IllustrationUPON TAKING THE VEHICLE IN FOR A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE CONSUMER FOUND THAT THE BALL JOINTS WERE BAD. THERE WAS A CLANKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER CONTACTED DODGE. HOWEVER, DODGE WILL DO NOTHING TO ASSIST THE CONSUMER.*AK
1999 Dodge Dakota
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Dakota years
Owner complaints for the 1999 Dodge Dakota are substantially higher than the model-year median of 166.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Dakota years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
270–25K
8925–50K
10950–75K
5575–100K
28100–150K
22150K+
330 reports with mileage · 311 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Suspension. Review the 342 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 85 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Steering. Review the 72 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
49 crash reports6 fire reports17 injury reports
Suspension complaints
342 reportsDURING INSPECTION THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE. THE BRAKES PULSATED AND THE VEHICLE WAS HARD TO STOP.*AK
MY TRUCK BEGAN HAVING STRANGE NOISES AND VIBRATIONS. I HAD MY DEALERSHIP CHECK IT FOR ME AND THE ADVISED HAVING 4 BALL JOINTS AND SWAY BAR BUSHINGS REPLACED, WHICH I DID AT A COST OF $1100. I HAVE SAVED THE OLD PARTS. I HAVE ASKED CHRYSLER FOR COMPENSATION AND THEY DENY ON GROUNDS MY TRUCK IS A 1999. MY VEICHLE HAS ONLY 44,000 M…
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MY TRUCK BEGAN HAVING STRANGE NOISES AND VIBRATIONS. I HAD MY DEALERSHIP CHECK IT FOR ME AND THE ADVISED HAVING 4 BALL JOINTS AND SWAY BAR BUSHINGS REPLACED, WHICH I DID AT A COST OF $1100. I HAVE SAVED THE OLD PARTS. I HAVE ASKED CHRYSLER FOR COMPENSATION AND THEY DENY ON GROUNDS MY TRUCK IS A 1999. MY VEICHLE HAS ONLY 44,000 MILES ON IT AND I BOUGHT IT NEW. I HAD THE WORK DONE BEFORE AN ACCIDENT HAPPENED.*AK
VEHICLE ENCOUNTERED FAILURE OF RIGHT FRONT BALL JOINT WHICH RESULTED IN FAILURE OF WHEEL BEARING AND BRAKE ROTOR. *BF THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INDICATED THAT THE BALL JOINT HAD FAILED AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE OF THE WHEEL BEARING. THE CONSUMER DOES BELIEVE THAT THE TECHNICIANS ACCOUNT OF THE FAILURES WAS ACC…
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VEHICLE ENCOUNTERED FAILURE OF RIGHT FRONT BALL JOINT WHICH RESULTED IN FAILURE OF WHEEL BEARING AND BRAKE ROTOR. *BF THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INDICATED THAT THE BALL JOINT HAD FAILED AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE OF THE WHEEL BEARING. THE CONSUMER DOES BELIEVE THAT THE TECHNICIANS ACCOUNT OF THE FAILURES WAS ACCURATE. *NM
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKE LINE. THE BRAKE LINE WAS ROTTING OFF THE VEHICLE. OWNER WENT TO APPLY THE BRAKES, AND DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE BRAKE LINE. ALSO, OWNER HAD TO REPLACE THE BALL JOINTS ON FOUR OCCASIONS. OWNER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, WHO CLAIMED THAT VEHICLE HAD TOO MANY MILES ON IT…
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VEHICLE EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKE LINE. THE BRAKE LINE WAS ROTTING OFF THE VEHICLE. OWNER WENT TO APPLY THE BRAKES, AND DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE BRAKE LINE. ALSO, OWNER HAD TO REPLACE THE BALL JOINTS ON FOUR OCCASIONS. OWNER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, WHO CLAIMED THAT VEHICLE HAD TOO MANY MILES ON IT, AND HE WILL DO NOTHING TO ASSIST THE OWNER. *AK
OWNER OF 1999 DODGE DAKOTA REPORTING DEFECTIVE BALL JOINTS IN DAKOTA AND DURANGO. *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED ON HIS VEHICLE AS WELL AS THE CONTROL ARMS AND TIE RODS AT A LOW MILEAGE. *JB
RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V596000 CONCERNING UPPER BALL JOINTS. CONSUMER BROUGHT VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR BRAKE WORK AND DISCOVERED THE UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE DEFECTIVE. THIS VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE UPP BALL JOINT RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
63000MILES AND UPPER BALL JOINT DRY AND SQUEAKING. FOUND URETHANE SEAL DETERIORATED ALLOWING WATER/SALT INTRUSION AND PURGING OF GREASE. WHY NOT DETECTED IN VEHICLE TESTING???*AK WILL REPAIR MYSELF WITH PREPPED AFTERMARKET COMPONENTS THANK YOU VERY MUCH
AT 46,000 MILES THE BALL JOINTS FAILED. THERE WAS GRINDING IN THE RIGHT FRONT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. HAD TO HAVE THE TIE RODS AND WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED. *AK
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS PROBLEM. WHEN DRIVING THERE WAS A CLANKING NOISE. COULD HEAR IT WHEN PULLING IN AND OUT OF PARKING SPACES. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, AND WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL FOR THESE VEHICLES WERE BETWEEN THE YEARS 2000 TO 2003. THEY WILL NOT MAKE AN EXCEPTION. *AK *NM
Official recalls
401V153000 · Air Bags
May 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.
01V119000 · Seat Belts:front:retractor
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.
00V193000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
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.
00V198000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
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 ↗
NHTSA investigations
1EA03023 · Upper Ball Joint Separation
Opened Nov 19, 2003 · Closed Feb 11, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension; Suspension:front; Suspension:front:control Arm; Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Arm; Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Ball Joint
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 SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THOSE POPULATIONS AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS IN THOSE VEHICLES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Additional source detail variants (5)
Suspension
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 SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THOSE POPULATIONS AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS IN THOSE VEHICLES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Suspension:front
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 SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THOSE POPULATIONS AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS IN THOSE VEHICLES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Suspension:front:control Arm
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 SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THOSE POPULATIONS AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS IN THOSE VEHICLES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Arm
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 SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THOSE POPULATIONS AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS IN THOSE VEHICLES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Ball Joint
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 SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THOSE POPULATIONS AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS IN THOSE VEHICLES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.