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2000 Dodge Dakota Problems and Recalls

Owners filed 806 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000 Dodge Dakota, most often about the suspension (35% of complaints, typically around 50,000 miles). It is the most complained-about Dakota model year since 2000 and has 5 recalls.

Complaints806
Recalls5
Crashes reported60
Fires reported14
Injuries reported442 deaths reported

Most common 2000 Dodge Dakota problems

  1. Suspension

    282 complaints · 35%

    Half of these problems showed up before 50,000 miles. Parts named most often: front, rear.

    I have a safety concern with my front suspension on my 2000 Dakota quad cab 4x4. I hear a popping noise coming from the front shock and control arm area. I also notice excessive abnormal wear on recently new tires. I also hear a lot of tire noise when driving and some front end shake.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2003, at 50,000 miles
    Kept feeling a vibration in the steering and an occasional clung. Took it into the dealer who diagnosed it to be a loose upper ball joint. The dealer replaced the upper left control arm and problem was resolved, but at my expense. I have been hearing about balljoint problems on these vehicles so I thought I would file…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2003, at 49,476 miles

  2. Brakes

    263 complaints · 33%

    Half of these problems showed up before 27,500 miles. Parts named most often: foundation components, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, disc, antilock.

    Multiple issues with the disc brakes in my Dakota. Original rotors warped once, I had them turned (paid for by me), they warped a second time. I paid the dealership to replace with new rotors. These rotors warped. The dealership paid to replace this set of rotors. I was on my 3rd set of rotors by 75000 miles.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2003, at 30,000 miles
    2000 Dodge Dakota front disc brake rotors are rusting from the inside out. This failure caused severe shuttering when brakes were applied. Dealer stated rotors and pads had to be replaced. Consumer was informed that Dodge was aware of the failure but would replace the rotors/pads up to 12k miles or 1 year. Consumer…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2003, at 30,000 miles

  3. Transmission

    74 complaints · 9%

    Half of these problems showed up before 60,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, driveline, axle assembly, manual transmission.

    Transmission in a 2000 Dodge Dakota, transmission started to slip in overdrive. Dodge recommended a total rebuild. Total cost of rebuild was $1465.00 at my expense.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2004, at 60,000 miles
    Transmission shifted rough from when it was brand new. Brought to dealershop no less then 10 times in 5 years complaining. No problem could be id'd until last week. The engine malfunction light came on while sitting in park. The dealership id'd problem as faulty valve body. Replaced valve body and transmission…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2005, at 63,500 miles

  4. Steering

    68 complaints · 8%

    Half of these problems showed up before 60,000 miles. Parts named most often: linkages, rack and pinion, hydraulic power assist, column.

    Driving down the road made a complete stop started to make right turn but the tires did not turn luckiely I stopped just in time to prevent an accident the steering shaft that connects to the steering colum completly broke off therfore leaving me with no control of my truck. I replaced the steering shaft. The…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2005, at 60,000 miles
    Power steering pump went out while driving my 2000 Dodge Dakota with only 60,000 miles. Apparently the main seal blew out and all fluid leaked out causing difficult steering. Required that the entire pump be replaced.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2005, at 60,100 miles

  5. Engine

    57 complaints · 7%

    Half of these problems showed up before 64,500 miles. Parts named most often: engine, cooling system, exhaust system.

    After following all manufacturer suggested servicing and oil changes, my husbands '00 Dodge Dakota started making rattling noises in the engine. The vehicle has never been off road and has been very well taken care of. So we took it to the dealer for a diagnostic and repair. Apparently the engine needs to be replaced!…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2004, at 60,818 miles
    I've had my oil changed at the dealer the day I got it..and for the next few times, I changed mine twice and have one of the reciepts...but it still covers the duration of the two according to the owners manual. My 4.7l equipped Dakota blew up....I purchased a warranty for over $1k at purchase, but they will not honor…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2005, at 68,000 miles

  6. Wheels and tires

    38 complaints · 5%

    Half of these problems showed up before 54,000 miles. Parts named most often: rim, sidewall, bead, tread/belt.

    While rotating tires right front tire fell off with the lug nuts still in place. This occurred after consumer jacked the vehicle up. Ball joints split down the middle. Prior to this incident, front end would bounce upon coming to a complete stop. 2000 Dodge Dakota passenger front tire fell off of vehicle during wheel…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2003, at 56,000 miles
    The contact owns a 2000 Dodge Dakota with tbc big o sxp tires, line size p255/70/r15. The contact stated that the tires exhibited abnormal bubbling. The tires were replaced however the failure persisted. The contact stated that the tires would only last for one year and a half before exhibiting the failure. The…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2010, at 52,000 miles

  7. Air bags

    29 complaints · 4%

    Half of these problems showed up before 86,000 miles. Parts named most often: frontal, side/window.

