Vehicles / Dodge / Dakota / 2000

2000 Dodge Dakota

806 federal complaints (1,096 component records) · 5 recall campaigns on file · 4 federal investigations · 103 service bulletins · 6 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
806
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
372
Brakes
313
Power train
79
Steering
69
Engine & cooling
61
Air bags
29
Glass & wipers
25
Tires
24
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: 115 complaints01 years old: 85 complaints2 years old: 77 complaints3 years old: 136 complaints4 years old: 160 complaints5 years old: 44 complaints56 years old: 15 complaints7 years old: 8 complaints8 years old: 17 complaints9 years old: 8 complaints10 years old: 3 complaints1011 years old: 2 complaints12 years old: 1 complaints13 years old: 4 complaints14 years old: 3 complaints15 years old: 3 complaints1516 years old: 2 complaints17 years old: 2 complaints18 years old: 1 complaints19 years old: 1 complaints20+ years old: 5 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 692 of 806 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 42 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 66 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 109 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 77 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 29 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 14 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 5 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 6 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 3 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 0 complaints200,000+ miles: 6 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 357 of 806 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

372 complaint records2 fire reports16 crash reports
"THE UPPER BALL JOINTS NEEDED REPLACEMENT BASED ON THE OBSERVATION OF A MECHANIC THAT WAS SERVICING THE VEHICLE. *AK *LA..."- 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 →

Brakes

313 complaint records3 fire reports15 crash reports
"WARPED ROTORS AT 11000 MILES DEALER REPLACED. 16000 WARPED AGAIN. DEALER SAYS THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM WITH NO SOLUTION. *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 →

Power train

79 complaint records1 fire report4 crash reports
"MY TRUCK DIES WHEN IT IS COLD AND WARM, JERKS WHEN SHIFTED INTO DRIVE, AND JERKS WHEN SHFTING FROM SECOND TO THIRD.. *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 →

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...
EA01010
opened Mar 2001
closed Aug 2001Seat BeltsFRONT SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE - led to recall 01V233000
ALLEGE THAT THE FRONT SAFETY BELT ANCHOR BOLTS DISENGAGE FROM THEIR MOUNTING POINTS OR ARE FOUND TO BE LOOSE.
PE00035
opened Sep 2000
closed Mar 2001Electrical SystemSTOP LAMP SWITCH
ALLEGED THAT ELECTRICAL FAILURE OF THE BRAKE STOP LAMP SWITCH MAN RESULT IN STOP LAMPS NOT ILLUMINATION DURING SERVICE BRAKE APPLICATION, AND THE VEHICLE'S CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM MAY FAIL TO DISENGAGE
PE00030
opened Jul 2000
closed Mar 2001Seat BeltsFRONT SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE DISENGAGEMEN
ALLEGED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT SAFETY BELT ANCHORS DISENGAGE FROM MOUNTING POINTS

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
04V596000SuspensionON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4X4), IF MOISTURE LEAKS INTO THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINT, EVACUATION OF THE LUBRICANT AND CORROSION OF THE JOINT MAY CAUSE...Normally free
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
00V197000Power TrainVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 4.7L ENGINE AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MAY EXPEL FLUID FROM THE FILL TUBE DURING NORMAL TEMPERATURE OPERATION.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

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
2004439
2004-12-20
Suspension57,649On certain four wheel drive vehicles, if moisture leaks into the front suspension upper ball joint, evacuation of the lubricant and corrosion of the joint may cause the joint to wear progressively over an extended period of time.
2001197
2001-07-17
Seats And Restraints9,183Certain Quad Cab pickup trucks. The front outboard lower seat belt anchor bolts may not be tightened correctly. An improperly tightened seat belt anchor may not provide the anticipated level of occupant restraint in a crash.
2001155
2001-06-20
Powertrain2,553Certain pickup trucks equipped with 4.7L engine and automatic transmissions. The automatic transmission may expel fluid from the fill tube during normal temperature operation.
2001118
2001-05-10
Seats And Restraints14,276On certain vehicles, the sound deadener material internal to the air bag clock spring may detach rendering the air bag inoperative. Correction: Dealers will replace the clockspring.
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.
Show 1 more Canadian recalls
RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2000162
2000-08-15
Brakes441Certain vehicles may have been built with inadequate clearance between the left front brake tube and the power steering hose. This could result in the power steering hose contacting and wearing a hole in the brake tube.

