2000 Dodge Dakota Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 3%of 806 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 42,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the electrical system of the 2000 Dodge Dakota, 3% of the 806 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 42,500 miles. 7 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Consumer complained about steering column/headlights. When the steering column was in the tilt upright position, the low beam lights operated. When the tilt steering wheel was in the straight position the low beam lights went out automatically. The consumer found out the low beam wire at the multi-function switch had broken at the connection and shorted out.”
NHTSA complaint #10059882, filed 2004-04, 42,500 miles“Several incidents of electrical failure (date below first incident) speedometer does not work; ABS light stays on; computer shorted out; dealer found computer bolted on top of wires; fan stayed on; dates vary over last 1 1/2 years number of failures is a best guess.”
NHTSA complaint #10041636, filed 2003-10, 1,800 miles“Engine overheated relay and relay board melted. Can not replace relay Dodge knows of the problem and sells a relay relocation device. This is defect and they know it.”
NHTSA complaint #10248710, filed 2008-11, 45,000 miles“Radio was popping during drive from seattle to montana. After a dinner break in idaho, engine died after driving across bridge to get back on freeway. Smoke was issuing from hood (rear drivers side of hood) before coasting to a stop. Vehicle engine compartment and engine were completely destroyed - vehicile totalled. Fire chief (shoshone county, idaho) said it looked like the fire started either in or under the fuse box under hood. Dodge sent a fire engineer to inspect vehicled but won't share the results.”
NHTSA complaint #10007982, filed 2003-02, 42,000 miles“The position of the ignition switch is located too close to steering wheel. Point of extra keys dangling from key ring can swing and become lodged in hole in back of steering wheel during left hand turn. End result is steering locked and subsequent loss of vehicle control. Manufacturer should be made to plug holes on back side of steering wheel. I have had this happen to me and problem can easily be duplicated. I have temporarily put duct tape over holes to prevent this from happening again.”
NHTSA complaint #739667, filed 2001-01Related service bulletins
- 10229256Jul 22, 2020KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other…
- 10221686Jul 22, 2020KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other…
- 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…
- 10176211Mar 23, 2020This SKU is a Clock Spring. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the internal spring. If the internal spring is not seated, the electrical…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 4 | 9% |
| 2010 | 6 | 17% |
| 2009 | 3 | 17% |
| 2008 | 11 | 12% |
| 2007 | 14 | 10% |
| 2006 | 30 | 11% |
| 2005 | 32 | 7% |
| 2004 | 21 | 10% |
| 2003 | 34 | 11% |
| 2002 | 52 | 8% |
| 2001 | 58 | 9% |
| 2000 | 21 | 3% |
| 1999 | 23 | 4% |
| 1998 | 19 | 3% |
| 1997 | 17 | 4% |
| 1996 | 19 | 10% |
| 1995 | 12 | 6% |
| 1994 | 23 | 14% |
| 1993 | 8 | 6% |
| 1992 | 23 | 11% |
| 1991 | 7 | 5% |
| 1990 | 2 | 3% |
| 1989 | 4 | 6% |
| 1988 | 2 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2000 Dodge Dakota
282 complaintsBrakes
263 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
74 complaintsSteering
68 complaintsEngine cooling
50 complaintsAir bags
29 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
25 complaintsTires
24 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
16 complaintsFuel system
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsWheels
14 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2000 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