1999 Dodge Dakota problems
The 1999 Dodge Dakota has 1,011 complaints on file with NHTSA. The largest share (50%) concerns suspension. After that come brakes (11%) and steering (8%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 1,011 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Suspension 50% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 67 and 6
- Injuries and deaths
- 30 and 0
- Typical mileage
- 59,000 miles 550 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 30 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 107 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 144 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 129 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 59 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 30 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 19 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 17 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 7 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 3 |
| 200k+ miles | 5 |
What the data shows
Among the 550 complaints that report mileage, the typical (median) problem appeared at about 59,000 miles. For suspension specifically, the median reported mileage is about 54,000 miles (339 complaints with mileage).
Safety-related details: 67 complaints mention a crash; 6 complaints mention a fire; 30 injuries reported.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 1999 ranks 3rd most-complained-about out of 21 model years of the Dodge Dakota with enough data (679 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 4 safety recall campaigns.
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
While traveling at 35MPH another vehicle pulled out in front. Was broadsided by dodge. Upon impact, the dodge's air bags did not deploy. Both driver & passenger were slightly injured. Police report filed. Vehicle was towed to shop for repairs.
I was involved in a three vehicle collision with myself being in the middle of two other pickup trucks. The truck in front of me had a trailer hitch on the back causing all of the impact to be in the middle of my front end resulting in a u-shaped indentation going back into the engine of my truck. The collision was on an interstate and we were moving at approx. 50MPH slowing due to the vehicle in front stopping suddenly.
Ball joints failed on vehicle. One ball joint broke and took out the brakes. Was on freeway when heard clunking noise. Got off freeway and had the vehicle towed. Dealer said that I could have been killed if I would have continued driving.
While driving vehicle became uncontrollable and hard to maintain. Also, the ride was very bumpy due to defective upper and lower ball joints. Consumer took the vehicle to dealer for repairs at 80,000 miles.
I have a dodge dakota,1999, all the ball joints are bad and dangerously worn. The biggest problem is they are the same as the durango!!!!! And I can't get them. They are out of stock all over at a cost of $2000.00approximately.!!! I understand there is an investigation underway for the durango but did you realize the dakota is the same part.............. Not only cant I afford this repair it is a 53,000 mile vehicle that is well cared for and this is abosorbent and gouging the public.