2004 Dodge Dakota Problems: 7 Issues Every Owner Should Know

What are the most common Dodge Dakota problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 520+ owner reports, the 2004-2004 Dodge Dakota has 7 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Ball Joint Failure - Safety Issue, 4.7L V8 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure, Transmission Fluid Expulsion and Fire Risk - Recall. Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Dodge Dakota reliable?

The 2004-2004 Dodge Dakota has 7 known issues documented across 520+ owner reports. 4 issues are rated critical: Ball Joint Failure - Safety Issue and 4.7L V8 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure and Transmission Fluid Expulsion and Fire Risk - Recall and Intake Manifold Gasket Leak (3.9L V6 and 4.7L V8). 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 $0 to $2,500, 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 2000-2007 Dodge Dakota 4.7L V8 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure?

The timing chain tensioner and guides wear prematurely, especially when incorrect oil weight is used (5W-30 instead of the required 5W-20). Causes rattling on startup, performance deterioration, and can lead to engine destruction if chain jumps. Repairs typically run $1,000-$2,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2000-2004 Dodge Dakota Transmission Fluid Expulsion and Fire Risk - Recall?

Design flaw allows ATF to be expelled from fill tube during normal driving onto hot exhaust system, creating a fire risk. NHTSA recall issued for affected vehicles. Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 1997-2004 Dodge Dakota Intake Manifold Gasket Leak (3.9L V6 and 4.7L V8)?

The intake manifold gaskets on the 3.9L Magnum V6 and 4.7L PowerTech V8 engines deteriorate and leak coolant and/or allow vacuum leaks. On the 3.9L, the plenum gasket (upper intake) is notorious for leaking coolant into the engine oil, causing milky oil and potential engine damag… Repairs typically run $300-$800. Severity: high.

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 2000-2011 Dodge Dakota Transfer Case Output Seal Leak (NP231/NP242)?

The NP231 and NP242 transfer cases in 4WD Dakotas develop leaks at the rear output shaft seal and front output shaft seal. The seals dry out and crack from heat exposure and age, allowing ATF to leak onto the exhaust crossover pipe, creating a burning fluid smell. Low fluid level… Repairs typically run $150-$400. Severity: medium.

What is the 2000-2011 Dodge Dakota Rear Window Defroster Element Grid Cracking and Failure?

The rear window defroster grid lines crack and break, leaving sections of the window uncleared. The adhesive-bonded heating elements separate from the glass due to thermal cycling and UV degradation. On crew cab models, the flex in the rear window area accelerates the grid line f… Repairs typically run $15-$850. Severity: low.

All 7 Known Issues

2000-2007 Dodge Dakota: 4.7L V8 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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1997-2004 Dodge Dakota: Intake Manifold Gasket Leak (3.9L V6 and 4.7L V8)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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2000-2004 Dodge Dakota: Transmission Fluid Expulsion and Fire Risk - Recall#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

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

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

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

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

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2000-2011 Dodge Dakota: Transfer Case Output Seal Leak (NP231/NP242)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

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2000-2011 Dodge Dakota: Rear Window Defroster Element Grid Cracking and Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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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 2000-2007 Dodge Dakota 4.7L V8 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure?

What is the 2000-2004 Dodge Dakota Transmission Fluid Expulsion and Fire Risk - Recall?

What is the 1997-2004 Dodge Dakota Intake Manifold Gasket Leak (3.9L V6 and 4.7L V8)?

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

What is the 2000-2011 Dodge Dakota Transfer Case Output Seal Leak (NP231/NP242)?

What is the 2000-2011 Dodge Dakota Rear Window Defroster Element Grid Cracking and Failure?