NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
23 reportsClear category filter110,000 miles · Sep 24, 2019
Electrical System
OFTEN WHEN I START MY TRUCK THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE WILL GO ALL THE WAY UP, THE GAUGE FOR THE BATTERY STAYS DOWN, AND WHEN IT DOES START, THE SERPENTINE BELT WILL SQUEAL, SOMETIMES IT WILL START AND IDLE, OTHER TIMES IT WILL NOT IDLE, UNLESS I KEEP MY FOOT ON THE GAS, AS SOON AS I TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE GAS IT WILL STALL, AFTER ABO…
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OFTEN WHEN I START MY TRUCK THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE WILL GO ALL THE WAY UP, THE GAUGE FOR THE BATTERY STAYS DOWN, AND WHEN IT DOES START, THE SERPENTINE BELT WILL SQUEAL, SOMETIMES IT WILL START AND IDLE, OTHER TIMES IT WILL NOT IDLE, UNLESS I KEEP MY FOOT ON THE GAS, AS SOON AS I TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE GAS IT WILL STALL, AFTER ABOUT 15 MINUTES, EVERYTHING WILL GO BACK TO NORMAL AND IT RUNS FINE, BUT LATELY, ITS BEEN DOING IT MORE OFTEN, WHEN IT DOES THIS, THERE IS A FOUL SMELL COMING OUT OF THE EXHAUST. I HAVE HAD IT SCANNED AND NO CODES CAME UP ON THE SCANNER. I DO NOT HAVE A LOT OF MONEY, SO IF THERE IS A RECALL PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW A RECALL WORKS. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THE LAST TIME WAS 9/23/2019, WHEN I STARTED IT TODAY, IT RAN FINE.
NHTSA ODI #11257872
160,000 miles · Apr 26, 2015
Electrical System
I HAVE A 1999 DODGE DAKOTA. SEVERAL TIME THE TRUCK WILL NOT START OR WILL SHUT DOWN A FEW MINUTES/MILES AFTER STARTING. THE TRUCK HAS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND WHEN THIS HAPPENS EVEN 'KICK' STARTING HAS NO EFFECT. AFTER THE TRUCK SHUTS DOWN, 10 TO 15 MINUTES LATER IT STARTS UP WITHOUT ANY TROUBLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHILE ON THE …
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I HAVE A 1999 DODGE DAKOTA. SEVERAL TIME THE TRUCK WILL NOT START OR WILL SHUT DOWN A FEW MINUTES/MILES AFTER STARTING. THE TRUCK HAS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND WHEN THIS HAPPENS EVEN 'KICK' STARTING HAS NO EFFECT. AFTER THE TRUCK SHUTS DOWN, 10 TO 15 MINUTES LATER IT STARTS UP WITHOUT ANY TROUBLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY AND IN CITY TRAFFIC. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10712906
93,540 miles · Sep 7, 2014
Electrical System
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, EVERYTHING SHUTS OFF; MOTOR, BRAKES, STEERING. ODOMETER READS "NO BUS" AND NON OF THE GAUGES IN THE CLUSTER WORK. AFTER RESETTING THE COMPUTER BY UNPLUGGIN THE NEGATIVE TERMINAL AND VEHICLE COOLS, IT STARTS UP. THIS IS A HUGE CONCERN AS I HAVE READ FOR MANY OWNERS OF SIMILAR MODELS AND YEARS. IT CONCERNS M…
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DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, EVERYTHING SHUTS OFF; MOTOR, BRAKES, STEERING. ODOMETER READS "NO BUS" AND NON OF THE GAUGES IN THE CLUSTER WORK. AFTER RESETTING THE COMPUTER BY UNPLUGGIN THE NEGATIVE TERMINAL AND VEHICLE COOLS, IT STARTS UP. THIS IS A HUGE CONCERN AS I HAVE READ FOR MANY OWNERS OF SIMILAR MODELS AND YEARS. IT CONCERNS ME BECAUSE I DRIVE CONGESTED HIGHWAYS TO AND FROM WORK. THIS IS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND ACCOUNTED FOR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10631404
