NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
446 reportsMileage unknown · Feb 20, 2000
Suspension
I'VE HAD TO HAVE THE FRONT END ALIGNED TWICE NOW & UPON HAVING IT IN FOR THE 3RD TIME, I WAS TOLD THAT THE LOWER RIGHT BALL JOINT WAS OUT. THIS IS WHY I'VE GONE THROW 2 SETS OF TIRES ALREADY, NEEDING THE 3RD SET. I'VE HAD PROBLEMS TRYING TO FIND THE BALL JOINT. THIS IS JUST ONE OF THE MANY PROBLEMS I HAVE HAD WITH MY TRUCK. …
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I'VE HAD TO HAVE THE FRONT END ALIGNED TWICE NOW & UPON HAVING IT IN FOR THE 3RD TIME, I WAS TOLD THAT THE LOWER RIGHT BALL JOINT WAS OUT. THIS IS WHY I'VE GONE THROW 2 SETS OF TIRES ALREADY, NEEDING THE 3RD SET. I'VE HAD PROBLEMS TRYING TO FIND THE BALL JOINT. THIS IS JUST ONE OF THE MANY PROBLEMS I HAVE HAD WITH MY TRUCK. THE TRANSMISSION STILL DOES NOT SHIFT RIGHT. I'VE BEEN TOLD BY 2 DIFFERENT DEALERS THAT I AM IN THE COMPUTER SO IF ANYTHING DOES HAPPEN, IT WILL BE TAKEN CARE OF. I RAN ACROSS A WEB SITE THAT DISCUSSES THE PROBLEMS OTHER DAKOTA OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING & I KNOW WHAT THEY ARE GOING THROUGH. THIS IS THE 1ST BRAND NEW VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED & I'VE HAD MORE PROBLEMS WITH IT THAN I EVER HAD ANY OT THE OTHERS I HAVE OWNED. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P215/75R15 )
NHTSA ODI #719003
Mileage unknown · Feb 18, 2000
Electrical System
WHEN TURNING ON THE TRUCK OR DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER GOES DEAD. DODGE DEALER HAS REPLACED THE INSTUMENT CLUSTER, DASH WIRING HARNESS AND AN ENGINE CONTROLL MODULE. I HAVE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY BECAUSE THE PROBLEM BURNED IT OUT TWICE. $2000.00 AND MOUNTING. ANOTHER PART ON ORDER. 5TH TIME TO DEA…
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WHEN TURNING ON THE TRUCK OR DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER GOES DEAD. DODGE DEALER HAS REPLACED THE INSTUMENT CLUSTER, DASH WIRING HARNESS AND AN ENGINE CONTROLL MODULE. I HAVE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY BECAUSE THE PROBLEM BURNED IT OUT TWICE. $2000.00 AND MOUNTING. ANOTHER PART ON ORDER. 5TH TIME TO DEALER.
NHTSA ODI #718948
Mileage unknown · Feb 15, 2000
Air BagsCrash
SITTING AT A STOP SIGN ANOTHER VEHICLE MADE A WIDE TURN AND HIT CONSUMER'S VEHICLE ON DRIVER'S SIDE. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BODY SHOP FOR REPAIRS. DIDN'T CONTACT DEALER NOR MANUFACTURER.*AK
NHTSA ODI #856960
Mileage unknown · Feb 1, 2000
Power Train
WHEN CONSUMER APPLIES THE CLUTCH, CLUTCH DOESN'T ENGAGE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #855967
Mileage unknown · Jan 31, 2000
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train
TRANSMISSION ACTING SLUGGISH. WAS NOT SHIFTING INTO GEAR PROPERLY. WOULD BUCK SEVERELY. PRIOR TO THIS HAPPENING, VEHICLE WOULD STALL OUT FOR NO REASON. HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 4-5 TIMES. AT DEALERSHIP, MECHANIC CHANGED BATTERY, MAP SENSOR & THE COMPUTER CHIP. PROBLEM WAS NOT SOLVED. FINALLY INDICATED TRANSMISSION WAS WORN OUT & NE…
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TRANSMISSION ACTING SLUGGISH. WAS NOT SHIFTING INTO GEAR PROPERLY. WOULD BUCK SEVERELY. PRIOR TO THIS HAPPENING, VEHICLE WOULD STALL OUT FOR NO REASON. HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 4-5 TIMES. AT DEALERSHIP, MECHANIC CHANGED BATTERY, MAP SENSOR & THE COMPUTER CHIP. PROBLEM WAS NOT SOLVED. FINALLY INDICATED TRANSMISSION WAS WORN OUT & NEEDED TO BE REPLACED WITH A REBUILT ONE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #855835
Mileage unknown · Jan 26, 2000
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash
BELIEVE THIS A LEMON TRUCK, 6 OWNERS IN 3 YRS. WHY ISN'T MY TRUCK INCLUDED IN RECALLS? HELP! MASTER CYLINDERS EMPTY AFTER 1 MONTH. *AK
NHTSA ODI #717898
Mileage unknown · Jan 20, 2000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
