Which Dodge Dakota Years to Avoid and Why? (Explained)
The Dodge Dakota is a good vehicle for towing and hauling. It’s affordable and gets decent mileage. If you’re searching for a terrific mid-size vehicle, the Dodge Dakota may be on your checklist. It is not without drawbacks, though.
Dakotas can generate strange sounds, have faulty or worn ball joints that make the steering feel awkward, have deadly airbags, get stuck in the park, have a damaged dashboard, and have brake troubles.
You could wonder, like with any automobile, which Dodge Dakota years to avoid. In 2011, the Dakota was decommissioned after a long run.
This article will assist you in determining which Dodge Dakota years you should avoid and which ones will perform well on the road.
What Makes These Dodge Dakota Years Worth Avoiding?
Throughout the years, several Dodge Dakota models distinguished out. However, if you want to get the most bang for your money from a secondhand automobile transaction, there are a few Dodge Dakota years to avoid.
Dakota has had a lot of problems in recent years, which is why you should stay away from them.
2000 Dodge Dakota Problems:
The engine issue is the utmost problem of this model.There were concerns that the oil sludge built up quickly in this 2000 Dodge Dakota, causing a pressure reduction. This would impair idling and perhaps cause misfiring.
The paint on the hood and roof would entirely fade away, according to the owners.
2001 Dodge Dakota Problems:
The braking system of the 2001 Dodge Dakota was defective. The wheels would become quite hot as a result of this. Smoke would be produced as well. If the ABS was activated, the rear brakes would also lock.
This vehicle, too, had transmission problems. Ball joints have been reported to fail by users.
This model’s paint job was likewise lacking. It peeled off or became chalky, according to several users.
2002 Dodge Dakota Problems:
The Dodge Dakota model from 2002 is the most frequently complained about. It had several critical problems.
The majority of them had to do with the brakes and engine. The truck’s brakes would regularly lock up or overheat, preventing normal braking.
It also had to deal with a drop in oil pressure, which caused the engine to stop running correctly. In this model, the air conditioning system was also problematic.
2004 Dodge Dakota Problems:
The 2004 Dodge Dakota is not a good option if we look at the transmission issue. Shifting concerns caused the transfer case chain spring to fail on occasion.
Quick sludge build-up causes banging noises and abrupt stoppage. There were also comments about how jerky the steering was. This is a matter of personal preference rather than a flaw.
2005 Dodge Dakota Problems:
The 2005 Dodge Dakota has a slew of problems as well. All of the whiles, the engine was idling rough. Another severe issue was the failure of some of the cylinders to fire.
Even though there were brake issues, they were not as bad as they had been in 2002. During braking, the car would sway. It is inconvenient to drive because of this.
What Makes These Dodge Dakota Years Worth Avoiding?
There are a few reasons why these years should be avoided. The most common customer complaints about the Dodge Dakota are given below.
Let’s take a deeper look at each of these issues, concentrating on some of the specifics and examining which models were more vulnerable to the issues.
1. Engine Issues
Engine problems were one of the most common problems with Dodge Dakota models.
The most typical engine problems are oil pressure loss owing to sludge, variable idle, and recurrent misfires on the same cylinder.
Because of leaks in various spots,engine overheating was a typical problem with the Dodge Dakota.
The coolant was said to be leaking, causing the engine to lose control of its temperature. It is simple to spot an overheated engine.
2. Bodypainting Issues
The body paint on Dodge Dakotas from 2002 has caused a lot more worry among owners. One of the complaints are clear coat peeling and blotchy paint.
Customers observed the top of the roof’s paint was deteriorating swiftly. They’ve also complained about the roof’s clear finish oxidizing, as well as rusting wheel wells.
3. Cracked Dashboard
The problem was originally noticed in 1998 and continued until 2006. The most likely reason is that the dashboards are composed of faulty plastic that will break down after only a few years of frequent use.
Some think the crux of the problem is a poor production method, notably in how the dashboards are formed.
The dash will acquire “stress fractures,” which are straight lines if the molten plastic is not at the right temperature during the molding process.
4. Airbag Problem
The most major problem with the Dodge Dakota is this. Between 2005 and 2011, this problem affected truck models. The airbags in these models are ticking time bombs that should not be ignored.
The inflators become unstable over time, and during airbag deployment, they can burst or detonate, sending metal fragments into the cabin.
If you plan to buy a Dakota from one of the years listed above, you should have it inspected right away. To fix the problem, the company had to issue a recall.
5. Brake problems
Because once you buy a Dodge Dakota, you can count on a strong braking system. Choose a model year with a reliable braking system. This choice will save you money while keeping you safe on the road.
The most common problems with brakes are as follows: Brake cylinder lockup, heated brakes smoking, brake lockup
The Dodge Dakota from 2002 is by far the weakest of the bunch, with brakes being the most common issue. This model was reported to have braking difficulties by nearly sixty-nine people.
Which Dodge Dakota Years are Safe to Buy?
We’ve already discussed how the Dodge Dakota years are best avoided. Which ones, however, are safe to drive?
Some of the greatest years for the Dodge Dakota are given below
2011 Dodge Dakota
Many aspects of the 2011 Dodge Dakota were enhanced over previous models.
- Under the hood, the V8 engine was a powerhouse.
- The manufacturer also included a high-quality navigation and audio system.
- The 2011 Dakota came in last because its interior was not composed of high-quality materials, and it lacked electronic stability aid.
2010 Dodge Dakota
The Dodge Dakota’s 2010 model was one of the last. Many people adored this model.
- The truck can easily pull up to 5000 pounds thanks to its V6 engine.
- The V8 model, on the other hand, may increase that number to 7200. That’s rather remarkable.
- With ABS and airbags, the vehicle is exceptionally safe.
2009 Dodge Dakota
The Dodge Dakota 2009 model is an excellent choice for anyone searching for a truck that handles like a beast on the highway.
- The fuel efficiency is good, with a maximum of 15 miles per gallon. This model’s interior has a high-end feel to it.
- Many people love the fact that the manufacturer incorporated heated leather seats.
Conclusion
Even though the Dodge Dakota hasn’t been produced in a long time, the live models are stunning.
If you’re looking for a used version of this car, it’s critical to understand which ones are worth your money and which will cost you a lot of money in maintenance.
The Dakota models from 2000 and 2002 have a lot of problems, while the 2010 and 2011 models don’t. When looking for a Dodge Dakota that will keep you secure while also saving you money, there are several factors to consider.
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