2004 Dodge Dakota Problems
- Complaints
- 206filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 51,000miles, 167 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 17 mpgcombined, 3.7L 6-cyl RWD · 15 city / 20 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2004 Dodge Dakota (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2004 Dodge Dakota most often describe steering that becomes stiff or binds, especially in cold weather or after the truck sits, with the wheel failing to return to center after a turn. Front-end and ball joint noise, warped front brake rotors, transmission shudder or delayed engagement, and repeated heater blower resistor failures are also frequently reported, many of them at low mileage.
- Steering
Stiff or binding steering, wheel will not return to center
- 61 complaints (30%)
- median 60,000 mi at 5.8 yrs old (57 state mileage)
- filed 2004–2018
Owners describe steering that binds or becomes very hard to turn, often feeling stiff-then-loose through a turn, and a wheel that stays where it was turned unless pulled back by hand. Complaints commonly attribute this to the intermediate steering shaft and universal joints, and several report that soaking or replacing the shaft restored normal steering. According to complaints, some dealers replaced the steering shaft, steering mechanism, or power steering pump, while others could not duplicate or identify the cause. Reported from about 32,000 to 140,000 miles, with many in the 50,000-75,000 mile range; several owners note it is worse when cold or on first start.
What to check: Turn the wheel lock to lock from cold and check that it turns evenly and returns to center on its own; ask whether the intermediate steering shaft has ever been lubricated or replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The intermediate steering shaft withthe universal joints started tightening up to the point where I almost couldn't steer it then when it let loose the steering was very abrupt it started around 100 k miles and I understand things wear out .but aren't those supposed to be life of vehicle lubricated?????? …”
NHTSA complaint #10360329, filed 2010-10, 115,000 miles“My 2004 Dodge Dakota began having steering issues last fall which became increasingly worse over the following weeks. The power steering seemed to have stopped working. When I made a turn it was stiff, then loose, then stiff again as you cranked the steering wheel. This would cause me to apply more pressure to turn the truck, then the steering wheel would suddenly loosen up, causing you to swerve. This caused me enough concern about my safety that I had a mechanic take a look. …”
NHTSA complaint #10389977, filed 2011-03, 56,955 miles - Suspension
Front-end noise, worn lower ball joints and tie rod play
- 60 complaints (29%)
- median 51,000 mi at 4.9 yrs old (49 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2003–2020
Complaints describe clunking, crunching or rattling from the front end, especially over bumps and on tight turns, along with vague steering and uneven tire wear. Owners report being told the lower ball joints were worn or that an alignment could not be performed, and some had ball joints, control arms or tie rod ends replaced. In several cases owners say the dealer found nothing wrong or that the noise returned after repair. Most often reported under 60,000 miles, with a number of complaints in the first few thousand miles.
What to check: Have a shop check lower ball joints and tie rod ends for play and inspect front tires for uneven wear; ask for records of any front-end work.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have a 2004 Dodge Dakota crew cab with about 6,000 miles on it. For several months it has been making a crunching sound from the front end on tight turns. I am aware of widespread upper ball joint problems on other dakotas. The Dodge dealer says there is nothing wrong, but the noise is persistent, and there must be something wrong.”
NHTSA complaint #10093237, filed 2004-09, 2,500 miles“Excessive movement in front suspension of 2004 Dodge Dakota quad cab 4x4, side to side lateral movement and steering difficulty. Dodge service department found excessive play in lower ball joints on both right and left wheels and steering rack coming apart at tie rod. Failure of ball joints can cause wheel to detach from vehicle without warning. Previous model years have been recalled for upper ball joints with same issue. Parts must be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10181491, filed 2007-02, 24,700 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission shudder, delayed engagement and harsh shifting
- 19 complaints (9%)
- median 18,000 mi at 1.4 yrs old (15 state mileage)
- filed 2004–2021
Owners report shuddering between roughly 30 and 40 mph under light acceleration, delayed engagement when cold, hard or irregular shifts, and thumping or clunking noises. Complaints describe torque converter lockup, valve body and clutch concerns, with some trucks requiring transmission repair or replacement at low mileage. Several owners say the dealer could not duplicate the problem or said it was normal. Reported from delivery mileage up to about 85,000 miles, with many under 5,000 miles and several around 50,000-55,000.
What to check: Drive from cold and note whether engagement is delayed or shifts are harsh, and feel for shudder at light throttle around 30-40 mph; ask about transmission fluid and filter service history.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The transmission in my 2004 Dodge Dakota slt is a piece of crap. First I had to replace the valve body at 53,000 miles, now the torque converter tries to lock too soon (at 30 MPH), which results in the truck shuddering between 30 and 40 MPH. It only occurs under light acceleration. Heavy acceleration keeps the converter from locking.”
