Owners have filed 650 complaints
about the 1997 Dodge Dakota with NHTSA between 1996 and 2018.
The largest single group is the suspension.
Across this model's run it ranks 7 of 19 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 73
Against the median year of the Dodge Dakota. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 73
14.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 20
12% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
20.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
52.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
4619.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
7029.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
5322.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
4619.7%
150,000+ miles
125.1%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 1996peak 43Feb 2018
NHTSA investigations into the 1997 Dodge Dakota
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA03023Opened 19 Nov 2003Closed 11 Feb 2005SUSPENSION
UPPER BALL JOINT SEPARATION
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-REL...
Recalls on the 1997 Dodge Dakota
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
09E025000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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.
09E012000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
08E064000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:HUB
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.
06E065000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
06E026000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
06E024000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
06E022000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.
Risk: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
01V153000
AIR BAGS
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20001717,453 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain vehicles with 131" wheel base, inadequate clearance between the fuel line and the cab underbody could eventually wear a hole in the fuel line resulting in loss of fuel. Leaking fuel, in the presence of an ignition source, could ignite and result in a vehicle fire. Correction: Vehicles will be inspected for proper fuel line clearance. Fuel lines with inadequate clearance will be replaced with a redesigned fuel line.
Recall 200017031,339 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, the rear axle vent hose could contact the rear brake hose which eventually could wear a hole in the brake hose. Perforation of the rear brake hose will result in a loss of braking force at the rear wheels. Correction: Rear brake hoses will be inspected for evidence of wear. Worn brake hoses will be replaced. The rear axle vent hose will be shortened by 8 cm and a clip will be installed to assure the clearance between the axle vent line and the brake hose is maintained.
Recall 199711592 units in Canada
Emissions
NOTE: VEHICLES WITH 3.9 LITRE ENGINE AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 1101 - EMISSION DEVICE. VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN INCORRECT UNDERHOOD EMISSION INFORMATION (VECI) LABEL. THE LABELS INCORRECTLY IDENTIFY THE VEHICLE AS CERTIFIED TO CALIFORNIA STANDARDS. CORRECTION: OWNERS WILL BE SUPPLIED WITH CORRECT LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS.
Recall 19971028,527 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
THE CIRCUIT DESIGN IN THE AIR BAG ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE MAY ALLOW THE POTENTIAL FOR INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT UPON VEHICLE IGNITION SHUT DOWN. CORRECTION: THE AIR BAG ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE WILL BE REPLACED WITH A MODULE THAT INCORPORATES THE LATEST PRODUCTION REDESIGNED CIRCUIT TO PREVENT THIS CONDITION.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
King Stree, SCFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND OPENED THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10863588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesSheridan, ARCrash1 injured
STEERING
LOCKED VEHICLE IN FOUR WHEEL DRIVE HIGH, STARTED GOING THROUGH FLAT PASTURE, EITHER BRAKES LOCKED UP OR FRONT PUMKIN TURNED UP AND LOCKED FRONT WHEELS UP, LOST CONTROL AND ROLLED ONTO DRIVER SIDE.
NHTSA complaint #10552659 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesSheridan, ARCrash1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
LOCKED VEHICLE IN FOUR WHEEL DRIVE HIGH, STARTED GOING THROUGH FLAT PASTURE, EITHER BRAKES LOCKED UP OR FRONT PUMKIN TURNED UP AND LOCKED FRONT WHEELS UP, LOST CONTROL AND ROLLED ONTO DRIVER SIDE.
NHTSA complaint #10552659 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesSheridan, ARCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
LOCKED VEHICLE IN FOUR WHEEL DRIVE HIGH, STARTED GOING THROUGH FLAT PASTURE, EITHER BRAKES LOCKED UP OR FRONT PUMKIN TURNED UP AND LOCKED FRONT WHEELS UP, LOST CONTROL AND ROLLED ONTO DRIVER SIDE.
