MotorDeets

Dodge Dakota problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Dakota from 1990 to 2011: 6,488 owner complaints and 84 recalls across 22 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2000 (806), 2001 (678), 2002 (678). Best fuel economy: 22 mpg combined (1995).

Dodge Dakota
Photo: IFCAR · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Suspension1743
Brakes (hydraulic)1072
Transmission & drivetrain945
Airbags684
Steering637
Engine & cooling486
Electrical439
Body & structure202

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
199036321
1991412821
1992121621
1993113422
1994316622
1995020822
1996118920
1997544620
1998554520
1999464119
2000580620
2001767820
2002567819
2003429617
2004120617
2005647017
2006528517
2007414517
200829118
200951818
201073517
201164417

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Dodge Dakota.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Dodge Dakota?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2000 (806), 2001 (678), 2002 (678).

How many recalls has the Dodge Dakota had?

Across 1990–2011, NHTSA lists 84 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).