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
Electrical SystemThis 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
StructureRepair 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.
05191925A$
May 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingRadiator If vehicle comes in for transmission fluid leaking from trans-oil cooler fittings on the radiator, please perform the following before replacing the radiator/cooler:~ 1. Remove both of the transmission lines from the cooler?s top/bottom flared fittings on the radiator.
05191925A
May 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingRadiator If vehicle comes in for transmission fluid leaking from trans-oil cooler fittings on the radiator, please perform the following before replacing the radiator/cooler:~ 1. Remove both of the transmission lines from the cooler?s top/bottom flared fittings on the radiator.
R2118796A
Feb 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingValve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
23-014-15
Apr 2015
EquipmentChild Seat Tether Anchor Installation This bulletin describes procedures to install Child Seat Tether Anchors based on Customer Request. Retrofits are subject to part availability.
9002849
Sep 2014
StructurePart 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.
9002901
Jan 2014
Power TrainPart Description: Seal - Shift Shaft on RFE transmissions Issue Description: This seal (04799346) is replaceable with Seal Kit (68235551AA), which includes a seal and retainer. The Seal Kit is applicable to all (5)45RFE transmissions.
9002519
Mar 2013
Equipment82212076, 82203694 - Fabric Cleaner This "fabric cleaner" is not intended for sale in California, the otc states (Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington dc), and some ladco states (Illinois,...
2101505
Sep 2005
Power Train45RFE/545RFE TRANS - DELAYED ENGAGEMENT DUE TO COOLER RETURN FILTER REPLACEMENT. *SC
2401305
Aug 2005
EquipmentAIR CONDITIONING (A/C) COOLING COIL ODOR. *TT
0201004
Dec 2004
SuspensionUPPER BALL JOINT EXTENDED WARRANTY. *TT
0802303
Jul 2003
Electrical SystemINTERMITTENT LOCKING/UNLOCKING OF DOORS WITHOUT ACTIVATING THE POWER DOOR LOCK SWITCH. *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
1800902A
May 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT REGARDING FLASH: HOT SAG/SPARK KNOCK/TRANSMISSION SHIFT ISSUES. *SLC
2301502
Apr 2002
VisibilitySUBJECT REGARDING THE OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR GLASS REPLACEMENT. *SLC
0800702
Mar 2002
Electrical SystemSUBJECT REGARDING REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *SLC
1800102
Jan 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingCUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN THAT ONCE THE ELECTRIC ENGINE COOLING FAN COMES ON, IT RUNS CONTINOUSLY UNTIL THE ENGINE IS SHUT OFF. *TT
1802501
Oct 2001
Power TrainSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A HARSH 2-3, 4-5, AND 5-4 UPSHIFTS CAUSING A POWERTRAIN CLUNK OR SHUDDER WHEN ACCELERATING. *TT
0802201
Oct 2001
VisibilitySUBJECT REGARDING ERRATIC OPERATION OF INTERMITTENT WIPER. *TT
2302701
Sep 2001
VisibilitySUBJECT REGARDING OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR GLASS REPLACEMENT. *TT
1900701
Aug 2001
SteeringINFORMATION ON NEW POWER STEERING FLUID.*SLC
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
2600501
May 2001
Unknown Or OtherTHIS TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CONTAINS BOTH UPDATED SELF-ADHESIVE SERVICE AND / OR DIAGNOSTIC MANUAL PAGES AND UPDATE PAGES. *TT
2600401
Apr 2001
Unknown Or OtherSUBJECT REGARDING SERVICE / DIAGNOSTIC MANUAL REVISIONS. *TT
2100601
Mar 2001
Power TrainAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE ATF+4. *TT *MJ