NHTSA complaint #10552659 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,000 milesRichlands, VACrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
MY HUSBAND AND I WERE IN A WRECK 01/02/06 WITH HIS 97 DODGE DAKOTA SLT CLUB CAB, WE HIT 2 DEER AT 50-55 MPH HEAD ON. OUR AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. WE NOTIFIED CHRYSLER ABOUT THIS MATTER. THEY SENT OUT A SPECIAL INVESTIGATOR TO GO OVER THE TRUCK TO SEE WHY THEY DID NOT DEPLOY, WE WERE ADVISED BY MY HUSBANDS INSURANCE COMPANY TO BE PRESENT AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION, WE TOLD THIS TO CHRYSLERS SPECIAL INVESTIGATOR. MY HUSBAND WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP THE TRUCK WAS TO BE TAKEN TO THE SI DIDN'T SHOW UP MY HUSBAND CAME HOME, I CALLED THE BODY SHOP THAT HAD THE TRUCK AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE SI HAD COME AND LOOKED AT THE TRUCK THERE AND THEN WAS WANTING IT TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP. I TOLD THE BODY SHOP NOT TO ALLOW THE TRUCK TO BE MOVED WITHOUT US PRESENT, THEY WENT AHEAD AND DID IT ANYWAY. ALONG WITH CONTACT OVER THE AIRBAGS WITH CHRYSLER I WAS MADE AWARE OF 1 RECALL, THAT WE HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF. NOW IN MY RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND 5 RECALLS THAT WE WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF. I WAS INJURED IN THE ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THE AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOYING, I AM STILL HAVING PROBLEMS. WE HAVE NO VEHICLE AT ALL, CHRYSLER IS DRAGGING THEIR FEET ABOUT DOING ANYTHING AS FAR AS TELLING US ANY DETAILS OF THE INVESTIGATION. WE ARE THINKING ABOUT POSSIBLY REPAIRING THE TRUCK, THIS WILL TAKE MONEY THAT WE DO NOT HAVE TO FIX, THE TRUCK HAD LIABILITY ONLY INSURANCE. WE LIVE ON A FIXED INCOME, MY HUSBAND IS DISABLED, I AM CURRENTLY NOT WORKING AND IF I WERE I WOULD HAVE BEEN FIRED FOR NOT BEING ABLE TO GET TO WORK. DUE TO ALL THE RECALLS ON THIS TRUCK THAT WE HAVE JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT AND THE AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOYING AND THIS BEING OUR ONLY TRANSPORTATION, WE WOULD JUST LIKE TO SEE THE VEHICLE REPLACED, BUT NOT WITH CHRYSLER WITH A COMPETITOR, WE ARE NOT ASKING FOR A BRAND NEW VEHICLE AND ALSO TO HAVE MY MEDICAL BILLS PAID.
NHTSA complaint #10147506 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aguanga, CAFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
MY 1997 DODGE DAKOTA CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD, WITH THE ONLY WARNING BEING THE STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE, WHILE BEING DRIVEN DOWN THE ROAD.
