The Used Car Index

2002 Dodge Dakota problems

NHTSA lists 678 complaints for the 2002 Dodge Dakota, 55 of them mention a crash and 18 mention a fire. 22 complaints mention an injury, with 32 injuries and 2 deaths reported.

Data build 2026-10-08.

NHTSA lists this vehicle as DODGE DAKOTA.

At a glance

Complaints
678
With crash
55
With fire
18
With injury (complaints)
22
Injuries
32
Deaths
2
Recalls
5
Do not drive recalls
0
Park outside recalls
0
Recall potential units (maximum)
592,707
Investigations
1
Open investigations
0
Manufacturer communications
55

Complaints per 100k sold unavailable. No sales source is available for this record.

Where the complaints are

Top systems
SystemComplaintsShare of this vehicle's complaints
SUSPENSION22633.3%
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC17726.1%
POWER TRAIN8913.1%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM527.7%
STEERING446.5%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING345.0%
AIR BAGS284.1%
SERVICE BRAKES263.8%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING213.1%
VISIBILITY192.8%
Top subsystems
SystemSubsystemComplaints
SUSPENSIONFRONT205
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICFOUNDATION COMPONENTS94
POWER TRAINAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION55
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP30
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGENGINE20
AIR BAGSFRONTAL15
STEERINGLINKAGES12
STRUCTUREBODY10
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMWIRING9
STEERINGRACK AND PINION9

One complaint can name several systems, so shares can add to more than 100 percent.

Model-generated complaint tags: This model year has not been tagged.

Recalls

See new recalls and investigations this week.

5 recalls.

07V555000

Date: 2007-12-04. Systems: POWER TRAIN.

Defect: 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.

Consequence: EITHER OF THESE CONDITIONS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY CAUSING A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: 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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

04V596000

Date: 2004-12-21. Systems: SUSPENSION.

Defect: 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.

Consequence: EXCESSIVE WEAR IN THE UPPER BALL JOINT MAY ALLOW IT TO SEPARATE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.

Remedy: 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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

04V216000

Date: 2004-05-05. Systems: VISIBILITY.

Defect: 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.

Consequence: DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

03V505000

Date: 2003-12-10. Systems: EQUIPMENT.

Defect: 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."

Consequence: IMPROPERLY LOADING YOUR VEHICLE CAN CAUSE TIRE FAILURE AND RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy: 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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

03V389000

Date: 2003-10-10. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

Investigations

1 investigations; 0 open.

EA03023

Opened: 2003-11-19. Closed: 2005-02-11.

UPPER BALL JOINT SEPARATION

DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) IS RECALLING THE TARGET POPULATION OF APPROXIMATELY 600,000 MY 2000 THROUGH 2003 DURANGO AND DAKOTA VEHICLES WITH FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE TO REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINTS WITH REDESIGNED PARTS THAT DO NOT HAVE THE JOINT INTEGRITY CONCERNS AND HAVE SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED JOINT RETENTION CAPACITY (NHTSA RECALL NO. 04V-596).THOUGH DCC DOES NOT ADMIT TO A SA

Systems: SUSPENSION.

Linked campaign numbers: 04V596000.

Manufacturer communications

55 manufacturer communications.

Communications by system
SystemCount
EQUIPMENT15
STRUCTURE12
POWER TRAIN11
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM8
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING3
UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE2
STEERING2

11010205

Date: 2024-10-30. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: POWER TRAIN.

Plate - Planetary

10221686

Date: 2020-07-22. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.

10229256

Date: 2020-07-22. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.

10175743

Date: 2020-04-30. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EQUIPMENT, STRUCTURE.

Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19

10175735

Date: 2020-04-22. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EQUIPMENT.

Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.

10175669

Date: 2020-04-10. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: SERVICE BRAKES.

ABS Brake Module Code 82 and 83 Setting Within The Brake Module

10169249

Date: 2019-11-20. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EQUIPMENT, STRUCTURE.

Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.

10220097

Date: 2019-11-20. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EQUIPMENT, STRUCTURE.

Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

10220099

Date: 2019-11-20. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STRUCTURE.

Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.

10220101

Date: 2019-11-20. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STRUCTURE.

Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.

Notes on this record

  • Complaints from the API and bulk file are merged and deduplicated by ODI number; the API alone misses records.
  • System and subsystem counts are numbers of distinct complaints, recalls or communications that name them. One record can name several systems, so shares across systems can add to more than 100 percent; a single share never exceeds 100 percent.
  • Recalls are counted once per campaign, investigations once per action and manufacturer communications once per NHTSA id, even when NHTSA lists several model names for the same record.
  • A sales denominator is a calendar-year proxy, not the population of vehicles still in use. Rates are copied from verified pipeline output.

Other names NHTSA uses

None listed.

Matched NHTSA models

Matched labels and complaints
NHTSA model labelComplaints
DAKOTA678

Same model, other years

All model years | All Dodge models

Other Dodge models, 2002

Sources

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