2000 Dodge Dakota

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 806 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the suspension. It has been recalled 12 times.

Avoid One of the Dodge Dakota years to avoid: 3.9× the complaints of a typical Dakota year. Which Dodge Dakota years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
52,000 milesMedian miles at failure

359 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 2000 Dodge Dakota problems

259 of the 806 complaints (32%) are about the suspension.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint150
603
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor · brakes104
101
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint62
411
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes43
612
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc · brakes31
200
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission27
202
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes17
311
Suspension › Front16
101
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags16
16012
Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly15
000

2000 Dodge Dakota suspension problems

32% of all complaints

259 of the 806 complaints are about the suspension. This is what owners describe:

  • knocks, grinds or clunks11% · 28
  • vibrates or shakes6% · 15

Share of the 259 suspension complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
50,000 mi
median of 161 reports
Peak year of filing
2004
151 suspension complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
11 · 1 · 6
in these complaints
Recalls on the suspension
“Tl*the contact owns a 2000 dodge dakota. The contact heard a clunking noise when he drove over a bump in the road. He noticed that the steering wheel was loose when he attempted to turn the vehicle. The dealer replaced the upper ball joint. The failure occurred immediately after the upper ball joint was replaced. The dealer performed a wheel alignment and stated that the front end was out of symmetry.”
Owner complaint, filed Jul 16, 2007 at 95,000 miles
“Felt 'clunking' noises through steering wheel. During annual massachusetts vehicle inspection in august 2006 truck failed on front suspension test. Took to wcs automotive in rockland, ma. Mechanic determined both upper and lower ball joints on both right and left side required replacement. Total repair bill was $809.56. Old (original) parts no longer available. *jb”
Owner complaint, filed Sep 21, 2006 at 57,122 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
1999: 2 complaints, 0 about the suspension'992000: 64 complaints, 5 about the suspension2001: 148 complaints, 7 about the suspension2002: 86 complaints, 6 about the suspension2003: 147 complaints, 51 about the suspension'032004: 209 complaints, 151 about the suspension2005: 69 complaints, 28 about the suspension2006: 16 complaints, 5 about the suspension2007: 10 complaints, 1 about the suspension'072008: 15 complaints, 2 about the suspension2009: 5 complaints, 1 about the suspension2010: 6 complaints, 0 about the suspension2011: 3 complaints, 1 about the suspension'112012: 1 complaints, 0 about the suspension2013: 3 complaints, 0 about the suspension2014: 6 complaints, 0 about the suspension2015: 4 complaints, 0 about the suspension'152016: 2 complaints, 0 about the suspension2017: 2 complaints, 0 about the suspension2018: 2 complaints, 0 about the suspension2019: 1 complaints, 0 about the suspension'192020: 1 complaints, 0 about the suspension2021: 1 complaints, 1 about the suspension2022: 0 complaints, 0 about the suspension2023: 1 complaints, 0 about the suspension'232024: 1 complaints, 0 about the suspension2025: 0 complaints, 0 about the suspension2026: 1 complaints, 0 about the suspensionRecall 00V197000 (transmission)Recall 00V198000 (brakes)Recall 01V153000 (airbags)Recall 04V596000 (suspension)Recall 06E011000 (fuel system)Recall 06E024000 (engine)Recall 08E064000 (suspension)Recall 09E012000 (headlights)Recall 09E025000 (headlights)NHTSA investigation EA03023NHTSA investigation EA01010
All complaintsAbout the suspensionRecall (red: the suspension)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2000 Dakota peaked in 2004, with 209 filed that year. Owners had filed 217 complaints about the suspension before the first recall that covers it, 04V596000 in December 2004; 42 more have come in since. In 2026 owners filed 1 so far.

12 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting › Headlights09E025000
Filed May 11, 200942,540 vehiclesDope, Inc.

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.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

Exterior Lighting09E012000
Filed Apr 7, 200916,270 vehiclesSabersport

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.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

Suspension › Front › Hub08E064000
Filed Oct 20, 20082,805 vehiclesSkf USA, Inc.

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.

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.

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.

Exterior Lighting06E065000
Filed Jul 17, 20063,593 vehiclesAj Motorsport

Defect. CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.

