Vehicles / Dodge / Dakota / 2004

2004 Dodge Dakota

206 federal complaints (287 component records) · 1 recall campaigns on file · 45 service bulletins · 1 Canadian recall
See all 27 model years of the Dodge Dakota →
Engine
3.7L 6-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
RWD
EPA economy
15 city / 20 hwy
Federal complaints
206
Recall campaigns
1
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.

Steering
77
Suspension
53
Brakes
25
Power train
23
Electrical system
22
Air bags
16
Glass & wipers
14
Engine & cooling
12
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: 45 complaints01 years old: 24 complaints2 years old: 13 complaints3 years old: 16 complaints4 years old: 23 complaints5 years old: 23 complaints56 years old: 10 complaints7 years old: 14 complaints8 years old: 5 complaints9 years old: 5 complaints10 years old: 7 complaints1011 years old: 5 complaints12 years old: 3 complaints13 years old: 4 complaints14 years old: 2 complaints15 years old: 2 complaints1516 years old: 1 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 1 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 203 of 206 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 41 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 17 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 35 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 25 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 12 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 8 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 9 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 6 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 1 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 1 complaints200,000+ miles: 3 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 158 of 206 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.

Steering

77 complaint records
"STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WHILE TOWING BEHIND A RECREATIONAL MOTOR HOME. THIS CAUSED THE FRONT TIRES TO DRAG SIDEWAYS WHILE BEING DRIVEN AROUND A CURVE. *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 steering parts in the directory →

Suspension

53 complaint records2 crash reports
"THE BALL JOINTS HAS ALREADY STARTED TO SQUEAK ON THE CONSUMERS NEW TRUCK. THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE THEM REPLACED WITH NON-DEFECTIVE PARTS. *PH *NM..."- 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

25 complaint records
"2004/DODGE TRUCK/DAKOTA, REAR CALIPERS FAILED BY SEIZING. HAD TO REPLACE BOTH OF THEM BEFORE EVEN REPLACING THE BRAKE PADS. TOTAL MILEAGE ON THE TRUCK WAS 45,518.*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 →

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
04V216000VisibilityON 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

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
2004155
2004-05-06
Other30,456On 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.

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
101232
Oct 2024
Power TrainPlate - Planetary
S2208000136
Jul 2022
Electrical SystemSecurity Module Lock Out After Entering the PIN to Unlock The Wireless Control Module (WCM)
9001784
Feb 2021
EquipmentMechanical rocker arm, intake, 1.7 ratio.
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.
23-015-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentDisinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
Show 40 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
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.
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.
31-005-19
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.
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.
05183348A$
May 2016
EquipmentKEY BLANK WITH TRANSMITTER The key with an integrated FOB P/N 05183348AA is temporarily unavailable. The supplier is currently working on a functional replacement.
05191925A$
May 2016
EquipmentRadiator 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.
05183348A
May 2016
EquipmentKEY BLANK WITH TRANSMITTER The key with an integrated FOB P/N 05183348AA is temporarily unavailable. The supplier is currently working on a functional replacement.
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.
9003215
Feb 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingPart 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
EquipmentPart 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
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.
18-042-14
Jul 2014
Electrical SystemGeneric Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Procedure This bulletin involves programming a generic PCM with software.
9002872
Mar 2013
Electrical System56045489A$ - 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
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,...
21-001-13
Jan 2013
Electrical SystemMIL Illumination - DTC P1776 Solenoid Switch Valve Latched in LR Position
2500108
Jan 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingPOSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV) SYSTEM FREEZES IN EXTREME COLD AMBIENT TEMPERATURES -- INVOLVES INSTALLING REVISED PCV SYSTEM COMPONENTS. *NJ
1802907
Apr 2007
Power TrainGENERIC POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) PROCEDURE. *KB
0300306
Oct 2006
SuspensionAXLE FLUID LEVEL. *KB
0803006
Aug 2006
Power TrainPOWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE INITIALIZATION. *KB
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
05002
Apr 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingNEW WATER PUMP FOR 3.7L ENGINE - NO LONGER COMMON WITH 4.7L. ADVANCED SERVICE INFORMATION #05-002. *TT
2100905
Mar 2005
Electrical SystemMIL (MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP) ILLUMINATION FOR DTC'S (DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES) P0750, P0755, P0760, P0765, P0846, P0871 OR P0841. 2004-2005 JEEP CHEROKEE AND 2005 CHRYSLER 300/MAGNUM *SC
0801505
Mar 2005
Power TrainPOWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE INITIALIZATION. *SC
1800105
Jan 2005
Power TrainTRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE FOURTH GEAR LOCK UP SHUDDER.
2100804
Oct 2004
Electrical SystemMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION -DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P1776 SOLENOID SWITCH VALVE LATCHED IN LR POSITION. *MJ THIS BULLETIN REPLACES 21-008-04 DATED JUNE 1, 2004. *TT
2301004
Sep 2004
StructurePASSENGER COMPARTMENT FLOOR WATER LEAK. *TT THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES BULLETIN 23-010-04 DATED 04-29-04. *TT
1803604
Sep 2004
Electrical SystemMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P2097 P2099. *TT
1801704
Jun 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingDRIVEABILITY AND OBD II MONITOR IMPROVEMENTS. FLASH. 3.7L. *TT
1801404
May 2004
Power Train42RLE SLOW OR HARSH GEAR ENGAGEMENT AFTER INITIAL COLD START. *TT *MJ
0300104A
May 2004
Power TrainTHE AXLES ARE LOCATED CONSIDERABLY HIGHER THAT THE ACTUAL FLUID LEVEL. FILLING THE AXLE UNTIL THE FLUID COMES OUT OF THE FILL HOLE WILL OVER FILL THE AXLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE FLUID FOAMING. *MN *TT
1800604A
Apr 2004
Power TrainGENERIC POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) PROCEDURE. *TT *MJ THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES BULLETIN 18-006-04A DATED 04/06/2004. *TT
2100104
Feb 2004
Power TrainTRANSMISSION SOLENOID REPLACEMENT. *TT
1800703C
Aug 2003
Power TrainGENERIC POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) PROCEDURE. 2004 MODELS INCLUDED. *TT
1800703B
Jul 2003
Power TrainGENERIC POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) PROCEDURE. 2004 MODELS INCLUDED. *TT

Before you buy this vehicle

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

  1. Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
  2. 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.
  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 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.
  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 →