1997 Dodge Dakota Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 38about this part
- Share
- 9%of 446 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 115,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 38 complaints about the fuel system of the 1997 Dodge Dakota, 9% of the 446 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 115,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“Began smelling fuel while at idle or immediately after shutting engine off. If vehicle was left shut off for 30 minutes or so the smell would subside and cease. Vehicle then began taking several seconds of cranking to start which added to the case that fuel was escaping from the pressurized fuel line while sitting. …”
NHTSA complaint #10127697, filed 2005-07, 85,151 miles“Gasoline odor while the vehicle was running. Found fuel leaking from the fuel line running under the body on driver's side. Dealer was notified, and informed the consumer that the vehicle was not covered under a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10094103, filed 2004-11, 108,000 miles“Consumer complained about a steering box problem. Also, dealer replaced the ball joints and idler arm. Consumer is keeping an eye on the fuel filler tube because it seemed to be rusted. Also, brake line is also rusted.”
NHTSA complaint #10061197, filed 2004-04, 55,000 miles“Fuel line leaks. Consumer is concerned that vehicle will catch on fire. A recall was issued. However, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN.”
NHTSA complaint #10074114, filed 2004-05, 84,000 milesRelated recalls
- 00V199000Jul 17, 2000Vehicle description: pickup trucks with a 131 inch wheelbase. Some of these vehicles may have been built with inadequate clearance between the fuel line and…Covers: Dodge Dakota 1997
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 2 | 5% |
| 2008 | 2 | 2% |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% |
| 2006 | 9 | 3% |
| 2005 | 10 | 2% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 13 | 4% |
| 2002 | 17 | 3% |
| 2001 | 9 | 1% |
| 2000 | 14 | 2% |
| 1999 | 14 | 2% |
| 1998 | 12 | 2% |
| 1997 | 38 | 9% |
| 1996 | 10 | 5% |
| 1995 | 17 | 8% |
| 1994 | 15 | 9% |
| 1993 | 6 | 4% |
| 1992 | 13 | 6% |
| 1991 | 8 | 6% |
| 1990 | 1 | 2% |
| 1989 | 3 | 5% |
| 1988 | 2 | 4% |
| 1987 | 2 | 10% |
Other parts of the 1997 Dodge Dakota
142 complaintsBrakes
73 complaintsEngine cooling
49 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
46 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 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