1997 Dodge Dakota Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 49about this part
- Share
- 11%of 446 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 49 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1997 Dodge Dakota, 11% of the 446 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“Our 1997 Dodge Dakota truck's engine failed this past february due to the lack of oil pressure. We then had to have the truck towed to the mechanic. Our mechanic told us we needed to get a new engine put in since our engine was full of sludge and he said it was due to the lack of changing our oil. My wife and I knew this was not the case at all since we always had the oil changed every 3,000 miles and we could not figure out how this could have happened. …”
NHTSA complaint #10157202, filed 2006-05, 96,547 miles“I own a 1997 Dodge Dakota slt. The engine is a 5.2 v8 with only 45,000 miles my complaint started around 40,000 miles. I am getting a severe spark knock and a tremendous oil consumption 2.5 quarts every two hundred miles. They installed faulty engine intake manifold plenum pan gaskets. Through my extensive research there have been countless complaints on this. I was driving down the highway and my check engine light came on and checked my gauges I had a complete loss of oil pressure. Luckily no one was behind me because my engine stalled!!! …”
NHTSA complaint #10171759, filed 2006-10, 44,000 miles“Consumer was replacing upper and lower ball joints every 35,000 miles. Also, consumer replaced the idler arm. Consumer contacted the dealer, who informed consumer that they will not warranty the suspension parts. Provide further details. The consumer stated the manifold plenum gasket was leaking oil into the intake. The consumer replaced the gasket himself.”
NHTSA complaint #10103527, filed 2005-01, 35,000 miles“Upper and lower ball joints failed at 77,000 miles. The vehicle started squeaking over slight bumps and worsened to squeaking all of the time, the steering wheel began to make unusual noises when turning, and coolant leaked from the engine.”
NHTSA complaint #10050284, filed 2004-01, 77,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10191460Feb 26, 2016Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10020666Aug 1, 2006Reprogram pcm and inspect catalytic converter.
- 10018993Dec 21, 2005Illuminated mil as the result of a diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0420 - catalyst efficiency, or may have failed a california smog or state I/m test but without an illuminated…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% |
| 2006 | 9 | 3% |
| 2005 | 12 | 3% |
| 2004 | 12 | 6% |
| 2003 | 34 | 11% |
| 2002 | 34 | 5% |
| 2001 | 53 | 8% |
| 2000 | 50 | 6% |
| 1999 | 70 | 11% |
| 1998 | 60 | 11% |
| 1997 | 49 | 11% |
| 1996 | 27 | 14% |
| 1995 | 18 | 9% |
| 1994 | 14 | 8% |
| 1993 | 12 | 9% |
| 1992 | 19 | 9% |
| 1991 | 6 | 5% |
| 1990 | 3 | 5% |
| 1989 | 8 | 13% |
| 1988 | 4 | 7% |
| 1987 | 3 | 15% |
Other parts of the 1997 Dodge Dakota
142 complaintsBrakes
73 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
46 complaintsFuel system
38 complaintsAir bags
37 complaintsSteering
34 complaintsSeats
22 complaintsElectrical system
17 complaintsTires
16 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Dodge Dakota
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology