Two problems related to manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe have been reported for the 2002 Dodge Dakota. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Dakota. When starting the vehicle or after the vehicle becomes cold, the gear will not shift out of park for 30-40 minutes. While driving between 35-40 mph, the engine light remained illuminated. The contact drove to the dealer and they replaced the battery, the gas emission canister, and the hose package for emissions, the timing chain, the manifold exhaust on the left side, and the insulator steering gear. The vehicle was still under warranty. When the contact retrieved the vehicle, it was rattling and revving up to 2,500 rpm's. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer and remained there for over a month. When the vehicle was retrieved the second time, the alarm system was not working. The contact does not want to take the vehicle back to the dealer because everytime he gets the vehicle back something else fails. The current mileage was 80,552 and failure mileage was 79,700.
Purchased 2002 Dodge ram used. At first service interval, rack and pinion boots were leaking, main seal was shot. Also had manifold leak, along with a steering problem that causes shaking at 40 mph. Steering problem still remains, and there is a loud rattle that the dealership cannot find. This vehicle has been a nightmare, most recently, my fuel pump decided to quit working. Also, the interior trim, namely the hand grips on the driver and passenger door have been replaced numerous times, due to the cheap plastic that is used as a holding ring. Do not purchase this type of vehicle. Have had nothing but headaches with the truck, from the simple things, to the expensive things. . . Was just told that my head gaskets are shot as well, have spent thousands on this truck, with no returns, do not get this year/model of ram 1500.