEAT WAS UNSTABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
10586050
Incident
Nov 23, 2011
Mileage
125,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

08-049-20

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT

Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.

DOR-X6W2U-06

AIR BAGS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This SKU is a Clock Spring. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the internal spring. If the internal spring is not seated, the electrical circuit for the horn is disconnected and the horn will not function. The horn electrical circuit does not affect the airbag circuit.

3100319

STRUCTURE

Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.

31-003-19

EQUIPMENT

Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.

3100619

EQUIPMENT; STRUCTURE

Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

31-006-19

STRUCTURE

Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Dodge Dakota by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2011446160.0
2010357162.1
2009185155.1
2008912149.0
20071444460.2
20062846562.3
20054707564.4
20042065049.7
200329511155.5
200267812159.6
200167814259.8
200080612463.7
199964110158.3
199854512157.8
1997Viewing44612159.0
19961892156.0
19952081255.0
19941664465.7
19931342157.8
19922162362.1
19911285364.1
1990633155.0
1989633052.7
1988553050.5
1987202048.9
1986100—
1985200—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.