Two problems related to manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe have been reported for the 2000 Dodge Dakota. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
My wife was driving home from work in my 2000 Dodge Dakota pickup truck. She heard a knocking noise and the engine locked up. Fortunately she was able to coast to a stop (she of course lost all power assist to the steering and brakes). The dealership denied my extended warranty claim so I purchased a rebuilt engine block and I am in the process of having it installed. There was excessive sludge buildup in the manifold and a piston rod had broken.
Exhaust manifold bolts snapping off. This is a common problem with 3. 9 liter engines in the Dodge trucks. Exhaust fumes then escape and get sucked into the cabin area and there is also a fire hazard as more bolts snap and the manifold separates from the head.