Three problems related to tank assembly have been reported for the 2000 Dodge Dakota. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
There was a strong gas smell in cab with all windows closed. I closed the vent, but it was still very strong and getting worse. No fuel leaks found. This has occurred 5 times. Seems to be intermittent and not directly connected with re/fueling, or fuel tank level. I was told it was possibly the orvr. Sounds like a good combination for a explosion.
Whenever vehicle stops consumer hears a loud clunking noise. Dealer said it was fuel in the tank. Currently, dealer claimes it is fuel which is norlmal. The clunking noise is loud and causes vibration of the vehcile. The consumer was concerned about safety and the impact of vibration on the vehicle. The rear seat back was loose on bottom.
From the start of taking delivery of the vehicle, when stopping vehicle, from any speed, right after it stops, about 1/2 second, a loud thud can be heard and felt. This only occurs when vehicle is between half full and full. The dealer and manufacture agreed it was from the fuel tank. Manufacture claims it is a design flaw and suggests to only fill tank half full. Manufacture claims due to lack of baffle in tank, upon stopping. Gas sloshes around causing internal internal parts to hit inside of tank. They have no plans on changing the design or coming up with a repair. They say this is normal. They did replace the tank only and the condition is still present. I asked for something in writing from the dealer and manufacture as to the safety implications. They both refused to put any thing about safety in writing. The only thing they did, is say it is normal. I am a federal employee, part of my job is to conduct safety inspections for osha compliance and accident investagations. I am also part ot tht national aircraft crash response team, and an engineer. Enough said? isn't the violent movement of gasoline in the presents of oxygen and metal components a good possibility of an explosion or just the wear factor of constant contact against the tank every time you stop a potential for a leak ? I explained to both of them the potential and the only response was laughter. I also informed them of my employer and back ground. I also told them I would contact the NHTSA, only more laughter. Help please.