Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2004 Dodge Dakota, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Steering74
- Suspension45
- Electrical system21
- Service brakes, hydraulic21
- Power train19
- Air bags15
- Visibility12
- Engine and engine cooling12
- Structure7
- Vehicle speed control6
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 8 injuries and 1 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 36 2004 Dakota vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 20 people died inside them, and 5 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2004 Dodge Dakota failed the safety check 2.50% of the time — 13% more often than the average 2004 passenger car (2.21%). Median odometer at inspection: 137,339 miles.
6,000first inspections
2.50%failed on safety
137,339 mimedian odometer
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 8 variants: combined 13.7–16.5 L/100 km (about 14–17 mpg US), CO₂ 315–380 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dakota · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 15.7 | 11.2 | 13.7 |
| Dakota · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 16.4 | 11.5 | 14.2 |
| Dakota 4X4 · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 16.5 | 12.5 | 14.7 |
| Dakota 4X4 · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 16.5 | 12.7 | 14.8 |
| Dakota · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 17.4 | 12.7 | 15.3 |
| Dakota · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 18.2 | 12.8 | 15.8 |
| Dakota 4X4 · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 17.9 | 13.6 | 16.0 |
| Dakota 4X4 · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 18.6 | 13.8 | 16.5 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
1 Transport Canada recall for the 2004 Dodge Dakota.
| 2004155 6 May 2004 | Other On certain vehicles, the windshield wiper motor assembly may become susceptible to water intrusion that could cause internal corrosion and result in partial or … |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
04V216000 · Visibility5 May 2004 · 320,188 vehicles
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.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Dodge told its dealers about the 2004 Dodge Dakota: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11010205 | Plate - Planetary |
| 10230298 | Security Module Lock Out After Entering the PIN to Unlock The Wireless Control Module (WCM) |
| 10229256 | KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty. |
| 10229181 | Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. Unless, the EGR Block-Off Plate is being transferred from the old engine. |
| 10228094 | Radiator If vehicle comes in for transmission fluid leaking from trans-oil cooler fittings on the radiator, please perform the following before replacing the radiator/cooler:~ 1. Remove both of the transmission lines from the cooler?s top/bottom flared fittings on the radiator. ~ 2. Remove hex nut and the top flared fitting on the radiator tank.~ 3. Using a wire brush and gasket remover, clean off the old sealant on the smaller threaded portion of the flared fitting. Do the same for the threads on the trans oil cooler.~ 4. Apply a new application of Mopar PN 04318032 to the flared fit |
| 10228093 | KEY BLANK WITH TRANSMITTER The key with an integrated FOB P/N 05183348AA is temporarily unavailable. The supplier is currently working on a functional replacement. Currently, for customer satisfaction, the immobilizer blade key (no integrated FOB) P/N 05018689AA can be offered to the customer as an alternative option. For any details please contact FCA Engineering: Cell (248) 408-9068 Boris Prishkolnik |
| 10223854 | Service - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only. Installation: 1. Clean the oil pan T-joints.~ 2. Fill the T-joint between the pan rail/gear housing and pan rail/rear seal retainer with sealant. Use Mopar Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant or equivalent. 3. Apply a 2-mm [0.063-in] bead of Mopar Engine Sealant RTV Silicone Rubber Adhesive, to the oil pan flange.~ 4. The four piece gasket will need to be assembled to make |
| 10223762 | Security Module Lock Out After Entering the PIN to Unlock The Wireless Control Module (WCM) |
| 10223602 | Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. Unless, the EGR Block-Off Plate is being transferred from the old engine. |
| 10221686 | KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty. |
| 10220995 | Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement please order kit 68253161AA. Insulator only used on Auto-RWD transmission Note: The color of the insulator is not relevant for service. |
| 10220994 | Part Description: Insulator in Lever Assembly - Valve Body - Trans Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and an instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement please order 68253099AA. Note: Insulator color is not relevant for service |
| 10220471 | Mechanical rocker arm, intake, 1.7 ratio. |
| 10220101 | Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts. |
| 10220099 | Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts. |
| 10220097 | Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage. |
| 10217728 | Generic Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Procedure This bulletin involves programming a generic PCM with software. |
| 10191460 | Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling. |
| 10191442 | Mechanical rocker arm, intake, 1.7 ratio. |
| 10189392 | MIL Illumination - DTC P1776 Solenoid Switch Valve Latched in LR Position |
| 10181452 | Radiator If vehicle comes in for transmission fluid leaking from trans-oil cooler fittings on the radiator, please perform the following before replacing the radiator/cooler:~ 1. Remove both of the transmission lines from the cooler?s top/bottom flared fittings on the radiator. ~ 2. Remove hex nut and the top flared fitting on the radiator tank.~ 3. Using a wire brush and gasket remover, clean off the old sealant on the smaller threaded portion of the flared fitting. Do the same for the threads on the trans oil cooler.~ 4. Apply a new application of Mopar PN 04318032 to the flared fitting |
| 10181451 | KEY BLANK WITH TRANSMITTER The key with an integrated FOB P/N 05183348AA is temporarily unavailable. The supplier is currently working on a functional replacement. Currently, for customer satisfaction, the immobilizer blade key (no integrated FOB) P/N 05018689AA can be offered to the customer as an alternative option. For any details please contact FCA Engineering: Cell (248) 408-9068 Boris Prishkolnik |
| 10175743 | Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19 |
| 10175735 | Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary. |
| 10169249 | Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts. |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)