1997 Dodge Dakota Problems: 9 Issues Every Owner Should Know

1997 Dodge Dakota Problems: 9 Issues Every Owner Should Know | Au7o

NHTSA Recalls9 recalls

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, Ram 4500/5500, 2010-2011 Dodge Dakota, 2010-2014 Dodge Challenger, 2010-2015 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, and 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.

Campaign #19V01800015/01/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Chrysler is recalling certain 2009-2010 RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Chrysler is also recalling certain 2009 RAM 3500, RAM 2500, RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Campaign #18V02100009/01/2018

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.

Campaign #16V35200024/05/2016

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010 Chrysler 300, 300C, 300S, and SRT8, 2006-2010 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Magnum, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

Campaign #15V31300027/05/2015

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

NBC Truck Equipment, Inc. (NBC) is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 and model year 2010-2011 trucks equipped with Sure Power battery separator devices, due to overheating.

Campaign #12V42000028/08/2012

+ 4 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Dodge Dakota problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 450+ owner reports, the 1997 Dodge Dakota has 9 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Ball Joint Failure - Safety Issue, Premature Front Ball Joint Wear (Non-Greaseable Factory Joints), Plenum Gasket Failure (5.2L/5.9L Magnum V8). Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Dodge Dakota reliable?

The 1997 Dodge Dakota has 9 known issues documented across 450+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Ball Joint Failure - Safety Issue and Premature Front Ball Joint Wear (Non-Greaseable Factory Joints). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Dodge Dakota problems?

Repair costs for known Dodge Dakota issues range from $150 to $3,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Ball Joint Failure - Safety Issue, typically costs $300-$700 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 1997-2004 Dodge Dakota Ball Joint Failure - Safety Issue?

Upper and lower ball joints wear prematurely, with failures reported as early as 49,000 miles. Can cause wheel separation in worst cases. NHTSA recall for some model years. Same design shared with 1st-gen Durango. Repairs typically run $300-$700. Severity: high.

What is the 1990-1999 Dodge Dakota Premature Front Ball Joint Wear (Non-Greaseable Factory Joints)?

The front upper and lower ball joints wear out prematurely, frequently well under 100,000 miles. The factory joints are sealed/non-greaseable; the boots tear, letting grease out and water/dirt in, so the joints corrode and wear rapidly. Second-generation (1997-1999) owners report… Repairs typically run $350-$1,000. Severity: high.

What is the 1997-2003 Dodge Dakota Plenum Gasket Failure (5.2L/5.9L Magnum V8)?

The plenum gasket between intake manifold and engine block fails, allowing oil into combustion chambers. Same issue as 1st-gen Durango. Causes oil consumption, pinging, and rough idle. Repairs typically run $300-$800. Severity: medium.

What is the 1997-2011 Dodge Dakota Transmission Overdrive Solenoid Failure (42RE/45RFE)?

The 42RE (4-speed) and 45RFE/545RFE (5-speed) automatic transmissions in the Dakota suffer from overdrive solenoid failures. The overdrive solenoid sticks or fails electrically, preventing the transmission from engaging overdrive or causing it to drop out of overdrive unexpectedl… Repairs typically run $200-$800. Severity: medium.

What is the 1996-1999 Dodge Dakota 46RE/42RE Governor Pressure Solenoid and Sensor Failure?

The electronically-modulated 42RE (behind the V6) and 46RE (behind the V8) automatic transmissions, used 1996-1999, rely on a governor pressure solenoid and a governor pressure sensor mounted on the valve body to control shift timing. Heat and mileage fatigue the sensor and cause… Repairs typically run $150-$2,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 1990-1999 Dodge Dakota Cooling System Wear: Water Pump Weep-Hole Leak, Dried Bypass Hose, and Distributor Moisture?

The Magnum 3.9L/5.2L water pump is a common age-related failure. When the internal shaft seal wears, coolant weeps from the small hole on the underside of the pump, leaving coolant at the front of the engine. A frequently-overlooked companion failure is the short heater/bypass ho… Repairs typically run $150-$500. Severity: medium.

