2002 Dodge Dakota recalls and problems

5 recalls and 678 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Dodge Dakota.

5
recalls
678
owner complaints
55
complaints mentioning a crash
18
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.

2002 Dodge Dakota recalls

Power train: automatic transmission, lever and linkage, column shift

NHTSA campaign 07V555000 · reported December 4, 2007 · CHRYSLER LLC · 576,418 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain van and pickup trucks equipped with automatic transmissions, the ignition/park shift interlock system may become inoperative. This can allow the shifter to be moved out of the "park" position with the ignition key removed (or in the "lock" position). This can also allow the ignition key to be removed when the shifter has not been placed in the "park" position.
The risk
Either of these conditions could allow the vehicle to roll away causing a crash without warning.
The fix
Dealers will replace the gearshift blocker and bracket assembly free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during january 2008. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

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.

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer

NHTSA campaign 04V216000 · reported May 5, 2004 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 320,188 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the windshield wiper module motor may be susceptible to water intrusion that could cause internal corrosion and result in partial or complete loss of front windshield wiping capability.
The risk
Driver visibility could be reduced, which could result in a crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace the front windshield wiper module. Owner notification began on july 12, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Equipment: other, labels

NHTSA campaign 03V505000 · reported December 10, 2003 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 35,692 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain minivans and 4x2 pickup trucks, the vehicle certification label may have gross axle weight ratings (gawr) that exceed the maximum tire load capacity as defined in federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 120, "tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars."
The risk
Improperly loading your vehicle can cause tire failure and result in a crash.
The fix
Owners will be provided with vehicle certification label overlays containing corrected information relative to vehicle gawr and tire size. Owner notification began march 1, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-992-1997.

Electrical system: wiring

NHTSA campaign 03V389000 · reported October 10, 2003 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 50,082 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain pickup trucks equipped with manual transmissions, the headlamp and dash wiring harness may be chafed by the actuation of the clutch pedal. This could result in abnormal operation of the wipers, turn signals, horn or lighting systems.
The risk
This could affect driver visibility, could prevent a driver from sounding a warning by using the horn, and, when the turn signals are inoperative, the driver cannot use them to signal intent to turn, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will reroute the wire harness and repair the harness if necessary. Owner notification began november 3, 2003. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-992-1997.

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.

Oct 23, 2025 · Service brakes

WHY are brake lines on vehicles not required to be made so as not to rust? Brake lines failed on my vehicle, and need to be replaced. How many accidents are caused by brake line failures?

Jun 27, 2022 · Unknown or other · crash reported

My 2002 Dodge Dakota sometime will not go into park. other times it will jump out and go into reverse. this has caused my vehicle to roll backwards and destroyed neighbors mailbox. to get it into park takes several tries. I now must use my parking brake anytime I am parked.

Apr 20, 2021 · Service brakes · 116,000 miles

II HAVE REPLACE FRONT ROTORS, FRONT CALIPERS, REAR WHEEL CYLINDERS AND SHOES, THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN BLEED SEVERAL TIMES, AND BRAKE SYSTEM WAS LOOKED AT SEVERAL TIMES BY ASE MASTER MECHANIC. GOING DOWN THE ROAD ON THE INITIAL PUSH ON THE PEDDLE THE PEDDLE GOES MORE THAN HALF WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR, YOU THEN RELEASE PEDAL…

Feb 15, 2020 · Electrical system · 2,123,432 miles

THIS 2001 DODGE DAKOTA COMES UP WITH CODE P0601 IT SAYS IT IS A MEMORY CHECK SUM ERROR. IT COMES ON INTERMITTENT IN COLD WEATHER. IF YOU CLEAR THE CODE IT MIGHT COME RIGHT BACK OR IT MIGHT STAY OFF IT IS ANNOYING SOMETIMES IT MESSES WITH THE ABS MAKING THE FRONT RIGHT BRAKE HANG UP

May 31, 2019 · Power train · 211,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF GEAR. WHEN THE SHIFTER FINALLY SHIFTED OUT OF GEAR AND INTO DRIVE, IT WOULD SHIFT BACK INTO PARK. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KEFFER CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM…

Dakota model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 58066014
2001 76784411
2002 56785518
2003 4296165
2004 1206116
2005 64703027

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

Questions

Does the 2002 Dodge Dakota have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2002 Dodge Dakota, the most recent reported on December 4, 2007 (Power train: automatic transmission, lever and linkage, column shift). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Dodge Dakota?
Owners have filed 678 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is suspension (226 complaints), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (177).
How many 2002 Dodge Dakota complaints mention a crash or fire?
55 of 678 complaints report a crash and 18 a fire; 32 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 23, 2025.