1997 Dodge Dakota Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 5%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 22 complaints about the seats of the 1997 Dodge Dakota, 5% of the 446 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I cannot rest properly against the seat back it will recline on its own. Reaching into pocket at drive-thru restaurants applying moderate pressure against seat back it falls all the way back. If I accelerate swiftly the seat back will drop from behind me. In event of accident I'm sure I will have no support to prevent whiplash.”
NHTSA complaint #10154473, filed 2006-04, 36,500 miles“While accelerating from a stop both front seats randomly fall almost flat, causing several near rear end collisions from losing control of steering wheel. On occasions the driver seat has fallen and striking our 2 year old in the face. Not only does it collapse from stops, as does it happen when hitting a small bump, speed bumps, or other small rough patches in the road. I have found no way to keep them upright and I fully believe this is a manufacture defect and I should not have to foot the $700+ bill to replace/repair these seats.”
NHTSA complaint #10016438, filed 2003-04, 75,000 miles“For a period of a year front driver and passenger set back collapsed. This happened over fifty times and while driving. Consumer tried cleaning the recliner handle and surrounding area, but the problem still occurs.”
NHTSA complaint #10060914, filed 2004-02, 102,000 miles“Replace both sides of upper and lower ball joints at 60k and 120k despite using the best grease in them synthetic. I've complained about the seat back before since new it falls back. Front bucket.”
NHTSA complaint #10050754, filed 2003-12, 60,000 miles“I have a 1997 Dodge Dakota extra cab. It constanly leaks water onto the floorboards, soaking the carpet.many other owners report this problem too. Also the drivers seatback will not lock. When I put on the brake,the back of the seat reclines. This is a very dangerous defect.”
NHTSA complaint #10030881, filed 2003-08Seats: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 1 | 0% |
| 2005 | 41 | 9% |
| 2004 | 4 | 2% |
| 2002 | 3 | 0% |
| 2001 | 7 | 1% |
| 2000 | 5 | 1% |
| 1999 | 2 | 0% |
| 1998 | 2 | 0% |
| 1997 | 22 | 5% |
| 1996 | 9 | 5% |
| 1995 | 9 | 4% |
| 1994 | 11 | 7% |
| 1993 | 7 | 5% |
| 1992 | 1 | 0% |
| 1991 | 1 | 1% |
| 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 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 29, 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