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Dodge · Known Issues

1999 Dodge Dakota Problems: 9 Known Issues

1999 model year · 450+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 450+ owner reports, the 1999 Dodge Dakota has 9 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Ball Joint Failure - Safety Issue ($300-$700 repair) and Premature Front Ball Joint Wear (Non-Greaseable Factory Joints) ($350-$1,000 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Plenum Gasket Failure (5.2L/5.9L Magnum V8) with 230 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $3,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Dakota Suspension2
  • Dakota Engine2
  • Dakota Transmission2
  • Dakota Cooling1
  • Dakota Body/Panels1
  • Dakota HVAC1
  • Recalls9
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Suspension2
  • Engine2
  • Transmission2
  • Cooling1
  • Body/Panels1
  • HVAC1
  • Recalls9
  • FAQ

All 9 Known Issues

NHTSA Recalls9 recalls

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Dodge Dakota problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 450+ owner reports, the 1999 Dodge Dakota has 9 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Ball Joint Failure - Safety Issue, Premature Front Ball Joint Wear (Non-Greaseable Factory Joints), Plenum Gasket Failure (5.2L/5.9L Magnum V8). Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Dodge Dakota reliable?

The 1999 Dodge Dakota has 9 known issues documented across 450+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Ball Joint Failure - Safety Issue and Premature Front Ball Joint Wear (Non-Greaseable Factory Joints). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Dodge Dakota problems?

Repair costs for known Dodge Dakota issues range from $150 to $3,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Ball Joint Failure - Safety Issue, typically costs $300-$700 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 1997-2004 Dodge Dakota Ball Joint Failure - Safety Issue?

Upper and lower ball joints wear prematurely, with failures reported as early as 49,000 miles. Can cause wheel separation in worst cases. NHTSA recall for some model years. Same design shared with 1st-gen Durango. Repairs typically run $300-$700. Severity: high.

What is the 1990-1999 Dodge Dakota Premature Front Ball Joint Wear (Non-Greaseable Factory Joints)?

The front upper and lower ball joints wear out prematurely, frequently well under 100,000 miles. The factory joints are sealed/non-greaseable; the boots tear, letting grease out and water/dirt in, so the joints corrode and wear rapidly. Second-generation (1997-1999) owners report… Repairs typically run $350-$1,000. Severity: high.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data sourced from 450+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

Filter:
ALL YEARS2011201020092008200720062005200420032002200120001999199819971996199519941993199219911990
Community reported
220 owners

On the 1997-2004 Dodge Dakota, upper and lower ball joints wear prematurely, with failures reported as early as 49,000 miles. Can cause wheel separation in worst cases. NHTSA recall for some model years. Same design shared with 1st-gen Durango.

This issue also affects: Dodge Durango, Dodge Nitro

Common Symptoms

  • Clunking from front end
  • Loose steering
  • Uneven tire wear
  • Wheel wobble
  • In worst case: wheel separation

How to Fix

Replace upper and lower ball joints with Moog quality aftermarket: upper K7460, lower K7467. Inspect at every oil change. Check NHTSA recall status.

Typical repair cost:$300 - $700

Research This Issue

Based on 220 owner reports

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Community Reported
High Confidence220 owner reportsLast reported by owners Jun 2023Reviewed Feb 2026

On the 1990-1999 Dodge Dakota, the front upper and lower ball joints wear out prematurely, frequently well under 100,000 miles. The factory joints are sealed/non-greaseable; the boots tear, letting grease out and water/dirt in, so the joints corrode and wear rapidly. Second-generation (1997-1999) owners reported multiple worn joints as early as 43,000-86,000 miles. Worn upper joints are a genuine safety concern - in severe cases the front wheel can separate from the truck. Chrysler formally recognized this failure mode with recall 04V596 on 2000-2003 4WD upper ball joints (water intrusion + non-greaseable design); the same complaint pattern exists on the 1990s trucks, which were never recalled.

