Engine
3.9L 6-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 278 of 296 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 207 of 296 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
121 complaint records8 crash reports
"WHILE DRIVING THERE IS A LOUD HUMMING NOISE IN FRONT END AND KNOCKING FROM FRONT AND A SQUEEKY NOISE FROM UNDERNEATH. *JS..."- 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
51 complaint records1 fire report2 crash reports
"WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, A SQUEAKING NOISE CAN BE HEARD. THE DEALER SAYS THIS IS NORMAL. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *PH..."- 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
40 complaint records
"VEHICLE WILL SHIFT GEAR MECHANICALLY, BUT WILL NOT SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL AND/OR PARK ON THE DASH. VEHICLE ALSO WILL NOT START AS A RESULT...."- 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.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA03023 opened Nov 2003 | closed Feb 2005 | Suspension | UPPER 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.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04V596000 | Suspension | ON 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 |
| 04V216000 | Visibility | ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE MOTOR MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO WATER INTRUSION THAT COULD CAUSE INTERNAL CORROSION AND RESULT IN PARTIAL OR COMPLETE LOSS OF FRONT WINDSHIELD... | Normally free |
| 03V389000 | Electrical System | ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, THE HEADLAMP AND DASH WIRING HARNESS MAY BE CHAFED BY THE ACTUATION OF THE CLUTCH PEDAL. | Normally free |
| 02V322000 | Exterior Lighting | ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, THE CENTRAL TIMER MODULE (CTM) HAS AN IMPROPERLY SIZED CIRCUIT BOARD TRACE THAT COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE RIGHT HEADLAMP LOW BEAM TO BECOME INOPERATIVE. | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004439 2004-12-20 | Suspension | 57,649 | On 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. |
| 2004155 2004-05-06 | Other | 30,456 | On certain vehicles, the windshield wiper motor assembly may become susceptible to water intrusion that could cause internal corrosion and result in partial or complete loss of front windshield wiping capability. |
| 2003245 2003-10-14 | Electrical | 6,065 | On certain vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, the headlamp and dash wiring harness may be chafed by the actuation of the clutch pedal. |
| 2002240 2002-12-16 | Lights And Instruments | 481 | On certain vehicles, the right headlight may become inoperative due to an improperly sized circuit board trace in the central timer module. Correction: Dealers will replace the central timer module. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 101232 Oct 2024 | Power Train | Plate - Planetary | |
| 9001784 Feb 2021 | Equipment | Mechanical rocker arm, intake, 1.7 ratio. | |
| 9004275 Jul 2020 | Electrical System | KEY, 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. | |
| 23-015-20 Apr 2020 | Equipment | Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19 | |
| 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. |
Show 38 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| S2008000049 Apr 2020 | Service Brakes | ABS Brake Module Code 82 and 83 Setting Within The Brake Module | |
| 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. | |
| 31-005-19 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. | |
| 3100619 Nov 2019 | Equipment | 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. | |
| 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. | |
| 68332810 Sep 2016 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Service - 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 Cooling | Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling. | |
| 9003215 Feb 2015 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. | |
| 9002828 Sep 2014 | Structure | Part Description: Insulator in Lever Assembly - Valve Body - Trans Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and an instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement lease order 68253099AA. | |
| 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. | |
| 9002872 Mar 2013 | Electrical System | 56045489A$ - Neutral Safety Switch - Trans Assy 06036369AA Screw and Washer is now available as a service part , 2 required to attach Neutral Start Switch | |
| 9002519 Mar 2013 | Equipment | 82212076, 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,... | |
| 0803006 Aug 2006 | Power Train | POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE INITIALIZATION. *KB | |
| 2101505 Sep 2005 | Power Train | 45RFE/545RFE TRANS - DELAYED ENGAGEMENT DUE TO COOLER RETURN FILTER REPLACEMENT. *SC | |
| 2401305 Aug 2005 | Equipment | AIR CONDITIONING (A/C) COOLING COIL ODOR. *TT | |
| 0801505 Mar 2005 | Power Train | POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE INITIALIZATION. *SC | |
| 0201004 Dec 2004 | Suspension | UPPER BALL JOINT EXTENDED WARRANTY. *TT | |
| 2301004 Sep 2004 | Structure | PASSENGER COMPARTMENT FLOOR WATER LEAK. *TT THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES BULLETIN 23-010-04 DATED 04-29-04. *TT | |
| 1801504 Apr 2004 | Vehicle Speed Control | IDLE FLUCTUATION WHILE TURNING. *TT | |
| 1803703 Oct 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATION, ERRONEOUS DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0116, P2172, P2173. *TT | |
| 0500603 Sep 2003 | Service Brakes | REAR BRAKE MOAN. *TT | |
| 0802303 Jul 2003 | Electrical System | INTERMITTENT LOCKING/UNLOCKING OF DOORS WITHOUT ACTIVATING THE POWER DOOR LOCK SWITCH. *TT | |
| 1800503B Jul 2003 | Vehicle Speed Control | TRANSMISSION SHIFT/SPEED CONTROL IMPROVEMENTS/POSSIBLE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATION. *TT | |
| 0703 Jul 2003 | Structure | DISCONNECTING THE PARK BRAKE RELEASE HANDLE WHEN SERVICING THE STEERING COLUMN OPENING COVER. *TT | |
| 1800503A Apr 2003 | Vehicle Speed Control | TRANSMISSION SHIFT/SPEED CONTROL IMPROVEMENTS/POSSIBLE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATION. *TT | |
| 1800503C Mar 2003 | Power Train | TRANSMISSION SHIFT / SPEED CONTROL IMPROVEMENTS / POSSIBLE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATION. *TT | |
| 1800103A Mar 2003 | Power Train | CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN THE VEHICLE WILL NOT SHIFT OUT OF 2ND GEAR WHILE CLIMBING A GRADE. UPDATE TO TRANSMISSION CALIBRATIONS. | |
| 1800503 Mar 2003 | Vehicle Speed Control | TRANSMISSION SHIFT/SPEED CONTROL IMPROVEMENTS. *JB | |
| 02026A Jan 2003 | Power Train | THE TRANSMISSION MAY OVERHEAT DUE TO A RESTRICTION IN THE TORQUE CONVERTER DRAIN BACK VALVE AND MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION. *TT | |
| 1800103 Jan 2003 | Power Train | CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN THE VEHICLE WILL NOT SHIFT OUT OF 2ND GEAR WHILE CLIMBING A GRADE. UPDATE TO TRANSMISSION CALIBRATIONS. *TT | |
| 01 Jan 2003 | Power Train | CUSTOMER SATISFACTION NOTIFICATION - 3/8" TORQUE CONVERTER DRAIN BACK VALVE. *TT | |
| 02026 Dec 2002 | Power Train | THE TRANSMISSION MAY OVERHEAT DUE TO A RESTRICTION IN THE TORQUE CONVERTER DRAIN BACK VALVE. *TT | |
| 02024 Nov 2002 | Power Train | HARSH SHIFTS DUE TO A STICKING PRESSURE SENSOR TRANSDUCER. *TT | |
| 10023 Oct 2002 | Power Train | POWERTRAIN DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION. SERVICE INFORMATION TUNEUPS. *TT | |
| 2100202 Jul 2002 | Power Train | SUBJECT REGARDING REVISION IN DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES AND LABOR OPERATION TIMES FOR RE TRANSMISSIONS. *TT | |
| 2200102 Mar 2002 | Unknown Or Other | CHROME WHEEL CARE. *SLC |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 4 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.
- 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 →