Exterior Lighting06E026000
Filed Mar 23, 200661,944 vehiclesPro-A Motors, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Engine and Engine Cooling06E024000
Filed Mar 15, 200644,386 vehiclesK&n Engineering, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN REPLACEMENT K&N FUEL PERFORMANCE KITS, P/NOS. 57-1509, 57-1511, 57-1511-1, 57-1517, 57-1517-1, 57-1527, AND 57-1530. ALSO, A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THESE KITS WERE SOLD UNDER THE MOPAR PERFORMANCE PARTS BRAND NAME (P/NOS. P5007069 AND P5007070). ALL KITS WERE MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 20, 1999, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 23, 2004. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE MANUFACTURED AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN DODGE PICKUP TRUCKS AND SUVS. A SMALL PIECE OF MATERIAL FROM THE TUBE WALL COULD BE SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE THROTTLE BODY, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BECOME JAMMED IN THE OPEN POSITION.

Risk. A JAMMED OPEN THROTTLE COULD CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH OR INCREASED STOPING DISTANCES WHEN BRAKING.

Remedy. K&N WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2006.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump06E011000
Filed Feb 1, 20067,291 vehiclesAirtex Products

Defect. CERTAIN AFTERMARKET AIRTEX ELECTRIC FUEL PUMPS INSTALLED FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN 1997-2004 JEEP WRANGLER; 1997-2001 JEEP CHEROKEE; 1997-2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE; AND 2000-2003 DODGE DAKOTA VEHICLES. THE PLASTIC ELECTRICAL GROMMET CONNECTORS AT THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH AUTOMOTIVE FUELS AND MAY DEGRADE CAUSING A POTENTIAL LEAK PATH FOR FUEL.

Risk. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy. AIRTEX WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 25, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AIRTEX CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT 1-800-880-3056.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint04V596000
Filed Dec 21, 2004592,707 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4X4), IF MOISTURE LEAKS INTO THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINT, EVACUATION OF THE LUBRICANT AND CORROSION OF THE JOINT MAY CAUSE THE JOINT TO WEAR OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. THIS COULD CAUSE A CLUNKING NOISE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION, WHICH MAY NOT ALWAYS BE HEARD BY THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Risk. EXCESSIVE WEAR IN THE UPPER BALL JOINT MAY ALLOW IT TO SEPARATE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINTS. THIS SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BEGAN ON DECEMBER 21, 2004. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Air Bags01V153000
Filed May 8, 2001216,100 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS. SOUND DEADENER MATERIAL INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL COULD BECOME DETACHED FROM THE COVER AND HOUSING. NOTE: THE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS WERE BUILT AT THE WARREN ASSEMBLY PLANT ("S" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 16, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; ST. LOUIS NORTH ASSEMBLY PLANT ("J" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 19, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; LAGO ALBERTO ASSEMBLY PLANT ("M" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 23, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; AND SALTILLO ASSEMBLY PLANT ("G" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 23, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000. IMPORTANT: VEHICLES THAT HAVE ALREADY HAD THE PROPER CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE BEEN EXCLUDED FROM THIS RECALL. IN ADDITION, 1997-2000 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES THAT HAVE HAD A SUSPECT REPLACEMENT CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THIS RECALL.

Risk. WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE MATERIAL COULD INTERFERE WITH THE CLOCKSPRING RIBBON AND CAUSE AN OPEN CIRCUIT. THE DRIVER AIR BAG SYSTEM WILL BECOME DISABLED, AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 18, 2001. ALSO SOME 1997-200 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES THAT, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE HAD A SUSPECT REPLACEMENT CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission00V197000
Filed Jul 17, 200020,000 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 4.7L ENGINE AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MAY EXPEL FLUID FROM THE FILL TUBE DURING NORMAL TEMPERATURE OPERATION.

Risk. THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COULD COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM AND IGNITION OF THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COULD RESULT.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL SHORTEN THE VENT HOSE AND ASSURE ADEQUATE CLEARANCE.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings00V198000
Filed Jul 17, 2000437,000 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH INADEQUATE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE REAR AXLE VENT HOSE AND THE BRAKE HOSE.