This issue also affects: Dodge Ram Van

Common Symptoms

  • Clunk or knock over bumps and when turning
  • Loose / wandering steering
  • Rapid inner-shoulder tire wear
  • Vehicle out of alignment shortly after adjustment
  • Torn ball joint boots with no grease present
  • Wheel able to separate in severe cases

How to Fix

Replace worn ball joints in pairs (uppers and/or lowers as needed) and perform a four-wheel alignment. Enthusiasts recommend greaseable aftermarket joints (e.g., Moog problem-solver units) that can be maintained instead of another set of sealed OEM-style joints. Inspect at every tire rotation.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • MOOG RK623221 front left upper control-arm/ball-joint assembly

    Confirm 2WD/4WD and suspension option in the seller catalog Listed at $125.30 on the live US fitment/product guide when checked

  • MOOG RK623220 front right upper control-arm/ball-joint assembly

    Confirm 2WD/4WD and suspension option Listed at $125.30 on the live US fitment/product guide when checked

  • MOOG K7242 greaseable front upper ball joint

    Replace worn upper joints for the later issue subset Fitment: 1997-1999 Dakota; confirm drive and suspension application Live direct US product page when checked

  • MOOG K7241 greaseable front lower ball joint

    Replace worn lower joints for the verified RWD branch Fitment: 1997-1999 Dakota RWD only $65.99 and in stock when checked

    finditparts

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$350 - $1,000

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
Community reported
230 owners

On the 1997-2003 Dodge Dakota, the plenum gasket between intake manifold and engine block fails, allowing oil into combustion chambers. Same issue as 1st-gen Durango. Causes oil consumption, pinging, and rough idle.

This issue also affects: Chrysler 200, Chrysler Pacifica, Chrysler PT Cruiser

Common Symptoms

  • Engine pinging
  • Excessive oil consumption
  • Oily sheen inside intake through throttle body
  • Rough idle
  • Loss of power

How to Fix

Replace plenum gasket: Felpro MS92844 (5.2L) or MS92845 (5.9L). Hughes Engines plenum plate fix permanently eliminates the design flaw.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Hughes HUG 7720FEL Magnum V8 plenum repair kit

    Replace the failed plenum plate/gasket with the complete aluminum plate, Fel-Pro gaskets, bolts and bypass hose Fitment: Manufacturer lists all 1992-2003 5.2L/5.9L Magnum V8 engines, covering this issue's 1997-2003 engine subset $195.48 …

    hughesengines

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$300 - $800

Research This Issue

Based on 230 owner reports

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerified230 owner reportsLast reported by owners May 2023Reviewed Aug 2026

On the 1992-1999 Dodge Dakota, the 3.9L and 5.2L Magnum engines use a two-piece intake manifold: a cast-aluminum upper and a stamped-steel plenum pan bolted to the underside with a gasket sealing them. Because the steel plate and aluminum manifold expand at different rates, over years of heat cycling the steel plate shifts and tears the gasket. Manifold vacuum then draws crankcase oil mist and blow-by up through the failed gasket into the intake runners, most notably feeding cylinder #8 on the V8. This is one of the most universally documented failures on 1992-1999 Magnum-powered Dakotas (the LA engines in 1990-1991 do not use this plenum-pan design). Chrysler issued TSBs 18-34-97, 18-48-98 and 09-05-00 addressing it.

This issue also affects: Chrysler 200, Chrysler 300, Chrysler Aspen

Common Symptoms

  • Elevated oil consumption with no external leak
  • Blue smoke from tailpipe
  • Rough idle / cylinder miss (commonly cylinder 8)
  • Spark knock / pinging under acceleration
  • Fouled spark plugs
  • Lack of power

How to Fix

Replace the failed gasket and swap the original stamped-steel plenum pan for an aftermarket aluminum replacement plate that addresses the root cause. Use fresh intake bolts (the originals stretch) and reseal the manifold. A cheap fix relative to the internal wear/oil consumption it prevents. Confirm diagnosis by opening the throttle blades and shining a light into the intake for pooled oil.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Hughes HUG 7720FEL 5.2L/5.9L Magnum V8 plenum repair kit

    Complete aluminum plate, Fel-Pro gasket, fastener and bypass-hose repair Fitment: Manufacturer lists all 1992-2003 5.2L/5.9L Magnum V8 engines; this issue uses the 1992-1999 5.2L Dakota overlap $195.48 on the live manufacturer product pa…

    hughesengines

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$250 - $900

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 1997-2011 Dodge Dakota, the 42RE (4-speed) and 45RFE/545RFE (5-speed) automatic transmissions in the Dakota suffer from overdrive solenoid failures. The overdrive solenoid sticks or fails electrically, preventing the transmission from engaging overdrive or causing it to drop out of overdrive unexpectedly. This increases highway fuel consumption and engine RPM. The issue is exacerbated by old, contaminated transmission fluid.

