1997 Dodge Dakota Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 3%of 446 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 96,400miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the visibility of the 1997 Dodge Dakota, 3% of the 446 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 96,400 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“The contact owns a 1997 Dodge Dakota. The contact was driving 30 MPH when the heater blower malfunctioned. The contact was unable to heat the vehicle interior or utilize the defroster. The vehicle was taken in for repairs where the heater blower, motor and blower fan were replaced. The technician also added more anti-freeze to the vehicle but none of the repairs remedied the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted to report the failure. The vehicle was not further repaired. The failure mileage was 96,400. Updated 3/1/11 updated 07/01/11”
NHTSA complaint #10377177, filed 2011-01, 96,400 miles“The design of the driver's side door,causing the door to hit the windshield which causes a stress fracture. The windshield was replaced because of this incident. The windshield has cracked again because of the same. Has not been repaired. The service manager is refusing to put in a new windshield because it will not correct problem.”
NHTSA complaint #818814, filed 1998-01“When traveling at highway speed in a head wind ( using full gas pedal at time the center A/C vent switchs to defrost nothing you do will re switch to center vent (you can turn off the A/C system, and when you turn it back on, it still is in defrost. No control will return A/C back to center vent) until you let off gas pedal and slow down, when this happens front windshield fogs up, blinding the drivers view of the highway. …”
NHTSA complaint #707119, filed 1999-06“Air conditioning--still works but at times it shuts of the upper air ducts and I have to shut it off on restart it to make it work right. Engine--- makes a noise ( started at 20,000 miles) took it to a dealer they could not figure out what it was. After warranty was up told its the timing chain.at 92,000 still makes the same noise power window-- passenger side does not work other--1. Radio (tape deck) tape deck turns the wind and rewind on by itself. Have to turn the motor off and restart to get it to quite. …”
NHTSA complaint #10070823, filed 2004-01“Exterior rearview mirrors are positioned so that they obstruct a driver's vision of oncoming traffic from the left and right sides. Dealer says it's normal.”
NHTSA complaint #837698, filed 1999-05Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2 | 6% |
| 2008 | 5 | 5% |
| 2007 | 8 | 6% |
| 2006 | 15 | 5% |
| 2005 | 5 | 1% |
| 2004 | 14 | 7% |
| 2003 | 17 | 6% |
| 2002 | 20 | 3% |
| 2001 | 31 | 5% |
| 2000 | 25 | 3% |
| 1999 | 8 | 1% |
| 1998 | 20 | 4% |
| 1997 | 13 | 3% |
| 1996 | 7 | 4% |
| 1995 | 8 | 4% |
| 1994 | 4 | 2% |
| 1993 | 4 | 3% |
| 1992 | 1 | 0% |
| 1991 | 1 | 1% |
| 1990 | 1 | 2% |
| 1989 | 1 | 2% |
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 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 28, 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