Risk. A PUNCTURE IN THE REAR BRAKE HOSE WILL RESULT IN A LOSS OF BRAKING FORCE AT THE REAR WHEELS.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR BRAKE HOSE FOR EVIDENCE OF WEAR. WORN BRAKE HOSES WILL BE REPLACED. THE REAR VENT HOSE WILL BE SHORTENED BY 3 INCHES AND A CLIP WILL BE INSTALLED TO ASSURE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE AXLE VENT LINE AND BRAKE HOSE IS MAINTAINED.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings00V193000
Filed Jul 17, 200040,000 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS BUILT WITH 2.5L ENGINES. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH INADEQUATE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE TUBE AND THE POWER STEERING HOSE.

Risk. A PUNCTURE OF THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE TUBE CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF BRAKING FORCE AT THE FRONT WHEELS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE TUBE AND POWER STEERING HOSE FOR WEAR. IF WEAR IS EVIDENT, THE BRAKE TUBE AND/OR POWER STEERING HOSE WILL BE REPLACED. A POWER STEERING STANDOFF BRACKET WILL BE INSTALLED ON ALL VEHICLES TO ENSURE THAT ADEQUATE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE TUBE AND POWER STEERING HOSE IS MAINTAINED.

All 12 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 4 name the 2000 Dakota.

UPPER BALL JOINT SEPARATIONEngineering analysis EA03023Closed
Opened Nov 19, 2003Closed Feb 11, 2005Led to recall 04V596000suspension

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 …

FRONT SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGEEngineering analysis EA01010Closed
Opened Mar 8, 2001Closed Aug 17, 2001Led to recall 01V233000seat belts

Allege that the front safety belt anchor bolts disengage from their mounting points or are found to be loose.

STOP LAMP SWITCHPreliminary evaluation PE00035Closed
Opened Sep 7, 2000Closed Mar 9, 2001electrical system

Alleged that electrical failure of the brake stop lamp switch man result in stop lamps not illumination during service brake application, and the vehicle's cruise control system may fail to disengage

FRONT SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE DISENGAGEMENPreliminary evaluation PE00030Closed
Opened Jul 21, 2000Closed Mar 8, 2001seat belts

Alleged that the driver's seat safety belt anchors disengage from mounting points

Technical service bulletins

106 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2000 Dakota. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

engine 20transmission 16electrical system 14equipment 12visibility 11suspension 10body and frame 9seats 4
0201004Warranty extensionDec 16, 2004suspension

UPPER BALL JOINT EXTENDED WARRANTY. *TT

0200600Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsOct 27, 2000suspension

SUBJECT REGARDING UPPER CONTROL ARM BUSHING SERVICE. *TT

1300100BService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsOct 27, 2000suspension

EXPERIENCING A SNAPPING, POPPING OR CLUNKING SOUND WHILE DRIVING AND BRAKING OVER WASHBOARD ROADS, DURING A MODERATELY HARD STOP AT LOW SPEEDS, AND / OR WHILE SLOWLY DRIVING OVER MODERATE BUMPS SUCH AS A DRIVEWAY APPROACH. *TT

020500Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMay 17, 2000suspension

SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT ABOUT A SQUEAKING / CLICKING NOISE FROM REAR LEAF SPRINGS. *TT

030200Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 3, 2000suspension

SUBJECT PERTAINS TO 9.25 AXLE GEAR MARKING COMPOUND CAUSING A MILKY-LIFE APPEARANCE TO THE AXLE FLUID. *TT

130100Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 21, 2000suspension

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION WHERE A SNAPPING, POPPING OR CLUNKING NOISE MAY BE HEARD WHILE DRIVING OVER BUMPS. *TT

Showing the newest 6 of 10 bulletins about the suspension, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Mar 13, 2026163,159 milesCA

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.

Engine
Filed May 17, 2024VA

Unknown

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 15, 2023MI

Air bag light and Engine light comes on and off. Headlights, break lights, and blinkers keep going on and off while light switch is on. Rust on body due to clear coat peeling. Steering is sometimes hard to do even with full steering fluid. Shifts hard. Brake fluid has leaked. Coolant has leaked, along with heater core that dealership had me pay a lot of money for replacement in 2022. Vehicle hesitates to accelerate to higher speeds. Windshield wipers do not fully touch windshield towards top. Air compressor makes rattle on/off sounds.

Suspension
Filed Mar 23, 2021235,177 milesFL

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.