This issue also affects: Chrysler 200, Chrysler 300M, Chrysler Cirrus

Common Symptoms

  • Transmission will not shift into overdrive
  • Overdrive drops out at highway speeds
  • Higher than normal RPM at highway cruising speed
  • Check engine light with overdrive codes
  • Increased fuel consumption on highway

How to Fix

Replace the overdrive solenoid and governor pressure solenoid as a pair — they are accessed by dropping the transmission pan and valve body. Use Mopar ATF+4 (68218058AC) exclusively. For the 42RE, the solenoid pack is inexpensive ($40-$80) but labor is 2-3 hours. For the 45RFE/545RFE, replace the entire solenoid block assembly. Regular fluid changes every 30,000 miles help prevent recurrence.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Crown 52118500AB transmission overdrive solenoid

    Overdrive-solenoid replacement only after diagnosis confirms this component Fitment: Manufacturer application lists 2000-2003 Dakota with 42RE/46RE; it does not cover 1997-1999 or an RFE transmission Live manufacturer product page when c…

  • Remanufactured OE white-connector RFE solenoid block

    Replace the whole RFE solenoid block when electrical/hydraulic diagnosis proves the block Fitment: Vendor lists 2004-2010 Dodge Dakota and 2011 Ram Dakota; confirm connector color, transmission family and OE-number interchange Live direc…

  • 45RFE/545RFE 4WD sump and cooler-return filter kit

    Replace both filters during RFE solenoid-block service Fitment: 4WD 45RFE/545RFE only; 2WD and 42RE/46RE use different filter hardware Live direct US product page with quantity/order control when checked

  • Mopar 68218057AC ATF+4 fluid

    Approved service fluid after the transmission-specific repair Fitment: Use exact service-fill quantity for the installed transmission and repair state Live Mopar direct product page when checked

Typical repair cost:$200 - $800

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 1996-1999 Dodge Dakota, the electronically-modulated 42RE (behind the V6) and 46RE (behind the V8) automatic transmissions, used 1996-1999, rely on a governor pressure solenoid and a governor pressure sensor mounted on the valve body to control shift timing. Heat and mileage fatigue the sensor and cause the solenoid to stick, producing erratic, harsh, or delayed shifts. A failed sensor commonly forces the transmission into limp mode (locked in a single gear). This is a well-known, relatively inexpensive failure often misdiagnosed as a worn-out transmission - Mopar reportedly priced the parts high early on because so many were failing.

This issue also affects: Chrysler 200, Chrysler 300M, Chrysler Cirrus

Common Symptoms

  • Harsh or delayed 1-2 / 2-3 shifts
  • No overdrive (4th gear) engagement
  • Erratic shift points
  • Transmission stuck in one gear (limp mode)
  • High RPM flare before a hard 'slam' shift

How to Fix

Replace the governor pressure solenoid and governor pressure sensor as a set (inside the pan on the valve body) and change fluid and filter. This only fixes shift-quality complaints on an otherwise-healthy unit; if fluid is burnt or the transmission is already slipping mechanically, a rebuild is required.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Mopar 4617210 governor-pressure solenoid plus 56041403AA transducer

    Replace the failed governor pressure solenoid and sensor together after scan data and hydraulic diagnosis isolate this pair Fitment: Vendor lists 1996-1999 A500/A518 42RE/46RE applications; confirm Dakota transmission tag before purchase…

    afa-motors
  • Mopar governor-pressure solenoid and transducer set

    Alternate exact-year source for the paired repair Fitment: Page is specific to 1996-1999 46RE/47RE-family applications; confirm a 46RE rather than assuming it fits every 3.9L Dakota $229.99 and Add to cart when checked

    ffcimports
  • 42RE/44RE governor solenoid, sensor, output-speed sensor, filter and gasket service kit

    Complete fluid/filter and governor-electronics service branch for the exact transmission subset Fitment: 1998-1999 42RE/44RE only; not a 46RE kit $194.88 and in stock when checked

  • Mopar 68218058AC ATF+4 fluid

    Approved replacement fluid after the electronic repair and transmission-specific filter service Fitment: Use the service-manual quantity for the exact 42RE/44RE/46RE and repair state Live Mopar direct product page when checked

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$150 - $2,500

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 1990-1999 Dodge Dakota, the Magnum 3.9L/5.2L water pump is a common age-related failure. When the internal shaft seal wears, coolant weeps from the small hole on the underside of the pump, leaving coolant at the front of the engine. A frequently-overlooked companion failure is the short heater/bypass hose that dries out and cracks with age. Related in the same front-of-engine area, the distributor is prone to moisture intrusion under the cap, causing stumble/stall when driving through water on these first-gen trucks.

