RoadVitals

1997 Dodge Dakota Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
18
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

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1997 Dodge Dakota, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

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

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

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

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

142
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

PREMATURE WEAR AND FAILURE OF UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS. TRUCK WAS MAKING POPPING NOISES WHEN YOU TURNED THE WHEEL OR WENT OVER BUMPS. TOOK TO LOCAL MECHANIC; MECHANIC STATED THAT THE BALL JOINTS WERE SCARY BAD. MECHANIC ALSO STATED THAT IF I HAD NOT BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN THE FRONT WHEELS COULD HAVE BROKEN OFF CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO WRECK. *JS

NHTSA ID 10453601 · filed Mar 30, 2012

DUE TO POOR CHOICE OF MATERIALS (I ASSUME) THE FRONT HUB AND SPINDLE ASSEMBLY WEARS. LEAVING FRONT BRAKE SLIDER PINS UNATTACHED TO CALIPER MOUNTING PLATE. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE FRONT CALIPER WOBBLES IN IT'S PLACE, POSSIBLY EJECTING THE SLIDEPINS BECAUSE THEY "WOBBLE" IN THE KNUCKLE HOLES DESIGNED TO RETAIN THEM. THIS CAUSES EXCESS WEAR ON THE FRONT HUB ASSEMBLY, INCREASED WEAR IN BRAKES, AND STRESS ON THE HUB BEARINGS. HAVING READ THE "ALLDATA" DATA BASE, THERE IS A REDESIGNED KNUCKLE WITH IMPROVED SLIDE PIN SUPPORTS. THERE ALSO IS A REPAIR KIT INVOLVING THE USAGE OF "HELI-COIL" INSERTS TO SECURE BRAKE PAD CARRIER TO SPINDLE ASSEMBLY. (SLIDE PINS) I FEEL TOTALLY UNSAFE WITH THIS ARRANGEMENT. I PREFER TO HAVE THE RE-DESIGNED SPINDLE ASSEMBLIES INSTALLED FOR FREE BY DEALER WITH UP-DATED PART NUMBERS. THE DEALER WANTS $1000 PER SIDE FOR THE REDESIGNED UNITS. I THINK THIS IS ABSURD. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND COULD CAUSE LOSS OF LIFE DUE TO LOSS OF CONTROL. THE ONLY THING HOLDING THE BRAKE ASSEMBLIES IN PLACE IS THE WHEEL, ITSELF!! *TR

NHTSA ID 10267391 · filed Apr 30, 2009
All 142 reports naming suspension

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

73
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

BRAKE LINE CRODDED, LOSS OF BRAKES IN MOTION IN DRIVEWAY

NHTSA ID 11074563 · filed Feb 23, 2018

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 · filed May 29, 2015
All 73 reports naming brakes

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

51
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed May 6, 2016

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 · filed Apr 19, 2015
All 51 reports naming engine

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

38
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Apr 19, 2015

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 · filed Dec 2, 2014
All 38 reports naming fuel system