What is the 1990-1999 Dodge Dakota Body Rust: Cab Corners, Rocker Panels, and Rear Wheel Arches?

Like most pickups of the era, 1990-1999 Dakotas rust in predictable places, especially in road-salt regions. The lower cab corners, rocker panels, and rear wheel-well arches trap road grime, salt, and moisture and rot from the inside out. Rockers and cab corners are typically the… Repairs typically run $300-$3,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 1992-1999 Dodge Dakota Intake Plenum Pan Gasket Failure (Magnum V6/V8) Causing Oil Consumption and Misfire?

The 3.9L and 5.2L Magnum engines use a two-piece intake manifold: a cast-aluminum upper and a stamped-steel plenum pan bolted to the underside with a gasket sealing them. Because the steel plate and aluminum manifold expand at different rates, over years of heat cycling the steel… Repairs typically run $250-$900. Severity: medium.

What is the 1990-1999 Dodge Dakota HVAC Airflow/Heat Loss: Vacuum-Actuated Doors, Blend Door, and Clogged Heater Core?

Dakota HVAC problems are common with age. On the first-generation trucks the mode doors (defrost/vent/floor) are vacuum-operated; a cracked or disconnected vacuum line (routed near the brake booster on the driver's side) causes the system to default to defrost and lose control of… Repairs typically run $150-$1,100. Severity: low.

All 9 Known Issues

1997-2004 Dodge Dakota: Ball Joint Failure - Safety Issue#

1990-1999 Dodge Dakota: Premature Front Ball Joint Wear (Non-Greaseable Factory Joints)#

1997-2003 Dodge Dakota: Plenum Gasket Failure (5.2L/5.9L Magnum V8)#

1992-1999 Dodge Dakota: Intake Plenum Pan Gasket Failure (Magnum V6/V8) Causing Oil Consumption and Misfire#

1997-2011 Dodge Dakota: Transmission Overdrive Solenoid Failure (42RE/45RFE)#

1996-1999 Dodge Dakota: 46RE/42RE Governor Pressure Solenoid and Sensor Failure#

1990-1999 Dodge Dakota: Cooling System Wear: Water Pump Weep-Hole Leak, Dried Bypass Hose, and Distributor Moisture#

1990-1999 Dodge Dakota: Body Rust: Cab Corners, Rocker Panels, and Rear Wheel Arches#

1990-1999 Dodge Dakota: HVAC Airflow/Heat Loss: Vacuum-Actuated Doors, Blend Door, and Clogged Heater Core#

Other Dodge Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Dodge Dakota problems?

Is the Dodge Dakota reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Dodge Dakota problems?

What is the 1997-2004 Dodge Dakota Ball Joint Failure - Safety Issue?

What is the 1990-1999 Dodge Dakota Premature Front Ball Joint Wear (Non-Greaseable Factory Joints)?

What is the 1997-2003 Dodge Dakota Plenum Gasket Failure (5.2L/5.9L Magnum V8)?

What is the 1997-2011 Dodge Dakota Transmission Overdrive Solenoid Failure (42RE/45RFE)?

What is the 1996-1999 Dodge Dakota 46RE/42RE Governor Pressure Solenoid and Sensor Failure?

What is the 1990-1999 Dodge Dakota Cooling System Wear: Water Pump Weep-Hole Leak, Dried Bypass Hose, and Distributor Moisture?

What is the 1990-1999 Dodge Dakota Body Rust: Cab Corners, Rocker Panels, and Rear Wheel Arches?

What is the 1992-1999 Dodge Dakota Intake Plenum Pan Gasket Failure (Magnum V6/V8) Causing Oil Consumption and Misfire?

What is the 1990-1999 Dodge Dakota HVAC Airflow/Heat Loss: Vacuum-Actuated Doors, Blend Door, and Clogged Heater Core?