NHTSA complaint #10120172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 184,231 milesKingsport, TN
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKE LINE CRODDED, LOSS OF BRAKES IN MOTION IN DRIVEWAY
NHTSA complaint #11074563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesGarberville, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
HEADLIGHTS KEEP FAILING. HAVE CHANGED HEADLIGHT SWITCH SEVERAL TIMES, BUT FAILS AGAIN. TRANSMISSION WON'T SHIFT INTO OVERDRIVE. CRUISE CONTROL IS DIFFICULT TO ACTIVATE. SOMETIMES TRANSMISSION WON'T SHIFT FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR
NHTSA complaint #10911071 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesGarberville, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
HEADLIGHTS KEEP FAILING. HAVE CHANGED HEADLIGHT SWITCH SEVERAL TIMES, BUT FAILS AGAIN. TRANSMISSION WON'T SHIFT INTO OVERDRIVE. CRUISE CONTROL IS DIFFICULT TO ACTIVATE. SOMETIMES TRANSMISSION WON'T SHIFT FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR
NHTSA complaint #10911071 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesGarberville, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
HEADLIGHTS KEEP FAILING. HAVE CHANGED HEADLIGHT SWITCH SEVERAL TIMES, BUT FAILS AGAIN. TRANSMISSION WON'T SHIFT INTO OVERDRIVE. CRUISE CONTROL IS DIFFICULT TO ACTIVATE. SOMETIMES TRANSMISSION WON'T SHIFT FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR
NHTSA complaint #10911071 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
King Stree, SCFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND OPENED THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10863588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,000 milesClinton, WI
SERVICE BRAKES
TOOK VEHICLE TO DODGE DEALER (BRYDEN MOTORS BELOIT) FOR INSPECTION OF FUEL LINE AND BRAKES (FUEL LINE IS NOT RIGHT AND REAR BRAKE LINE IS LEAKING AFFECTING BRAKING) FUEL LINE PART WAS ORDERED NUT BRAKES WERE NOT INSPECTED AND IGNORED. I AM SUPPOSED TO RETURN WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON TO HAVE ORDERED FUEL LINE PART(S) INSTALLED.
NHTSA complaint #10722378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 171,000 milesIonia, MI
ENGINE
3 DAYS AFTER WE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE THE FUEL SYSTEM WENT DOWN. REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP AND STILL WANTS TO STALL AND ACT LIKE ITS CLOGGED IN THE FUEL LINES. ITS BEEN FLUSHED. WHEN DRIVING IT BOGS DOWN AND CHUGS. IT WANTS TO DIE AND SHUT OFF WHILE YOUR DRIVING THE TRUCK. THE BRAKES ONLY WORK HALF THE TIME. MOST OF THE TIME I CAN'T EVEN STOP UNTIL I'M HALFWAY THROUGH THE INTERSECTION. REPLACED ALL THE SENSORS AND STILL DOESN'T WANT TO START AND STAY RUNNING. FUEL PUMP KICKS ON, BUT HAS TO RUN EXTRA HARD TO TRY AND KEEP THE ENGINE RUNNING.
NHTSA complaint #10706503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 171,000 milesIonia, MI
SERVICE BRAKES
3 DAYS AFTER WE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE THE FUEL SYSTEM WENT DOWN. REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP AND STILL WANTS TO STALL AND ACT LIKE ITS CLOGGED IN THE FUEL LINES. ITS BEEN FLUSHED. WHEN DRIVING IT BOGS DOWN AND CHUGS. IT WANTS TO DIE AND SHUT OFF WHILE YOUR DRIVING THE TRUCK. THE BRAKES ONLY WORK HALF THE TIME. MOST OF THE TIME I CAN'T EVEN STOP UNTIL I'M HALFWAY THROUGH THE INTERSECTION. REPLACED ALL THE SENSORS AND STILL DOESN'T WANT TO START AND STAY RUNNING. FUEL PUMP KICKS ON, BUT HAS TO RUN EXTRA HARD TO TRY AND KEEP THE ENGINE RUNNING.
NHTSA complaint #10706503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 171,000 milesIonia, MI
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
3 DAYS AFTER WE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE THE FUEL SYSTEM WENT DOWN. REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP AND STILL WANTS TO STALL AND ACT LIKE ITS CLOGGED IN THE FUEL LINES. ITS BEEN FLUSHED. WHEN DRIVING IT BOGS DOWN AND CHUGS. IT WANTS TO DIE AND SHUT OFF WHILE YOUR DRIVING THE TRUCK. THE BRAKES ONLY WORK HALF THE TIME. MOST OF THE TIME I CAN'T EVEN STOP UNTIL I'M HALFWAY THROUGH THE INTERSECTION. REPLACED ALL THE SENSORS AND STILL DOESN'T WANT TO START AND STAY RUNNING. FUEL PUMP KICKS ON, BUT HAS TO RUN EXTRA HARD TO TRY AND KEEP THE ENGINE RUNNING.
