2000 Dodge Dakota recalls and problems

5 recalls and 806 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2000 Dodge Dakota.

5
recalls
806
owner complaints
60
complaints mentioning a crash
14
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2000 Dodge Dakota recalls

Suspension: front, control arm, upper ball joint

NHTSA campaign 04V596000 · reported December 21, 2004 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 592,707 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks equipped with four-wheel drive (4x4), if moisture leaks into the front suspension upper ball joint, evacuation of the lubricant and corrosion of the joint may cause the joint to wear over an extended period of time. This could cause a clunking noise in the front suspension, which may not always be heard by the vehicle occupants.
The risk
Excessive wear in the upper ball joint may allow it to separate, which could result in loss of control of the vehicle.
The fix
Dealers will replace the front suspension upper ball joints. This safety improvement campaign began on december 21, 2004. Owners can contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Air bags

NHTSA campaign 01V153000 · reported May 8, 2001 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 216,100 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
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.
The fix
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.

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

NHTSA campaign 00V193000 · reported July 17, 2000 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 40,000 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
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.
The fix
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.

Power train: automatic transmission

NHTSA campaign 00V197000 · reported July 17, 2000 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 20,000 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Vehicle description: pickup trucks equipped with 4.7l engine and automatic transmissions. The automatic transmission may expel fluid from the fill tube during normal temperature operation.
The risk
The transmission fluid could come into contact with the hot exhaust system and ignition of the transmission fluid could result.
The fix
Dealers will shorten the vent hose and assure adequate clearance.

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

NHTSA campaign 00V198000 · reported July 17, 2000 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 437,000 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Vehicle description: pickup trucks. Some vehicles may have been built with inadequate clearance between the rear axle vent hose and the brake hose.
The risk
A puncture in the rear brake hose will result in a loss of braking force at the rear wheels.
The fix
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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Mar 13, 2026 · Service brakes, hydraulic · 163,159 miles

The contact owns a 1998 N/A Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that while at the DMV to renew the tags, the contact was unable to register the vehicle because the vehicle was under recall. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 00V193000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was…

May 17, 2024 · Engine

Unknown

Mar 15, 2023 · Unknown or other

Air bag light and Engine light comes on and off. Headlights, break lights, and blinkers keep going on and off while light switch is on. Rust on body due to clear coat peeling. Steering is sometimes hard to do even with full steering fluid. Shifts hard. Brake fluid has leaked. Coolant has leaked, along with heater core…

Mar 23, 2021 · Suspension · 235,177 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2000 DODGE DAKOTA EQUIPPED WITH COOPER TIRES, TIRE LINE: FUTURA, TIRE SIZE: 275/75/R15. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE VERY LOUD WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT STATED HE TOOK THE TIRES TO PEPBOYS (7725 W NEWBERRY RD, GAINESVILLE, FL 32606, [phone removed]) TO BE INSPECTED. THE CONTACT WAS…

Jun 3, 2020 · Engine · 250,000 miles

MY TRANSMISSION IS NOT SHIFTING RIGHT AND IT IS VERY SLUGGISH IN FREEWAY AND WHILE WE IDLING.

Dakota model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 58066014
2001 76784411
2002 56785518
2003 4296165

Across all years, the 2000 Dakota has the most complaints (806). All Dodge Dakota years →

Questions

Does the 2000 Dodge Dakota have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2000 Dodge Dakota, the most recent reported on December 21, 2004 (Suspension: front, control arm, upper ball joint). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2000 Dodge Dakota?
Owners have filed 806 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is suspension (282 complaints), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (247).
How many 2000 Dodge Dakota complaints mention a crash or fire?
60 of 806 complaints report a crash and 14 a fire; 44 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received March 13, 2026.