Automatic Transmission Problems of Dodge Dakota - part 1

Dodge Dakota owners have reported 117 problems related to automatic transmission (under the power train category). The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Automatic Transmission problem of the 2005 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 07/16/2014

The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Dakota. The contact parked the vehicle and removed the key from the ignition. The gear then shifted to reverse independently. The contact was unable to start the engine until the gear was shifted to neutral. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but the mechanic was unable to diagnose the failure. The transmission and brackets were replaced, however the failure recurred. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced for a manufacturer¿s transmission recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

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2 Automatic Transmission problem of the 2007 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 05/15/2013

Truck feels as if it is has been shifted down sputters and slows down them in a few minutes it is back to normal. . . . There seems to be a recall #06v341000 Dodge recall 37518. . But Dodge says that doesn't apply to my truck I don't know how that can be possible please help.

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3 Automatic Transmission problem of the 2007 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 03/02/2011

Was going down the interstate doing approximately 65-70mph when the truck starts shaking and then looses power. Within one to two miles it will go back to normal. This problem has occurred at least 7 times within the last month and half. The truck has 39,000 miles on it. Took it to the dealer and they said there were no error codes recorded and there is nothing they can do. This is a very dangerous situation on the interstate because the last time it happened a semi was running at 70mph behind me when the truck started shaking and loosing power and he had to slam on his brakes because of my reduced speed. I almost got run over by the semi.

4 Automatic Transmission problem of the 2002 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 05/16/2010

The park shift interlock system has become inoperative.

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5 Automatic Transmission problem of the 2007 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 12/28/2009

The transmission has quirky responses when put in reverse or drive. This does not happen all the time, but it has happened on a number of occasions for as long as we have owned the vehicle. Another incident we have had with our vehicle while traveling home one afternoon at a higher rate of speed was the feeling of someone who had pushed real hard on the brake for a moment. The only problem is, I was the driver, and my foot was on the gas pedal. While this has happened only once, to me that is once to many. We reported this like we had with the other quirks that I had mentioned, only to be told the same thing, that our computer did not store any codes, and they could not get the vehicle to duplicate the problem. We then talked to the manufacturer who told us that we still had a warranty and not to worry. At that point I asked him what would happen once the warranty expired, and his response was for me to purchase another warranty.

6 Automatic Transmission problem of the 2005 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 04/20/2009

Dodge Dakota slt 2005 misfire in cylinder 5 was the code given. Replaced spark plugs and coil. Did not help, check engine light still on. Took to dealership. . . They ran diagnostic said it was not the computer there is a misfire. Dealership suggested combustion cleaning (about $200) and if that didn't work then they would replace half of the intake valve locks and if that didn't work they would replace the other half of the intake valve locks (about $1650). They would warranty the work for 12 months or 12,000 miles. The problem is the truck has only 25,000 miles on it now! the truck is almost new in terms of mileage but yet has this issue. I have also come to realize that the "idle low until it almost dies" is another common complaint among these trucks. Obviously, Dodge made a hunk of junk and I bought one. After looking at some of the blogs, I see that I am not the only person stuck with an expensive lawn decoration.

7 Automatic Transmission problem of the 2000 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 12/01/2008

The contact owns a 2000 Dodge Dakota. The contact noticed a small red puddle underneath the vehicle. Upon further inspection, he observed that the transmission fluid level was low. He added transmission fluid to the vehicle. While driving at an unknown speed, he took the vehicle to the dealer. The VIN was excluded from NHTSA campaign id number 00v197000 (power train:automatic transmission), although the failures were identical. The dealer would have to get authorization prior to making any repairs. The manufacturer stated that because the vehicle was eight years old, they would not assume responsibility for the repair. The vehicle has not yet been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 174,168.

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8 Automatic Transmission problem of the 2005 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 06/25/2008

The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Dakota. While the vehicle was parked and the key was not in the ignition, it began rolling backwards on its own. The vehicle knocked down the contact, traveled across the street, and crashed into a tree. The front passenger side door was damaged and the contact was injured. She was informed that her VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 05v460000 (power train: automatic transmission). The speed and failure mileage were unknown. Updated 10/07/08. Updated 10/08/08.

9 Automatic Transmission problem of the 2002 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 06/15/2008

Went to the store and put the vehicle in park it did not hold had to apply parking brake. Got home and truck locked in park. Three days later the truck would not lock in park and has not locked in park since. Checked the shifting mechanisms and there was no problem with any parts. Tried to adjust shift cable and there was no room to adjust.

