1997 Dodge Dakota: common problems and reliability

The 1997 Dodge Dakota has 487 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 12 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are suspension and service brakes. Owners most often flag automatic transmission failure — premature failure requiring multiple replacements, described as "not a matter of if, but when." frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 1997 model year

487
Owner complaints
12
Recalls
43
Crash reports
10
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1997 Dodge Dakota vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

suspension
145
service brakes
76
hydraulic
72
engine and engine cooling
52
power train
47

Recalls affecting the 1997 Dakota

exterior lighting

Campaign 09E012000

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMEN…

exterior lighting:headlights

Campaign 09E025000

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMEN…

suspension:front:hub

Campaign 08E064000

SKF IS RECALLING 2,805 HUB UNITS, PART NO. BR930361, SOLD AS A SERVICE PART FOR 1997-2004 DODGE DAKOTA VEHICLES AND 1999-2003 DODGE DURANGO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2-WHEEL DRIVE & REAR AXLE ABS. DUE TO A SPECIFICATION ERR…

service brakes, hydraulic

Campaign 06E022000

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYB…

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is highly polarized and heavily dependent on the specific vehicle's maintenance history and powertrain. Owner experiences range from "fantastic and very reliable" long-term ownership with minimal issues to catastrophic, repeated failures leading to e

  • Automatic transmission failure — premature failure requiring multiple replacements, described as "not a matter of if, but WHEN." Frequency: very frequent.
  • Structural rust/corrosion — frame rust, disintegrating bumper supports, suspension bracket failure, exhaust system rot. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Oil leaks/burning oil — leaks from multiple engine areas, oil burning onto exhaust manifolds, need for frequent top-ups. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Electrical issues — problems with trailer light wiring, instrument cluster lights, general gremlins in older models. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Poor fuel economy — specifically noted with the V6 engines, with reports of 12.5-14 MPG, negating size advantage over full-size trucks. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Dakota.

Typical used price

Used Dakota listings typically run $6,995–$11,670 across 1998 to 2010 model years.

Other Dakota model years

2007 Dakota2005 Dakota1999 Dakota1996 Dakota
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