2000 Dodge Dakota Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2000 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
- Suspension28230.1%
- Brakes26428.1%
- Steering687.2%
- Engine586.2%
- Transmission464.9%
- Airbags293.1%
- Powertrain (other)283.0%
- Tires & wheels262.8%
- Visibility252.7%
- Interior & seats232.5%
- Electrical202.1%
- Other / unspecified192.0%
- Fuel system141.5%
- Driver assistance141.5%
- Body & structure91.0%
- Seat belts91.0%
- Exterior lighting40.4%
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2000 DODGE DAKOTA EQUIPPED WITH COOPER TIRES, TIRE LINE: FUTURA, TIRE SIZE: 275/75/R15. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE VERY LOUD WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT STATED HE TOOK THE TIRES TO PEPBOYS (7725 W NEWBERRY RD, GAINESVILLE, FL 32606, (352)332-6003) TO BE INSPECTED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WHEEL BEARINGS WERE FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 235,100.
BAD RUST ISSUE TO AREAS INCLUDING FRONT AND REAR BUMBER, THE ENTIRE BED INCLUDING MOUNTING POINTS, FENDERS, CAB CORNERS AND FRAME. LOST FENDER FLARE TWICE DUE TO RUST AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT THE ENTIRE BED SLID BACK AND ALMOST FELL OFF AND FENDERS AND BUMBERS ARE BASICALLY RUST AND NEED REPLACED, WHEEL WELLS ON BED ARE FALLING APART CAUSING A SAFETY ISSUE IF I HAUL ANYTHING
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 1998 N/A Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that while at the DMV to renew the tags, the contact was unable to register the vehicle because the vehicle was under recall. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 00V193000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 163,159.
"TAKATA RECALL" THE POWER STEERING CONTINUES TO LEAK EVEN AFTER SEVERAL REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
"TAKATA RECALL" THE POWER STEERING CONTINUES TO LEAK EVEN AFTER SEVERAL REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE.
IT HAS BEEN CONFIRMED. I HAVE RECEIVED A SECOND OPINION AND HAVE BEEN TOLD INTERMEDIATE DRIVE SHAFT NEEDS TO REPLACED. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM AND AM TOTALLY CONFUSED AS TO WHY CHRYSTAL HAS NOT YET ISSUED A RECALL ON THIS FAULTY PART, IT HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE FOR MANY DODGE OWNERS. ALL NHTSA NEEDS TO DO IS SEARCH IT ONLINE. SO MANY COMPLAINTS AND YET NO ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN. I HAVE WRITTEN/ EMAILED TO DODGE CORP. AND WAS TOLD THAT RECALLS NEED TO BE PROCESSED THROUGH NHTSA. PLEASE ANYONE ELSE HAVING THIS PROBLEM FILE A COMPLAINT SO DODGE WILL FINALLY DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Unknown
MY TRANSMISSION IS NOT SHIFTING RIGHT AND IT IS VERY SLUGGISH IN FREEWAY AND WHILE WE IDLING. *TR
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT NOTICED A SMALL RED PUDDLE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, HE OBSERVED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL WAS LOW. HE ADDED TRANSMISSION FLUID TO THE VEHICLE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V197000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE DEALER WOULD HAVE TO GET AUTHORIZATION PRIOR TO MAKING ANY REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS EIGHT YEARS OLD, THEY WOULD NOT ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 174,168.
WE BOUGHT A 2000 DODGE DAKOTA SPORT IN JANUARY 2008. EVER SINCE WE'VE HAD IT, IT'S RPM GOES UP TO 3 1/2 TO 4 RPMS BEFORE IT SHIFT FROM FIRST TO SECOND AND FROM SECOND TO THIRD. AT FIRST, IT WAS WHEN WE WOULD FIRST LEAVE OUR PARKING LOT, AND NOW IT DOES IT ALMOST ALL THE TIME. WE BOUGHT IT AT KUNES IN DELAVAN, WISCONSIN AND THEY SAY THAT IT'S NORMAL. WE'VE NEVER OWNED A VEHICLE OR KNOWN ANYBODY WHO HAS EVER HAD THAT HAPPENED TO. THE TRUCK ONLY HAS 67,000 MILES ON IT. IF THIS IS NORMAL WHY IS IT GETTING WORSE THE MORE WE DRIVE IT. *TR
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE BEEN THE OWNER OF MY TRUCK SINCE 2007 . I HAVE HAD 3 CAR WRECKERS AND MY6 AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLODED. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT TO DO ? ..UPDATED 09/28/17 *BF UPDATED 7/19/18*JB *TR
I WAS SLOWING DOWN TO TURN INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS SPEEDING AND TOOK A CURVE TO FAST AND CROSSED THE CENTER LINE AND HIT HEAD ON. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY PROPERLY AND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG WAS BUSTED WHEN IT WAS DEPLOYED. THE STEERING WHEEL INNER COMPONETS CAME OUT WITH THE AIRBAG WHICH DID NOT INFLATE AND CAUSED INJURY TO MY CHEST AREA. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED BUT WAS BUSTED AND CAUSED MY DAUGHTER TO GET A BROKEN ARM. I BELIEVE THIS WAS A DEFAULT IN THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IN MY TRUCK. MY TWO YOUNGEST CHILDREN WERE TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY TRANSMISSION IS NOT SHIFTING RIGHT AND IT IS VERY SLUGGISH IN FREEWAY AND WHILE WE IDLING. *TR