NHTSA complaint #10706503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 121,000 milesCentral Pointe, OR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A FUEL ODOR EMITTING OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL LINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 00V199000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10661594 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesFountain Valley, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 00V199000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THEY HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #10632232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesAlbany, OR
SEATS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER FRONT SEAT WAS UNSTABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10586050 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesSheridan, ARCrash1 injured
STEERING
LOCKED VEHICLE IN FOUR WHEEL DRIVE HIGH, STARTED GOING THROUGH FLAT PASTURE, EITHER BRAKES LOCKED UP OR FRONT PUMKIN TURNED UP AND LOCKED FRONT WHEELS UP, LOST CONTROL AND ROLLED ONTO DRIVER SIDE.
NHTSA complaint #10552659 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesSheridan, ARCrash1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
LOCKED VEHICLE IN FOUR WHEEL DRIVE HIGH, STARTED GOING THROUGH FLAT PASTURE, EITHER BRAKES LOCKED UP OR FRONT PUMKIN TURNED UP AND LOCKED FRONT WHEELS UP, LOST CONTROL AND ROLLED ONTO DRIVER SIDE.
NHTSA complaint #10552659 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesSheridan, ARCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
LOCKED VEHICLE IN FOUR WHEEL DRIVE HIGH, STARTED GOING THROUGH FLAT PASTURE, EITHER BRAKES LOCKED UP OR FRONT PUMKIN TURNED UP AND LOCKED FRONT WHEELS UP, LOST CONTROL AND ROLLED ONTO DRIVER SIDE.
NHTSA complaint #10552659 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,916 milesANN Arbor, MI
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
REPLACED RUSTED RADIATOR.
NHTSA complaint #10455930 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,600 milesANN Arbor, MI
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
REPLACE RUSTED RADIATOR.
NHTSA complaint #10455931 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesANN Arbor, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
BRAKE LINES RUSTED THROUGH. BURST WHILE DRIVING ON EXPRESSWAY. REPLACED ALL BRAKE LINES.
NHTSA complaint #10455932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 137,141 milesDallas, TX
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER
CAR LOST POWER AND LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. SCANNER SHOWED CODE P0740; TORQUE CONVERTER PROBLEM. HAD TO OVERHAUL TRANSMISSION AND REPLACE THE TORQUE CONVERTER.
NHTSA complaint #10453604 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 124,219 milesDallas, TX
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
PREMATURE WEAR AND FAILURE OF UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS. TRUCK WAS MAKING POPPING NOISES WHEN YOU TURNED THE WHEEL OR WENT OVER BUMPS. TOOK TO LOCAL MECHANIC; MECHANIC STATED THAT THE BALL JOINTS WERE SCARY BAD. MECHANIC ALSO STATED THAT IF I HAD NOT BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN THE FRONT WHEELS COULD HAVE BROKEN OFF CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO WRECK.
NHTSA complaint #10453601 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 124,219 milesDallas, TX
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT
PREMATURE WEAR AND FAILURE OF UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS. TRUCK WAS MAKING POPPING NOISES WHEN YOU TURNED THE WHEEL OR WENT OVER BUMPS. TOOK TO LOCAL MECHANIC; MECHANIC STATED THAT THE BALL JOINTS WERE SCARY BAD. MECHANIC ALSO STATED THAT IF I HAD NOT BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN THE FRONT WHEELS COULD HAVE BROKEN OFF CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO WRECK.
