Before you buy
This 2004 Dodge Dakota has 206 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Steering Defects.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2004 Dodge Dakota Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2004 Dodge Dakota trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.
2004 Dodge Dakota Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2004 Dodge Dakota Extended CabOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2004 Dodge Dakota has 206 owner complaints, 11 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Steering Defects. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Dodge
- Model
- Dakota
- Model year
- 2004
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 206
- Crash-related complaints
- 11
- Safety recall campaigns
- 5
- Top reported component
- Steering Defects
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 15
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 13 / 17
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- No
Common problems
Most common 2004 Dodge Dakota problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Steering Defects
Suspension Failures
Brake System
Complaint patterns center on Steering Defects, Suspension Failures, Brake System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2004 Dodge Dakota?
This DODGE DAKOTA year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection.
Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2004 Dodge Dakota
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
- Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
- Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN
Before You Close the Deal
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2004 Dodge Dakota, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The DODGE DAKOTA has 206 NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. 11 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Recall context: 5 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.
- 206 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 5 federal recall campaigns
- 11 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Full breakdown
All 2004 Dodge Dakota complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Dodge Dakota. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 74 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 45 | 2 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 23 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 21 | — | 3 | — | |
| Hydraulic | 21 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 19 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 15 | 8 | 2 | — | |
| Visibility | 12 | — | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 12 | 1 | — | — | |
| Equipment | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2004 Dodge Dakota. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
While driving my 2004 dodge Dakota all the gauges, including the speedometer and the tachometer stopped working. Everything went off although the truck was still running. I had headlights turn signals an emergency flashers nothing else. I don’t know how fast I was going how muc…
Unknown the four wheel drive was out when I purchased it I didn't realize until later that day when I drove it and tried to engage it. It no longer works and it is a safety hazard to even try and turn on it doesn't engage and makes a noise and catches in some sort of way I believ…
MY VEHICLES DRIVE SHAFT FELL OFF WHILE MAKING A STOP AT A RED LIGHT, THE PINON NUT HAD COME LOOSE. IT WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC'S SHOP, MY DAD CAME AND REATTACHED IT. IT STILL MADE A WHIRRING SOUND, AT FIRST I WAS ON THE WAY TO THE MECHANIC FOR WHAT I THOUGH WAS A PINON SEAL LEAK.
TRANS SHIFT SOLENOID CONTROL PACK CODE POPPED UP AND DOES NOT SHIFT SMOOTHLY AT ALL
SHIFTER WILL MOVE WITHOUT KEY IN IGNITION. WILL ROLE IN ANY DIRECTION IN ANY POSITION BUT PARK. CAN REMOVE KEY FROM IGNITION WHILE RUNNING. WHILE IT'S STILL RUNNING WITH KEY OUT CAN SHIFT AND DRIVE. OTHER TIMES WHEN I GO TO START ENGINE THE KEY WON'T TURN. I HAVE TO HIT THE …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW BECAME DISLODGED FROM THE VEHICLE, FELL TO THE GROUND, AND SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WINDOW REGULATOR FAILED. THE…
THE STEERING IS VERY HARD TO TURN EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT AT MOST TIMES. FEELS AS IF THE POWER STEERING HAS FAILED, BUT HAD IT INSPECTED BY MECHANIC AND SAYS POWER STEERING PUMP AND BELTS ARE FINE. THIS DIFFICULTY IN STEERING IS ALSO ACCOMPANIED BY A GRINDING TYPE OF NOISE IN THE …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE DAKOTA. WHEN THE HEATER WAS ACTIVATED, THERE WAS NO AIR FLOW DISTRIBUTED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE T…
THE DRIVER HEADLIGHT QUIT WORKING. I WENT TO THE STORE TO REPLACE IT THINKING IT HAD BURNT OUT. WHEN I REPLACED THE LIGHT IT DID NOT WORK STILL AND THE OLD HEADLIGHT STILL HAD BOTH FILAMENTS PROVING IT WAS STILL GOOD. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO THE DEALERSHIP AFTER BOTH HEADLIGHTS QUIT …
THE HEATER BLOWER RESISTOR KEEPS BURNING UP. I HAVE REPLACED THE RESISTOR VARIOUS TIMES AND IT KEEPS BURNING UP. I REPLACED THE BLOWER MOTOR AND THE RESISTOR KEEPS BURNING UP. I HAD THE VEHICLE CHECKED FOR AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT AND IT HAS NONE. THE WIRING TO THE RESISTOR AL…
DRIVING ON A RAINY NIGHT AND HEADLIGHTS AND WIPERS QUIT WORKING ALL AT ONCE. CENTRAL TIMER MODULE FAILED AND SHUT THE LIGHTS AND WIPERS OFF AS WELL AS INTERIOR LIGHTS AND DOOR LOCKS. ALMOST DIDN'T GET VEHICLE STOPPED WITHOUT WRECKING. LEFT VEHICLE AND CAME BACK DURING DAYLIGHT…
AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON TOOK IT TO DEALER THEY SAID IT WAS CLOCK SPRING WENT BAD ,I HAD IT REPLACED WITH NEW ONE . I HAD TO BRAKE FAST TO AVOID HITTING AND AIR BAG CAME ON AGAIN. THESE THINGS COST 100.00 WHAT IS UP WITH THAT?
