Vehicles / Dodge / Dakota / 1998

1998 Dodge Dakota

545 federal complaints (793 component records) · 5 recall campaigns on file · 1 federal investigation · 104 service bulletins · 3 Canadian recalls
See all 27 model years of the Dodge Dakota →
Engine
2.5L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
RWD
EPA economy
18 city / 23 hwy
Federal complaints
545
Recall campaigns
5
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
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.

Suspension
318
Power train
82
Brakes
80
Engine & cooling
66
Steering
48
Air bags
32
Glass & wipers
21
Electrical system
21
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

0 years old: 71 complaints01 years old: 48 complaints2 years old: 45 complaints3 years old: 38 complaints4 years old: 29 complaints5 years old: 52 complaints56 years old: 87 complaints7 years old: 32 complaints8 years old: 7 complaints9 years old: 7 complaints10 years old: 4 complaints1011 years old: 4 complaints12 years old: 7 complaints13 years old: 5 complaints14 years old: 2 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 1 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 3 complaints19 years old: 2 complaints20+ years old: 7 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 451 of 545 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 8 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 19 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 46 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 51 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 49 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 19 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 6 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 2 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 3 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 0 complaints200,000+ miles: 2 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 205 of 545 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

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.

Suspension

318 complaint records1 crash report
"WHILE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED TECHNICIAN NOTICED THAT THE BALL JOINTS ALONG WITH THE TIE ROD ENDS WERE LOOSE. *AK *TC..."- 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 suspension parts in the directory →

Power train

82 complaint records7 crash reports
"WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL, AND RESUTLING IN AN ACCIDENT. *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 power train parts in the directory →

Brakes

80 complaint records12 crash reports
"UNDER WET CONDITIONS BRAKES DID NOT ENGAGE/BECAME INOPERATIVE, CAUSING A LOSS OF BRAKES AND TWICE RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. *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.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
EA03023
opened Nov 2003
closed Feb 2005SuspensionUPPER BALL JOINT SEPARATION - led to recall 04V596000
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...

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.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
01V153000Air BagsVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS. SOUND DEADENER MATERIAL INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL COULD BECOME DETACHED FROM THE COVER AND HOUSING.Normally free
00V198000Service Brakes, HydraulicVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH INADEQUATE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE REAR AXLE VENT HOSE AND THE BRAKE HOSE.Normally free
00V193000Service Brakes, HydraulicVEHICLE 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.Normally free
98V208000StructureVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH BOLTS THAT WERE NOT PROPERLY HARDENED. THE BOLTS WERE USED TO ATTACH THE CAB AND THE CORE SUPPORT TO THE FRAME.Normally free
97V170000Service Brakes, HydraulicVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS (2 WHEEL DRIVE ONLY). THE FRONT BRAKE HOSES OR ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) SENSOR WIRE MAY BE ABRADED AT THE FRONT WHEELS BY CONTACT WITH A FRONT WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELD.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.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2000170
2000-08-28
Brakes31,339On 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.
1998186
1998-09-21
Structure766On certain vehicles, the bolts which attach the passenger cab and the heater core support to the frame may not have been properly hardened.
1997179
1997-10-16
Brakes298THE FRONT BRAKE HOSES OR ABS SENSOR WIRES MAY BE ABRADED AT THE FRONT WHEELS BY CONTACT WITH A FRONT WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELD. THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID AND A PARTIAL BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION OF THE ABS SYSTEM.