BAD RUST ISSUE TO AREAS INCLUDING FRONT AND REAR BUMBER, THE ENTIRE BED INCLUDING MOUNTING POINTS, FENDERS, CAB CORNERS AND FRAME. LOST FENDER FLARE TWICE DUE TO RUST AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT THE ENTIRE BED SLID BACK AND ALMOST FELL OFF AND FENDERS AND BUMBERS ARE BASICALLY RUST AND NEED REPLACED, WHEEL WELLS ON BED ARE FALLING APART CAUSING A SAFETY ISSUE IF I HAUL ANYTHING
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH TREAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM TIRE BUT DID NOT LOSE AIR AND I WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. TIRE TREAD CAUSED OVER $2,000 DAMAGE TO THE BED OF THE 2000 DODGE DAKOTA PU AS THE TREAD EXPLOSIVELY SEPARATED FROM THE TRUCK. THE TIRE WAS 6 YEARS AND 3 MONTHS OLD WITH LESS THAN 20,000 MILES ON IT. WE DO LIVE IN AN AREA THAT EXPERIENCES SUMMERTIME TEMPS IN THE 90-110 DEGREE RANGE. THE TEMP THAT DAY IN MAY WAS ABOUT 90 DEGREES. I AM REPORTING THIS BECAUSE I JUST HAD ANOTHER DEFINITY DAKOTA H/T TIRE DEVELOP A BULGE AND LOOKS LIKE IT IS ABOUT TO EXPERIENCE A TREAD SEPARATION ALSO. TIRE IS ON THE SAME VEHICLE AND THE SAME, PASSENGER SIDE REAR POSITION AS THE FIRST TIRE INCIDENT. BOTH TIRE WERE PURCHASED IN FEB 2007 AS A SET OF FOUR DEFINITY DAKOTA H/T. TIRES. I CHECKED WITH PEP BOYS AND THE LOCAL REP SAID HE WAS NOT AWARE OF ANY PROBLEMS WITH THESE TIRES AND STATE THAT HE HAD THEM ON HIS VEHICLE. *TR
2000 DODGE DAKOTA TRUCK. CONSUMER REQUEST AN INVESTIGATION ON DEFECTIVE TIRES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE TIRES HE PURCHASED, WOULD LOSE AIR ON A CONSTANT BASIS. ALSO, THERE WERE RUST STAINS COMING FROM THE SIDE OF THE TIRES.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY 2000 DODGE DAKOTA DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW REGULATOR HAS FAILED. I ALSO OWN A 2001 CARAVAN WHOSE DRIVERS SIDE REGULATOR BROKE 2 YEARS AGO AND MY 2001 DURANGO HAD BOTH LEFT SIDE DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS WINDOW REGULATOR BROKE AS WELL. THAT IS NOW 4 WINDOWS REGULATORS FAILED IN LESS THAN 3 YEARS. *NM
HEATER CORE BUSTED AT 42000 MILES. *JB
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN YOU APPLY THE BRAKES TO STOP OR SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE WHILE IN MOTION, THE DRIVERS SEAT SLIDES FORWARDS. I CAN'T SEEM TO FIGURE OUT WHAT IS CAUSING THE SEAT TO MOVE FORWARD WHEN COMING TO A STOP
THE DOOR LOCKS ON MY 2000 DODGE DAKOTA HAVE FAILED TO WORK. THEY LOCK BUT DO NOT UNLOCK FROM THE INSIDE. THEY HAVE BEEN REPAIRED 2 TIMES AND HAVE FAILED A THIRD . I WAS TOLD THE DOOR LATCH/LOCK ASSEMBLY IS THE PART THAT IS FAILING ALSO THE CENTRAL TIMER MODULE IS ALSO IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT. THE DOORS WILL UNLOCK FROM OUTSIDE WITH THE REMOTE BUT WILL NOT UNLOCK FROM THE INSIDE. *JB
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE IGNITION WAS TURNED TO THE ON POSITION, STEAM APPEARED FROM THE VENTS. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEATING COIL SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,795. UPDATED 02/10/16*LJ;UPDATED 04/30/18*JB *JS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLS WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE HAS NO POWER STEERING OR BRAKES WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DOES NOT SPUTTER OR HESITATE PRIOR TO STALLING AND WHEN THE SECURITY WARNING LIGHT IS FLASHING, HE IS NOT ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAS TO PLAY WITH THE REMOTE TO GET THE LIGHT TO TURN OFF, AND STATED THAT ALL OF THE GAUGES ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL STOPPED WORKING WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,900.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, CONSUMER HIT A POT HOLE. SUDDENLY THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL LITERALLY FELL OFF. *NM
CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR NHTSA RECALL 04V596000 CONCERNING BALL JOINT REPLACEMENT. AFTER RETRIEVING THE VEHICLE AND ARRIVING HOME THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT RIM CRACKED, AND THE TIRE WAS RUINED. CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT LUGS: NUTS WERE PLACED ON TOO TIGHTLY. THE DEALER DENIED THAT ANY TING WAS WRONG. *AK
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY TRANSMISSION IS NOT SHIFTING RIGHT AND IT IS VERY SLUGGISH IN FREEWAY AND WHILE WE IDLING. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE, THE FUEL TANK DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS CONTACTED AND CAME TO THE CONTACT'S HOUSE. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AND CONFIRMED THAT THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FUEL TANK WAS STRAPPED TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DAKOTA. THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL, WHICH INDICATED THAT THE AIR BAG SYSTEM WAS INOPERATIVE. ALSO THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH WOULD NOT ACTIVATE. HE HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO-DATE. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING RECALL 01V153000 (AIR BAGS) FOR THE AIR BAGS AND WAS INFORMED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH WAS REPLACED. THE REPAIR DID NOT REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 151,360. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.