Engine
Filed Jun 3, 2020250,000 milesMI

MY TRANSMISSION IS NOT SHIFTING RIGHT AND IT IS VERY SLUGGISH IN FREEWAY AND WHILE WE IDLING. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 13, 201960,000 milesMI

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.

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 16, 2018130,000 milesIN

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

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 15, 2018200,000 milesCA

"TAKATA RECALL" THE POWER STEERING CONTINUES TO LEAK EVEN AFTER SEVERAL REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE.

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Sep 23, 201727,600 milesSC

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

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 24, 2017150,000 milesCT

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.

Seats
Filed Jul 30, 201660,000 milesGA

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

Engine
Filed Apr 23, 2016OH

COMPLAINT #10734989 7-19-2015.NO RESPONSE FROM YOU. CALLING AND SENDING E MAILS SINCE OCTOBER 2013 NOT JUST YOUR DEPARTMENT! NO ONE WILL HELP. YOU, DODGE OR THE PERSON WHEN I WAS SITTING ON THE SIDE OF 71S. & PROMISED SOMEONE WOULD CALL ME BACK - OH IT WAS FRIDAY AFTERNOON AND EVERYONE WAS LEAVING WORK! NO ONE WILL HELP ME RESOLVE THIS.DO I AND HAVE TO GET KILLED BEFORE ANYONE WILL START TO LISTEN! PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN JULY 2010.WHEN DRIVING AT A SPEED OF 65, LONG DISTANCE THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON, SLOWS ME DOWN TO 45. THE ENGINE MAKES THE LOUDEST WHINNING (LIKE SOMETHING IS STUCK UNDER THE HOOD) LIKE IT WANTS TO BLOW UP!!!PULL OVER - WAIT TIL THE LIGHT GOES OFF. TEMPERATURE GAUGES DO NOT SHOW OVERHEATING. I'VE STARTED REPLACING PARTS.STILL LIGHT COMES ON AND SLOWS ME DOWN TO 45 I ACTUALLY AM VERY UPSET ABOUT NO ONE HELPING ME. I WAS TOLD TO TAKE TO DEALER WHEN IT DOES IT..I DID AND THEY CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG BECAUSE LIGHT IS NOW OFF TO DRIVE IT THERE. THEY TELL ME TO LEAVE IT AND THEY WILL GO THRU IT. "I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO HAVE THEM DO THIS" MY LIFE AS WELL AS MY GRANDCHILDREN, FATHER, ME AND ANYONE THAT I HAVE HAD IN THIS CAR IS AT RISK. BEING ON THE SIDE OF THE EXPRESSWAYS OR EXIT RAMPS WAITING FOR THIS LIGHT TO GO OFF WITH SEMI'S, CARS, FLYING BY. PEOPLE ARE DRIVING OFF ROADS WITH DISTRACTED DRIVING HITTING PEOPLE PARKED ON THE SIDE. I DON'T WANT TO BE A FATALITY! MY GRANDCHILDREN WERE IN THE BACK SEAT AND I WAS PARKED ALONG I96. MY FATHER (ALZ) WAS IN THE

Electrical System
Filed Nov 30, 2015118,795 milesKS

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

Steering
Filed Sep 14, 2015207,834 milesMA

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!

Structure › BodyCrash5 injured
Filed Sep 12, 2015224,000 milesMO

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.

Engine
Filed Feb 8, 2015126,000 milesNJ

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

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, and Connections
Filed Dec 24, 2014200,000 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS INADEQUATE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE BRAKE TUBE AND THE POWER STEERING HOSE, WHICH CAUSED THE POWER STEERING HOSE TO BECOME PUNCTURED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 00V193000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

Engine
Filed Aug 22, 2014140,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THE ENGINE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. UPDATED 12/30/14*LJ UPDATED 05/27/2015 *JS

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 8, 201466,313 milesDE

BRAKE LINES RUSTED-LOST ALL THE FLUID. THE BRAKE LINES HAD TO BE REPLACED AND FABRICATED BY THE REPAIR SHOP. *JS

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 4, 201495,000 milesFL

MY FRONT BRAKES KEEP STICKING. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME IT'S HAPPENED. I'VE REPLACED THE PADS, CALIPERS, DISCS AND LINES TWICE NOW. I JUST FINISHED THAT REPAIR ABOUT 5000 MILES AGO BECAUSE OF THE SAME PROBLEM. LAST WEEK, SMOKE POURS OUT OF MY FRONT RIGHT WHEEL WELL, AND THE TRUCK IS PULLING AND VIBRATING.....SAME ISSUE. WHY DOES MY TRUCK KEEP DOING THIS? *TR

