1997 Dodge Dakota

Complaint history

When NHTSA received these reports. Changes in reporting alone do not establish a change in failure rates.

Problems owners report

Listed groups have at least 3 complaints. The page includes the 20 largest groups plus any additional flagged groups; some complaints are not assigned to a group.

AI groups complaints by meaning; the groups are approximate. Share ratio compares the problem’s share of this vehicle’s complaints with its share on other vehicles over the last 24 months (shown from 3 recent complaints). A 2× ratio means twice the complaint share, not twice the failure risk. Flags mark unusual shares or recent surges after an AI review of the complaint content. “First signal” does not mean the pattern has persisted continuously.How recall estimates are calculated.

Recalls

• NHTSA recall #01V153000May 8, 2001216,100 vehicles affected

  air bags

  Vehicle description: pickup trucks. Sound deadener material inside the steering wheel could become detached from the cover and housing. Note: the ram pickup trucks were built at the warren assembly plant ("s" in the 11TH VIN position) from may 16, 2000 through october 23, 2000; st. Louis north assembly plant ("j" in the 11TH VIN position) from may 19, 2000 through october 23, 2000; lago alberto assembly plant ("m" in the 11TH VIN position) from may 23, 2000 through october 23, 2000; and saltillo assembly plant ("g" in the 11TH VIN position) from may 23, 2000 through october 23, 2000. Important: vehicles that have already had the proper clockspring installed, according to warranty records, have been excluded from this recall. In addition, 1997-2000 model year vehicles that have had a suspect replacement clockspring installed, according to warranty records, have been added to this recall.

  When this occurs, the material could interfere with the clockspring ribbon and cause an open circuit. The driver air bag system will become disabled, and the air bag warning lamp will illuminate on the instrument panel.

  Remedy

  Dealers will replace the clockspring assembly. Owner notification began june 18, 2001. Also some 1997-200 model year vehicles that, according to warranty records, have had a suspect replacement clockspring installed, will also be included in this campaign. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

• NHTSA recall #00V193000July 17, 200040,000 vehicles affected

  service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

  Vehicle description: pickup trucks built with 2.5L engines. Some vehicles may have been built with inadequate clearance between the left front brake tube and the power steering hose.

  A puncture of the left front brake tube Can result in a loss of braking force at the front wheels, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy

  Dealers will inspect the brake tube and power steering hose for wear. If wear is evident, the brake tube and/or power steering hose will be replaced. A power steering standoff bracket will be installed on all vehicles to ensure that adequate clearance between the brake tube and power steering hose is maintained.

• NHTSA recall #00V198000July 17, 2000437,000 vehicles affected

  service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

  Vehicle description: pickup trucks. Some vehicles may have been built with inadequate clearance between the rear axle vent hose and the brake hose.

  A puncture in the rear brake hose will result in a loss of braking force at the rear wheels.

  Remedy

  Dealers will inspect the rear brake hose for evidence of wear. Worn brake hoses will be replaced. The rear vent hose will be shortened by 3 inches and a clip will be installed to assure clearance between the axle vent line and brake hose is maintained.

• NHTSA recall #00V199000July 17, 200091,610 vehicles affected

  fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

  Vehicle description: pickup trucks with a 131 inch wheelbase. Some of these vehicles may have been built with inadequate clearance between the fuel line and the cab underbody.

  This contact Can result in wear, and after extended contact, could cause a perforation in the fuel line, resulting in leakage. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.

  Remedy

  Dealers will inspect the vehicles for proper clearance. Fuel lines that exhibit inadequate clearance will be replaced with a redesigned fuel line that will assure proper clearance.

• NHTSA recall #97V080000May 16, 1997125,000 vehicles affected

  air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactive

  The electrical circuit design allows the potential for an inadvertent air bag deployment upon vehicle ignition shut down.

  Unexpected air bag deployment Can result in occupant injury.

  Remedy

  Dealers will replace the air bag electronic control module with a newly designed module.

Other model years

• 1988 55
• 1989 63
• 1990 63
• 1991 128
• 1992 216
• 1993 134
• 1994 166
• 1995 208
• 1996 189
• 1997
• 1998 545
• 1999 641
• 2000 806
• 2001 678
• 2002 678
• 2003 296
• 2004 206
• 2005 470
• 2006 285
• 2007 145
• 2008 91
• 2010 35
• 2011 44