NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
56 reportsClear category filter104,000 miles · Apr 10, 2004
Power Train
MY 99 DAKOTA BEGAN HOWLING AND WHINNING IN THE REAR END. I HAD THE REAR END AND GEAR LUBE INSPECTED. GEAR LUBE WAS FULL, AND GEARS AND BEARINGS SHOWED NO SIGN OF WEAR. ABOUT 1 WEEK LATER WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, MY ABS AND E-BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON. BRAKE FLUID WAS NEARLY EMPTY. MECHANIC FOUND FRONT AND REAR BRAKE LINERS WORN, …
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MY 99 DAKOTA BEGAN HOWLING AND WHINNING IN THE REAR END. I HAD THE REAR END AND GEAR LUBE INSPECTED. GEAR LUBE WAS FULL, AND GEARS AND BEARINGS SHOWED NO SIGN OF WEAR. ABOUT 1 WEEK LATER WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, MY ABS AND E-BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON. BRAKE FLUID WAS NEARLY EMPTY. MECHANIC FOUND FRONT AND REAR BRAKE LINERS WORN, AND REPAIRED AS NECASSARY. THIS DID NOT FIX ANY LIGHT OR NOISE PROBLEMS. AS SOON AS THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON, MY SPEEDOMETER WOULD NOT FUNCTION UNDER 40 MPH, AND ENGINE WOULD STALL AT STOPS. MECHANIC REMOVED DIFFERENTIAL, AND PINION GEAR. PINION BEARING WAS SHREDDED BADLY, CAUSING THE HOWLING. ALL BEARINGS IN REAR END WERE REPLACED, AND REAR END NOISE WAS CURED. THE BEARING SHAVINGS MAY HAVE DAMAGED THE REAR ABS SPEED SENSOR. I HAVE HEARD OF THE SAME SYMPTOMS FOR THE REAR END NOISE FROM OTHER DAKOTA OWNERS BOTH ON LINE AND IN PERSON. THIS WAS A COSTLY AND STRESSFUL DIAGNOSIS PROCEEDURE, AND MAY WARRANT SOME SORT OF POSSIBLE RECALL INVESTIGATION. IS THE MANUFACTURER USING AN INFERIOR LUBRICANT? THIS TRUCK'S FRONT BUMPER WAS ALMOST COMPLETELY RUSTED BY 40,000MI. NOT THE FIRST I'VE HEARD OF THAT ISSUE EITHER.
NHTSA ODI #10065888
Mileage unknown · Dec 2, 2003
Power Train
I WAS DRIVING MY 1999 2WD DODGE DAKOTA ABOUT 5MPH WHEN THE DRIVE PINION GEAR SHAFT THAT GOES INTO THE REAR END SNAPPED CLEAN INTO TWO PIECES. IT CAUSED THE DRIVELINE TO FALL AND SPIN HITTING THE UNDERSIDE OF THE TRUCK INCLUDING THE GAS TANK AND CAUSED THE REAR WHEELS TO LOCKUP AND STOP TURNING. (GOOD THING I WAS ONLY GOING 5MPH)…
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I WAS DRIVING MY 1999 2WD DODGE DAKOTA ABOUT 5MPH WHEN THE DRIVE PINION GEAR SHAFT THAT GOES INTO THE REAR END SNAPPED CLEAN INTO TWO PIECES. IT CAUSED THE DRIVELINE TO FALL AND SPIN HITTING THE UNDERSIDE OF THE TRUCK INCLUDING THE GAS TANK AND CAUSED THE REAR WHEELS TO LOCKUP AND STOP TURNING. (GOOD THING I WAS ONLY GOING 5MPH)*AK
NHTSA ODI #10049021
118,000 miles · Nov 12, 2003
Power TrainSuspension
DEALER REPLACED TWICE BOTH UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS, ALSO, THE TRANSFER CASE WAS REPLACED. DEALER NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *PH 1999 DODGE DAKOTA HAS HAD THE FOLLOWING REPAIRS PEFORMED: REPLACEMENT OF TRANSFER CASE, UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS, WHEEL BEARINGS, RIGHT HUB ASSEMBLY, RIGHT ROTOR, RIGHT …
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DEALER REPLACED TWICE BOTH UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS, ALSO, THE TRANSFER CASE WAS REPLACED. DEALER NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *PH 1999 DODGE DAKOTA HAS HAD THE FOLLOWING REPAIRS PEFORMED: REPLACEMENT OF TRANSFER CASE, UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS, WHEEL BEARINGS, RIGHT HUB ASSEMBLY, RIGHT ROTOR, RIGHT AXLE ASSEMBLY, AND FRONT SHOCKS.*MR
NHTSA ODI #10047834
53,036 miles · Aug 4, 2003
Power TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic
THERE WAS A NOISE FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE REAR END BOLTS AND OTHER COMPONENTS CAME APART. THE DEALER REPLACED THE GEARS AND DIFFERENTIAL. THE ABS SYSTEM ALSO FAILED. *AK *NLM
NHTSA ODI #10032031
36,000 miles · Mar 11, 2003
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline
WATER PUMP FAILURE, AFTER REPLACEMENT OF CATALYTIC CONVERTER EXHAUST LEAK DETECTED, SLOW SPEED FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR, GEAR STICKS FROM 3RD TO 4TH GEAR, ROUGH IDLING, ODOMETER READING FAILURE, ABS LIGHT STAYS ON, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINS LIT, GAS TANK SENSOR FAILURE (READS EMPTY WHEN TANK IS FULL), WHEN DRIVING APPROX. 10 - 20 M…
