Eight problems related to oil pump have been reported for the 1999 Dodge Dakota. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
My son escaped danger when the transmission/torque converter of his 1999 Dodge Dakota went out on an interstate highway. After replacing that and heading back home, his u joints and wheel bearings went out almost causing another wreck. These were all repaired. So far $3000 in repairs in a month. Then the oil pressure dropped to zero as he was driving. Now the oil pump needs replaced. Along with the tie end rods, the timing chain, and the serpentine. He'd already had the total brake system replaced this summer. Having all the receipts showing regular oil changes, the warranty company refuses to pay for the oil pump because of some sludge in the pump. Now I find from researching on the computer that this is a very common problem in durangos and Dakotas. We've put $5000 in this truck in less than one month. The manufacturer needs to admit the flaws in this vehicle. They have some responsibility here. We are just glad he was not injured or killed. But we've put over $5000 in a '99 vehicle - which is unfair when the problems are related to the design and manufacture of the vehicle.
Oil pressure light goes to 0 and back to 40 then stays at 0. Numerous other people having same problems with oil pump and oil sending unit, screens and etc. Obviously a defect from the manufacturer. Should be recalled and fixed for free.
Oil pressure gauge drops to zero, when coming to a stop, after running at highway speed. This problem has been addressed by the dealer(4) times : replaced oil sending unit 4-9-01/24,305 mi. ; replaced oil pump 8-24-01/28,730 mi. ; checked oil pressure gauge 2-7-03/ 45,478 mi. ; replaced oil pump and connecting rod bearings 8-29-03/ 50,903 mi. This problem continues to occur.
I took my truck in because the oil pressure was intermittently dropping to 0 then back up to 40. The dealer performed multiple electrical tests before going to the problem. I dont feel I should have to pay for the tests done when the oil pump has a known problem posted all over the consumer affairs and NHTSA websites. They should have checked that first.
While driving engine check light came on and vehicle stalled 2 seconds later. This occurred because of oil pump failure. The oil pressure wasn't being evenly distributed, and it destroyed the engine.
I had bought my 1999 Dodge Dakota in 2001, less than 1 year of purchasing this truck, I lost oil pressure, returned the truck to dealer where they tried to replace my motor with a motor that had more miles, this did not happen. Then another year later, gears in my transmission were spent where I had to pay a few thousand dollars to have it repaired. Truck has been sitting for a year, cause of engine knocking again, with no oil pressure, also replaced the oil pump, still no pressure. New converter was put in, still good!! brakes and rotors are another big complaint of mine, when I have to constantly replace these parts, like every 6 months, can you tell me why? I used to love Dodge, but this truck has been a 1 big headache, even parked, cause I know it is going to be costly to repair it again.
Consumer advised that engine has failed twice while driving. Dealer diagnosed both incidents as the oil pump clogging due to oil being turned to sludge. First incident was in 09/01. 2nd incident in 12/02. Ts.
Vehicle was taken to a Chrysler dealership to diagnose the problem. The mechanic there said he had seen this problem a few times with this same model. That it was a defect in the oil pump. Repair would cost around $4,000. Vehicle was well cared for and we have complete journal of oil changes and all other care and repairs.