This issue also affects: Dodge Ram Van

Common Symptoms

  • Coolant puddle at front of engine from weep hole
  • Low coolant / overheating
  • Coolant seep from dried bypass hose
  • Whine or bearing noise from water pump
  • Stumble/stall after driving through water (distributor moisture)

How to Fix

Replace the water pump and, at the same time, replace the bypass hose, thermostat, and serpentine belt while access is open. Use thread sealant on the long water-pump bolts that thread into coolant passages (they leak otherwise). For moisture-related stalling, replace a worn cap and rotor and seal/shield the distributor.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Gates 43034 engine water pump

    Replace a pump confirmed leaking at the weep hole or with bearing play Fitment: Seller fitment covers selected 1993-2003 Dakota 3.9L/5.2L/5.9L applications; this issue uses only verified 1993-1999 3.9L/5.2L overlap Live direct US product…

    Walmart
  • Gates engine water pump for 1992 Dakota 3.9L V6/5.2L V8

    Exact-year water-pump replacement branch Fitment: 1992 Dakota 3.9L/5.2L only; does not establish 1990-1991 fitment Live direct US product page when checked

    sixityauto
  • 1999 Dakota 3.9L water-pump service procedure

    Procedure reference for bolt locations, sealing and replacement workflow Fitment: 1999 2WD 3.9L procedure only; use the exact service manual for other years/engines Live service-reference page when checked

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$150 - $500

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 1990-1999 Dodge Dakota, like most pickups of the era, 1990-1999 Dakotas rust in predictable places, especially in road-salt regions. The lower cab corners, rocker panels, and rear wheel-well arches trap road grime, salt, and moisture and rot from the inside out. Rockers and cab corners are typically the first to perforate. Aftermarket support is extensive precisely because this is such a common, expected age-related failure; dedicated repair panels are stocked for every year of the generation.

This issue also affects: Dodge Ram Van

Common Symptoms

  • Bubbling/flaking paint at lower cab corners and rockers
  • Rust-through holes behind the doors
  • Perforated rear wheel-well lips
  • Flaking metal along rocker panels

How to Fix

Cut out rusted metal and weld in replacement cab-corner, rocker, and wheel-arch panels, then prime and paint. Slip-on rocker covers exist as a lower-cost cosmetic option but proper repair is cut-and-weld. Treat the cavities with rust inhibitor/cavity wax afterward to slow recurrence.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Mill Supply 820-97-40-K rocker-panel/cab-corner repair kit

    Cut-and-weld repair branch for the exact Club Cab subset Fitment: 1997-2004 Club Cab product; this issue uses the 1997-1999 overlap only Live direct US product page when checked

  • Mill Supply 820-97-52E-LH upper rear-wheel-arch skin

    Cut-and-weld wheel-arch repair for the exact side and generation Fitment: Left side, 1997-2004 generation; this issue uses 1997-1999 only In stock on the direct product page when checked

Typical repair cost:$300 - $3,000

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 1990-1999 Dodge Dakota, dakota HVAC problems are common with age. On the first-generation trucks the mode doors (defrost/vent/floor) are vacuum-operated; a cracked or disconnected vacuum line (routed near the brake booster on the driver's side) causes the system to default to defrost and lose control of where air blows. The temperature blend door and its actuator can stick, leaving the truck stuck hot or cold. The heater core also clogs with age, producing weak heat. Because the HVAC box is buried behind the dash, repairs are labor-intensive.