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WATER PUMP FAILURE, AFTER REPLACEMENT OF CATALYTIC CONVERTER EXHAUST LEAK DETECTED, SLOW SPEED FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR, GEAR STICKS FROM 3RD TO 4TH GEAR, ROUGH IDLING, ODOMETER READING FAILURE, ABS LIGHT STAYS ON, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINS LIT, GAS TANK SENSOR FAILURE (READS EMPTY WHEN TANK IS FULL), WHEN DRIVING APPROX. 10 - 20 MPH ENGINE STALLS / SHUTS OFF, COMING TO STOP ENGINE SHUTS OFF, VEHICLE VIBRATION WHEN BRAKES APPLIED TO COME TO A STOP OR SLOWING DOWN (REAR BRAKES), ENGINE PINGS / KNOCKS IN NORMAL OPERATION AT SPEEDS FROM 30 TO 70+ MPH, AFTER THE ENGINE WARMS UP, ANTI-LOCK / ABS SENSOR OUT, FUEL GAUGE - SENDING UNIT MALFUNCTION, INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET LEAKING, GASKET CRACKED / LEAKING, THERMOSTAT GASKET LEAKING, DRIVE BELT CRACKING / DETERIORATING, FUEL INDUCTION SYSTEM FAILING. PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE SINCE DATE OF PURCHASE. PURCHASED FROM HONDA NORTH DEALER.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10010312
80,000 miles · Jan 23, 2003
Power Train
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLES' AUTOMACTIC TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING GEARS. THIS RESULTED IN OTHER PARTS IN THE TRANSMISSION BURNING OUT.(PARTS UNKNOWN). THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED THIS WAS CAUSED BY THE RUBBER SEALS GOING BAD. THERE IS A TIS BULLETIN FOR THIS PROBLEM. TS
NHTSA ODI #10004475
46,400 miles · Jan 20, 2003
Power Train
TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING. THE TRUCK HAS 47,078 MILES. TOO IT IN AND THEY TOLD ME THAT I NEED AN ENTIRE NEW TRANSMISSION OR THEY COULD REPAIR IT FOR $100.00 LESS THEN A FACTORY REBUILT TRANSMISSION. I DON'T FEEL AS THOUGH A TRANSMISSION SHOULD BE SLIPPING WITH ONLY 47,000 MILES ON IT. THE SERVICE MAN TOLD ME THAT IT WAS THE F…
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TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING. THE TRUCK HAS 47,078 MILES. TOO IT IN AND THEY TOLD ME THAT I NEED AN ENTIRE NEW TRANSMISSION OR THEY COULD REPAIR IT FOR $100.00 LESS THEN A FACTORY REBUILT TRANSMISSION. I DON'T FEEL AS THOUGH A TRANSMISSION SHOULD BE SLIPPING WITH ONLY 47,000 MILES ON IT. THE SERVICE MAN TOLD ME THAT IT WAS THE FRONT CLUTCH PISTON WAS WHAT WAS THE PROBLEM. HAVE YOU HAD ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS? I FEEL AS THOUGH THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE DUE TO THE LOW MILES. I FEEL AS THOUGH IT IS A FACTORY DEFECT.
NHTSA ODI #10003066
Mileage unknown · Oct 23, 2002
Power Train
THE TRANSMISSION WAS DESTROYED DUE TO AN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED CHECK VALVE. THIS STOPPED ALL FLOW TO AND FROM THE TRANSMISSION AND TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER. *JG
NHTSA ODI #567985
Mileage unknown · Oct 16, 2002
Power Train
WHILE DRIVING TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT UP TO FOURTH GEAR. CONSUMER CHECKED FLUIDS AND FOUND TRANSMISSION FLUID LOW, ALSO HOT AND BROWN. AFTER ADDING FLUID THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED PROPERLY. THE DEALER STATED TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REBUILT. MR THE FAILURE WAS IN THE ONE WAY VALVE WHICH WAS REVERSED IN THE TRANSMISSION…
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WHILE DRIVING TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT UP TO FOURTH GEAR. CONSUMER CHECKED FLUIDS AND FOUND TRANSMISSION FLUID LOW, ALSO HOT AND BROWN. AFTER ADDING FLUID THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED PROPERLY. THE DEALER STATED TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REBUILT. MR THE FAILURE WAS IN THE ONE WAY VALVE WHICH WAS REVERSED IN THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE, AND FAILED TO SHIFT TO FOURTH GEAR WHILE DRIVING. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT. SCC
NHTSA ODI #8020937
Mileage unknown · Aug 19, 2002
Air BagsPower TrainCrash
VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH ENGINE RUNNING, CONSUMER SHIFTED TO DRIVE INSTEAD OF REVERSE AND HIT A TREE. UPON IMPACT, NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED. NO INJURY, DAMAGE TO VEHICLE WAS $ 5777.00.*AK
NHTSA ODI #8016585
Official recalls
4May 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.
Apr 11, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN VAN, WAGON, PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MAY NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE RETRACTOR DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY, IT WILL NOT ADEQUATELY PROTECT OCCUPANTS IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 20, 2001. 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.
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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