2002 Dodge Dakota Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 89about this part
- Share
- 13%of 678 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 89 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 Dodge Dakota, 13% of the 678 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,000 miles. 11 of these say a crash was involved and 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.
“Recall g38 / the trans shifter started to not go into park at times and then slip out now it will not go into park at all..shifter stops at reverse and I have looked at shifter ajustment and no problem there, the recall said it did not apply to my VIN .but I am having same problems listed as the recall state's other's have , did I miss something and iam in recall added later?”
NHTSA complaint #11100649, filed 2018-06, 190,000 miles“The car goes into park, but park does not engage. I'm able to remove the key. The column shows park but the car continues to roll. I see that 2002 dakotas have a recall for this problem but my VIN # doesn't show a recall for this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11172312, filed 2019-01, 156,000 miles“In the spring 2006 my Dodge Dakota popped out of gear and rolled backwards towards oncoming traffic and fuel pumps. I tried to stop the truck but ended up getting knocked off my feet and in doing so I grabbed the steering wheel and fell causing the truck to run over both of my legs. I was treated at the hospital and released and my truck suffered rear end damage to this day still not repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #10219622, filed 2008-02, 77,000 miles“The shifter will not move from park position. I contacted chrysler due to the recall for that specific problem with that year model. They informed me that it is VIN # related problem (it is a specific VIN numbers that it is related to). I informed them that I'm experiencing the same exact same problem that all sites, reports and blogs are talking about. The final answer is to take my car to be diagnose, depending on the report they may or may not pay for the repairs. How it is different this problem from the problem that I'm having?!”
NHTSA complaint #10678228, filed 2015-01, 65,500 miles“My truck will not go into park all other gear selections are available but no park. Additionally I'm able to turn the key back to the off position & take the key out. I pulled into work & was unable once I pulled into a parking place to put my truck into park. I ended up having to stay with my vehicle foot on the brake until someone blocked my wheels with a piece of firewood because the parking brake has also failed. Chrysler has a recall for 2001 & 2002 models for this very issue. After calling the dealer & chrysler my truck is surprise* not covered under recall g28. …”
NHTSA complaint #10929672, filed 2016-12, 127,249 milesRelated recalls
- 07V555000Dec 4, 2007On certain van and pickup trucks equipped with automatic transmissions, the ignition/park shift interlock system may become inoperative. This can allow the…Covers: Dodge Dakota 2001–2002, Durango 2001–2002, RAM Van 2001–2002 +1 more
Related service bulletins
- 11010205Oct 30, 2024Plate - Planetary
- 10136906Jan 30, 2014Part Description: Seal - Shift Shaft on RFE transmissions Issue Description: This seal (04799346) is replaceable with Seal Kit (68235551AA), which includes a seal and retainer…
- 10136527Mar 27, 201356045489A$ - Neutral Safety Switch - Trans Assy 06036369AA Screw and Washer is now available as a service part , 2 required to attach Neutral Start Switch
- 10021239Aug 25, 2006Powertrain control module initialization.
- 10017000Sep 1, 200545rfe/545rfe trans - delayed engagement due to cooler return filter replacement.
- 10013731Mar 2, 2005Powertrain control module initialization.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 8 | 18% |
| 2010 | 7 | 20% |
| 2009 | 6 | 33% |
| 2008 | 10 | 11% |
| 2007 | 24 | 17% |
| 2006 | 36 | 13% |
| 2005 | 81 | 17% |
| 2004 | 19 | 9% |
| 2003 | 38 | 13% |
| 2002 | 89 | 13% |
| 2001 | 93 | 14% |
| 2000 | 74 | 9% |
| 1999 | 56 | 9% |
| 1998 | 74 | 14% |
| 1997 | 46 | 10% |
| 1996 | 28 | 15% |
| 1995 | 27 | 13% |
| 1994 | 25 | 15% |
| 1993 | 20 | 15% |
| 1992 | 110 | 51% |
| 1991 | 60 | 47% |
| 1990 | 14 | 22% |
| 1989 | 12 | 19% |
| 1988 | 10 | 18% |
| 1987 | 1 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2002 Dodge Dakota
226 complaintsBrakes
213 complaintsElectrical system
52 complaintsSteering
44 complaintsEngine cooling
34 complaintsAir bags
28 complaintsExterior lighting
21 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
20 complaintsBody and structure
18 complaintsFuel system
17 complaintsTires
14 complaintsEquipment
12 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 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