138,000 miles · Oct 15, 2009
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingEquipment
I OWN A 1999 DODGE DAKOTA V-8 MAGNUM 5.2L, IT ONLY HAS 138,000 MILES ON IT. WHEN I BOUGHT IT IT ONLY HAD 76,600 MILES. IN THAT LITTLE TIME I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS TWICE, AND THE RACK AND PINION, AND THE WATER PUMP, THE THERMOSTAT, THE POWER STEERING PUMP, THE TIE RODS, AND THERE IS SO MUCH MORE WRON…
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I OWN A 1999 DODGE DAKOTA V-8 MAGNUM 5.2L, IT ONLY HAS 138,000 MILES ON IT. WHEN I BOUGHT IT IT ONLY HAD 76,600 MILES. IN THAT LITTLE TIME I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS TWICE, AND THE RACK AND PINION, AND THE WATER PUMP, THE THERMOSTAT, THE POWER STEERING PUMP, THE TIE RODS, AND THERE IS SO MUCH MORE WRONG. WHY AM HAVING TO REPLACE THESE THINGS TWICE IN SUCH LITTLE MILEAGE? AFTER READING UP ON IT THROUGH THE INTERNET I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THESE PROBLEMS, THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME COMPLAINTS, WHY IS THERE A RECALL ON THE 2000, & 1998 BUT NOT 1999? I AM OUT SO MUCH MONEY AND HAVE ALMOST WRECKED MY TRUCK TWICE BECAUSE OF THESE PROBLEMS, ONCE WITH 6 KIDS IN THE CAR WITH ME AND AGAIN WITH MY 3 KIDS. THIS NEEDS IMMEDIATE ATTENTION BEFORE SEVERAL PEOPLE GET HURT OR WORSE, DIE!!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10287467
155,000 miles · Jun 25, 2007
Electrical SystemPower TrainSuspension
TRUCK DIED IN DOWNTOWN DENVER. NO BUS"ON DIGITAL ODOMETER. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP FOR WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT, BUT IT WAS STILL FAILING. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10194098
87,000 miles · Mar 6, 2006
Electrical System
WHEN PUTTING HEATER ON THE VENT SETTING THE ELECTRIC LOCKS, THE DOME LIGHTS AND THE 4 WAY FLASHERS START BLINKING, HAD CENTRAL TIMER MODULE REPLACED, STILL IS DOING SAME THING. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10152036
55,000 miles · Feb 21, 2006
Electrical SystemService Brakes, Hydraulic
THE ABS LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT IN MY 1999 DODGE DAKOTA STARTED STAYING ON AFTER STARTUP INTERMITTENTLY. THE LIGHTS STAYED ON MORE OFTEN AS TIME WENT BY. SHOP COULDN'T FIND A PROBLEM. EVENTUALLY BOTH LIGHTS WERE ON ALL THE TIME. VEHICLE STARTED STALLING AT STOP SIGNS AND WHEN GOING AROUND CORNERS. SPEEDOMETER WOULDN'T WORK AT…
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THE ABS LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT IN MY 1999 DODGE DAKOTA STARTED STAYING ON AFTER STARTUP INTERMITTENTLY. THE LIGHTS STAYED ON MORE OFTEN AS TIME WENT BY. SHOP COULDN'T FIND A PROBLEM. EVENTUALLY BOTH LIGHTS WERE ON ALL THE TIME. VEHICLE STARTED STALLING AT STOP SIGNS AND WHEN GOING AROUND CORNERS. SPEEDOMETER WOULDN'T WORK AT LOW SPEEDS--CAME ON ABOUT THE TIME DOORS AUTOMATICALLY LOCKED (20-25 MPH). SHOP REPLACED SPEED SENSOR. VEHICLE RAN FINE FOR 30 DAYS OR LESS. SAME SYMPTOMS ARE BACK. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10150792
Mileage unknown · Feb 18, 2005
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Other
DODGE DAKOTA 1999 NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE BALL JOINT AND STEERING MECHANISMS. *BF THERE WERE ALSO PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR END, TRANSMISSION, ENGINE MALFUNCTION LIGHTS, POOR ENGINE PERFORMANCE WHICH CONSISTED OF HESITATION AND LOSS OF POWER ESPECIALLY WHEN UNDER A LOAD-GOING UP AND HILL AND SEEMED TO GET WORSE AS THE GA…
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DODGE DAKOTA 1999 NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE BALL JOINT AND STEERING MECHANISMS. *BF THERE WERE ALSO PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR END, TRANSMISSION, ENGINE MALFUNCTION LIGHTS, POOR ENGINE PERFORMANCE WHICH CONSISTED OF HESITATION AND LOSS OF POWER ESPECIALLY WHEN UNDER A LOAD-GOING UP AND HILL AND SEEMED TO GET WORSE AS THE GAS LEVEL IN THE TANK LOWERED, HARD ABRUPT SHIFTING WHEN IN REVERSE AND PARK TO REVERSE, LOUD RUBBING WHICH WAS INTERMITTENT WHEN MAKING LEFT TURNS AND WHEN STOPPING, THE FRONT WOULD SHAKE, THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE LIGHT WAS NOT VISIBLE ON THE DASH WHEN ACTIVATED AND WOULD ONLY SHOW WHEN THE ALL WHEEL DRIVE WAS ACTIVATED, AND THERE WAS A WOBBLE, FLEXING AND OR VIBRATION THAT WOULD BE PRESENT WHEN BRAKING ALONG WITH A LOOSE FEELING OR WOBBLE WHEN TURNING THE FRONT WHEELS. *SC *JB
NHTSA ODI #10113622
Mileage unknown · Dec 22, 2004
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingExterior Lighting
TO DATE, I HAVE REPLACED THE FOLLOWING: 1) UPPER BALL JOINTS - BOTH SIDES 2) LOWER BALL JOINTS - BOTH SIDES 3) CALIPERS - BOTH SIDES (FRONT) 4) WATER PUMP 5) WHEEL HUBS - BOTH SIDES (FRONT) 6) CATALYTIC CONVERTER 7) HEADLAMP SWITCH. *JB NOW, I HAVE THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS: 1) HEADLAMP SWITCH (AGAIN) 2) TRANSM…
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TO DATE, I HAVE REPLACED THE FOLLOWING: 1) UPPER BALL JOINTS - BOTH SIDES 2) LOWER BALL JOINTS - BOTH SIDES 3) CALIPERS - BOTH SIDES (FRONT) 4) WATER PUMP 5) WHEEL HUBS - BOTH SIDES (FRONT) 6) CATALYTIC CONVERTER 7) HEADLAMP SWITCH. *JB NOW, I HAVE THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS: 1) HEADLAMP SWITCH (AGAIN) 2) TRANSMISSION WILL NOT SHIFT BETWEEN GEARS 3) UPPER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10104324
76,000 miles · Aug 12, 2004
Electrical SystemSuspension
FRONT END STEERING MECHANISM HAD TO BE REPLACED. *AK BOTH OF THE VEHICLE'S LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED. THE STARTER ASSEMBLEY WAS REPLACED. THE BATTERY TERMINALS WERE ALSO REPLACED. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10072006
Official recalls
4May 8, 2001
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Apr 11, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN VAN, WAGON, PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MAY NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE RETRACTOR DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY, IT WILL NOT ADEQUATELY PROTECT OCCUPANTS IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 20, 2001. 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.
Jul 17, 2000
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Jul 17, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH INADEQUATE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE REAR AXLE VENT HOSE AND THE BRAKE HOSE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A PUNCTURE IN THE REAR BRAKE HOSE WILL RESULT IN A LOSS OF BRAKING FORCE AT THE REAR WHEELS.
Remedy: 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
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