1997 Dodge Dakota Equipment Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 2%of 446 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 83,917miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the equipment of the 1997 Dodge Dakota, 2% of the 446 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 83,917 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“During 200, squeak in front end became louder and louder. Had to have upper and lower ball joints replaced on the left and right. Truck had 95,000 miles. 2 years late same problem with squeak in front end became louder and louder. Needed to have the ball joints replaced again. Only about 10,000 miles on truck this time.”
NHTSA complaint #10196740, filed 2007-07, 95,000 miles“My 97 Dodge Dakota brakes failed and I had to spend over 1,000 to repair them. Cause I was told was the pistons siezed because of bad pistons that chrysler knew about.also clear coat on paint is peeling off like a fl. Orange.”
NHTSA complaint #10064234, filed 2004-03“52000 miles and I have replaced these items: belt tensioner, A/C compressor, 3 sets of front tires (the tires are wearing on the outside edge-the truck has been aligned each time the tires were replaced), 2 sets of rotors, 2 brake calipers, 4 sets of brake pads, the steering knuckle that broke into three (3) pieces while the truck was going 65 MPH, and now I have to take it to a transmission shop because the truck jumps from drive to neutral while the truck is in motion. All of these repair cost have been paid by myself. …”
NHTSA complaint #716770, filed 2000-01“Consumer complained about having transmission fluid problem. Since owning the vehicle consumer had to change transmission fluid every year. Also, air conditioning problem. Vehicle was taken to a repair shop, and consumer was told that air conditioner compressor failed to work and vehicle did not have air conditioning. Manufacturer was not contacted at the time of this call.”
NHTSA complaint #10039770, filed 2003-09“Air conditioner--tested by dealer but could not find problem. Dye placed in system and freon refilled. In one week's time, AC was warm again. Dealer inspected again and replaced condensor, refilled freon. Same problem again in about 10 days time. Presently having checked again.”
NHTSA complaint #735176, filed 2000-10Related service bulletins
- 10175735Apr 22, 2020Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and…
- 10220097Nov 20, 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10169249Nov 20, 2019Use 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, 2019Use 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…
- 10220995Sep 3, 2014Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are…
- 10139596Sep 3, 2014Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are…
- 10016603Aug 4, 2005Air conditioning (a/c) cooling coil odor.
Equipment: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 2 | 2% |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% |
| 2006 | 1 | 0% |
| 2005 | 2 | 0% |
| 2004 | 2 | 1% |
| 2003 | 4 | 1% |
| 2002 | 12 | 2% |
| 2001 | 12 | 2% |
| 2000 | 4 | 1% |
| 1999 | 17 | 3% |
| 1998 | 10 | 2% |
| 1997 | 11 | 2% |
| 1996 | 4 | 2% |
| 1995 | 5 | 2% |
| 1994 | 3 | 2% |
| 1992 | 2 | 1% |
| 1991 | 5 | 4% |
| 1990 | 2 | 3% |
| 1989 | 2 | 3% |
| 1988 | 2 | 4% |
| 1987 | 1 | 5% |
Other parts of the 1997 Dodge Dakota
142 complaintsBrakes
73 complaintsEngine cooling
49 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 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Dodge Dakota
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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