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

37
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY HUSBAND AND I WERE IN A WRECK 01/02/06 WITH HIS 97 DODGE DAKOTA SLT CLUB CAB, WE HIT 2 DEER AT 50-55 MPH HEAD ON. OUR AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. WE NOTIFIED CHRYSLER ABOUT THIS MATTER. THEY SENT OUT A SPECIAL INVESTIGATOR TO GO OVER THE TRUCK TO SEE WHY THEY DID NOT DEPLOY, WE WERE ADVISED BY MY HUSBANDS INSURANCE COMPANY TO BE PRESENT AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION, WE TOLD THIS TO CHRYSLERS SPECIAL INVESTIGATOR. MY HUSBAND WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP THE TRUCK WAS TO BE TAKEN TO THE SI DIDN'T SHOW UP MY HUSBAND CAME HOME, I CALLED THE BODY SHOP THAT HAD THE TRUCK AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE SI HAD COME AND LOOKED AT THE TRUCK THERE AND THEN WAS WANTING IT TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP. I TOLD THE BODY SHOP NOT TO ALLOW THE TRUCK TO BE MOVED WITHOUT US PRESENT, THEY WENT AHEAD AND DID IT ANYWAY. ALONG WITH CONTACT OVER THE AIRBAGS WITH CHRYSLER I WAS MADE AWARE OF 1 RECALL, THAT WE HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF. NOW IN MY RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND 5 RECALLS THAT WE WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF. I WAS INJURED IN THE ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THE AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOYING, I AM STILL HAVING PROBLEMS. WE HAVE NO VEHICLE AT ALL, CHRYSLER IS DRAGGING THEIR FEET ABOUT DOING ANYTHING AS FAR AS TELLING US ANY DETAILS OF THE INVESTIGATION. WE ARE THINKING ABOUT POSSIBLY REPAIRING THE TRUCK, THIS WILL TAKE MONEY THAT WE DO NOT HAVE TO FIX, THE TRUCK HAD LIABILITY ONLY INSURANCE. WE LIVE ON A FIXED INCOME, MY HUSBAND IS DISABLED, I AM CURRENTLY NOT WORKING AND IF I WERE I WOULD HAVE BEEN FIRED FOR NOT BEING ABLE TO GET TO WORK. DUE TO ALL THE RECALLS ON THIS TRUCK THAT WE HAVE JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT AND THE AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOYING AND THIS BEING OUR ONLY TRANSPORTATION, WE WOULD JUST LIKE TO SEE THE VEHICLE REPLACED, BUT NOT WITH CHRYSLER WITH A COMPETITOR, WE ARE NOT ASKING FOR A BRAND NEW VEHICLE AND ALSO TO HAVE MY MEDICAL BILLS PAID. *JB

NHTSA ID 10147506 · filed Jan 12, 2006

WAS DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 485 AT CHARLOTTE, NC AND AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WITH ABSOLUTELY NO COLLSION. WENT TO DEALER AND ALL THEY WANTED TO DO WAS CHARGE ME 2700.00 TO FIX THE AIRBAGS

NHTSA ID 10126409 · filed Jun 23, 2005
All 37 reports naming airbags

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

34
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

LOCKED VEHICLE IN FOUR WHEEL DRIVE HIGH, STARTED GOING THROUGH FLAT PASTURE, EITHER BRAKES LOCKED UP OR FRONT PUMKIN TURNED UP AND LOCKED FRONT WHEELS UP, LOST CONTROL AND ROLLED ONTO DRIVER SIDE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10552659 · filed Nov 18, 2013

DUE TO POOR CHOICE OF MATERIALS (I ASSUME) THE FRONT HUB AND SPINDLE ASSEMBLY WEARS. LEAVING FRONT BRAKE SLIDER PINS UNATTACHED TO CALIPER MOUNTING PLATE. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE FRONT CALIPER WOBBLES IN IT'S PLACE, POSSIBLY EJECTING THE SLIDEPINS BECAUSE THEY "WOBBLE" IN THE KNUCKLE HOLES DESIGNED TO RETAIN THEM. THIS CAUSES EXCESS WEAR ON THE FRONT HUB ASSEMBLY, INCREASED WEAR IN BRAKES, AND STRESS ON THE HUB BEARINGS. HAVING READ THE "ALLDATA" DATA BASE, THERE IS A REDESIGNED KNUCKLE WITH IMPROVED SLIDE PIN SUPPORTS. THERE ALSO IS A REPAIR KIT INVOLVING THE USAGE OF "HELI-COIL" INSERTS TO SECURE BRAKE PAD CARRIER TO SPINDLE ASSEMBLY. (SLIDE PINS) I FEEL TOTALLY UNSAFE WITH THIS ARRANGEMENT. I PREFER TO HAVE THE RE-DESIGNED SPINDLE ASSEMBLIES INSTALLED FOR FREE BY DEALER WITH UP-DATED PART NUMBERS. THE DEALER WANTS $1000 PER SIDE FOR THE REDESIGNED UNITS. I THINK THIS IS ABSURD. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND COULD CAUSE LOSS OF LIFE DUE TO LOSS OF CONTROL. THE ONLY THING HOLDING THE BRAKE ASSEMBLIES IN PLACE IS THE WHEEL, ITSELF!! *TR

NHTSA ID 10267391 · filed Apr 30, 2009
All 34 reports naming steering

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

33
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CAR LOST POWER AND LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. SCANNER SHOWED CODE P0740; TORQUE CONVERTER PROBLEM. HAD TO OVERHAUL TRANSMISSION AND REPLACE THE TORQUE CONVERTER. *JS

