1997 Dodge Dakota problems
Owners have filed 650 complaints about the 1997 Dodge Dakota with NHTSA. Suspension accounts for 32.2% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of service brakes, hydraulic at 11.7%.
Complaints650
Crashes49
Fires11
Injuries37
Deaths3
What owners report breaking
Suspension 32.2% · 209
Service brakes, hydraulic 11.7% · 76
Engine and engine cooling 8.3% · 54
Power train 7.7% · 50
Air bags 5.8% · 38
Steering 5.4% · 35
Fuel system, gasoline 5.2% · 34
Seats 3.4% · 22
Severity
Of those complaints, 49 describe a crash, 11 describe a fire, 37 report an injury and 3 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 18 model years of the Dodge Dakota in this data, 1997 sits 6th by complaint volume. 2000 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 9 in the last three years against 12 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 70,000 miles.
In owners' own words
: The contact stated while traveling 60 mph, the steering became hard to control. The vehicle was driven to the dealership where it was determined the lower and upper ball joints needed to be replaced. There is a nhtsa recall, # 04v596000, regarding the upper ball joints. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however, it is not included in the recall due to the vin. Suspension · reported at 71,793 miles
The consumer took the vehicle for in for state inspection and the mechanic informed the driver that the left and right upper and lower ball joints needed replacement due to corrosion. *Nm upper ball joints replaced by dealer at 34,000 mile. At state inspection in 2004 the upper and lower joints were replaced. Manufacturer recalled this type of vehicle but only model year 2000. *Bf Suspension · reported at 68,209 miles
Third set of tires due to inner wear from front end problems.The truck is being sent back again for front end problem. These problems are all listed in your service bulletins database and also confirmed in the complaints database. As my vehicle is nearing the end of the extended warranty phase these front end problems are going to be very expensive since there dosen't seem to be a fix. Suspension
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…