2004 Dodge Dakota Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 6%of 206 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 7,910miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2004 Dodge Dakota, 6% of the 206 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 7,910 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“Clicking or tapping noise coming from engine compartment. Truck returned to dealer with no satisfaction to date. Mechanics state it may be the timing chain and service advisor states they have to wait on a representative to come check the vehicle before they can state what is wrong with my vehicle. I have no problem with this system however they state the representative cannot arrive before after the new year. A month in a truck that I cannot take on christmas vacation. Dealer has informed me to keep operating the vehicle regardless of the clicking noise.”
NHTSA complaint #10049661, filed 2003-12, 239 miles“I purchased a 2004 Dodge Dakota slt from elk grove Dodge, elk grove, california, engine started overheating, first two times they couldn't find the problem, the third time was a broken radiator hose and the fourth time replaced both cylinder heads as heads are cracked due to overheating. They found coolant on spark plugs.”
NHTSA complaint #10118286, filed 2005-04, 18,401 miles“Vehicle stalled while driving at any speed. Sometimes it took 10 minutes, sometimes 2 hours before vehicle will restart. Vehicle was serviced by the dealership six times. Diagnostic test was done, but no engine failure code was found. No parts were replaced. They only reflashed the engine, but this failed to correct the problem. The vehicle stalled causing an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10101939, filed 2004-12, 500 miles“When the consumer tries to accelerate into traffic, the engine revsup but the vehicle does not move. There have been several occasions that the consumer would try to pass a slow moving vehicle, only to have the RPM's to increase but the vehicle would not accelerate. This problem has happened three times in the past. The dealer tried to find the problem, but was unable to. The manufacturers is not aware of the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10050034, filed 2003-12, 1,600 miles“Took delivery of 2004 Dodge Dakota slt on march 5, 2004 within one month, needle pegged at hot and check engine light came on upon first start up of day. Computer reset itself when truck was shut off and then restarted. No further problems remainder of day. However, problem persisted. Took truck into fresno Dodge for service-1st time, march 23: sensor was reset; 2nd time in shop, april 10: sensor replaced; 3rd time in shop, may 19: computer replaced-vehicle in shop for 17 days. …”
NHTSA complaint #10082717, filed 2004-07, 3,100 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10223854Sep 7, 2016Service - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies…
- 10228094May 11, 2016Radiator If vehicle comes in for transmission fluid leaking from trans-oil cooler fittings on the radiator, please perform the following before replacing the radiator/cooler:~ 1…
- 10181452May 11, 2016Radiator If vehicle comes in for transmission fluid leaking from trans-oil cooler fittings on the radiator, please perform the following before replacing the radiator/cooler:~ 1…
- 10191460Feb 26, 2016Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10229181Feb 12, 2015Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must…
- 10223602Feb 12, 2015Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must…
- 10024083Jan 8, 2008Positive crankcase ventilation (pcv) system freezes in extreme cold ambient temperatures -- involves installing revised pcv system components.
- 10015075Apr 28, 2005New water pump for 3.7l engine - no longer common with 4.7l. Advanced service information #05-002.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% |
| 2006 | 9 | 3% |
| 2005 | 12 | 3% |
| 2004 | 12 | 6% |
| 2003 | 34 | 11% |
| 2002 | 34 | 5% |
| 2001 | 53 | 8% |
| 2000 | 50 | 6% |
| 1999 | 70 | 11% |
| 1998 | 60 | 11% |
| 1997 | 49 | 11% |
| 1996 | 27 | 14% |
| 1995 | 18 | 9% |
| 1994 | 14 | 8% |
| 1993 | 12 | 9% |
| 1992 | 19 | 9% |
| 1991 | 6 | 5% |
| 1990 | 3 | 5% |
| 1989 | 8 | 13% |
| 1988 | 4 | 7% |
| 1987 | 3 | 15% |
Other parts of the 2004 Dodge Dakota
74 complaintsSuspension
45 complaintsBrakes
23 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
19 complaintsAir bags
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 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