NHTSA ID 10453604 · filed Mar 30, 2012

MY BALL JOINTS AND TIE RODS WERE GOING BAD AT 54,000 MILES. DODGE WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE PROBLEM. ALSO, MY TRANSMISSION STARTED TO GO BAD AT 74,000 MILES. 2ND GEAR WENT OUT, THEN IT WENT COMPLETELY OUT AT 91,000 MILES. OBVIOUSLY DODGE WASN'T GOING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I WONT BUY ANOTHER DODGE AGAIN. *TR

NHTSA ID 10220369 · filed Mar 7, 2008
All 33 reports naming transmission

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

26
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed May 1, 2014

I CANNOT REST PROPERLY AGAINST THE SEAT BACK IT WILL RECLINE ON ITS OWN. REACHING INTO POCKET AT DRIVE-THRU RESTAURANTS APPLYING MODERATE PRESSURE AGAINST SEAT BACK IT FALLS ALL THE WAY BACK. IF I ACCELERATE SWIFTLY THE SEAT BACK WILL DROP FROM BEHIND ME. IN EVENT OF ACCIDENT I'M SURE I WILL HAVE NO SUPPORT TO PREVENT WHIPLASH.*JB

NHTSA ID 10154473 · filed Apr 4, 2006
All 26 reports naming interior & seats

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

18
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE DAKOTA. THE VEHICLE HAS CONTINENTAL TIRES. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE TREAD FROM ONE OF THE TIRES BEGAN TO STRIKE THE DOOR AND FRONT FENDER OF THE VEHICLE BEFORE COMPLETELY SEPARATING FROM THE TIRE. THE REMAINDER OF THE TIRES REMAINED INFLATED. THE CONTACT DID NOT DRIVE OR ANY POTHOLES OR OTHER ROAD HAZARDS TO CAUSE THE FAILURE. HE TOOK THE TIRE BACK TO THE STORE FROM WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED AND WAS INFORMED THAT IT WAS DEFECTIVE. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED FOR FREE. THE TIRE SIZE, TIRE LINE, AND REMAINING TREAD DEPTH WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,408. UPDATED 03/17/09. *LJ THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE TIRE WAS DEFECTIVE. UPDATED 03/17/09. *JB

NHTSA ID 10260028 · filed Feb 26, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHIFTS OUT OF GEAR WHEN THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE FEATURE IS ACTIVATED. THE FAILURE BEGAN SINCE THE TIME THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. HE CALLED THE DEALER, BUT BECAME ILL AND WAS UNABLE TO RETURN THE VEHICLE FOR REPAIR BEFORE THE THIRTY DAY WARRANTY EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE RECEIVED A NEW STATE INSPECTION IN SPITE OF THE BRAKE AND BALL JOINT ISSUES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE FEATURE DISENGAGES WHILE DRIVING AND THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE COMPLETELY WORN, MAKING THE VEHICLE DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE WHEEL HUB WAS REPLACED AND THERE WAS NO BRAKE LINING ON THE REAR AXLE. THE BRAKE CABLES WERE REPLACED AS WELL. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, AND PURCHASE DATE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 116,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000.

NHTSA ID 10194310 · filed Jun 14, 2007
All 18 reports naming tires & wheels

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Oct 2, 2016

MY 1997 DODGE DAKOTA HAS HAD TO HAVE BOTH UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS REPLACED ON BOTH SIDES, TWICE SINCE I BOUGHT THE TRUCK IN 1999. *AK

NHTSA ID 10050911 · filed Dec 22, 2003
All 14 reports naming electrical

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

LOCKED VEHICLE IN FOUR WHEEL DRIVE HIGH, STARTED GOING THROUGH FLAT PASTURE, EITHER BRAKES LOCKED UP OR FRONT PUMKIN TURNED UP AND LOCKED FRONT WHEELS UP, LOST CONTROL AND ROLLED ONTO DRIVER SIDE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10552659 · filed Nov 18, 2013