0804100
Jan 2001
StructureA CONDITION MAY EXIST WITH THE DOOR LOCKS INTERMITTENTLY LOCKING AND / OR UNLOCKING WITHOUT ANY ACTIVATION OF THE POWER DOOR LOCK SWITCH OR A CLICKING SOUND HEARD COMING FROM THE POWER DOOR LOCKS (REPEATED LOCKING OR REPEATED UNLOCKING). *TT
1800101
Jan 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingINFORMATION REGARDING ENGINE PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENTS. *JB
1800201
Jan 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingVEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE ENGNE SPARK NOISE. *JB
2304700
Jan 2001
VisibilitySUBJECT PERTAINING TO INTERMITTENT OPERATION OF THE AUTOMATIC ONE-TOUCH WINDOW FEATURE. *JB
0800600REV
Dec 2000
Electrical SystemSUBJECT REGARDING WIRE SPLICE REPAIRS. *SB
1802300A
Dec 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT PERTAINING TO ENGINE PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENTS. *JB
2303400A
Dec 2000
VisibilitySUBJECT REGARDING OUTSIDE MIRROR GLASS REPLACEMENT. *TT
180900D
Dec 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME VEHICLE ENGINES MAY EXHIBIT A LIGHT TO MODERATE SPARK KNOCK CONDITION DURING ACCELERATION (UNDER LOAD). *TT
2300800B
Nov 2000
SeatsSUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT
0200600
Oct 2000
SuspensionSUBJECT REGARDING UPPER CONTROL ARM BUSHING SERVICE. *TT
1300100B
Oct 2000
SuspensionEXPERIENCING A SNAPPING, POPPING OR CLUNKING SOUND WHILE DRIVING AND BRAKING OVER WASHBOARD ROADS, DURING A MODERATELY HARD STOP AT LOW SPEEDS, AND / OR WHILE SLOWLY DRIVING OVER MODERATE BUMPS SUCH AS A DRIVEWAY APPROACH. *TT
1300200
Oct 2000
Power TrainINFORMATION PERTAINING TO TRANSMISSION CROSSMEMBER SERVICE. *TT
211100
Oct 2000
Unknown Or OtherSOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN OF A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATION DUE TO DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1740 - TCC OR OD SOLENOID PERFORMANCE. *TT
082700
Sep 2000
Air BagsSUBJECT REGARDING NON-DEPLOYED AIRBAG HANDLING PROCEDURES. *TT
082600
Sep 2000
Electrical SystemSUBJECT REGARDING CENTRAL TIMER MODULE ELECTRICALLY LOCKS-UP. *TT
233400
Sep 2000
VisibilitySUBJECT REGARDING OUTSIDE MIRROR GLASS REPLACEMENT. *TT
210900
Sep 2000
Power TrainSUBJECT REGARDING 45RFE TRANSMISSION QUALITY ENHANCEMENTS FOR THE 1-2, 2-3, AND 4-3 SHIFTS. *TT
180900C
Sep 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME VEHICLE ENGINES MAY EXHIBIT A LIGHT-TO-MODERATE SPARK KNOCK CONDITION DURING ACCELERATION (UNDER LOAD). *TT
090100A
Sep 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingCUSTOMER MAY COMPLAIN OF AN OIL EMULSION ACCUMULATION INSIDE THE ENGINE OIL FILL HOUSING. *TT
082400
Sep 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingON SOME VEHICLES THE ENGINE CRANKS BUT DOES NOT START OR STARTS AND STALLS. *TT
180900B
Sep 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT REGARDING VEHICLE ENGINES EXHIBITING A LIGHT-TO-MODERATE SPARK KNOCK CONDITION DURING ACCELERATION (UNDER LOAD). *TT
889
Aug 2000
Power TrainCUSTOMER SATISFACTION NOTIFICATION REGARDING FRONT AXLE PINION NOSE BRACKET BOLT REPLACEMENT. *TT
082200
Jun 2000
Electrical SystemSOME CUSTOMERS MAY NOTICE A LOWER THAN EXPECTED ENGINE PERFORMANCE DUE TO A POSSIBLE LOSS OR INTERMITTENT LOSS OF THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (CMP) SIGNAL. THE LOSS OF THE CMP SIGNAL MAY BE THE RESULT OF THE CMP PHYSICALLY CONTACTING THE TONE WHEEL. *TT

Showing 60 of 103 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. 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.
  3. 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.
  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 →