2000 Dodge Dakota recalls and problems

The 2000 Dodge Dakota has 5 safety recalls and 806 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Dodge dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

806

Crashes / fires

60 / 14

Injuries / deaths

44 / 2

Recalls may cover only some 2000 Dodge Dakota vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2000 Dodge Dakota recalls

Recall 04V-596: Suspension

Reported Dec 21, 2004 · 592,707 vehicles affected · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks equipped with four-wheel drive (4x4), if moisture leaks into the front suspension upper ball joint, evacuation of the lubricant and corrosion of the joint may cause the joint to wear over an extended period of time. This could cause a clunking noise in the front suspension, which may not always be heard by the vehicle occupants.

Risk: Excessive wear in the upper ball joint may allow it to separate, which could result in loss of control of the vehicle.

Fix: Dealers will replace the front suspension upper ball joints. This safety improvement campaign began on december 21, 2004. Owners can contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Recall 01V-153: Air Bags

Reported May 8, 2001 · 216,100 vehicles affected · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Problem: Vehicle description: pickup trucks. Sound deadener material inside the steering wheel could become detached from the cover and housing. Note: the ram pickup trucks were built at the warren assembly plant ("s" in the 11th VIN position) from may 16, 2000 through october 23, 2000; st. Louis north assembly plant ("j" in the 11th VIN position) from may 19, 2000 through october 23, 2000; lago alberto assembly plant ("m" in the 11th VIN position) from may 23, 2000 through october 23, 2000; and saltillo assembly plant ("g" in the 11th VIN position) from may 23, 2000 through october 23, 2000. Important: vehicles that have already had the proper clockspring installed, according to warranty records, have been excluded from this recall. In addition, 1997-2000 model year vehicles that have had a suspect replacement clockspring installed, according to warranty records, have been added to this recall.

Risk: When this occurs, the material could interfere with the clockspring ribbon and cause an open circuit. The driver air bag system will become disabled, and the air bag warning lamp will illuminate on the instrument panel.

Fix: Dealers will replace the clockspring assembly. Owner notification began june 18, 2001. Also some 1997-200 model year vehicles that, according to warranty records, have had a suspect replacement clockspring installed, will also be included in this campaign. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Recall 00V-193: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Jul 17, 2000 · 40,000 vehicles affected · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Problem: Vehicle description: pickup trucks built with 2.5l engines. Some vehicles may have been built with inadequate clearance between the left front brake tube and the power steering hose.

Risk: A puncture of the left front brake tube can result in a loss of braking force at the front wheels, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the brake tube and power steering hose for wear. If wear is evident, the brake tube and/or power steering hose will be replaced. A power steering standoff bracket will be installed on all vehicles to ensure that adequate clearance between the brake tube and power steering hose is maintained.

Recall 00V-197: Power Train

Reported Jul 17, 2000 · 20,000 vehicles affected · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Problem: Vehicle description: pickup trucks equipped with 4.7l engine and automatic transmissions. The automatic transmission may expel fluid from the fill tube during normal temperature operation.

Risk: The transmission fluid could come into contact with the hot exhaust system and ignition of the transmission fluid could result.

Fix: Dealers will shorten the vent hose and assure adequate clearance.

Recall 00V-198: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Jul 17, 2000 · 437,000 vehicles affected · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Problem: Vehicle description: pickup trucks. Some vehicles may have been built with inadequate clearance between the rear axle vent hose and the brake hose.

Risk: A puncture in the rear brake hose will result in a loss of braking force at the rear wheels.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the rear brake hose for evidence of wear. Worn brake hoses will be replaced. The rear vent hose will be shortened by 3 inches and a clip will be installed to assure clearance between the axle vent line and brake hose is maintained.

2000 Dodge Dakota problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Suspension	372
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	299
Power Train	79
Steering	69
Engine and Engine Cooling	54
Air Bags	29
Visibility	25
Tires	24
Electrical System	21
Latches/Locks/Linkages	16
Vehicle Speed Control	14
Wheels	14

Most reported parts

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint — 207
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 137
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint — 97
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 48
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc — 41
Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 35
Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly — 28
Suspension › Front — 20

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 52,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2000 Dodge Dakota complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 163,159 miles · reported Mar 13, 2026

The contact owns a 1998 N/A Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that while at the DMV to renew the tags, the contact was unable to register the vehicle because the vehicle was under recall. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 00V193000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 163,159.

Unknown or Other · reported Mar 15, 2023

Air bag light and Engine light comes on and off. Headlights, break lights, and blinkers keep going on and off while light switch is on. Rust on body due to clear coat peeling. Steering is sometimes hard to do even with full steering fluid. Shifts hard. Brake fluid has leaked. Coolant has leaked, along with heater core that dealership had me pay a lot of money for replacement in 2022. Vehicle hesitates to accelerate to higher speeds. Windshield wipers do not fully touch windshield towards top. Air compressor makes rattle on/off sounds.

Fuel/Propulsion System · at 60,000 miles · reported Sep 13, 2019

The contact owns a 2000 dodge dakota. While the vehicle was parked at the contact's residence, the fuel tank detached from the vehicle without warning. An independent mechanic was contacted and came to the contact's house. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and confirmed that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The fuel tank was strapped to the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic where it was currently being repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. The VIN was unknown.

Structure · at 130,000 miles · reported Sep 16, 2018

Bad rust issue to areas including front and rear bumber, the entire bed including mounting points, fenders, cab corners and frame. Lost fender flare twice due to rust and almost caused an accident the entire bed slid back and almost fell off and fenders and bumbers are basically rust and need replaced, wheel wells on bed are falling apart causing a safety issue if I haul anything

Air Bags · at 27,600 miles · reported Sep 23, 2017

I have been the owner of my truck since 2007 . I have had 3 car wreckers and my6 air bags never deploded. I need to know what to do ? ..updated 09/28/17 updated 7/19/18

Other Dodge Dakota years

2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 20012000

Compare all Dodge Dakota years · All Dodge models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2000 Dodge Dakota have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2000 Dodge Dakota: 04V-596 (suspension), 01V-153 (air bags), 00V-193 (service brakes, hydraulic), 00V-197 (power train), 00V-198 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2000 Dodge Dakota?

Owners report suspension problems most often (372 reports), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (299). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 52,000 miles.

Are Dodge recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Dodge dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.