    : the contact stated another driver turned in front of the vehicle while traveling 35-40mph, the brakes were applied, but the vehicles collided in a near head on position. The contact was not wearing a seat belt, but sustained no injuries. The police took a report at the scene and the vehicle was towed to the contacts…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2006, at 80,000 miles
    The contact owns a 2000 Dodge Dakota. The air bag warning light was illuminated on the instrument control panel, which indicated that the air bag system was inoperative. Also the cruise control switch would not activate. He had not taken the vehicle to the dealership to-date. He called the manufacturer regarding…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2009, at 100,000 miles

  8. Visibility and wipers

    25 complaints · 3%

    Half of these problems showed up before 45,500 miles. Parts named most often: defroster/defogger/hvac system, windshield, power window devices and controls, glass, side/rear.

    My 2000 Dodge Dakota drivers side window regulator has failed. I also own a 2001 caravan whose drivers side regulator broke 2 years ago and my 2001 durango had both left side drivers and passengers window regulator broke as well. That is now 4 windows regulators failed in less than 3 years.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2006, at 45,300 miles
    Upper and lower ball joints have failed. 40,000 miles on vehicle. Ball joints should last much longer than this. Dealer wants $1,200.00 to change them. Truck has already had new front drive shaft, new sway bar bushings, new driver seat cushion, new fuel injectors, new electric motor in right rear window. What has…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2003, at 40,000 miles

Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

2000 Dodge Dakota recalls

  1. Suspension: upper ball joint

    NHTSA 04V596000 · December 21, 2004 · 592,707 vehicles

    Risk: Excessive wear in the upper ball joint may allow it to separate, which could result in loss of control of the vehicle.

    Fix: Dealers will replace the front suspension upper ball joints. This safety improvement campaign began on december 21, 2004. Owners can contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

    Full defect summary

    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 the joint to wear over an extended period of time. This could cause a clunking noise in the front suspension, which may not always be heard by the vehicle occupants.

  2. Air bags

    NHTSA 01V153000 · May 8, 2001 · 216,100 vehicles

    Risk: When this occurs, the material could interfere with the clockspring ribbon and cause an open circuit. The driver air bag system will become disabled, and the air bag warning lamp will illuminate on the instrument panel.

    Fix: Dealers will replace the clockspring assembly. Owner notification began june 18, 2001. Also some 1997-200 model year vehicles that, according to warranty records, have had a suspect replacement clockspring installed, will also be included in this campaign. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

    Full defect summary

    Vehicle description: pickup trucks. Sound deadener material inside the steering wheel could become detached from the cover and housing. Note: the ram pickup trucks were built at the warren assembly plant ("s" in the 11th VIN position) from may 16, 2000 through october 23, 2000; st. Louis north assembly plant ("j" in the 11th VIN position) from may 19, 2000 through october 23, 2000; lago alberto assembly plant ("m" in the 11th VIN position) from may 23, 2000 through october 23, 2000; and saltillo assembly plant ("g" in the 11th VIN position) from may 23, 2000 through october 23, 2000. Important: vehicles that have already had the proper clockspring installed, according to warranty records, have been excluded from this recall. In addition, 1997-2000 model year vehicles that have had a suspect replacement clockspring installed, according to warranty records, have been added to this recall.

  3. Brakes: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

    NHTSA 00V193000 · July 17, 2000 · 40,000 vehicles

    Risk: A puncture of the left front brake tube can result in a loss of braking force at the front wheels, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect the brake tube and power steering hose for wear. If wear is evident, the brake tube and/or power steering hose will be replaced. A power steering standoff bracket will be installed on all vehicles to ensure that adequate clearance between the brake tube and power steering hose is maintained.

    Full defect summary

    Vehicle 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.

  4. Transmission: automatic transmission

    NHTSA 00V197000 · July 17, 2000 · 20,000 vehicles

    Risk: The transmission fluid could come into contact with the hot exhaust system and ignition of the transmission fluid could result.

    Fix: Dealers will shorten the vent hose and assure adequate clearance.

    Full defect summary

    Vehicle 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.

  5. Brakes: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

    NHTSA 00V198000 · July 17, 2000 · 437,000 vehicles

    Risk: A puncture in the rear brake hose will result in a loss of braking force at the rear wheels.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect the rear brake hose for evidence of wear. Worn brake hoses will be replaced. The rear vent hose will be shortened by 3 inches and a clip will be installed to assure clearance between the axle vent line and brake hose is maintained.

    Full defect summary

    Vehicle description: pickup trucks. Some vehicles may have been built with inadequate clearance between the rear axle vent hose and the brake hose.

Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.

NHTSA defect investigations

Questions about the 2000 Dodge Dakota

What are the most common problems with the 2000 Dodge Dakota?
By NHTSA owner complaints: suspension (282 complaints, typically around 50,000 miles); brakes (263 complaints, typically around 27,500 miles); transmission (74 complaints, typically around 60,000 miles).
How many recalls does the 2000 Dodge Dakota have?
5 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from December 21, 2004 (suspension). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
Is the 2000 a bad year for the Dodge Dakota?
It is the most complained-about Dakota model year since 2000, with 806 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.

Other Dodge Dakota years

Dodge Dakota problems by year