I NOTICED ANOTHER COMPLAINT DATED 3/1/2004 AS THE FAIL DATE AND AN INTERNAL USE DATE OF 7/6/2005 OF THIS SAME PROBLEM. THE PAINT ON THE ROOF OF THE CAB STARED PEELING OFF AND PAINT ON VARIOUS OTHER AREAS OF THE TRUCK. THE BUMPER WAS THE FIRST TO GO. I WOULD SAY THIS STARTED ABOUT AFTER THE TRUCK WAS 4-5 YEARS OLD. I ONCE HAD THIS HAPPEN ON A TWO YEAR OLD NISSAN TRUCK AND NISSAN REPAINTED THE ENTIRE TRUCK AN SAID IT WAS DEFECTIVELY PAINTED. *NM

NHTSA ID 10136368 · filed Sep 13, 2005
All 14 reports naming body & structure

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

GOING DOWN THE ROAD AT 55 MPH AND ALL OF A SUDDEN I HIT A POTHOLE AND THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRE CAME RIGHT OFF , IT IS THE SAME PROBLEM AS THE 2000 - 2003'S HAVE. WE HAVE PICTURES OF IT TO PROVE IT . THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS LET LOOSE THE CV SHAFT PULLED OUT AND THE SHOCK GOT BENT. THE TIRE TURNED ON ITS SIDE WHILE THE TRUCK WAS SLIDING DOWN THE ROAD SIDEWAYS AND I WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL HOW THE TRUCK WAS GOING. THE ONLY THING HOLDING THE TIRE ON THE TRUCK WAS THE BRAKE LINE. THE TIRE RIM HAD CHUNKS TAKEN OUT OF IT AND THE TIRE HAD WEAR FROM BEING ON ITS SIDE UNDER THE FRAME OF THE TRUCK WHILE IT WAS SLIDING. WE HAD TO GET IT FLATBEDDED TO THE REPAIR SHOP . WE HAD A CERTIFIED REPAIR SHOP DO ALL THE NECESSARY REPAIRS TO THE TRUCK TO WHICH INCLUDED NEW UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS,NEW CV SHAFT, NEW RIM ADN TIRE , NEW SHOCK , AXLE ASSEMBLY,BRAKE HOSE , STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE,INNER AND OUTER TIE RODS AND A FRONT END ALIGNMENT.THIS TRUCK HAD JUST BEEN THROUGH A NYS INSPECTION IN DECEMBER 2003 AND PASSED. THIS ACCIDENT HAPPENED ON OCTOBER 25, 2004 WHICH LEFT US WITHOUT THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE IT WAS NOT ABLE TO BE REPAIRED IMMEDIATELY WE GOT THE TRUCK BACK ON NOVEMBER 10 , 2004. WE FEEL THAT CHRYSLER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR BILL FOR THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE THEY ARE ADMITTING THERE IS A PROBLEM THE SAME AS THIS TO THE NEWER MODELS. *AK

NHTSA ID 10102620 · filed Dec 10, 2004

PREMATURE FAILURE OF BALL JOINTS & LOWER STEERING COLUMN U-JOINTS. UPPER BALL JOINTS NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. *AK

NHTSA ID 10061899 · filed Mar 11, 2004
All 14 reports naming powertrain (other)

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN THE HEATER BLOWER MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO HEAT THE VEHICLE INTERIOR OR UTILIZE THE DEFROSTER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR REPAIRS WHERE THE HEATER BLOWER, MOTOR AND BLOWER FAN WERE REPLACED. THE TECHNICIAN ALSO ADDED MORE ANTI-FREEZE TO THE VEHICLE BUT NONE OF THE REPAIRS REMEDIED THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED TO REPORT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,400. UPDATED 3/1/11 *CN UPDATED 07/01/11

NHTSA ID 10377177 · filed Jan 19, 2011

AIR CONDITIONING--STILL WORKS BUT AT TIMES IT SHUTS OF THE UPPER AIR DUCTS AND I HAVE TO SHUT IT OFF ON RESTART IT TO MAKE IT WORK RIGHT. ENGINE--- MAKES A NOISE ( STARTED AT 20,000 MILES) TOOK IT TO A DEALER THEY COULD NOT FIGURE OUT WHAT IT WAS. AFTER WARRANTY WAS UP TOLD ITS THE TIMING CHAIN.AT 92,000 STILL MAKES THE SAME NOISE POWER WINDOW-- PASSENGER SIDE DOES NOT WORK OTHER--1. RADIO (TAPE DECK) TAPE DECK TURNS THE WIND AND REWIND ON BY ITSELF. HAVE TO TURN THE MOTOR OFF AND RESTART TO GET IT TO QUITE. 2.HAVE ALL KINDS OF WIRE PROBLEMS, ALL THE PLASTIC COATING COMES OFF AND WIRES BREAK 3.TAIL LIGHT PLUGS WON'T STAY PLUGGED IN PAINT-- CHIPS EASILY