This issue also affects: Dodge Ram Van

Common Symptoms

  • Air stuck blowing out defrost vents only
  • No control over vent mode selection
  • Weak or no heat from the heater core
  • Temperature stuck fully hot or fully cold
  • Heat fades or changes when accelerating (vacuum leak)

How to Fix

Diagnose by isolating vacuum vs. blend-door vs. heater-core: repair/replace cracked vacuum lines and check the reservoir first (cheap), free or replace the blend-door/actuator, and flush or replace a clogged heater core (dash removal required). Fixing the vacuum leak resolves the very common 'stuck on defrost' complaint.

Typical repair cost:$150 - $1,100

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026
Campaign #16V35200024/05/2016

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010 Chrysler 300, 300C, 300S, and SRT8, 2006-2010 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Magnum, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

Campaign #15V31300027/05/2015

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Chrysler is recalling certain 2009-2010 RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Chrysler is also recalling certain 2009 RAM 3500, RAM 2500, RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Campaign #18V02100009/01/2018

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured from February 27, 2008, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through October 20, 2011; model year 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota trucks manufactured from February 27, 2007, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through September 30, 2011; model year 2009 Chrysler Aspen trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008; and model year 2009 Dodge Durango trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008. The rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to an undersized pinion spline that can allow relative motion between the nut and companion flange.

Campaign #13V03800006/02/2013

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2010, Ram 1500 and Dodge Dakota trucks, manufactured from July 1, 2009, through November 30, 2009, because the rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to a lack of adhesive.

Campaign #12V47400002/10/2012

+ 4 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

get a full repair guide

What is the 1997-2003 Dodge Dakota Plenum Gasket Failure (5.2L/5.9L Magnum V8)?

The plenum gasket between intake manifold and engine block fails, allowing oil into combustion chambers. Same issue as 1st-gen Durango. Causes oil consumption, pinging, and rough idle. Repairs typically run $300-$800. Severity: medium.

What is the 1990-1999 Dodge Dakota Cooling System Wear: Water Pump Weep-Hole Leak, Dried Bypass Hose, and Distributor Moisture?

The Magnum 3.9L/5.2L water pump is a common age-related failure. When the internal shaft seal wears, coolant weeps from the small hole on the underside of the pump, leaving coolant at the front of the engine. A frequently-overlooked companion failure is the short heater/bypass ho… Repairs typically run $150-$500. Severity: medium.

What is the 1992-1999 Dodge Dakota Intake Plenum Pan Gasket Failure (Magnum V6/V8) Causing Oil Consumption and Misfire?

The 3.9L and 5.2L Magnum engines use a two-piece intake manifold: a cast-aluminum upper and a stamped-steel plenum pan bolted to the underside with a gasket sealing them. Because the steel plate and aluminum manifold expand at different rates, over years of heat cycling the steel… Repairs typically run $250-$900. Severity: medium.

What is the 1990-1999 Dodge Dakota Body Rust: Cab Corners, Rocker Panels, and Rear Wheel Arches?

Like most pickups of the era, 1990-1999 Dakotas rust in predictable places, especially in road-salt regions. The lower cab corners, rocker panels, and rear wheel-well arches trap road grime, salt, and moisture and rot from the inside out. Rockers and cab corners are typically the… Repairs typically run $300-$3,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 1997-2011 Dodge Dakota Transmission Overdrive Solenoid Failure (42RE/45RFE)?

The 42RE (4-speed) and 45RFE/545RFE (5-speed) automatic transmissions in the Dakota suffer from overdrive solenoid failures. The overdrive solenoid sticks or fails electrically, preventing the transmission from engaging overdrive or causing it to drop out of overdrive unexpectedl… Repairs typically run $200-$800. Severity: medium.

What is the 1996-1999 Dodge Dakota 46RE/42RE Governor Pressure Solenoid and Sensor Failure?

The electronically-modulated 42RE (behind the V6) and 46RE (behind the V8) automatic transmissions, used 1996-1999, rely on a governor pressure solenoid and a governor pressure sensor mounted on the valve body to control shift timing. Heat and mileage fatigue the sensor and cause… Repairs typically run $150-$2,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 1990-1999 Dodge Dakota HVAC Airflow/Heat Loss: Vacuum-Actuated Doors, Blend Door, and Clogged Heater Core?

Dakota HVAC problems are common with age. On the first-generation trucks the mode doors (defrost/vent/floor) are vacuum-operated; a cracked or disconnected vacuum line (routed near the brake booster on the driver's side) causes the system to default to defrost and lose control of… Repairs typically run $150-$1,100. Severity: low.