I HAVE A 2000 DODGE QUADCAB 4.7 PIECE OF CRAP TRUCK THAT I BOUGHT NEW. IT HAS 59,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS BEEN MAINTAINED SINCE NEW WITH THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. IN ADDITION, I HAVE REPLACED TWO OF THE COMPUTERS WHICH COST ME ABOUT $1800 COMBINED. FOR THE PAST YEAR OR SO IT HAS BEEN RUNNING LIKE CRAP. IT STALLS, THE IDLE SPEED FLUCTUATES DRASTICALLY. AT TIMES THE IDLE SPEED WILL GO FROM 500 TO 2500 RPMS FLUCTUATING UP AND DOWN WHEN SITTING AT A RED LIGHT. THE PEOPLE NEXT TO ME MUST WONDER WHAT'S GOING ON WITH MY VEHICLE LUNGING THE WAY IT DOES. THE SECOND COMPUTER THAT WAS REPLACED WAS DONE IN AN EFFORT TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM AND IT FAILED. IM AM TIRED OF SPENDING MONEY ON A VEHICLE WITH SO FEW MILES FOR A PROBLEM THAT MANY MANY OTHER DODGE OWNER HAVE EXPERIENCED. I FEEL LIKE I WAS DUPED. MY WIFE'S TOYOTA CAMRY JUST HIT 130,000 MILES AND WE HAVE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH IT. *TR
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
BAD RUST ISSUE TO AREAS INCLUDING FRONT AND REAR BUMBER, THE ENTIRE BED INCLUDING MOUNTING POINTS, FENDERS, CAB CORNERS AND FRAME. LOST FENDER FLARE TWICE DUE TO RUST AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT THE ENTIRE BED SLID BACK AND ALMOST FELL OFF AND FENDERS AND BUMBERS ARE BASICALLY RUST AND NEED REPLACED, WHEEL WELLS ON BED ARE FALLING APART CAUSING A SAFETY ISSUE IF I HAUL ANYTHING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE FRAME UNDERNEATH THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD NOT CALLED OR TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT OPERABLE AND WAS UNABLE TO BE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SPEAK WITH THE MANUFACTURER, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DAKOTA. THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY HAS FAILED. THE DEALER/MANUFACTURER WILL NOT REPLACE THE ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 93,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000.
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING HER 2000 DODGE DAKOTA (139000 FAILURE MILEAGE) AT 50 MPH IN THE LIGHT RAIN, SHE ATTEMPTED TO GO AROUND A SLIGHTLY SHARP CURVE, BUT THE CURVE TURNED OUT TO BE SHARPER THAN EXPECTED. WHEN THE CONTACTS APPLIED THE BRAKES HEAVILY THE WHEELS LOCKED, AND THE CONTACT SKIDDED, HITTING THE EMBANKMENT. AFTER THE CRASH, IN THE PROCESS OF EXITING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SEAT BELT BELT DID NOT TIGHTEN TO SECURE THE OCCUPANT IN THE SEAT. AS A RESULT, SHE HIT HER HEAD ON THE WINDSHIELD. *AK
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING CAR, TURN SIGNALS STOPPED WORKING, ALL FUSES AND RELAYS AND NEW TURN SIGNAL HAVE BEEN REPLACED, AND TURN SIGNALS STILL NOT WORKING, SINCE THIS HAPPENED IT STILL HAS NOT BEEN WORKING. ALSO AT IDLE, CAR REVS UP TO 2000 RPM, AND DROPS BACK TO NORMAL IDLE, THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS AT ANY SPEED OR AT IDLE. CAR WAS TUNED UP, AND NO CODES FOUND. BUT STILL REVS UP AT TIMES. *JS
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD INTERMITTENTLY FAIL AFTER TURNING ON THE HIGH BEAM LIGHTS. WHEN THE HIGH BEAMS WERE TURNED OFF, THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD STOP WORKING UNTIL THE CONSUMER TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTED IT. *AK THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD COME ON AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS OF USING THE DIMMER SWITCH. *SCC *JB
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .