Body Problems of Dodge Dakota - part 1

While driving on I-635 northbound at around 25 to 30 mph with 4x4 activated on a single line available since it was cleared and salted. Without warning I was the only vehicle that veered right hard and I lost control of the vehicle almost crashing onto the metal beam along the highway. I went past the shoulder and down to the bottom of hill, but thankfully vehicle didn't turn off. I had to switch off 4x4 and back on and was able to climb up despite the snow back to the highway with no further reoccurrence. Unfortunately when this happened my passenger seat went forward and is now stuck and I broke lever trying to bring it back from front reclining. Because of the rough terrain the rear quarter panels where the was some rust have cracked.

See all problems of the 2005 Dodge Dakota 🔎.

Driving in our lane on a city street going 40 mph as a vehicle tried to turn into a gas station, crossing our lane right front of us and they did not have enough time to make the turn. To avoid a full blown head on collision, I swerved and we hit front driver side vs front driver side. Going 40 mph, and the speed of the other vehicle and my air bags did not deploy, that being my main concern why they did not deploy with the speed being considered and hitting front on.

See all problems of the 2008 Dodge Dakota 🔎.

The plastics used in the 2002 Dodge ram interior are a safety issue. There is widespread evidence across the internet showing the dash breaking apart like mine. It is structurally unsound and Dodge should find a safe solution. If I got into an accident sharp shards of dash flying around is more likely to cause injury than the impact of the crash.

See all problems of the 2002 Dodge Dakota 🔎.

Bad rust issue to areas including front and rear bumber, the entire bed including mounting points, fenders, cab corners and frame. Lost fender flare twice due to rust and almost caused an accident the entire bed slid back and almost fell off and fenders and bumbers are basically rust and need replaced, wheel wells on bed are falling apart causing a safety issue if I haul anything.

See all problems of the 2000 Dodge Dakota 🔎.

Driver's side front door opens unexpectedly while in motion, when locked or not.

See all problems of the 2007 Dodge Dakota 🔎.

The contact owns a 2000 Dodge Dakota. While driving approximately 25 mph, the frame underneath the passenger side of the vehicle fractured without warning. The contact had not called or taken the vehicle to the dealer. The contact's insurance company informed the contact that the vehicle was not operable and was unable to be repaired. The contact attempted to speak with the manufacturer, but was unsuccessful. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Dakota. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15v352000 (structure) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Trail of menomonie, wisconsin was made aware of the recall and stated that the parts were unavailable. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Part distribution disconnect. The VIN was not available.

See all problems of the 2006 Dodge Dakota 🔎.

This truck is a bad problem since I have been done along with the the years I'm tired of drivetrain wheel hubs and front suspension replaces every month.

I was in a wreck while in motion on a highway, the truck was tboned on the passenger side and turned over on its side and no airbags deployed.

See all problems of the 2011 Dodge Dakota 🔎.

Clear coat coming off truck been garage kept since new. Estimate on repaint $4500. 00.

See all problems of the 2001 Dodge Dakota 🔎.

The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Dakota. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the entire rear step bumper was corroded. While driving approximately 60 mph, the driver's side portion bar fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 50,279.

Takata recall this trucks frame just broke. It's a clean break and looks to be right on a weld. The truck was in motion I thought I hit a big bump. It also ruptured the gas tank. We called Chrysler cooperation and they said to have a local dealer look at it. They did and told us it wasn't under warranty, which we already knew. I was shocked they didn't want to help and consider recalling the other trucks from the time and place this one was made to check their frames. I tried to send pictures but it won't let me on here this is my second attempt. I feel strongly that this is a major issue that someone from the highway safety department should at least look at. Please get a hold of me so I can send you a picture of this broken frame so you can make your determination. Thank you for your time. And this truck was in motion when the frame broke I thought I'd hit a big pothole.