I STARTED MY VEHICLE AND COULD NOT GET MY HEADLIGHTS TO TURN ON. ALL CONNECTIONS AND BULBS WERE CHECKED BY A MECHANIC AND THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN TRACED TO THE CTM (CENTRAL TIMING MODULE). THESE UNITS ARE ON NATIONWIDE BACK ORDER. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND A SERIOUS REPLAC…
WHILE VEHICLE IS PARKED AND ENGINE RUNNING, I NOTICE SMOKE AND BURNING SMELL OF PLASTIC COMING FROM BLOWER FAN MOTOR UNIT. PLEASE TELL ME IS THERE ANY TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS ON THIS PROBLEM AND HAVE YOU RECEIVED ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS PROBLEM FROM OTHERS. ENGINE SIZ…
WIRING TO BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR GETS SO HOT IT MELTS THE WIRE COVERING AND THE PIGTAIL. IN THE LAST 2 YEARS, HAVE REPLACED THE PIGTAIL 3 TIMES, THE WIRING ONCE, THE RESISTOR TWICE, THE BLOWER MOTOR ONCE, AND THE WHOLE FAN UNIT ONCE. JUST BURNT UP AGAIN WHILE AIR CONDITIONER WAS…
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V313000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE R…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON AND OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52…
ISSUE WITH THE STEERING, APPEARED TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE PUMP. OCCURRED AT ABOUT 50K MILES, 6 YRS. WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING WOULD GET HARD LIKE THE PUMP HAD FAILED, AND THEN WITHOUT WARNING, WOULD RETURN TO THE POWER ASSIST AND OVER STEER DUE TO THE PRESSURE I WAS ALREADY E…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE GEAR SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING DUE T…
SMELL OF BURNT WIRE/PLASTIC. BLOWER CONTROL SWITCH WOULD NOT WORK (BLOWER MOTOR WOULD NOT RUN). BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR AND PIGTAIL CONNECTION WERE MELTED AND FUSED TOGETHER. THIS WAS IN 2010, IT IS NOW 2015 AND I JUST HAD THE SEVENTH RESISTOR PUT IN WITH THE FIFTH PIGTAIL. THE TIM…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2004 Dodge Dakota.
Safety recalls
2004 Dodge Dakota recalls
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2004 Dodge Dakota. 5 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
SUSPENSION:FRONT:HUB
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2004 Dodge Dakota buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2004 Dodge Dakota reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 206 owner complaints, 11 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns for this model year. This DODGE DAKOTA year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Dodge Dakota?▾
#1: Steering Defects (74 complaints). #2: Suspension Failures (45 complaints). #3: Brake System (23 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2004 Dodge Dakota?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2004 Dodge Dakota?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2004 Dodge Dakota, NHTSA complaints include 11 crash-related reports and 6 fire reports out of 206 total complaints. 8 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2004 Dodge Dakota have any recalls?▾
Yes. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2004 Dodge Dakota. A major recall area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING. 5 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2004 Dodge Dakota?▾
This DODGE DAKOTA year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Steering Defects during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Dodge Dakota reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.