MY ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT COME ON WHILE DRIVING. IT HAS BEEN INTO THE DEALER 6 TIMES AND HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED.I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE .I HAVE TRIED TO GET IT REPLACED FROM THE MANUFACTURER,BUT WITH NO LUCK
NHTSA ODI #717639
Mileage unknown · Jan 7, 2000
TiresVehicle Speed Control
THE CRUISE CONTROL (97 DAKOTA) HAS PROVEN INTERMITTENT ON EVERY LONG TRIP. FOUR ATTEMPTS BY THE DEALER TO LOCATE AND CORRECT THE PROBLEM HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL. THE CRUISE CONTROL QUITS AFTER 1 - 3 HOURS. SHUTTING THE VEHICLE DOWN AND RESTARTING RESTORES NORMAL OPERATION FOR A WHILE. THE OEM TIRES (GOODYEAR WRANGLERS) HAVE P…
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THE CRUISE CONTROL (97 DAKOTA) HAS PROVEN INTERMITTENT ON EVERY LONG TRIP. FOUR ATTEMPTS BY THE DEALER TO LOCATE AND CORRECT THE PROBLEM HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL. THE CRUISE CONTROL QUITS AFTER 1 - 3 HOURS. SHUTTING THE VEHICLE DOWN AND RESTARTING RESTORES NORMAL OPERATION FOR A WHILE. THE OEM TIRES (GOODYEAR WRANGLERS) HAVE POOR DRY AND VERY POOR WET TRACTION AND ARE DANGEROUS. REPLACED WITH MICHELIN TIRES, EXCELLENT NOW. *AK
NHTSA ODI #717032
Mileage unknown · Jan 3, 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentPower Train
52000 MILES AND I HAVE REPLACED THESE ITEMS: BELT TENSIONER, A/C COMPRESSOR, 3 SETS OF FRONT TIRES (THE TIRES ARE WEARING ON THE OUTSIDE EDGE-THE TRUCK HAS BEEN ALIGNED EACH TIME THE TIRES WERE REPLACED), 2 SETS OF ROTORS, 2 BRAKE CALIPERS, 4 SETS OF BRAKE PADS, THE STEERING KNUCKLE THAT BROKE INTO THREE (3) PIECES WHILE THE TR…
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52000 MILES AND I HAVE REPLACED THESE ITEMS: BELT TENSIONER, A/C COMPRESSOR, 3 SETS OF FRONT TIRES (THE TIRES ARE WEARING ON THE OUTSIDE EDGE-THE TRUCK HAS BEEN ALIGNED EACH TIME THE TIRES WERE REPLACED), 2 SETS OF ROTORS, 2 BRAKE CALIPERS, 4 SETS OF BRAKE PADS, THE STEERING KNUCKLE THAT BROKE INTO THREE (3) PIECES WHILE THE TRUCK WAS GOING 65 MPH, AND NOW I HAVE TO TAKE IT TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP BECAUSE THE TRUCK JUMPS FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL WHILE THE TRUCK IS IN MOTION. ALL OF THESE REPAIR COST HAVE BEEN PAID BY MYSELF. DEALER SAID THERE HAS BEEN NO OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE DODGE DAKOTA I FIND THAT HARD TO BELIEVE. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: LT21575R15 )
NHTSA ODI #716770
Mileage unknown · Dec 31, 1999
Suspension
TRUCK WAS PURCHASED NEW/NO OFF ROAD TO SPEAK OF AND WELL MAINTAINED. NO DEFECT (S) LISTED IN SUMMARY. *AK
NHTSA ODI #716701
Official recalls
5May 8, 2001
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Jul 17, 2000
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Jul 17, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH INADEQUATE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE REAR AXLE VENT HOSE AND THE BRAKE HOSE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Jul 17, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS WITH A 131 INCH WHEELBASE. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH INADEQUATE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE FUEL LINE AND THE CAB UNDERBODY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONTACT CAN RESULT IN WEAR, AND AFTER EXTENDED CONTACT, COULD CAUSE A PERFORATION IN THE FUEL LINE, RESULTING IN LEAKAGE. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR PROPER CLEARANCE. FUEL LINES THAT EXHIBIT INADEQUATE CLEARANCE WILL BE REPLACED WITH A REDESIGNED FUEL LINE THAT WILL ASSURE PROPER CLEARANCE.
May 16, 1997
THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT DESIGN ALLOWS THE POTENTIAL FOR AN INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT UPON VEHICLE IGNITION SHUT DOWN.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: UNEXPECTED AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CAN RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAG ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED MODULE.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
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