NHTSA complaint #10237838, filed 2008-08, 53,000 miles“Clutch failed, vehicle would not start unless push started, was able to drive and shift normally. Vehicle functioned normally upuntill the failure. Brought vehicle to dealer. The pedal rod was bent, after taking my vehicle to the dealer I was told that the clutch master and slave fell apart in their hands this is a part that does not fail, should not fail. This vehicle is only 3.5 yrs old. To make matters worse there are no available parts to repair this vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10216356, filed 2008-01, 68,000 miles - Electrical system
Heater and A/C blower quits; melted resistor and wiring
- 12 complaints (6%)
- median 64,500 mi at 7.1 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2010–2017
Owners describe the blower fan stopping so that no air reaches the vents for heat, A/C or defrost, and complaints frequently mention a burnt-wire or hot-plastic smell. According to complaints, the blower motor resistor and its connector or pigtail were found melted or fused, and some owners had the resistor, pigtail and blower motor replaced repeatedly without a lasting fix. Some also report instrument panel warnings or lighting behaving erratically. Reported from about 46,000 to 125,000 miles, often recurring after each repair.
What to check: Run the blower through every speed setting with heat and A/C on and check the resistor connector under the passenger-side dash for scorching or a burnt smell; ask whether the resistor and pigtail have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Smell of burnt wire/plastic. Blower control switch would not work (blower motor would not run). Blower motor resistor and pigtail connection were melted and fused together. This was in 2010, it is now 2015 and I just had the seventh resistor put in with the fifth pigtail. The time before this last nightmare, I also had the blower motor replaced in case it was the cause of the resistor and pigtail connection issues.”
NHTSA complaint #10762291, filed 2015-09, 46,923 miles“The heater blower resistor keeps burning up. I have replaced the resistor various times and it keeps burning up. I replaced the blower motor and the resistor keeps burning up. I had the vehicle checked for an electrical short circuit and it has none. The wiring to the resistor also burns up. I checked the internet and there are numerous reports and complaints of the same problem with many owners of the same type of vehicle. In one of the cases the resistor cause a fire inside the vehicle and the vehicle burned down. …”
NHTSA complaint #10969091, filed 2017-03, 125,000 miles - Brakes
Warped front rotors and brake-pedal or steering-wheel
- 22 complaints (11%)
- median 18,000 mi at 1.9 yrs old (19 state mileage)
- 9 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2004–2014
Owners report vibration or shaking through the steering wheel and pedal when braking, becoming more noticeable as the brakes heat up. Complaints describe front rotors being replaced, sometimes more than once, with the vibration returning after a few thousand miles, and owners saying they were told the brakes were past the warranty period. Mostly reported between roughly 9,000 and 35,000 miles, often within the first couple of years of ownership.
What to check: Test drive and brake firmly from highway speed to feel for pulsation, and check rotor condition and service records for repeated front brake work.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When brake rotors heat up the steering wheel shakes. At first shaking is minor not always noticeable. But as brakes heat and cool steering wheel shake becomes worse and happens every time brakes are applied. Severe steering wheel shake becomes difficult to control when braking. Chrysler states not a warranty item as brakes only covered for 12,000 miles and my complaint is an isolated incident.”
NHTSA complaint #10093114, filed 2004-09, 11,000 miles“I have a 2004 Dodge Dakota with 19,000 miles. Brake rotors are warped beyond repair. Brake pads still look brand new though. Daimler chrysler and dealer is aware of problems with several owners complaining of rotors, yet nothing is being done. This needs to be recalled.”
NHTSA complaint #10134415, filed 2005-08, 18,000 miles
Buying note. Check the steering and front suspension carefully on a test drive, since binding steering and worn front-end parts are the most frequently reported issues, and confirm the blower and transmission behave correctly when cold. Service records showing prior steering shaft, ball joint or transmission work are worth asking about.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 206 consumer complaints for the 2004 Dodge Dakota. 167 of the complaints include a mileage, and 47% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 51,000 miles. Of all complaints, 11 involved a crash, 6 a fire, 8 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 43 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Steering74 36%
- Suspension45 22%
- Brakes23 11%
- Electrical system21 10%
- Transmission and drivetrain19 9.2%
- Air bags15 7.3%
- Engine cooling12 5.8%
- Body and structure7 3.4%
- Exterior lighting6 2.9%
Also reported: Vehicle speed control (6), Fuel system (5), Other or unknown (4), Seats (4), Tires (4), Wheels (3), Equipment (2), Seat belts (1).
Example complaints
Steering: “The steering in my 2004 Dodge Dakota truck would get stiff while turning and then would turn easy then back to stiff. It is very hard to control the truck while making turns. The steering is like very unstable and could cause an accident. Are there any recalls on this issue I see that there is alot of this happening to these trucks?”
NHTSA complaint #10509812, filed 2013-04, 220,000 milesSuspension: “From the very beginning I kept hearing noises from the brakes and front end. This was going into the 2nd year of ownership. My Dodge Dakota has been in the shop at least 15 times for the same thing. They have replaced the steering parts, sway bar, brakes rotors, caliber and still make a a moaning groaning noise when ever I turn or go over bumps.”