Tires
Filed Apr 19, 201440,500 milesCA

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

Air Bags
Filed Jan 24, 2014110,000 milesSC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED AND THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED. THE LOCAL MECHANIC PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC WHICH LOCATED A FAILURE CODE AT THE CLOCK SPRING. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 01V153000 (AIR BAGS, CRUISE CONTROL). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 196,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 25, 2013SC

I HAVE NOTICED THAT MOST IF NOT ALL DODGE VEHICLES ARE HAVING A PEELING PROBLEM WITH THE CLEAR COAT OF PAINT WHICH OVER TIME AFFECTS THE PAINT AND THEN RUSTS THE VEHICLES, WHETHER THEY ARE A CAR,SUV OR TRUCK. I AM ASSUMING THAT IT IS FROM WATERING DOWN THE PAINT TO SAVE MONIES FOR THE COMPANY BUT CHEATS THE CONSUMERS IN THE LONG RUN. SINCE THERE IS NO WARRANTIES ON THE PAINT THEN ONCE THIS PROBLEM IS NOTICEABLE IT IS TO LATE FOR THE CONSUMER TO CLAIM OR PURSUE ANY LEGAL ACTIONS AGAINST DODGE. SHAME ON COOPERATE AMERICA. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jun 8, 201341,000 milesNY

PURCHASED THIS 2000 DODGE DAKOTA , ENGINE LIGHT CONSTANTLY ON STATING LARGE LEAK IN EVAP SYSTEM. P0455. FUEL LEAK AT GAS CAP. NO WAY TO FIX THIS, ODOR IS STRONG SMELL THE GAS LEAKING OUT. UNABLE TO PASS NYS INSPECTION! *TR

Tires
Filed Jan 16, 2013PA

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.

Service BrakesFire
Filed Aug 13, 201240,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL ENGAGED, THE FRONT BRAKES LOCKED WITHOUT WARNING AND A STRONG BURNING ODOR AND SMOKE EMITTED. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL TIMES. THE ROTORS, CALIPERS AND MASTER CYLINDER WERE REPLACED TWICE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SMOKE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 48,000.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 2, 201178,000 milesPA

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.

Suspension › Front
Filed May 9, 201198,000 milesCA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THE CONTACT BEGAN TO HEAR A SQUEAKING NOISE AND THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY BECAME LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THEY INFORMED THAT THE THE STEERING WHEEL FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE DEFECTIVE UPPER BALL JOINTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V596000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 134,000.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jan 19, 2011140,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DAKOTA . THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE FRONT WHEELS LOCKED UP. THE FRONT CALIPERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 165,000. UPDATED 04/22/11

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Oct 12, 201036,300 milesOH

2000 DODGE DAKOTA SLT. VERY LOW MILEAGE 36,300 EVENTS LEADING TO FAILURE: DRIVING FAILURE: BRAKE LINE RUSTED THROUGH TO POINT OF FAILURE. FIRST OCCURRENCE IN THIS TRUCK. ALMOST HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. SPILLED BRAKE FLUID ON A 2 MILE DRIVE TO WORK. DID NOT KNOW WAS SPILLING. WARNING LIGHT CAME ON ONLY AFTER FAILURE (POSSIBLE DURING) CORRECTION: BUYING PARTS TO FIX BROKEN LINE. OTHER LINES LOOK BAD ALSO, MAY NEED REPLACED SOON. HAVE TO WAIT ANOTHER WEEK FOR ANOTHER PAYDAY. SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL!!!. THIS HAPPENED TO MY FATHER IN HIS 1999 DODGE DAKOTA,SO THIS IS NOTHING NEW. *TR

Power Train
Filed Oct 5, 201090,000 milesPA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DAKOTA 4X4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING, THE REAR TIRES WOULD SUDDENLY LOCK UP. HE HAD TO PRESS THE OVERDRIVE BUTTON TO STOP THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PROBLEM CAUSED HIM TO HAVE TO REPLACE TWO TRANSMISSIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE TRANSMISSIONS WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 131,625. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000.

