1999 Dodge Dakota problems
Owners have filed 1,011 complaints about the 1999 Dodge Dakota with NHTSA. Suspension accounts for 49.8% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of service brakes, hydraulic at 9.6%.
Complaints1,011
Crashes67
Fires6
Injuries30
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Suspension 49.8% · 503
Service brakes, hydraulic 9.6% · 97
Steering 7.7% · 78
Engine and engine cooling 7.4% · 75
Power train 6.0% · 61
Air bags 3.2% · 32
Electrical system 2.4% · 24
Tires 2.4% · 24
Severity
Of those complaints, 67 describe a crash, 6 describe a fire and 30 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 18 model years of the Dodge Dakota in this data, 1999 ranks 2nd by complaint volume — 2000 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 6 in the last three years against 11 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 58,955 miles.
In owners' own words
'99 Dodge Dakota, club cab, 4wd, just turned 100,000 miles, had to have the ball joints replaced twice since I have owned it. Ball joints were first replaced at 60,000 miles with oem parts, ball joints were replaced a second time at 90,000 with aftermarket parts. Vehicle is used only on paved roads and not subject to abuse...Prematurely failing ball joints are a safety concern and causing premature tire wear. Suspension
I have a 1999 Dodge Dakota slt with about 26500 actual miles on it. I had the truck at the mechanic because of a nasty 'clunk' in the front end. Turned out the right ball joint was so worn that it needed to be immediately replaced; the left is showing unusual wear as well and will need to be addressed in the near future. I understand this is "fairly normal" for the 99 Dakota. That doesn't make it acceptable. Suspension · reported at 26,000 miles
My truck began having strange noises and vibrations. I had my dealership check it for me and the advised having 4 ball joints and sway bar bushings replaced, which I did at a cost of $1100. I have saved the old parts. I have asked chrysler for compensation and they deny on grounds my truck is a 1999. My veichle has only 44,000 miles on it and I bought it new. I had the work done before an accident happened. Suspension · reported at 43,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…