NHTSA complaint #10242546, filed 2008-09, 240,000 milesBrakes: “I have a 2004 Dodge Dakota 4 door cab 2 wheel drive truck. The brakes failed at less than 12,000 miles. They were replaced by the dealer and failed again less than 8,000 miles later. I had to pay for that failure. The symptoms were shimmy/shake when the brakes were applied. I had not made any panic stops and most of the driving had been on interstate or state highways.”
NHTSA complaint #10143849, filed 2005-11, 12,000 milesElectrical system: “I started my vehicle and could not get my headlights to turn on. All connections and bulbs were checked by a mechanic and the problem has been traced to the ctm (central timing module). These units are on nationwide back order. This is a serious safety issue and a serious replacement issue if people are losing their headlights and the part is on an unknown back order situation.”
NHTSA complaint #10927591, filed 2016-11, 196,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
47% of the 167 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 15,000 and 75,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2004 Dodge Dakota. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dakota · coupe | not rated | 3 / 5 | — | — | — |
| Dakota · sedan | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2004 Dodge Dakota version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dakota Pickup 2WD | 3.7L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Dakota Pickup 2WD | 3.7L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 14 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Dakota Pickup 2WD | 4.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 14 | 19 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Dakota Pickup 2WD | 4.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Dakota Pickup 4WD | 3.7L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Dakota Pickup 4WD | 3.7L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Dakota Pickup 4WD | 4.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | 13 | 17 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Dakota Pickup 4WD | 4.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 13 | 17 | 14 | $4,800 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 04V216000May 5, 2004Visibility › Windshield wiper/washerCovers: Dodge Dakota 2002–2004, Durango 2002–2003
On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the windshield wiper module motor may be susceptible to water intrusion that could cause internal corrosion and result in partial or complete loss of front windshield wiping capability.
Recall details for the 2004 Dodge Dakota → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 43 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11010205Oct 30, 2024Transmission and drivetrain. Plate - Planetary
- 10230298Jul 9, 2022Electrical system. Security Module Lock Out After Entering the PIN to Unlock The Wireless Control Module (WCM)
- 10223762Jul 9, 2022Electrical system. Security Module Lock Out After Entering the PIN to Unlock The Wireless Control Module (WCM)
- 10220471Feb 22, 2021Transmission and drivetrain. Mechanical rocker arm, intake, 1.7 ratio.
- 10191442Feb 22, 2021Equipment. Mechanical rocker arm, intake, 1.7 ratio.
- 10229256Jul 22, 2020Electrical system. KEY, 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 platforms, if the…
- 10221686Jul 22, 2020Electrical system. KEY, 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 platforms, if the…
- 10175743Apr 30, 2020Body and structure, Equipment. Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
- 10175735Apr 22, 2020Equipment, Electrical system. Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty…
- 10220101Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
Other model years of the Dodge Dakota
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 44 | 42,000 | 6 | — | 17 | 64 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 35 | 49,900 | 7 | — | 17 | 31 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 18 | 44,000 | 5 | — | 17 | — | Falling |
| 2008 | 91 | 53,433 | 2 | — | 17 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 145 | 50,196 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 285 | 55,000 | 5 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2005 | 470 | 58,630 | 6 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 206 | 51,000 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 296 | 34,495 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 678 | 39,100 | 5 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 678 | 50,000 | 7 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 806 | 52,000 | 5 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 641 | 60,000 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 545 | 68,500 | 5 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 446 | 72,417 | 5 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 189 | 88,750 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 208 | 98,425 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1994 | 166 | 120,000 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 134 | 80,000 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 216 | 112,500 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1991 | 128 | 75,000 | 4 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 63 | — | 3 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 63 | 124,990 | 3 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 55 | 83,025 | 3 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 20 | 69,000 | 2 | — | 18 | — | Stable |
All Dodge Dakota model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Dodge Dakota?
Owners of the 2004 Dodge Dakota most often describe steering that becomes stiff or binds, especially in cold weather or after the truck sits, with the wheel failing to return to center after a turn. The issues reported most often: Stiff or binding steering, wheel will not return to center; Front-end noise, worn lower ball joints and tie rod play; Transmission shudder, delayed engagement and harsh shifting.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2004 Dodge Dakota have?
NHTSA recorded 206 consumer complaints for the 2004 Dodge Dakota as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2004 Dodge Dakota is reported most often?
Steering is named most often, in 74 complaints (36% of the total), followed by suspension with 45.
Has the 2004 Dodge Dakota been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2004 Dodge Dakota get?
The EPA rates the 2004 Dodge Dakota (Dakota Pickup 2WD, 3.7L 6-cyl) at 17 mpg combined, 15 city and 20 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,950 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2004 Dodge Dakota reported?
Among the 167 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 51,000 miles and the middle half falls between 15,000 and 75,000 miles; 47% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.