NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
641 reportsMileage 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
Mileage unknown · Nov 28, 2003
Electrical SystemExterior LightingService Brakes, Air
ON 11/21/01 I TOOK MY DAKOTA IN TO CUMBERLAND AVE. GARAGE FOR INSPECTION. I USUALLY GO TO LEE AUTO MALL. I WAS IN A HURRY TO GET THE TRUCK INSPECTED SO I WENT TO CUMBERLAND GARAGE. I CAME UPON A REPAIR ORDER FROM CUMBERLAND AVE. GARAGE. ASIDE FROM SOME MINOR REPAIRS THEY HAD LISTED BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS AS NEEDING REPAIR. AT…
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ON 11/21/01 I TOOK MY DAKOTA IN TO CUMBERLAND AVE. GARAGE FOR INSPECTION. I USUALLY GO TO LEE AUTO MALL. I WAS IN A HURRY TO GET THE TRUCK INSPECTED SO I WENT TO CUMBERLAND GARAGE. I CAME UPON A REPAIR ORDER FROM CUMBERLAND AVE. GARAGE. ASIDE FROM SOME MINOR REPAIRS THEY HAD LISTED BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS AS NEEDING REPAIR. AT $298.74. I ENDED UP TAKING MY TRUCK TO LEE AUTO MALL IN WESTBROOK (ME.) THEY NEVER MENTIONED THE BALL JOINTS HAD A PROBLEM. NOTE THE DATE OF THE REPAIR ORDER FROM CUMBERLAND GARAGE AS BEING 2001. THIS MEANS LEE DODGE LET ME DRIVE A VEHICLE THAT WASN'T SAFE SINCE 2001! I BROUGHT MY TRUCK IN TO LEE DODGE THIS PAST SUMMER. I WAS TOLD BOTH MY BALL JOINTS AND UPPER CONTROL ARMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED!THE COST WAS $900.00. I MENTIONED I KNEW AT JUST46K MLS. IT WAS UNUSUAL FOR A VEHICLE TO HAVE BALL JOINTS THAT NEEDED REPLACEMENT. I SAID THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM USUALLY DIDN'T OCCUR UNTIL ABOUT 100K MILES. I WAS TOLD THIS WAS UNTRUE. ALSO NOTE WHEN CUMBERLAND GARAGE NOTICED MY TRUCK NEEDED BALL JOINTS REPAIRED MY TRUCK HAD ONLY ABOUT 37K MILES. 11/04/03 I HAD A MINOR ACCIDENT.THE SHORT OF IT : I LOST CONTROL OF MY TIRES. MY WHEEL WOULD TURN BUT MY FRONT TIRES WOULD NOT RESPOND AND MY REAR TIRES WERE STUCK/SPINNING ON PILES OF WET LEAVES. I STEPPED ON THE GAS WHILE TRYING TO TURN MY VEHICLE AND THE GAS DID NOT RESPOND. MY BREAK WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY TRUCK THRUST FORWARD AND HIT MY BROTHERS CAR. I HAVE HAD A LOT OF TROUBLE SLEEPING JUST THINKING ABOUT WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED TO ME, SOMEONE I LOVE OR SOMEONE ELSE JUST BECAUSE LEE DODGE WANTED TO SQUEEZE MONEY OUT OF ME. OR BECAUSE CHRYSLER DID NOT WANT TO TELL THEIR CUSTOMERS THEY HAD PUT FAULTY PARTS IN THEIR TRUCKS. I SUPPOSE I SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER WITH REGARDS TO THIS MATTER. I AM VERY UPSET I HAVE BEEN DRIVING A VEHICLE THAT MAY HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT AT ANY TIME! DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR ME? *AK
NHTSA ODI #10047705
44,000 miles · Nov 24, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
THE WATER PUMP STOPPED OPERATING, FOR THE THIRD TIME, WHILE DRIVING. THE THERMOSTAT HAD BROKE AND CAUSED THE SEAL TO THE PUMP TO BREAK. TAKING VEHICLE TO DEALER. MECHANIC WILL CHECK ON CAUSE OF BROKEN WATER PUMP. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10048572
115,000 miles · Nov 21, 2003
Suspension
LEFT FRONT CONTROL ARM DEFECTIVE BEFORE 30,000 MILES. NOW AT 115,000 MILES BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS ARE BAD. DODGE FIXED THIS TO REPLACE ALL CONTROL ARMS WITH NEW. $1800.OO REPAIR. IS THIS GOING TO BE A RECALL LIKE THE OTHER DURANGO'S? *LA
NHTSA ODI #10047334
55,748 miles · Nov 19, 2003
Service Brakes, HydraulicSteeringVisibility
CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE POWER STEERING FAILED, WHICH ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT . AFTER THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED, THE VEHICLE WAS HARD TO STEER. ALSO, THE CONSUMER FOUND OUT THAT GEAR BOX HAD A HOLE IN IT. THERE WAS A 2 INCH PIECE OF A BOLT THAT WAS KNOCKED OUT WITH FORCED PRESSURE. THE D…
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CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE POWER STEERING FAILED, WHICH ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT . AFTER THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED, THE VEHICLE WAS HARD TO STEER. ALSO, THE CONSUMER FOUND OUT THAT GEAR BOX HAD A HOLE IN IT. THERE WAS A 2 INCH PIECE OF A BOLT THAT WAS KNOCKED OUT WITH FORCED PRESSURE. THE DEALER DID NOT WANT TO HELP THE CONSUMER.*AK THE STEERING BOX LEAKED AND CONTAINED EXCESSIVE PLAY. THE ROTORS AND WINDSHIELD WIPES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *JB *NM
NHTSA ODI #10044069
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
Mileage unknown · Nov 12, 2003
Electrical SystemFire
STARTER SHORTED AND CAUSED A FIRE ON THE WIRING FROM BATTERY TO STARTER
NHTSA ODI #10046816
Mileage unknown · Nov 12, 2003
Structure
DODGE DAKOTA TOP PAINT WEARING OFF AND BACK WINDSHIELD LEAKING 1999 CLUB CAB
NHTSA ODI #10046815
49,900 miles · Nov 10, 2003
Suspension
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE WHEN TURNING CORNERS. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THAT UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE WORN OUT. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10046726
53,000 miles · Nov 10, 2003
Steering
1999 DODGE DAKOTA SLT 4WD. ROUTINE STATE INSPECTION REVEALED FRONT BALL JOINTS EXCESSIVE WEAR AND PLAY. FAILED NEW HAMPSHIRE INSPECTION[SAFETY RELATED ITEM:CONTROL] ONLY 54K MILES. BALL JOINTS REPLACED AND ALIGNMENT COMPLETED AT SULLIVAN TIRE INC. MANAGER REVEALED HE HAD DONE ANOTHER DAKOTA AND A DURANGO THAT SAME DAY FOR B…
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1999 DODGE DAKOTA SLT 4WD. ROUTINE STATE INSPECTION REVEALED FRONT BALL JOINTS EXCESSIVE WEAR AND PLAY. FAILED NEW HAMPSHIRE INSPECTION[SAFETY RELATED ITEM:CONTROL] ONLY 54K MILES. BALL JOINTS REPLACED AND ALIGNMENT COMPLETED AT SULLIVAN TIRE INC. MANAGER REVEALED HE HAD DONE ANOTHER DAKOTA AND A DURANGO THAT SAME DAY FOR BALL JOINTS ALSO. FREQUENT ITEM FOR DODGE SO HE NOW KEEPS THEM IN STOCK IN HOUSE.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10045873
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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