Model year record

1997 Dodge Dakota

5 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 650 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 01V153000

Air bags

Component
Air bags
Manufacturer
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
216,100
Reported to NHTSA
2001-05-08
Owners notified
2001-06-18

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 00V193000

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Component
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Manufacturer
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
40,000
Reported to NHTSA
2000-07-17
Owners notified
2000-09-11

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 00V199000

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Component
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Manufacturer
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
91,610
Reported to NHTSA
2000-07-17
Owners notified
2000-09-25

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS WITH A 131 INCH WHEELBASE. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH INADEQUATE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE FUEL LINE AND THE CAB UNDERBODY.

Safety risk

THIS CONTACT CAN RESULT IN WEAR, AND AFTER EXTENDED CONTACT, COULD CAUSE A PERFORATION IN THE FUEL LINE, RESULTING IN LEAKAGE. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR PROPER CLEARANCE. FUEL LINES THAT EXHIBIT INADEQUATE CLEARANCE WILL BE REPLACED WITH A REDESIGNED FUEL LINE THAT WILL ASSURE PROPER CLEARANCE.

Recall campaignNHTSA 00V198000

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Component
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Manufacturer
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
437,000
Reported to NHTSA
2000-07-17
Owners notified
2000-08-21

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH INADEQUATE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE REAR AXLE VENT HOSE AND THE BRAKE HOSE.

Safety risk

A PUNCTURE IN THE REAR BRAKE HOSE WILL RESULT IN A LOSS OF BRAKING FORCE AT THE REAR WHEELS.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 97V080000

Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactive

Component
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactive
Manufacturer
CHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
125,000
Reported to NHTSA
1997-05-16
Owners notified
1997-07-15

Defect description

THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT DESIGN ALLOWS THE POTENTIAL FOR AN INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT UPON VEHICLE IGNITION SHUT DOWN.

Safety risk

UNEXPECTED AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CAN RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURY.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAG ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED MODULE.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint8260,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint7560,000 mi
Air bags: frontal23121,980 mi
Power train: automatic transmission2151,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip20124,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline1644,000 mi
Suspension: front16102,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine1570,000 mi
Seats: front assembly: recliner1360,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1285,151 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1155,000 mi
Suspension1177,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm1124,000 mi
Tires11
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc10
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor10
Seats9125,000 mi
Unknown or other990,000 mi
Air bags848,065 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components8
Engine and engine cooling777,000 mi
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner772,834 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery7
Vehicle speed control7120,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline6120,000 mi
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly685,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor570,000 mi
Steering5180,000 mi
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar5
Steering: linkages: knuckle: spindle: arm570,000 mi
Structure: body579,200 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: upper arm548,000 mi
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module4121,980 mi
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery4
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash4130,000 mi
Equipment495,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly4115,000 mi
Power train4
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly462,000 mi
Service brakes4171,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic479,795 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper470,000 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump4
Tires: tread/belt424,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: cruise control4
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer4
Electrical system: ignition: module3
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control3
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift3
Power train: driveline: constant velocity joint350,000 mi
Power train: driveline: differential unit352,423 mi
Seat belts: front: anchorage3
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads3
Steering: hydraulic power assist system370,000 mi
Steering: linkages: arm: idler and attachment335,000 mi
Structure3
Structure: body: bumpers3
Suspension: front: wheel bearing375,000 mi
Visibility: power window devices and controls3
Air bags: on-off switch assembly2
Electrical system2120,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition: switch2
Electrical system: wiring2
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood2
Engine2171,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys2
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system2147,000 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights280,000 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch268,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump2
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap255,000 mi
Fuel system, other2
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)251,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines297,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: torque converter2137,141 mi
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft: seal253,980 mi
Seat belts: front262,000 mi
Seat belts: front: retractor262,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum2
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)255,000 mi
Structure: frame and members285,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: lower arm2109,200 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: windshield: electrical heating element2
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior2
Wheels: hubcap/cover2
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module1
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator1
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers1
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system1
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan1
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: radiator assembly1
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe1
Exterior lighting1120,000 mi
Exterior lighting: turn signal1
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: fuel rail1
Fuel system, other: fuel injection system1
Fuel/propulsion system1171,000 mi
Parking brake: conventional: mechanical1
Parking brake: conventional: mechanical: linkage and cable1
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)1
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft1
Power train: clutch assembly1
Power train: clutch assembly: pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)1
Power train: driveline: driveshaft1
Power train: driveline: universal joint1
Power train: manual transmission1
Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)1
Seat belts1
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder1
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist1
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: hydraulic: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1108,000 mi
Steering: column150,000 mi
Steering: gear box: shaft sector1
Structure: body: door1
Suspension: front: shock absorber1
Suspension: front: springs: air suspension: springs/bags134,000 mi
Suspension: rear1
Suspension: rear: axle: spindle1
Tires: sidewall178,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal1
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: fan/motor196,400 mi
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices1
Visibility: windshield1
Wheels1
Wheels: hub1108,000 mi
Wheels: rim1

The 1996 model has 3 times as many complaints as this one. The 1998 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.