NHTSA complaint #10453601 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN THE HEATER BLOWER MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO HEAT THE VEHICLE INTERIOR OR UTILIZE THE DEFROSTER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR REPAIRS WHERE THE HEATER BLOWER, MOTOR AND BLOWER FAN WERE REPLACED. THE TECHNICIAN ALSO ADDED MORE ANTI-FREEZE TO THE VEHICLE BUT NONE OF THE REPAIRS REMEDIED THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED TO REPORT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,400. UPDATED 3/1/11 *CN UPDATED 07/01/11
NHTSA complaint #10377177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesPine, CO
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE DAKOTA. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED A STRONG FUEL ODOR. THE CONTACT SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND DISCOVERED FUEL LEAKING UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 120,000. UPDATED 02/03/11*LJ UPDATED 03/17/11
NHTSA complaint #10361018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesWaterford, MI
SUSPENSION:FRONT
DUE TO POOR CHOICE OF MATERIALS (I ASSUME) THE FRONT HUB AND SPINDLE ASSEMBLY WEARS. LEAVING FRONT BRAKE SLIDER PINS UNATTACHED TO CALIPER MOUNTING PLATE. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE FRONT CALIPER WOBBLES IN IT'S PLACE, POSSIBLY EJECTING THE SLIDEPINS BECAUSE THEY "WOBBLE" IN THE KNUCKLE HOLES DESIGNED TO RETAIN THEM. THIS CAUSES EXCESS WEAR ON THE FRONT HUB ASSEMBLY, INCREASED WEAR IN BRAKES, AND STRESS ON THE HUB BEARINGS. HAVING READ THE "ALLDATA" DATA BASE, THERE IS A REDESIGNED KNUCKLE WITH IMPROVED SLIDE PIN SUPPORTS. THERE ALSO IS A REPAIR KIT INVOLVING THE USAGE OF "HELI-COIL" INSERTS TO SECURE BRAKE PAD CARRIER TO SPINDLE ASSEMBLY. (SLIDE PINS) I FEEL TOTALLY UNSAFE WITH THIS ARRANGEMENT. I PREFER TO HAVE THE RE-DESIGNED SPINDLE ASSEMBLIES INSTALLED FOR FREE BY DEALER WITH UP-DATED PART NUMBERS. THE DEALER WANTS $1000 PER SIDE FOR THE REDESIGNED UNITS. I THINK THIS IS ABSURD. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND COULD CAUSE LOSS OF LIFE DUE TO LOSS OF CONTROL. THE ONLY THING HOLDING THE BRAKE ASSEMBLIES IN PLACE IS THE WHEEL, ITSELF!!
NHTSA complaint #10267391 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesWaterford, MI
STEERING
DUE TO POOR CHOICE OF MATERIALS (I ASSUME) THE FRONT HUB AND SPINDLE ASSEMBLY WEARS. LEAVING FRONT BRAKE SLIDER PINS UNATTACHED TO CALIPER MOUNTING PLATE. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE FRONT CALIPER WOBBLES IN IT'S PLACE, POSSIBLY EJECTING THE SLIDEPINS BECAUSE THEY "WOBBLE" IN THE KNUCKLE HOLES DESIGNED TO RETAIN THEM. THIS CAUSES EXCESS WEAR ON THE FRONT HUB ASSEMBLY, INCREASED WEAR IN BRAKES, AND STRESS ON THE HUB BEARINGS. HAVING READ THE "ALLDATA" DATA BASE, THERE IS A REDESIGNED KNUCKLE WITH IMPROVED SLIDE PIN SUPPORTS. THERE ALSO IS A REPAIR KIT INVOLVING THE USAGE OF "HELI-COIL" INSERTS TO SECURE BRAKE PAD CARRIER TO SPINDLE ASSEMBLY. (SLIDE PINS) I FEEL TOTALLY UNSAFE WITH THIS ARRANGEMENT. I PREFER TO HAVE THE RE-DESIGNED SPINDLE ASSEMBLIES INSTALLED FOR FREE BY DEALER WITH UP-DATED PART NUMBERS. THE DEALER WANTS $1000 PER SIDE FOR THE REDESIGNED UNITS. I THINK THIS IS ABSURD. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND COULD CAUSE LOSS OF LIFE DUE TO LOSS OF CONTROL. THE ONLY THING HOLDING THE BRAKE ASSEMBLIES IN PLACE IS THE WHEEL, ITSELF!!
NHTSA complaint #10267391 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.