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.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
9004275
Jul 2020
Electrical SystemKEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms.
08-049-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentCharging 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.
DOR-X6W2U-06
Mar 2020
Air BagsThis SKU is a Clock Spring. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the internal spring. If the internal spring is not seated, the electrical circuit for the horn is disconnected and the horn will not function.
31-006-19
Nov 2019
StructureRepair 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
EquipmentUse 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 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
31-005-19
Nov 2019
EquipmentUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
3100619
Nov 2019
EquipmentRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
3100319
Nov 2019
StructureUse 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.
3100519
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
68332810
Sep 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingService - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only. Installation: 1. Clean the oil pan T-joints.~ 2.
R2118796A
Feb 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingValve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
9002849
Sep 2014
EquipmentPart 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.
22
Aug 2006
Engine And Engine CoolingREPROGRAM PCM AND INSPECT CATALYTIC CONVERTER. *KB
2401305
Aug 2005
EquipmentAIR CONDITIONING (A/C) COOLING COIL ODOR. *TT
2100202
Jul 2002
Power TrainSUBJECT REGARDING REVISION IN DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES AND LABOR OPERATION TIMES FOR RE TRANSMISSIONS. *TT
1802002
Jun 2002
Unknown Or OtherFLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *SLC
1801702
Jun 2002
Unknown Or OtherSUBJECT REGARDING FLASH: MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATION FOR INJECTOR CIRCUIT FAULT. *SLC
2301502
Apr 2002
VisibilitySUBJECT REGARDING OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR GLASS REPLACEMENT. *SLC
2302701
Sep 2001
VisibilitySUBJECT REGARDING OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR GLASS REPLACEMENT. *TT
0801001
May 2001
Electrical SystemSUBJECT REGARDING AIRBAG / CLOCK SPRING SERVICE FOR VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2002 MODEL YEAR JEEP LIBERTY. *TT
1801201
May 2001
EquipmentSUBJECT 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
2500401
May 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT REGARDING ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSTIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES CAUSED BY AN EVAPORATIVE SYSTEM LEAK. *TT
2100601
Mar 2001
Power TrainAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE ATF+4. *TT *MJ
0800600REV
Dec 2000
Electrical SystemSUBJECT REGARDING WIRE SPLICE REPAIRS. *SB
2303400A
Dec 2000
VisibilitySUBJECT REGARDING OUTSIDE MIRROR GLASS REPLACEMENT. *TT
180500G
Dec 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A LIGHT TO MODERATE SPARK KNOCK CONDITION DURING ACCELERATION (UNDER LOAD). *TT
0200600
Oct 2000
SuspensionSUBJECT REGARDING UPPER CONTROL ARM BUSHING SERVICE. *TT
233400
Sep 2000
VisibilitySUBJECT REGARDING OUTSIDE MIRROR GLASS REPLACEMENT. *TT
180500F
Sep 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME VEHICLE ENGINES MAY EXHIBIT A LIGHT-TO-MODERATE SPARK KNOC CONDITION DURING ACCELERATION (UNDER LOAD). *TT
082400
Sep 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingON SOME VEHICLES THE ENGINE CRANKS BUT DOES NOT START OR STARTS AND STALLS. *TT
180500E
Sep 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME VEHICLE ENGINES MAY EXHIBIT A LIGHT-TO-MODERATE SPARK KNOCK CONDITION DURING ACCELERATION (UNDER LOAD). *TT
180500A
Jun 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT REGARDING 1998 MODEL YEAR ENGINE SPARK KNOCK. *TT
180500
Jun 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME VEHICLE ENGINES MAY EXHIBIT A LIGHT-TO-MODERATE SPARK KNOCK CONDITION DURING ACCELERATION (UNDER LOAD). *TT
020500
May 2000
SuspensionSOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT ABOUT A SQUEAKING / CLICKING NOISE FROM REAR LEAF SPRINGS. *TT
210300
Mar 2000
Power TrainSOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN OF A RED-IN-COLOR OIL SEEPAGE FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE OIL SEEPAGE MAY BE LOCALIZED TO THE SECTOR SHAFT SEAL OF THE TRANSFER CASE. *TT
230800
Mar 2000
SeatsSUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT
080600
Feb 2000
Electrical SystemTHIS BULLETIN PROVIDES A REVISED WIRE SPLICE PROCEDURE AND RELATED PARTS. *TT
090500
Feb 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingEXPERIENCING SPARK KNOCK AND ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION DUE TO INTAKE MANIFOLD PAN GASKET OIL LEAK. *TT
180100
Feb 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT REGARDING MISDIAGNOSED LEAK DETECTION PUMP SYSTEMS WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P1494, P0442 P0455, OR P0456. *TT
080699A
Dec 1999
Electrical SystemCUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN OF RADIO INTERFERENCE TO / FROM TWO WAY RADIO RECEIVERS. *TT
242099A
Dec 1999
VisibilityA CONDITION MAY OCCUR WHILE IN BI-LEVEL MODE, AIR FLOW FROM PANEL VENTS IS LESS THAN THAT OF THE FLOOR VENTS. *TT
020699A
Dec 1999
SuspensionTHIS BULLETIN MENTIONS THAT THE FRONT WHEEL BEARING GREASE IS EVIDENT ON THE BEARING SEAL AREA. *TT
212299
Dec 1999
Power TrainCUSTOMER COMPLAINT OF NV-242 AND NV-242HD SECTOR SHAFT SEAL OIL SEEPAGE FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. *TT
235299
Nov 1999
VisibilitySUBJECT REGARDING A SQUEAK HEARD COMING FROM THE WINDOW AREA AS THE WINDOW IS ROLLED DOWN. *TT
083799
Nov 1999
Air BagsDAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION IS NOW OFFERINB AIRBAG ON / OFF SWITCHES FOR SELECTED VEHICLES. *TT
021599
Nov 1999
SuspensionEXPERIENCING A SQUEAK NOISE COMING FROM REAR LEAF SPRING. *TT
242099
Oct 1999
VisibilitySUBJECT REGARDING VEHICLES THAT EXPERIENCE WHILE IN BI-LEVEL MODE, AIR FLOW FROM PANEL VENTS IS LESS THAT THAT OF THE FLOOR VENTS. *MJS
233599REVA
Oct 1999
StructureSUBJECT ON THE CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *MJS
090699
Sep 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT REGARDING SPARK KNOCK AND ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION DUE TO INTAKE MANIFOLD PAN GASKET OIL LEAK. *TT
233599
Sep 1999
SeatsINFORMATION ON CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT
233299
Aug 1999
StructureCONCERNS WITH THE CENTER CONSOLE / ARMEST LID HINGE BEING BENT. *TT
030299A
Aug 1999
Power TrainSOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A HIGH-SPEED DRIVELINE VIBRATION. *TT
030199A
Aug 1999
Power TrainCONDITIONS WITH TWO-PIECE PROPELLER SHAFT BOOT TORN. *TT
831
Aug 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingEMISSIONS RECALL TO REPROGRAM YOUR VEHICLE'S POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE. *TT
241199
Jun 1999
EquipmentSUBJECT ON AIR CONDITIONER COOLING PERFORMANCE DETERIORATING AFTER A FEW MINUTES OF OPERATION. *TT
181299
Jun 1999
Power TrainTHIS BULLETIN EXPLAINS THE OPERATION AND APPLICATION OF THE LEAK DETECTION PUMP (LDP) MONITOR TEST. *TT
020599
Jun 1999
SuspensionEXPERIENCING SQUEAKING OR CREAKING FROM FRONT WHEEL AREA AT LOW SPEEDS. *TT
020699
Jun 1999
SuspensionSUBJECT ON THE FRONT WHEEL BEARING GREASE IS EVIDENT ON THE BEARING SEAL AREA. *TT
030499
Jun 1999
Power TrainCONDITIONS WITH DIFFERENTIAL GEAR LUBRICANT WEEPING FROM THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL VENT. *TT
180799
Apr 1999
Unknown Or OtherEXHIBITING ERRONEOUS MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATION WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE $A8 (P1763) GOVERNOR PRESSURE SENSOR VOLTS TOO HIGH. *TT

Showing 60 of 104 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Find the roughest road nearby.Clunks over bumps, a droning hum that changes when the car leans, or a corner that sits low are this vehicle's suspension complaints. Wheel bearings and control arm bushings lead the parts list.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 5 recall campaigns 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.
  5. 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 →