Total Complaints
287 filings
DODGE DAKOTA · model year
287 NHTSA complaints, 12 crash reports, and 5 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2004DODGEDAKOTA carries 287 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 12 crashes, 6 fires, 8 injuries, and 2 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2004 DAKOTA is steering with 64 filings, followed by suspension:front (16) and electrical system (15). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 5 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 2 investigation files overlapping the 2004 DAKOTA. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
287 filings
Crashes Reported
12 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| STEERING | 64 |
| SUSPENSION:FRONT | 16 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 15 |
| SUSPENSION | 12 |
| SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT | 12 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR | 12 |
| AIR BAGS | 10 |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 9 |
| SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT | 6 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 6 |
| AIR BAGS:FRONTAL | 5 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 5 |
| POWER TRAIN | 5 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 4 |
| TIRES | 4 |
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE D
SUSPENSION:FRONT:HUB
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 ERROR, THE ROTOR PILOT FOR THE HUB UNIT MAY BE TOO LONG. THIS RESULTS IN THE WHEE
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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 REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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 REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE MOTOR MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO WATER INTRUSION THAT COULD CAUSE INTERNAL CORROSION AND RESULT IN PARTIAL OR COMPLETE LOSS OF FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPING CAPABILITY.
While driving my 2004 dodge Dakota all the gauges, including the speedometer and the tachometer stopped working. Everything went off although the truck was still running. I had headlights turn signals an emergency flashers nothing else. I donât know how fast I was going how much fuel I had or if my engine was running hot nothing. This is something that could spook a driver to a point where he/she would be distracted of their surroundings. Possibly causing a serious crash and hurting or killing someone.
Unknown the four wheel drive was out when I purchased it I didn't realize until later that day when I drove it and tried to engage it. It no longer works and it is a safety hazard to even try and turn on it doesn't engage and makes a noise and catches in some sort of way I believe it may have affected the transmission as well. My safety and the safety of others could be at risk if I try and use the four wheel drive and it's needed for hazardous road conditions in my area like snow and ice
MY VEHICLES DRIVE SHAFT FELL OFF WHILE MAKING A STOP AT A RED LIGHT, THE PINON NUT HAD COME LOOSE. IT WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC'S SHOP, MY DAD CAME AND REATTACHED IT. IT STILL MADE A WHIRRING SOUND, AT FIRST I WAS ON THE WAY TO THE MECHANIC FOR WHAT I THOUGH WAS A PINON SEAL LEAK.
Mileage: 202,875
TRANS SHIFT SOLENOID CONTROL PACK CODE POPPED UP AND DOES NOT SHIFT SMOOTHLY AT ALL
Mileage: 150,000
TRANS SHIFT SOLENOID CONTROL PACK CODE POPPED UP AND DOES NOT SHIFT SMOOTHLY AT ALL
Mileage: 150,000
SHIFTER WILL MOVE WITHOUT KEY IN IGNITION. WILL ROLE IN ANY DIRECTION IN ANY POSITION BUT PARK. CAN REMOVE KEY FROM IGNITION WHILE RUNNING. WHILE IT'S STILL RUNNING WITH KEY OUT CAN SHIFT AND DRIVE. OTHER TIMES WHEN I GO TO START ENGINE THE KEY WON'T TURN. I HAVE TO HIT THE END OF THE KEY WITH THE PALM OF ONE HAND WHILE THE OTHER TURNS IT. REPLACED THE BALL JOINTS THE FIRST OF THIS YEAR AND VEHICLE ONLY HAD 87000 MILES AT THE TIME. CHANGED BRAKES AND HAD TO HAVE ROTOR TURNED. DRIVER SIDE BRAKE CALIPER PLUNGER HAD MULTIPLE PIECES BREAK OFF GETTING STUCK BETWEEN BREAK PAD AND REMAINING PIECES OF PLUNGER CASTING THE VEHICLE TO PULL LEFT WHILE DRIVING. WHEN APPLYING THE BREAK IT PULL SO HARD IT CAUSED ME TO START GOING INTO ANOTHER LANE BARELY MISSING THE SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE.