10 Automatic Transmission problem of the 2007 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 04/24/2008

I purchased a 2007 Dodge Dakota quad cab in August of 2007. Before the 1st service o my vehicle, my wife stated that the transmission would not shift out of 2nd into drive. For her to correct this problem she had to pull to the side of road, stop the motor and restart the truck. She took it to the dealer service department and informed them of the problem. They told her that they could not duplicate the problem. When I drove the truck I encountered the same problem, along with the turn signals when cancelled will flash an each side and the wipers would jump. I informed the dealer myself that this was an intermittent problem and was told to call a wrecker and pull over to the side of the road. In heavy traffic it can not be safe to pull over leave the truck running and hope that the wrecker driver does not turn off motor before hauling to service department.

11 Automatic Transmission problem of the 2000 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 04/21/2008

We bought a 2000 Dodge Dakota sport in January 2008. Ever since we've had it, it's rpm goes up to 3 1/2 to 4 rpms before it shift from first to second and from second to third. At first, it was when we would first leave our parking lot, and now it does it almost all the time. We bought it at kunes in delavan, wisconsin and they say that it's normal. We've never owned a vehicle or known anybody who has ever had that happened to. The truck only has 67,000 miles on it. If this is normal why is it getting worse the more we drive it.

12 Automatic Transmission problem of the 2007 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 04/02/2008

The contact owns a 2007 Dodge Dakota. While driving approximately 20 mph in dry conditions, the vehicle would not shift past first gear. The contact had to pull to the side of the road to let other vehicles pass. The Dodge dealer stated that the manufacturer was aware of the failure, but there was no remedy available. The current and failure mileages were 15,109.

13 Automatic Transmission problem of the 2007 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 03/01/2008

The contact owns a 2007 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that after pulling her vehicle in driveway, she left the vehicle on to unload supplies. When she turned the ignition off, the vehicle began to roll backwards striking the contact. She could not move away from door before the vehicle began to drag her running over her left arm. Daimler Chrysler sent an inspector to investigate the failure and he stated that no manufacturer defect would cause transmission , shifter or braking problems. The dealer stated that since the vehicle was idling it caused the failure. The current and failure mileages were 5,400. Updated 04/16/08 updated 04/16/08.

14 Automatic Transmission problem of the 2002 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 12/19/2007

The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that the vehicle would jump out of park and roll backwards. The contact did not take the vehicle to the dealer and waited for a recall notice; however, they stated that no recall was issued. The contact was given the number to the manufacturer to verify if a recall was available. The failure mileage was 29,000 and current mileage was 30,474. Updated 03-04-08 the consumer also stated the vehicle would not go into park at times. The consumer was informed there was a recall, however his vehicle identification number was not included in the recall. Updated.

15 Automatic Transmission problem of the 2001 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 11/23/2007

Power train, many times when the gear selector is shifted into a gear, it is not actually in the gear selected. This has been happening for a long time.

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16 Automatic Transmission problem of the 2002 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 07/06/2007

The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Dakota quad cab. While driving 25 mph, the check engine light illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer the following day. The dealer stated that the transmission and valves failed and that the clutch and valves needed to be replaced. The current and failure mileages were 36,561. Updated 09/05/07.

17 Automatic Transmission problem of the 2006 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 04/06/2007

2006 Dodge Dakota quad cab. Loud clunk or bang from rear end of vehicle while in reverse. It happened twice in the first 3 weeks of owning the truck. Took it in,was told nothing wrong. It has not recurred.

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18 Automatic Transmission problem of the 2005 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 06/01/2006

: the contact stated a recall letter was received, NHTSA recall, # 05v460000, regarding the power train: automatic transmission. The vehicle is currently in hawaii and the contact is unable to have the vehicle sent to a Dodge dealership for the necessary repairs. The manufacturer was alerted and explained they would not ship the part to a mechanic in hawaii nor would they pay for the repair by the independent mechanic.

19 Automatic Transmission problem of the 1997 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 02/14/2006

My ball joints and tie rods were going bad at 54,000 miles. Dodge would not do anything about the problem. Also, my transmission started to go bad at 74,000 miles. 2nd gear went out, then it went completely out at 91,000 miles. Obviously Dodge wasn't going to do anything about it. I wont buy another Dodge again.

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20 Automatic Transmission problem of the 1998 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 09/30/2005

Ball joints failed, passengers side came loose and the wheel feel off and the transmisson had to be rebuilt due to cheap internal parts. But if you own a 98 Dodge Dakota have your ball joints checked they are a hazard and someone is going to get killed, if they already have not. . . .

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21 Automatic Transmission problem of the 2001 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 08/30/2005

On my 2001 Dodge Dakota quad cab, the vehicle had a long stutter or pause once the gas pedal was pressed, from a stop. This almost caused an accident in rush hour traffic because I expected the vehicle to accelerate, which it did not. After coming to a complete stop the vehicle would jump forward, making me feel like someone rear ended me. I took it to a local Dodge dealership for a diagnostic check. I was told my whole internal transmission was bad! I find this to be ridiculous for a 2001 vehicle, and dangerous!.