NHTSA ID 10070823 · filed Jan 15, 2004
All 13 reports naming visibility

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Oct 2, 2016

SPEEDOMETOR AND CRUISE CONTROL QUIT WORKING REPLACED SPEED SENSOR PER DEALER AND STILL NOT WORKING. ALSO SEAT DOESN'T LOCK IN UPRIGHT POSITION ON DRIVERS SIDE. TRANSFER CASE SEAL WENT OUT AND HAD TO REPLACE TRANSFER CASE. I HATE THIS TRUCK AND I COULDN'T GIVE IT AWAY. *AK

NHTSA ID 764224 · filed Jul 14, 2002
All 13 reports naming driver assistance

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING ANOTHER VEHICLE VEERED INTO CONSUMER'S VEHICLE LANE, DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES, THEY DID NOT WORK AND CONSUMER'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE OTHER VEHICLE. THE LEFT SIDE SEAT BELT CAME APART. UPON IMPACT, BOTH AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER SUSTAINED HEAD AND NECK, AND KNEE INJURIES, AND WAS TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE TO A HOSPITAL. VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND TOTALED BY INSURANCE COMPANY. *AK...DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION NOTIFIED CONSUMER THAT THEY COULD NOT VERIFY ANY TYPE OF SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE AND DENIED CONSUMER'S CLAIM. A POLICE REPORT WAS ON FILE. *AK

NHTSA ID 10117490 · filed Apr 5, 2005

I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE THE OTHER VEHICLE PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME. I HIT THE BRAKES AND ALSO HIT THE SIDE OF THE OTHER VEHICLE. BOTH AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, BUT THE DRIVER SEAT BELT BROKE. *AK

NHTSA ID 10098551 · filed Nov 9, 2004
All 10 reports naming seat belts

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

BALL JOINT FAILURE.........HAD TO REPLACE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS IN MARCH 2005, AND NOW IN DECEMBER 2007, I AM HAVING TO REPLACE UPPER BALL JOINTS AGAIN. BALL JOINTS IN 1997 DODGE DAKOTA ARE A DEFECTIVE DESIGN, AND WEAR OUT TOO QUICKLY. *TR

NHTSA ID 10210776 · filed Dec 4, 2007

DURING 200, SQUEAK IN FRONT END BECAME LOUDER AND LOUDER. HAD TO HAVE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS REPLACED ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT. TRUCK HAD 95,000 MILES. 2 YEARS LATE SAME PROBLEM WITH SQUEAK IN FRONT END BECAME LOUDER AND LOUDER. NEEDED TO HAVE THE BALL JOINTS REPLACED AGAIN. ONLY ABOUT 10,000 MILES ON TRUCK THIS TIME. *AK

NHTSA ID 10196740 · filed Jul 18, 2007
All 8 reports naming other / unspecified

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

60,000 MILES TO AND FROM WORK NO ABUSE BALL JOINTS FAILED AND AC HAS LEAK IN DASH,TIMING CHAIN AND IDLER PULLEY MAKES NOISE. RADIATOR LEAKS TRANSMISSION FLUID PLASTIC TANKS ON RADIATOR. *JB

NHTSA ID 10104913 · filed Jan 1, 2005

CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT HAVING TRANSMISSION FLUID PROBLEM. SINCE OWNING THE VEHICLE CONSUMER HAD TO CHANGE TRANSMISSION FLUID EVERY YEAR. ALSO, AIR CONDITIONING PROBLEM. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP, AND CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR FAILED TO WORK AND VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE AIR CONDITIONING. MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AT THE TIME OF THIS CALL. *AK

NHTSA ID 10039770 · filed Sep 11, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Oct 2, 2016

WHEN DRIVING AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATE AND THEN GO OUT WITHOUT ANY WARNING. ALSO, AIR BAG LIGHT WILL TURN OFF IF TURN SIGNALS ARE ENGAGED.*AK

NHTSA ID 10026244 · filed Jun 30, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .