1997 Dodge Dakota Problems
- Complaints
- 446filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 72,417miles, 140 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 5campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 16 mpgcombined, 3.9L 6-cyl RWD · 15 city / 19 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1997 Dodge Dakota (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year report front-end suspension wear far more than anything else, most often worn upper and lower ball joints and tie rod ends found during alignments or state inspections. Complaints also describe brakes that need work early, transmission shifting or overdrive problems, fuel smells and leaks near the cab, and seat backs that recline on their own. Many of the suspension reports come in at relatively low mileage, sometimes under 40,000 miles.
- Suspension
Worn front ball joints and tie rod ends
Mentioned in 41 of 60 sampled complaints
Complaints describe squeaks, clunks or popping from the front end over bumps or while turning, and loose or wandering steering. In many cases the worn joints were found during a front-end alignment or a state inspection, and owners say they were told the upper and lower ball joints needed replacing, sometimes both sides and more than once. A few owners report a wheel or control arm separating at low speed, and several note the joints cannot be lubricated. Reported from roughly 24,000 to 173,000 miles, with many complaints in the 28,000 to 60,000 mile range and a few repeat replacements within about 10,000 miles.
What to check: Have a shop inspect the upper and lower ball joints, tie rod ends and control arms before buying, and ask for service records showing whether and when they were replaced. Greasable replacements are often mentioned by owners as a longer-lasting alternative.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I own a 1997' Dodge Dakota v8 long bed standard cab pick-up with only 32000 origional miles. The ball joints are bad and I have to have them replaced. I went to look up how to replace them and discovered the problem is wide spread. Sears mechanics were suprised that the ball joints were so worn with so few miles on the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10052531, filed 2004-01, 31,000 miles“My ball joints and tie rods were going bad at 54,000 miles. Dodge would not do anything about the problem. Also, my transmission started to go bad at 74,000 miles. 2nd gear went out, then it went completely out at 91,000 miles. Obviously Dodge wasn't going to do anything about it. I wont buy another Dodge again.”
NHTSA complaint #10220369, filed 2008-03, 54,000 miles - Brakes
Brake wear, ABS light and weak stopping
- 74 complaints (17%)
- median 86,000 mi at 8.7 yrs old (21 state mileage)
- 11 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1996–2018
Owners describe brakes that needed replacement early, a brake warning light that stayed on with the ABS disabled, and in some cases long pedal travel or stopping trouble. Complaints mention shops finding nothing obviously wrong, or pointing to a sensor on the master cylinder as the reason the light stayed on. Mostly reported between about 30,000 and 130,000 miles, with several complaints in the 40,000 to 80,000 mile range.
Recall 00V193000Recall 00V198000
What to check: Ask whether the brake hoses and lines have been replaced, and check that the brake warning light goes out after the bulb check. A test drive should include a firm-pedal stop from speed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“3 days after we bought this vehicle the fuel system went down. Replaced the fuel pump and still wants to stall and act like its clogged in the fuel lines. Its been flushed. When driving it bogs down and chugs. It wants to die and shut off while your driving the truck. The brakes only work half the time. Most of the time I can't even stop until I'm halfway through the intersection. Replaced all the sensors and still doesn't want to start and stay running. Fuel pump kicks on, but has to run extra hard to try and keep the engine running.”
NHTSA complaint #10706503, filed 2015-04, 171,000 miles“- the contact' owns 1997 Dodge Dakota. The contact complained that brake warning light turned on. The contact took the vehicle to two different brake repair facilities, and both stated that the brake warning light stayed on due to the sensor, which meant that the ABS were turned off. The sensor was located on the master cylinder. The contact stated that the repair facilities didn't know why the sensor was failing. When they inspected the brakes they couldn't find anything wrong with the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10178068, filed 2007-01, 124,000 miles
Buying note. Budget for a suspension inspection on any example of this model year, since front-end joint wear is the most commonly reported item and repairs can add up if several parts are worn. Check brake, fuel line and seat condition on a test drive, and confirm which open recalls, if any, still apply to the specific truck.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 446 consumer complaints for the 1997 Dodge Dakota. 140 of the complaints include a mileage, and 23% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 72,417 miles. Of all complaints, 42 involved a crash, 6 a fire, 30 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 14 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Suspension142 32%
- Brakes73 16%
- Engine cooling49 11%
- Fuel system38 8.5%
- Air bags37 8.3%
- Steering34 7.6%
- Seats22 4.9%
- Electrical system17 3.8%
- Tires16 3.6%
Also reported: Body and structure (14), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (13), Vehicle speed control (12), Equipment (11), Seat belts (10), Other or unknown (9), Exterior lighting (6), Wheels (5), Engine (2).
Example complaints
Suspension: “After reading about ball joint failure on dakotas and durango's I checked my 1997 Dakota with 43000 miles and found all upper and lower ball joint seals torn open and no grease in the in the ball joint socket. There is no sign of any grease ever in or around the ball joints. The joints are starting to rattle.”
NHTSA complaint #10137549, filed 2005-09, 43,000 milesBrakes: “Took vehicle to Dodge dealer (bryden motors beloit) for inspection of fuel line and brakes (fuel line is not right and rear brake line is leaking affecting braking) fuel line part was ordered nut brakes were not inspected and ignored. I am supposed to return wednesday afternoon to have ordered fuel line part(s) installed.”