Steering
Filed Sep 17, 2010105,000 milesNY

STEERING LOCKING UP DUE TO FAULTY STEERING SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT. *TR

Tires
Filed Aug 27, 201052,000 milesAZ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DAKOTA WITH TBC BIG O SXP TIRES, LINE SIZE P255/70/R15. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES EXHIBITED ABNORMAL BUBBLING. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED HOWEVER THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES WOULD ONLY LAST FOR ONE YEAR AND A HALF BEFORE EXHIBITING THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT INQUIRED WITH THE MANUFACTURER IN REGARDS TO AN UNKNOWN RECALL FOR THE TIRES. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF A RECALL AND NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE DOT NUMBER WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

Steering
Filed Aug 3, 201094,000 milesNY

UNIVERSAL IN THE SHAFT WEARS OUT AND CAUSES EXCESSIVE PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL,AND COULD BREAK. HAD TO BUY A NEW SHAFT OFF EBAY,THAT DODGE HAS SINCE IMPROVED. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jul 1, 201070,000 milesMA

BRAKE LINES TOTALLY RUSTED OUT ALL OVER TRUCK AT 70K;HAVE CONTACTED NHTSA BEFORE ABOUT TERRIBLE OEM QUALITY VS RUST OF BRAKE LINES. PLEASE MANDATE STAINLESS LINES AND BRASS OR STAINLESS FITTINGS .~ 5$ PER CAR, SAVE 1000'S OF LIVES. THE PRESENT "PROTECTION" COATINGS ON STEEL ARE TRULY USELESS. NHTSA REPLIED THEY ARE "TOO EXPENSIVE" LAST TIME. I CHECKED COSTS ACTUAL QUOTED COST DIFFERENCE ON 25 FEET OF TUBING WAS ABOUT 8$. FAR MORE IMPORTANT THAN ANYTHING ELSE YOU CAN DO. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Dec 29, 200980,000 milesTX

HEATER CORE IN DODGE DAKOTAS. THE HEATER CORE IN DODGE DAKOTAS SEEMS TO BE A REALLY BIG ISSUE WITH THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE DEFECTIVE PART. WITH A BAD HEATER CORE, ANTI-FREEZE IS EXPELLED THROUGH THE AC VENTS AS A STEAM WHICH IS INHALED BY THE DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS. INHALING ANTIFREEZE CAN HAVE MANY RESULTS: ANTIFREEZE FUMES CAN CAUSE EYE IRRITATION AND UPPER-RESPIRATORY IRRITATION. ADDITIONALLY, INHALED FUMES, PARTICULARLY IF FROM A MIST, CAN CAUSE BREATHING DIFFICULTIES, HEADACHES, DROWSINESS, BLURRED VISION, IRREGULAR EYE MOVEMENTS, NAUSEA AND VOMITING. MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS SHOW THAT REPEATED INHALATION OF ANTIFREEZE FUMES MAY AFFECT THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM. COMA MAY OCCUR IF THE INHALED ANTIFREEZE FUMES WERE IN MIST FORM. DODGE REALLY NEEDS TO MAKE A RECALL ON THESE FAULTY HEATER CORES. I HAVE READ MANY FORUMS WHERE AT LEAST 5 HEATER CORES HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITHIN 50,000 MILES. THAT IS WAY TO FREQUENT FOR JUST COMMON WEAR AND TEAR. IT IS EXPENSIVE FOR THE CONSUMERS TO FIX AND HAS SOME BAD HEALTH RELATED ISSUES FROM INHALING THE ANTIFREEZE CAUSED BY THIS FAULTY PART. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Dec 23, 2009100,000 milesSC

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.

Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash
Filed Sep 14, 200932,000 milesAE

ROTORS TURNED AND THEN WARPED/WORE SET OF PADS DOWN TO BARE METAL IN LESS THAN 20,000 MILES. ROTORS WERE WARPED AT 32,000 (AT TIME OF PURCHASE), 50,000, 63,000, AND 80,000. REAR BRAKES REPLACED AT SAME INTERVAL AS FRONT BRAKES, BUT HARDLY ANY WEAR WAS PRESENT AT TIME OF MALFUNCTION OF FRONT BRAKES. ALL OTHER BRAKE COMPONENTS INSPECTED, NO OTHER FAILURES NOTED. FAILURE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THE BRAKES GIVING OUT. RWAL DOES NOT FUNCTION. NO SYSTEM INDICATION TO MALFUNCTION. PULLED FUSE, AND SYSTEM FAULTS AS NORMAL. EXTREMELY POOR BRAKE PERFORMANCE/ENDURANCE. *TR

Power Train › Driveline
Filed Jul 9, 200990,300 milesME

DODGE/CHRYSLER 9.25 INCH REAR DIFFERENTIAL FAILURE. RETAINING CLIPS FOR THE CLUTCH PACK OF THE TRUE-TRAK DIFFERENTIAL FALL OUT. THE METAL PARTS GET CHEWED UP BY THE RING AND PINION AND CAUSE THE REAR END TO FAIL. THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AS I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM AND FOUND HUNDREDS PROBABLY MORE OF THE SAME PROBLEM. DODGETALK.COM FORUMS.THERE HAVE BEEN INSTANCES WHERE THE REAR END LOCKS UP AND CAUSES CRASHES. I WAS LUCKY IT DID NOT CAUSE ME TO CRASH. I CALLED CHRYSLER AND THEY SAID CARS OUT OR WARRANTY SORRY. *TR

Suspension › Front
Filed Apr 24, 200999,100 milesNJ

THE BALL JOINTS IN 2000 DAKOTAS WERE RECALLED ON ONLY THE 4X4 MODELS. I HAVE A 2000 WITH 2 WHEELS DRIVE. THE MANUFACTURER SENT OUT A LETTER SAYING IT WAS RECALLED, INSPECTED IT AND SAID THEY WERE FINE. THAT WAS AT 50,000 MILES. NOW AT 99,000 THE BALL JOINT DISCONNECTED FROM ITS UNIT, CAUSING ME TO ALMOST CRASH INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. MANUFACTURER WILL NOT PAY FOR TOWING TO GET SEEN, AND WILL ONLY REPLACE THE BALL JOINT. MOST OF THE SUSPENSION PARTS ON THE SIDE OF THE DEFECTIVE BALL JOINT WERE DAMAGED. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Dec 17, 2008130,100 milesNH

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DAKOTA. IMMEDIATELY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE AND DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, ALL OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE THEN BEGAN TO SHAKE AND THE CONTACT PLACED OIL IN THE VEHICLE. HE RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND IT BEGAN SHAKING EVEN WORSE. HE TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE AND CALLED THE DEALER. THE DEALER RETRIEVED THE VEHICLE AND GAVE THE CONTACT HIS ORIGINAL VEHICLE BACK, BUT DID NOT RETURN HIS MONEY. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 130,100.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Dec 8, 2008174,168 milesCA

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.

Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed Nov 26, 200852,000 milesNY

THE TRUCK WAS BEING DRIVEN AT APPROX 25 MI PER HOUR. THERE WAS A LOUD THUMP. SMOKE BEGAN TO POUR OUT OF THE HOOD. I PULLED OVER. FLAMES WERE VISIBLE UNDERNEATH. THE HOOD BLEW OPEN AND FLAMES POURED OUT. IN LESS THAN 4 MINUTES THE TRUCK WAS TOTALED. *TR

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Nov 13, 200845,000 milesNY

ENGINE OVERHEATED RELAY AND RELAY BOARD MELTED. CAN NOT REPLACE RELAY DODGE KNOWS OF THE PROBLEM AND SELLS A RELAY RELOCATION DEVICE. THIS IS DEFECT AND THEY KNOW IT. *TR

Suspension › Front
Filed Sep 4, 20088,000 milesID

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DAKOTA. WHENEVER THE CONTACT TURNS THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE POPS. SHE ALSO HEARS A CLANKING NOISE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP AND WAS INFORMED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V596000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000.

