7.1

pretty bad
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
8,278 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2004 Dodge Dakota:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #12

Oct 312007

Dakota 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
At 20K my 2004 Dakota truck needs new brakes and rotors. Dealership said they are blue from getting too hot. My 1999 Dakota just had new brakes and rotors and still had plenty of pad on them at 84K.

- Ridgecrest, CA, USA

problem #11

Mar 292006

Dakota 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Warping of front brake rotors on Dodge Dakota quad cab with 16,000 miles.

- Dayton, OH, USA

problem #10

Dec 242004

Dakota 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
I am looking for all people that are willing to speak to my attorney about problems they are having with their 04 Dakota's. I have had clunking noise coming from front end, whirling noise at idling gets louder when blinker on, windows make clunking noise while rolling up or down, sever E shaking while braking ( warped rotors), transmission leaking, and the list goes on. I am in the middle of lemon law and it took me a long time to be able to find an attorney. This one is excellent.

- Zephyrhills, FL, USA

problem #9

Dec 162004

Dakota 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 12,031 miles
Took delivery of truck on 6/24/04 with 341 miles at delivery. Not even six months later, 12/16/04 in for service due to vibration while braking. They replaced both front brake rotors and pads, mileage 12,031. A little over six months later, 6/27/05 in for service again, for the same vibration while braking. Again they replaced both front rotors, mileage 25,033. We were told by the dealer that Chrysler will not warranty them again, this was the last time they would warranty the brakes. About three weeks ago, at approximately 33,000 miles noticed the vibration again. Called the dealer and we were told we would have to call the (800) number and see what they said. First spoke with matt, then was transferred to don in out of warranty department (when calling the 800 number) I was told that if it was caused by the calipers they would pay to repair the calipers and rotors, however if it was due to the rotors only, we would be responsible for paying for the repair. Asked about the lemon laws, as this is the third time in for the same repair since owning the truck. I've never heard of someone having this much trouble with brakes. This not normal wear and tear, brakes should last longer than 12, 0000 miles. Was further told by don, that I would have to contact my state attorneys office to deal with the lemon law issue. In looking at the lemon law book that I was provided upon deliver of my truck it states I should contact Chrysler/Dodge in writing by mail or contact through website. This is not my first Dodge truck, but after this ordeal I am starting to think it will be my last, with the problem I've been having with this brake issue.

- Sterling Heights, MI, USA

problem #8

Aug 272005

Dakota 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 18,000 miles
I have a 2004 Dodge Dakota with 19,000 miles. Brake rotors are warped beyond repair. Brake pads still look brand new though. Daimler Chrysler and dealer is aware of problems with several owners complaining of rotors, yet nothing is being done. This needs to be recalled.

- Richmond Hill, GA, USA

problem #7

Jul 302004

Dakota 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 15,000 miles
Front end experienced severe shaking while driving. Consumer took vehicle to dealer for check up, and results showed that the rotors were manufactured incorrectly. Vehicle's weight was more than what the front rotors could support.

- Capon Bridge, WV, USA

problem #6

Apr 182004

Dakota 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10,000 miles
Bought Dakota new Jan,04 at 10000,15000, and 18000rotors were replaced for shake in tk when braking still has problem front hubs and bearings replaced has popping noise in front end when turning sometimes when applying brakes truck pulls to left front driveshaft and driver window regulater has been replaced also 2 sensors in trans replaced.temperature guage went all the way to hot 1 time when truck was started. Wish Dodge would just buy it back.my first and last Dodge ever.

- Ravenswood, WV, USA

problem #5

Dec 232004

Dakota 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10,000 miles
I own a 2002 Dodge Dakota [xxx]. I now have 40,000 miles on it. My front brakes (disc) needed to be replaced three times due to pulsating. This pulsating is attributed to rotors warping. The rotor warping is caused by too much heat friction in the front braking system. As a result, the rotors warp causing a substantial loss in braking power. The ball joints and control arms were also replaced under warranty because they were 'loose' and they made a clunking sound often. Since the parts were replaced, the same sound still occurs leading me to believe that the oem parts are faulty. I do not use this vehicle for medium or heavy loads at any time; I do, however, use this vehicle under normal driving conditions in the capacity of a passenger vehicle. Updated 07/24/2012 information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Deer Park, NY, USA

problem #4

Jul 262004

Dakota

  • 6,000 miles
Got Dodge Dakota 4X2 brand new. Brakes squealed after 6,000 miles, fixed under warranty. At 12,000 miles there was a loud clunking noise while turning, taken to dealership, said it was fixed. It was not fixed. At 14,000 miles, both tie rods snapped while making a turn from a complete stop. Fixed under warenty. Now at 15,000 miles, the clunking noise is back while brakes are applied and making turn. These cars are not safe to drive.

- Rochester, MI, USA

problem #3

Aug 302004

Dakota 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 11,000 miles
When brake rotors heat up the steering wheel shakes. At first shaking is minor not always noticeable. But as brakes heat and cool steering wheel shake becomes worse and happens every time brakes are applied. Severe steering wheel shake becomes difficult to control when braking. Chrysler states not a warranty item as brakes only covered for 12,000 miles and my complaint is an isolated incident.

- Kill Devil Hills, NC, USA

problem #2

Mar 242004

Dakota 4WD 8-cyl Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 4,000 miles
Cruise control would engage itself intermittently while driving at high speed. Vehicle had been to the dealer on two separate occasions, and they were unable to locate cause of the problem. Also, a loud popping sound was heard while braking. Dealer was notified. Dealer replaced both rotors and brake light 4 times due to moisture build up. However, problem recurred.

- Switzer, WV, USA

problem #1

Jul 162004

Dakota

  • Automatic transmission
  • 13,300 miles
When slowing down brake pedal pulsated, and the steering wheel vibrated violently.

- Nevada City, CA, USA