2003 Dodge ram quad cab 4x4 had vehicle towed and when tow truck driver hooked chains to frame rails to winch vehicle on to tow truck the chains ripped the steel out of the bottom of the frame do to the frame being rotted I have uploaded photos. This is a real safety concern do to the fact the frame is enclosed and there is no real warning or signs of the integrity of the remaining structure of the frame. It is in my opinion this needs to be addressed and frame should be recalled there are many other people with the same trucks even a lot newer than this one but same frame as mine and the same problem there is no reason other than poor engineering and prep of this frame I own many old pieces of equipment that are 30+ years older than this truck and no rot issues like this wear and tear is one thing body rot ect is normal but this is a real safety issue that gives no warning many of these trucks drive down the road such as mine hauling equipment ect imagine 20k lbs driving down the road and the truck splits in half do to the internal frame rot how many people will die before this issue I'd recalled by Chrysler? Toyota did it to there trucks why shouldn't Dodge please don't let Dodge ignore this it could be someone in your family that gets seriously hurt or dies driving one of these trucks or from someone else driving one of these trucks. Fyi I had the pittman arm joint snap on my truck with out warning it was a scary moment when u lose steering I was lucky and didn't crash and no one got hurt .

See all problems of the 2003 Dodge Dakota 🔎.

Tl-the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for routine maintenance, the contact was informed that the sub frame of the vehicle was bent. The contact was also informed that the passenger's side front axle was towed in. The contact also stated that while driving at 70 mph there was an abnormal vibration in the steering wheel. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 139,584. Ah.

Tl-the contact owns a 2002 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that while driving 50 mph, he was involved in a crash that caused the door to fly open. The contact suffered a broken leg, several broken ribs and bruises to the body. The passenger suffered from a broken arm. Medical attention was required. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 130,000. Ad.

Front end rusted so badly the radiator is about to fall off. See pictures. This is a safety issue and should be recalled.

I was slowing down to turn into my driveway and the other vehicle was speeding and took a curve to fast and crossed the center line and hit head on. The driver side air bag did not deploy properly and the passenger side airbag was busted when it was deployed. The steering wheel inner componets came out with the airbag which did not inflate and caused injury to my chest area. The passenger side airbag deployed but was busted and caused my daughter to get a broken arm. I believe this was a default in the airbag system in my truck. My two youngest children were taken to the hospital by ambulance.

There is a entry grab handle mounted to the interior door post near the windshield intended as an assist handle. My truck is equipped with running board to make entry easier into the truck cab. I used the assist handle while getting into the truck cab, it pulled loose from the pillar causing me to nearly fall from the truck. I was able to gain my balance and step down from the running boards without doing any injury. I am of average height and weight appropriate. When I examined the handle I was shocked to see the only mounting involved was plastic with a bolt through it screwed to the door frame. This in no way should be classified as an appropriate assist handle to aid one in the entry of the vehicle.

Craked dash, sharp metal and sharp broken chunks of plastic that used to be a dashboard. Not safe to drive this way! the parts if available are exspensive, why is this not recalled replacing using better safer products.

The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Dakota. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the entire subframe underneath the vehicle was corroded and there were fractures in front of the subframe. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.

Tl-the contact owns a 2002 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that while driving at 55 mph, the rear end differential fractured causing the vehicle to spin 90 degrees to the right lane and crashed. The specifics of the crash were not available. A police report was filed and there were no injuries reported. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000. Djr.

The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that the vehicle was involved in a crash and was repaired; however, the repairs were not completed correctly. After driving the vehicle home the following day, the vehicle was unable to shift into drive. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission damage. The transmission was replaced. Also, while driving various speeds, the vehicle would veer to the left or right inadvertently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with several different issues, such as a damaged front cross member, a fractured front passenger side stabilizer link, a worn passenger side upper control bushing, and other issues. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

I had just purchased the car 2 weeks earlier. I was excellerating to merge onto the freeway and the accelerator stuck at 60 mph. No matter what I did to the pedal, it was stuck at 60 mph. The brakes would not work either. I was in a a runaway car on a busy freeway. I tried to negotiate the traffic for 2 miles then decided I needed to get off the freeway. I started to smash into the freeway off-ramp retaining wall in the effort to slow the truck down which it did to some degree. Then had to barrel through a red light with flashers and horn going and to stop the truck I deliberately rammed it into a wrought iron fence, 2 landscaping boulders and a light post. The airbag also failed. I was rushed by ambulance to the hospital with head trauma and concussion, broken glasses that cut my eyebrow. I have pictures. The worst part has been the ptsd that I have suffered as a result of the accident -- multiple failure - accelerator, brakes and airbag.

Tl-the contact owns a 1995 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated he was unable to pass the state vehicle inspection. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the diagnosed was frame corrosion that was beyond repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 152,000. Lb.

I was going down fort sill blvd and I rear ended another truck. I was going roughly 40 to 45 miles per hour. My entire front end was completely smashed in, yet my air bags still didn't deploy?? this is he second accident that they didn't deploy. I have several photos of my trucks front end and the inside showing that the air bags didn't deploy.

Lower core support is severely rusting away. Front end will eventually drop off! Chrysler corp. Has denied any assistance. Vehicle has been in service less than 2000 days and was manufactured with shoddy parts.

Tl- the contact owns a 2001 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle rusting was discovered on the frame of the vehicle located were the cab and the bed attaches to the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 125,000. Jft.

I was turning left on to wax rd at a red light going up hill when it was raining the truck right rear tire broke trackshion put me in a fishtail lost controll of the vehical and fliped the truck on its top dameged the driver side bent the frame caved in the froof busted my windshild I was pulled out by an padestrian but the airbag did not deploy none of the safty featers did not work but the seat belt only. Where the throtetal was sticking that gave the impression that I was playing carelessly.

Dash and defroster grill shattered . Only 60,000 miles on truck this seems to be a factory default and should be replaced by Dodge with better materials. I purchased this truck new with the 5 year extended warranty.

I have noticed that most if not all Dodge vehicles are having a peeling problem with the clear coat of paint which over time affects the paint and then rusts the vehicles, whether they are a car,SUV or truck. I am assuming that it is from watering down the paint to save monies for the company but cheats the consumers in the long run. Since there is no warranties on the paint then once this problem is noticeable it is to late for the consumer to claim or pursue any legal actions against Dodge. Shame on cooperate America.

At idle/park my 1996 Dodge Dakota 4x4 v8 5. 2l slt will sputter and sometimes kill the engine. Now I'm not sure if that's a safety feature so the engine doesn't over flood itself, but I've replaced the iac valve, pcv valve, distributor rotor/cap, and spark plugs with no improvement. I recent had a problem where the conditions out we're somewhat icy and mid turn into a parking lot I took a blow to a fire hydrant because the vehicle killed itself, meaning loss of power steering and power brakes. I was fine, but my vehicles body took the damage. Luckily the airbag system didn't deploy but this issue has been brought up a lot with the 1995-1996 Dakotas. And honestly I'm scared that the vehicle might do this while on the free way. Also, of 3 O2 sensors that's just above the catalytic converter, all three have left the vehicles check engine light on and have tested faulty. I have yet to return to the exhaust systems shop to see if they can fix it due to it being under warranty, but my mechanic said that it mostly because there's an unneeded amount of extra power going to the O2 sensor which is causing it to fault. Anyhow, I appreciate anything that can be looked at into this, because I do live on a hilly suburb and I rather not take the fault of my vehicle failing and damaging state, neighbors or even my own property, let alone myself getting hurt.

See all problems of the 1996 Dodge Dakota 🔎.

Locked vehicle in four wheel drive high, started going through flat pasture, either brakes locked up or front pumkin turned up and locked front wheels up, lost control and rolled onto driver side.

See all problems of the 1997 Dodge Dakota 🔎.

The spare tire hoist / carrier cable broke, causing the full size spare tire to drop to the road. Fortunately, it happened as I pulled into my driveway. This could have easily been a severe accident on the interstate.

See all problems of the 1998 Dodge Dakota 🔎.

Kept truck inside since purchase in 2/25/99 until the fall of 2009. Parked truck outside until present time. Truck only has 32217 miles on it. My complaint is that all the clearcoat is coming off or peeling all over the truck. Have used mother's brand soap for clear coat finishes. Have 93 t-bird and 32 Ford which both have clearcoat and have no problem. Have seem 3 other red Dodges with the same problem. I think Dodge should stand behind their product, since the basecoat and clearcoat was not applied right. Since the truck only has 32000 miles on it. Please reply. Larry nichols at nickunited3@att. Net.

See all problems of the 1999 Dodge Dakota 🔎.

Bought used 2004 Dodge Dakota quad cab in Dec 2008 almost two months later I noticed the passenger and drivers floorboard is wet. Took it back to the Chrysler dealer and they said they took the interior out and dried it then took the truck to a body shop to get the leak fixed but could not tell me exactly where the leak is located. I would like Dodge to address this problem as I have heard of many problems like this with Dodge Dakotas. Too much money for a truck to have a problem. The truck smells of mold and I have wasted my money and have no where to turn at this point.

See all problems of the 2004 Dodge Dakota 🔎.