Mileage: 87,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW BECAME DISLODGED FROM THE VEHICLE, FELL TO THE GROUND, AND SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WINDOW REGULATOR FAILED. THE REGULATOR WAS REPLACED AND THE FAILURE WAS REMEDIED. THE LOCAL DEALER (ROB LAMBDIN'S UNIVERSITY DODGE RAM IN DAVIE, FL) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE BOTH NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT OVER THE YEARS, THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON FOUR SEPARATE OCCASIONS ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW, THREE TIMES ON THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW, THREE TIMES ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW, AND THREE TIMES ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
Mileage: 10,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW BECAME DISLODGED FROM THE VEHICLE, FELL TO THE GROUND, AND SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WINDOW REGULATOR FAILED. THE REGULATOR WAS REPLACED AND THE FAILURE WAS REMEDIED. THE LOCAL DEALER (ROB LAMBDIN'S UNIVERSITY DODGE RAM IN DAVIE, FL) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE BOTH NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT OVER THE YEARS, THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON FOUR SEPARATE OCCASIONS ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW, THREE TIMES ON THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW, THREE TIMES ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW, AND THREE TIMES ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
Mileage: 10,000
THE STEERING IS VERY HARD TO TURN EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT AT MOST TIMES. FEELS AS IF THE POWER STEERING HAS FAILED, BUT HAD IT INSPECTED BY MECHANIC AND SAYS POWER STEERING PUMP AND BELTS ARE FINE. THIS DIFFICULTY IN STEERING IS ALSO ACCOMPANIED BY A GRINDING TYPE OF NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN BEHIND THE STEEING WHEEL. IT HAS BECOME MORE THAN JUST AN OCCASIONAL ANNOYANCE BUT RATHER A MORE PERMANENT SAFETY ISSUE SINCE MY WIFE IS NO LONGER ABLE TO USE THE TRUCK BECAUSE OF THE DIFFICULTY WITH THE STEERING. PLEASE ADVISE ON WHAT MAY BE THE CAUSE AND IF THE MANUFACTURER IS AWARE OF SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH OTHER DAKOTA PICK UPS AND IF THEY HAVE ISSUED A RECALL IN THE PAST TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. I AM HOPING TO HAVE THIS RESOLVED QUICKLY SINCE I FEAR IT MAY ONLY LEAD TO SOME TRAGIC OR CATASTROPHIC RESULT. THANK YOU
Mileage: 106,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE DAKOTA. WHEN THE HEATER WAS ACTIVATED, THERE WAS NO AIR FLOW DISTRIBUTED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL DEALER AT HIS OWN EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,448.
Mileage: 97,448
