1999 Dodge Dakota Problems: 8 Known Issues
1999 model year · 450+ owner reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 450+ owner reports, the 1999 Dodge Dakota has 8 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 (Intake Pan) Gasket Failure (5.2L/5.9L Magnum V8) with 230 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $2,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 8 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls20 recalls
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:HUB
SKF IS RECALLING 2,805 HUB UNITS, PART NO. BR930361, SOLD AS A SERVICE PART FOR 1997-2004 DODGE DAKOTA VEHICLES AND 1999-2003 DODGE DURANGO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2-WHEEL DRIVE & REAR AXLE ABS. DUE TO A SPECIFICATION ERROR, THE ROTOR PILOT FOR THE HUB UNIT MAY BE TOO LONG. THIS RESULTS IN THE WHEEL TO NOT BE SEATED FULLY AGAINST THE HUB FLANGE FACE DURING MOUNTING.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
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.
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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 8 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Ball Joint Failure - Safety Issue, Premature Front Ball Joint Wear (Non-Greaseable Factory Joints), Plenum (Intake Pan) 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 8 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 $2,500, 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 04V-596 covers the upper ball joints on 2000-2003 4WD models. 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.
What is the 1997-1999 Dodge Dakota Plenum (Intake Pan) Gasket Failure (5.2L/5.9L Magnum V8)?
The gasket under the intake manifold plenum pan fails and lets crankcase oil get drawn into the intake and burned. Owners report oil consumption of around a quart per 1,000 miles, spark knock or pinging under acceleration, and oil pooling in the intake visible through the throttl… Severity: medium.
What is the 1994-1999 Dodge Dakota 1994-1999 Dakota Intake Plenum Pan Gasket Leak — Chrysler 09-05-00?
Chrysler bulletin 09-05-00 covers an internal plenum-pan gasket leak on specified 1994-1999 Dakotas. The documented symptoms are acceleration knock and increased oil consumption. Severity: medium.
What is the 1990-1999 Dodge Dakota Cooling System Wear: Water Pump Weep-Hole Leak?
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. Repairs typically run $150-$500. 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 1998-1999 Dodge Dakota Overdrive Solenoid Failure (4-Speed Automatic, 3.9L V6)?
On 1998-1999 Dakotas with the 3.9L V6 and 4-speed automatic, the overdrive solenoid (part of the solenoid pack on the valve body) or its connector/wiring can fail. The transmission then won't shift from 3rd into overdrive, or drops out of overdrive once warm, and the check engine… 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.
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.