Engine
2.5L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 146 of 189 complaints with a usable failure date.
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Power train
33 complaint records4 crash reports
"WHEN VEHICLE IS IN PARK IT WILL JUMP OUT OF PARK AND INTO REVERSE. ALSO, WHEN VEHICLE IS PARKED ON A DOWN HILL INCLINE VEHICLE WILL ROLL FORWARD, CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK *SLC..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
28 complaint records1 fire report
"THE FAN CLUTCH THAT IS LOCATED IN THE RADIATOR BROKE IN HALF WHICH ALMOST CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Brakes
23 complaint records2 crash reports
"ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT KEEPS COMING OFF & ON. IN SHOP (3) TIMES, STILL NOT FIXED, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| DP02009 opened Sep 2002 | closed Jan 2003 | Structure | FRAME CRACKS MR. EDWARD W. BAILEY SUBMITTED A PETITION TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION BY LETTER, UNDATED, REQUESTING THAT AN INVESTIGATION BE CONDUCTED INTO THE MATTER OF A FRAME CRACK IN HIS 1995 DODGE DAKOTA TRUCK.THE PETITIONER ALLEGES THAT THE... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 95V199000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | THE POWER BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM HOSE COULD BE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED AND NOT CLAMPED TO THE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM NIPPLE. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995196 1995-10-31 | Brakes | 6 | THE POWER BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM HOSE MAY BE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED TO THE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM NIPPLE. A DISCONNECTED VACUUM HOSE CAN CAUSE AN INCREASE IN ENGINE IDLE SPEED AND LOSS OF POWER ASSIST DURING BRAKE APPLICATION WITHOUT PRIOR... |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08-049-20 Apr 2020 | Equipment | Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary. | |
| 31-006-19 Nov 2019 | Structure | Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage. | |
| 31-003-19 Nov 2019 | Equipment | Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts. | |
| 3100619 Nov 2019 | Structure | Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage. | |
| 3100319 Nov 2019 | Structure | Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts. |
Show 50 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3100519 Nov 2019 | Structure | Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts. | |
| R2118796A Feb 2016 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling. | |
| 9002849 Sep 2014 | Structure | Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement please order kit 68253161AA. | |
| 2401305 Aug 2005 | Equipment | AIR CONDITIONING (A/C) COOLING COIL ODOR. *TT | |
| 1300303 Nov 2003 | Structure | FRAME CRACKING. *TT | |
| 2100202 Jul 2002 | Power Train | SUBJECT REGARDING REVISION IN DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES AND LABOR OPERATION TIMES FOR RE TRANSMISSIONS. *TT | |
| 1802002 Jun 2002 | Unknown Or Other | FLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *SLC | |
| 0801001 May 2001 | Electrical System | SUBJECT REGARDING AIRBAG / CLOCK SPRING SERVICE FOR VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2002 MODEL YEAR JEEP LIBERTY. *TT | |
| 1801201 May 2001 | Equipment | SUBJECT REGARDING GENERIC SCAN TOOL (GST), PUBLICATION NO. 81-170-00008 PROVIDED WITH THIS TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TO PROVIDE REFERENCE INFORMATION WHEN USING GENERIC SCAN TOOL ON OBDII VEHICLES. *TT | |
| 977 Apr 2001 | Equipment | CUSTOMER SATISFACTION NOTIFICATION TO CORRECT A STATEMENT IN THE VEHICLE'S OWNERS MANUAL. THIS STATEMENT INDICATES THAT CERTAIN VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH AN INTERLOCK BRAKE SYSTEM. THIS IS INCORRECT. | |
| 2100601 Mar 2001 | Power Train | AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE ATF+4. *TT *MJ | |
| 0800600REV Dec 2000 | Electrical System | SUBJECT REGARDING WIRE SPLICE REPAIRS. *SB | |
| 082700 Sep 2000 | Air Bags | SUBJECT REGARDING NON-DEPLOYED AIRBAG HANDLING PROCEDURES. *TT | |
| 230800 Mar 2000 | Seats | SUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT | |
| 080600 Feb 2000 | Electrical System | THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES A REVISED WIRE SPLICE PROCEDURE AND RELATED PARTS. *TT | |
| 090500 Feb 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | EXPERIENCING SPARK KNOCK AND ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION DUE TO INTAKE MANIFOLD PAN GASKET OIL LEAK. *TT | |