22 Automatic Transmission problem of the 2005 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 06/15/2005

The contact states there is NHTSA recall campaign 05v460000 concerning automatic transmission. The parts needed to repair the vehicle are not available at their local dealership. He spoke to their manufacturer, who confirmed that the parts were not available at this time.

23 Automatic Transmission problem of the 2005 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 05/27/2005

The truck will not engage in reverse when maneuvered to back up a slight incline on either pavement or loose ground with or without trailer in tow. Also, will not perform even when in 4-wheel drive. Took to dealer, and duplicated the problem. Dealer did search online to remedy this problem through Chrysler. Service bulletin noted this problem however did not provide a current remedy only suggested to drive forward. This issue is under review by Chrysler.

24 Automatic Transmission problem of the 2005 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 05/20/2005

Dt:consumer bought new vehicle, Dodge Dakota, consumer found that when he tried to back out of a neighbor's driveway that was on an incline vehicle bogged. Vehicle rolled forward into the road. Consumer was told by dealer that the transmission was the same as previous year Dodge intrepid. When the vehicle was placed in reverse the transmission automatically went to second gear. Vehicle does not seem to have enough power to clime on incline in reverse because of transmission being in second gear. Consumer says that when vehicle would climb hill that there was a smell of something burning, the smell came from the catalytic converter. Dealer states that all Dakotas 2005 with 6 cylinders have the same problem, and dealer cannot fix the problem.

25 Automatic Transmission problem of the 2001 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 05/13/2005

While driving he noticed he had a hard down shift from 2nd gear to 3rd gear. The next day it would not shift from 2nd to 3rd. Gear.

26 Automatic Transmission problem of the 2001 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 02/22/2005

In 2000 I bought a Dodge quad cab 1500 pick-up truck, as of 2-23-05 I was experiencing a clanking noise coming from the middle of truck, it would come and go. I asked around and found out that Dodge has a problem with their transmitting this truck has only 36,320 miles on it. Called Dodge and they would not do nothing about it. This is going to cost about +- 2,000 dollars to repair. I guess I will buy a chevy or Ford next time.

27 Automatic Transmission problem of the 2001 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 12/12/2004

I also have a 2001 Dodge Dakota I bought it used in 2004 and sometimes the gear shift does not go where the indicator say it is. I took it in to the dealer and they said they could not find a problem, but it has happened several times.

28 Automatic Transmission problem of the 2002 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 12/01/2004

Upon putting the vehicle into park it automatically shifted by itself into reverse, which caused an accident. Consumer sustained injuries. The consumer sustained injuries as he was exiting the vehicle. The door knocked him down and the vehicle continued to roll until it hit a snow bank. Consumer called manufacturer. They told consumer to see the dealer. They checked it out and put some new components in computer.

29 Automatic Transmission problem of the 2001 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 11/16/2004

Transmission oil on the ground. Found the transmission pan on my 2001 doge truck was rotted away. I feel this premature failure for this truck millage on the truck is 34,000 miles and the dealer say nothing can be done about this. I feel the quality is in poor shape for Dodge if this the case. This is not my only Dodge I just bought another Dodge and also so had a 95. I would think that a trans pan would last more than three years. Thank you. I would like to now who too contact at Dodge .

30 Automatic Transmission problem of the 2004 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 11/15/2004

Transmission hesitates to shift gears.

See all problems of the 2004 Dodge Dakota 🔎.

31 Automatic Transmission problem of the 2004 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 10/19/2004

When the vehicle is cold transmission is not disconnecting from the engine. Once the vehicle warms it runs okay. Consumer stated that the vehicle will be left overnight at the dealers to see if they can duplicate the problem.

32 Automatic Transmission problem of the 1998 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 09/10/2004

While applying the accelerator pedal vehicle failed to move. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that transmission needed to be replaced.

33 Automatic Transmission problem of the 1997 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 09/09/2004

My two year old successfully placed keys into ignition and turned to on. Then without the requirement of depressing the brake he was able to place transmission into neutral. My truck rolled backward approximately 150 yards and crashed into tree. Total damage of $3500, luckily no one seriously injured.

34 Automatic Transmission problem of the 1998 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 09/03/2004

Vehicle accelerated and lurched forward after shifting out of park or neutral. Dealer was not notified.

35 Automatic Transmission problem of the 2004 Dodge Dakota

Failure Date: 06/08/2004

After having the vehicle repaired four times, while driving at 65 mph vehicle shuts down. Also, the gear dropped into lower gear and bucked.


Other Common Power Train related problems of Dodge Dakota


Safety Ratings of Dakota Cars
Fuel Economy of Dakota Vehicles
Dakota Service Bulletins
Dakota Safety Recalls
Dakota Defect Investigations