THE DRIVER HEADLIGHT QUIT WORKING. I WENT TO THE STORE TO REPLACE IT THINKING IT HAD BURNT OUT. WHEN I REPLACED THE LIGHT IT DID NOT WORK STILL AND THE OLD HEADLIGHT STILL HAD BOTH FILAMENTS PROVING IT WAS STILL GOOD. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO THE DEALERSHIP AFTER BOTH HEADLIGHTS QUIT WORKING ON ME WHEN I WAS OUT AT NIGHT DRIVING LESS THAN A 10TH OF A MILE FROM HOME. I MANAGED TO NOT GET IN AN ACCIDENT. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT THE CTM AND HEAD LIGHT SWITCH WERE BAD HOWEVER THE CTM WAS A "OBSOLETE" PART AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO GET ME ONE. AFTER THEY RELEASED MY TRUCK BACK TO ME TO DRIVE AS I PLEASE, I WAS ABLE TO PURCHASE AN OLDER CTM FROM A 2003 4X4 AUTOMATIC DAKOTA 4.7L. NOW MY LIGHTS WORK AND I HAVE A "GUARANTEE" FROM THE EBAY SELLER THAT IT WILL WORK FOR 6 MONTHS. I HAVE A SERIOUSLY DANGEROUS VEHICLE AND I CAN NOT TRUST MY HEADLIGHTS WILL NOT GO OUT AT ANY TIME SO I CAN NOT DRIVE IT AT NIGHT IN GOOD CONFIDENCE OR MORAL CONSCIENCE. THE DEALERSHIP LILITHIA DODGE OF ROSEBURG
Mileage: 134,000
THE DRIVER HEADLIGHT QUIT WORKING. I WENT TO THE STORE TO REPLACE IT THINKING IT HAD BURNT OUT. WHEN I REPLACED THE LIGHT IT DID NOT WORK STILL AND THE OLD HEADLIGHT STILL HAD BOTH FILAMENTS PROVING IT WAS STILL GOOD. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO THE DEALERSHIP AFTER BOTH HEADLIGHTS QUIT WORKING ON ME WHEN I WAS OUT AT NIGHT DRIVING LESS THAN A 10TH OF A MILE FROM HOME. I MANAGED TO NOT GET IN AN ACCIDENT. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT THE CTM AND HEAD LIGHT SWITCH WERE BAD HOWEVER THE CTM WAS A "OBSOLETE" PART AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO GET ME ONE. AFTER THEY RELEASED MY TRUCK BACK TO ME TO DRIVE AS I PLEASE, I WAS ABLE TO PURCHASE AN OLDER CTM FROM A 2003 4X4 AUTOMATIC DAKOTA 4.7L. NOW MY LIGHTS WORK AND I HAVE A "GUARANTEE" FROM THE EBAY SELLER THAT IT WILL WORK FOR 6 MONTHS. I HAVE A SERIOUSLY DANGEROUS VEHICLE AND I CAN NOT TRUST MY HEADLIGHTS WILL NOT GO OUT AT ANY TIME SO I CAN NOT DRIVE IT AT NIGHT IN GOOD CONFIDENCE OR MORAL CONSCIENCE. THE DEALERSHIP LILITHIA DODGE OF ROSEBURG
Mileage: 134,000
THE DRIVER HEADLIGHT QUIT WORKING. I WENT TO THE STORE TO REPLACE IT THINKING IT HAD BURNT OUT. WHEN I REPLACED THE LIGHT IT DID NOT WORK STILL AND THE OLD HEADLIGHT STILL HAD BOTH FILAMENTS PROVING IT WAS STILL GOOD. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO THE DEALERSHIP AFTER BOTH HEADLIGHTS QUIT WORKING ON ME WHEN I WAS OUT AT NIGHT DRIVING LESS THAN A 10TH OF A MILE FROM HOME. I MANAGED TO NOT GET IN AN ACCIDENT. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT THE CTM AND HEAD LIGHT SWITCH WERE BAD HOWEVER THE CTM WAS A "OBSOLETE" PART AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO GET ME ONE. AFTER THEY RELEASED MY TRUCK BACK TO ME TO DRIVE AS I PLEASE, I WAS ABLE TO PURCHASE AN OLDER CTM FROM A 2003 4X4 AUTOMATIC DAKOTA 4.7L. NOW MY LIGHTS WORK AND I HAVE A "GUARANTEE" FROM THE EBAY SELLER THAT IT WILL WORK FOR 6 MONTHS. I HAVE A SERIOUSLY DANGEROUS VEHICLE AND I CAN NOT TRUST MY HEADLIGHTS WILL NOT GO OUT AT ANY TIME SO I CAN NOT DRIVE IT AT NIGHT IN GOOD CONFIDENCE OR MORAL CONSCIENCE. THE DEALERSHIP LILITHIA DODGE OF ROSEBURG
Mileage: 134,000
THE HEATER BLOWER RESISTOR KEEPS BURNING UP. I HAVE REPLACED THE RESISTOR VARIOUS TIMES AND IT KEEPS BURNING UP. I REPLACED THE BLOWER MOTOR AND THE RESISTOR KEEPS BURNING UP. I HAD THE VEHICLE CHECKED FOR AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT AND IT HAS NONE. THE WIRING TO THE RESISTOR ALSO BURNS UP. I CHECKED THE INTERNET AND THERE ARE NUMEROUS REPORTS AND COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MANY OWNERS OF THE SAME TYPE OF VEHICLE. IN ONE OF THE CASES THE RESISTOR CAUSE A FIRE INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE BURNED DOWN. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN OCCURRING ON THESE VEHICLES FOR A LONG TIME AND IT HADN'T BEEN REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. I AM AFRAID THAT SOMEDAY THE VEHICLE WILL CATCH ON FIRE BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. I KEEP ON REPLACING THE RESISTOR AND THE HARNESS EVERY TIME IT BURNS AND I'VE ALSO REPLACED THE BLOWER MOTOR. I CAN'T SEEM TO GET ANSWER FROM ANYONE FROM DODGE OR CHRYSLER ON THIS PROBLEM. AT THE TIME THAT THE RESISTOR BURNED DOWN THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING ON THE CITY STREETS AT 30 MPH
Mileage: 125,000
DRIVING ON A RAINY NIGHT AND HEADLIGHTS AND WIPERS QUIT WORKING ALL AT ONCE. CENTRAL TIMER MODULE FAILED AND SHUT THE LIGHTS AND WIPERS OFF AS WELL AS INTERIOR LIGHTS AND DOOR LOCKS. ALMOST DIDN'T GET VEHICLE STOPPED WITHOUT WRECKING. LEFT VEHICLE AND CAME BACK DURING DAYLIGHT AND DROVE TO REPAIR SHOP. WHERE LOCATED THE ISSUE WAS A FAILED CENTRAL TIMER MODULE. CONTACTED DODGE AND SAID ITS OUT OF WARRANTY? ITS NOT ABOUT WARRANTY OR NOT IT COULD HAVE THE POTENTIAL FOR A FATALITY. STILL HAVE THE OLD CTM IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED IN LOOKING INTO THE MATTER. WHY WOULD HEADLIGHTS BE RAN THROUGH A MODULE LIKE THIS JUST ASKING FOR TROUBLE.
Mileage: 63,173
AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON TOOK IT TO DEALER THEY SAID IT WAS CLOCK SPRING WENT BAD ,I HAD IT REPLACED WITH NEW ONE . I HAD TO BRAKE FAST TO AVOID HITTING AND AIR BAG CAME ON AGAIN. THESE THINGS COST 100.00 WHAT IS UP WITH THAT?
Mileage: 149,000
I STARTED MY VEHICLE AND COULD NOT GET MY HEADLIGHTS TO TURN ON. ALL CONNECTIONS AND BULBS WERE CHECKED BY A MECHANIC AND THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN TRACED TO THE CTM (CENTRAL TIMING MODULE). THESE UNITS ARE ON NATIONWIDE BACK ORDER. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND A SERIOUS REPLACEMENT ISSUE IF PEOPLE ARE LOSING THEIR HEADLIGHTS AND THE PART IS ON AN UNKNOWN BACK ORDER SITUATION.
Mileage: 196,000
I STARTED MY VEHICLE AND COULD NOT GET MY HEADLIGHTS TO TURN ON. ALL CONNECTIONS AND BULBS WERE CHECKED BY A MECHANIC AND THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN TRACED TO THE CTM (CENTRAL TIMING MODULE). THESE UNITS ARE ON NATIONWIDE BACK ORDER. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND A SERIOUS REPLACEMENT ISSUE IF PEOPLE ARE LOSING THEIR HEADLIGHTS AND THE PART IS ON AN UNKNOWN BACK ORDER SITUATION.
Mileage: 196,000
WHILE VEHICLE IS PARKED AND ENGINE RUNNING, I NOTICE SMOKE AND BURNING SMELL OF PLASTIC COMING FROM BLOWER FAN MOTOR UNIT. PLEASE TELL ME IS THERE ANY TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS ON THIS PROBLEM AND HAVE YOU RECEIVED ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS PROBLEM FROM OTHERS. ENGINE SIZE 3.7L V6.
Mileage: 985,000
WIRING TO BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR GETS SO HOT IT MELTS THE WIRE COVERING AND THE PIGTAIL. IN THE LAST 2 YEARS, HAVE REPLACED THE PIGTAIL 3 TIMES, THE WIRING ONCE, THE RESISTOR TWICE, THE BLOWER MOTOR ONCE, AND THE WHOLE FAN UNIT ONCE. JUST BURNT UP AGAIN WHILE AIR CONDITIONER WAS RUNNING. IT HAS ALSO BURNT UP WHILE USING THE HEATER IN WINTER.
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.