NHTSA complaint #10722378, filed 2015-05, 118,000 milesEngine cooling: “Two driver side exhaust manifold bolts broke off. These two bolts where holding on the heat shield. The heat shield drop down and wedged it self between the engine and steering shaft. The steering shaft is now scored. The only reason I found this was that I know what an exhaust leak sounds like and went searching. If I didn't I would have never found it until my steering shaft separated.”
NHTSA complaint #10145933, filed 2005-12, 147,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Without warning, just after exiting a freeway, the rear wheels of my 1997 Dodge Dakota truck, locked up. I was stuck in traffic and was not able to move. Tow truck arrived , and advised that the rear axle had locked-up. This truck has only 52,423 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10028366, filed 2003-07, 52,423 milesMileage when problems were reported
23% of the 140 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 51,000 and 100,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1997 Dodge Dakota. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dakota · coupe | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1997 Dodge Dakota version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dakota Pickup 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Dakota Pickup 2WD | 3.9L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Dakota Pickup 2WD | 3.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Dakota Pickup 2WD | 5.2L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | 13 | 19 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Dakota Pickup 2WD | 5.2L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 12 | 17 | 14 | $4,800 |
| Dakota Pickup 4WD | 3.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 17 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Dakota Pickup 4WD | 3.9L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 14 | 17 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Dakota Pickup 4WD | 5.2L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | 12 | 17 | 14 | $4,800 |
| Dakota Pickup 4WD | 5.2L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 12 | 16 | 13 | $5,150 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 01V153000May 8, 2001Air bagsCovers: Dodge Dakota 1997–2000, RAM 1997–2001, Durango 1997–2000 +3 more
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…
- 00V193000Jul 17, 2000Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Dodge Dakota 1997–2000
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.
- 00V198000Jul 17, 2000Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Dodge Dakota 1997–2000
Vehicle description: pickup trucks. Some vehicles may have been built with inadequate clearance between the rear axle vent hose and the brake hose.
- 00V199000Jul 17, 2000Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Dodge Dakota 1997
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.
- 97V080000May 16, 1997Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module-inactiveCovers: Dodge Dakota 1997, Jeep Wrangler 1997, Grand Cherokee 1997 +3 more
The electrical circuit design allows the potential for an inadvertent air bag deployment upon vehicle ignition shut down.
Recall details for the 1997 Dodge Dakota → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA03023Upper ball joint separationClosed · Nov 19, 2003
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 14 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10175735Apr 22, 2020Equipment, Electrical system. 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…
- 10176211Mar 23, 2020Electrical system, Air bags. This SKU is a Clock Spring. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the internal spring. If the internal spring is not seated, the electrical circuit for the horn…
- 10220101Nov 20, 2019Body and 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.
- 10220099Nov 20, 2019Body and 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.
- 10220097Nov 20, 2019Equipment, Body and structure. Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10169249Nov 20, 2019Equipment, Body and 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.
- 10169247Nov 20, 2019Equipment. 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.
- 10169245Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10191460Feb 26, 2016Engine cooling. Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10220995Sep 3, 2014Body and structure, Equipment. 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…
Other model years of the Dodge Dakota
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 44 | 42,000 | 6 | — | 17 | 64 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 35 | 49,900 | 7 | — | 17 | 31 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 18 | 44,000 | 5 | — | 17 | — | Falling |
| 2008 | 91 | 53,433 | 2 | — | 17 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 145 | 50,196 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 285 | 55,000 | 5 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2005 | 470 | 58,630 | 6 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 206 | 51,000 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 296 | 34,495 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 678 | 39,100 | 5 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 678 | 50,000 | 7 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 806 | 52,000 | 5 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 641 | 60,000 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 545 | 68,500 | 5 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 446 | 72,417 | 5 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 189 | 88,750 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 208 | 98,425 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1994 | 166 | 120,000 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 134 | 80,000 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 216 | 112,500 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1991 | 128 | 75,000 | 4 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 63 | — | 3 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 63 | 124,990 | 3 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 55 | 83,025 | 3 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 20 | 69,000 | 2 | — | 18 | — | Stable |
All Dodge Dakota model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Dodge Dakota?
Owners of this model year report front-end suspension wear far more than anything else, most often worn upper and lower ball joints and tie rod ends found during alignments or state inspections. The issues reported most often: Worn front ball joints and tie rod ends; Brake wear, ABS light and weak stopping.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1997 Dodge Dakota have?
NHTSA recorded 446 consumer complaints for the 1997 Dodge Dakota as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1997 Dodge Dakota is reported most often?
Suspension is named most often, in 142 complaints (32% of the total), followed by brakes with 73.
Has the 1997 Dodge Dakota been recalled?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1997 Dodge Dakota get?
The EPA rates the 1997 Dodge Dakota (Dakota Pickup 2WD, 3.9L 6-cyl) at 16 mpg combined, 15 city and 19 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1997 Dodge Dakota reported?
Among the 140 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 72,417 miles and the middle half falls between 51,000 and 100,000 miles; 23% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.