| 083799 Nov 1999 | Air Bags | DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION IS NOW OFFERINB AIRBAG ON / OFF SWITCHES FOR SELECTED VEHICLES. *TT | |
| 233599REVA Oct 1999 | Structure | SUBJECT ON THE CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *MJS | |
| 090699 Sep 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING SPARK KNOCK AND ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION DUE TO INTAKE MANIFOLD PAN GASKET OIL LEAK. *TT | |
| 233599 Sep 1999 | Seats | INFORMATION ON CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT | |
| 210899 Apr 1999 | Power Train | VEHICLES EXHIBITING BUZZ, WHINING, OR MOANING LIKE NOISE FROM COLD TRANSMISSION WHEN REVERSE GEAR IS SELECTED. *TT | |
| 050399 Apr 1999 | Service Brakes | INFORMATION REGARDING FRONT BRAKE CALIPER MOUNTING TO STEERING KNUCKLE THREAD REPAIR. *TT | |
| 184898 Dec 1998 | Electrical System | SUBJECT REGARDING IGNITION SYSTEM CROSS FIRE/ SECONDARY IGNITION WIRE INDUCTION. *AK | |
| 081798 Dec 1998 | Air Bags | SUBJECT REGARDING AIRBAG ON - OFF SWITCHES. *YC | |
| 110798 Dec 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | OUTER EXHAUST MANIFOLD STUDS MAY FATIGUE/BREAK. *AK | |
| 250298 Oct 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING I/M ( INSPECTION MAINTENANCE ) TESTING - OBD II "CARB" READINESS MONITOR INFORMATION. *YC | |
| 183298 Sep 1998 | Structure | SUBJECT ON FLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *YC | |
| 08!798 Jul 1998 | Air Bags | DISCUSSION ON AIRBAG ON- OFF SWITCHES FOR SELECTED VEHICLES *AK | |
| 182498 Jul 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT LIGHT SPARK KNOCK WITH A WARM ENGINE UNDER LOAD. *YC | |
| 110798 Jul 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | THE OUTER EXHAUST MANIFOLD STUDS MAY FATIGUE AND BREAK. *YC | |
| 140398 May 1998 | Fuel System | SUBJECT ON FUEL PRESSURE GAUGE ADAPTER USAGE. *YC | |
| 081698 Apr 1998 | Equipment | INFORMATION ON INSTALLATION OF RADIO TRANSMITTING EQUIPMENT. *AK | |
| 181998 Apr 1998 | Vehicle Speed Control | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE BUCKING DURING WIDE OPEN THROTTLE (WOT) ACCELERATION. *YC | |
| 210697A Dec 1997 | Power Train | THIS BULLETIN INVOLVES OVERDRIVE UNAVAILABLE IN EXTREME COLD TEMPERATURES, BYPASS KIT INSTALLATION, INHIBITOR PROGRAMMING. *NLM | |
| 140897 Nov 1997 | Fuel System | INFORMATION ON POOR DRIVABILITY WITH HIGH DI (DRIVABILITY INDEX) FUEL. *NLM | |
| 970919083297 Sep 1997 | Air Bags | AUTHORIZED AIRBAG DEACTIVATION FOR MEDICAL NECESSITY. *YC | |
| 0832097 Sep 1997 | Electrical System | INFORMATION REGARDING NHTSA AUTHORIZED AIRBAG DEACTIVATION FOR MEDICAL NECESSITY. *NLM | |
| 211197 Sep 1997 | Power Train | EXPERIENCING A BUZZ SOUND WHEN SHIFTING INTO REVERSE. *YC | |
| 211197A Sep 1997 | Power Train | THIS BULLETIN INVOLVES REVERSE BUZZ (46RE) *NLM | |
| 241197 Jul 1997 | Equipment | CONCERNS WITH A/C EVAPORATOR ODOR. *NLM | |
| 090797 Jun 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | TIMING CHAIN NOISE. *TW | |
| 220197 Jun 1997 | Tires | INFORMATION ON TIRE AND WHEEL RUNOUT. *NLM | |
| 082197 May 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | WHEN VEHICLES IN THE START POSITION, ENGINE WILL NOT CRANK OVER. *YC | |
| 070397 May 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | VARIOUS CAR OWNER'S HAVE EXPRESSED INTEREST IN USING ENGINE COOLANTS MADE WITH PROPYLENE GLYCOL INSTEAD OF ETHYLENE GLYCOL. *YC | |
| 210697 Mar 1997 | Power Train | OVERDRIVE UNAVAILABLE IN EXTREME COLD TEMPERATURES. *YC | |
| 210797 Mar 1997 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON TRANSMISSION COOLER REVERSE FLUSHING WITH COOLER BYPASS KIT INSTALLED. *NLM | |
| 230397 Feb 1997 | Structure | DIFFICULT TO CLEAN LIGHT COLORED "CHALKY" RESIDUE FROM PLASTIC BODY COMPONENTS THAT ARE MOLDED IN BLACK. *TW | |
| 080197 Feb 1997 | Electrical System | JTEC POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR REPAIR PACKAGES. *JD | |
| 180397 Jan 1997 | Unknown Or Other | ERRONEOUS MIL ILLUMINATION/DRIVEABILITY IMPROVEMENTS- DOWNSTREAM 02 SENSOR HEATER FAILURE- COLD ENGINE WARM UP SAG/HESITATION- DRIVEAWAY SAG/HESITATION- SURGE AT CONSTANT SPEEDS WITH CRUISE CONTROL- SPARK KNOCK DURING MODERATE TO HEAVY LOAD AND/OR DEEP THROTTLE ACCELERATION-... | |
| 081695REVA Oct 1995 | Vehicle Speed Control | BULLETIN SUPERSEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 08-16-95, DATED APR. 14, 1995. IF THE VEHICLE OPERATOR **REPEATEDLY** PRESSES AND RELEASES THE SET BUTTON WITH THEIR FOOT OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR (A 'LIFT FOOT SET' TO BEGIN SPEED CONTROL OPERATION), THE VEHICLE MAY ACCELERATE AND... |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 1 recall campaign on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Dodge Dakota →