Air Bags › FrontalCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 19, 2008IL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 30-35 MPH, THE CONTACT SWERVED TO AVOID A CAT AND STRUCK A TREE AND A PARKED CAR. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE KEY BROKE OFF IN THE IGNITION AND THE TURN SIGNAL WAS DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT'S FACE STRUCK THE STEERING WHEEL. AS A RESULT, HER TEETH WENT THROUGH HER LIP, HER FACE WAS BRUISED, SHE SUSTAINED A BLACK EYE, AND HER RIGHT HAND WAS CUT AND SWOLLEN. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Aug 6, 2008169,000 milesTX

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB. WHILE DRIVING 55-60 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED HOT BRAKE FLUID AND NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE PADS WERE GRINDING INTO THE ROTOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED A DEFECT IN THE KNUCKLE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 169,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 169,015.

Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash
Filed Jul 22, 200850,000 milesMA

NO SPECIFIC CRASHES THAT I AM PERSONALLY AWARE OF, BUT THERE HAVE SURELY BEEN MANY, POSSIBLY ATTRIBUTED TO OTHER CAUSES. THE FAILURE-SEVERELY RUSTED BRAKE FLUID LINES WHICH HAVE CAUSED LOSS OF BRAKING. IT OCCURS VERY FREQUENTLY IN THE 'RUST BELT STATES', IE MASSACHUSETTS FOR EXAMPLE. REPAIR INVOLVES REPLACING RUSTED LINES AND RELATED PARTS, USUALLY AT SUBSTANTIAL COST TO VEHICLE OWNER. THE REASON FOR REPORTING THIS PROBLEM IS THAT I AM A REPAIR SHOP OWNER WITH OVER 40 YEARS IN BUSINESS, AND I AM SEEING MORE OF THIS PROBLEM EVERY DAY. IT CONSTITUTES A SUBSTANTIAL PERCENTAGE OF MY SHOP'S BUSINESS. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Radiator Assembly
Filed Jul 21, 2008117,000 milesGA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS WARMING UP FOR APPROXIMATELY FIVE MINUTES, THE SERVICE CAP ON THE RADIATOR HOSE RUPTURED. THE VEHICLE IS NOT ABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 117,000.

Tires
Filed May 23, 2008NH

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DAKOTA WITH COOPER DISCOVERY A/T TIRES (TIRE SIZE P215/75/R15). SHE OBSERVED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS VERY LOW ON ALL FOUR TIRES. THE MECHANIC STATED THE TIRES WERE CRACKED AND WOULD BE UNABLE TO MAINTAIN AIR. IN ADDITION, HE STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. AS OF MAY 23, 2008, THE MECHANIC HAD NOT REPAIRED OR REPLACED THE TIRES. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES AND THE VIN WERE UNAVAILABLE.

Complaints 1-50 of 806, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2000
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
201144600Do not drive
201035700Do not drive
200918500Do not drive
200891210Do not drive
2007145420Do not drive
2006285671Do not drive
20054707270Do not drive
2004206561Fatalities reported
20032961150Above average
200267812182Fatalities reported
200167814112Fatalities reported
2000 — this page80612142Fatalities reported
19996411060Above average
19985451216Fatalities reported
19974461261Fatalities reported
1996189261Fatalities reported
1995208161Fatalities reported
1994166442Fatalities reported
1993134260Routine
1992216280Above average
1991128550Routine
199063300Routine

Compare every Dakota year →

2000 Dodge Dakota: questions buyers ask

Is the 2000 Dodge Dakota a good car?

Going by the federal record, it is one of the Dakota years to avoid: owners filed 806 complaints, 3.9 times as many as a typical Dakota year. The most common complaint is about the suspension (32%).

What is the most common problem with the 2000 Dodge Dakota?

The suspension: 259 of the 806 complaints (32%) are about it. Owners most often say it knocks, grinds or clunks (11%) and vibrates or shakes (6%). The typical report comes at 50,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2000 Dodge Dakota have?

12 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed May 11, 2009. The largest, 04V596000, covered 592,707 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2000 Dodge Dakota problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 52,000 miles. For the suspension the midpoint is 50,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2000 Dodge Dakota?

Yes, 4 times. The latest, EA03023 ("UPPER BALL JOINT SEPARATION"), was opened Nov 19, 2003 and closed Feb 11, 2005.

Are there service bulletins for the 2000 Dodge Dakota?

The manufacturer filed 106 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (20), the transmission (16) and the electrical system (14). They include a warranty extension, 0201004, filed Dec 16, 2004. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

2 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: May 11, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.