Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Dodge Dakota owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
3 days after we bought this vehicle the fuel system went down. Replaced the fuel pump and still wants to stall and act like its clogged in the fuel lines. Its been flushed. When driving it bogs down and chugs. It wants to die and shut off while your driving the truck. The brakes only work half the time. Most of the time I can't even stop until I'm halfway through the intersection. Replaced all the sensors and still doesn't want to start and stay running. Fuel pump kicks on, but has to run extra hard to try and keep the engine running.
Tl* the contact owned a 1997 Dodge Dakota. While driving 50 MPH, the vehicle began to overheat without warning. The contact pulled over and opened the hood of the vehicle. The contact discovered that the engine was on fire. The fire department extinguished the fire. A fire report was filed and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage and VIN were unavailable.
Our 1997 Dodge Dakota truck's engine failed this past February due to the lack of oil pressure. We then had to have the truck towed to the mechanic. Our mechanic told us we needed to get a new engine put in since our engine was full of sludge and he said it was due to the lack of changing our oil. My wife and I knew this was not the case at all since we always had the oil changed every 3,000 miles and we could not figure out how this could have happened. After paying $5,000 for a new engine, we were outraged and did our own research online about the Chrysler engines and found that this is actually a huge problem with the Chrysler engines everywhere. The only thing we've noticed in our research is that the complaints are stemming from the smaller 2.7 liter engines, but we have a 3.9 liter engine with the same exact problem. …
I own a 1997 Dodge Dakota slt. The engine is a 5.2 v8 with only 45,000 miles my complaint started around 40,000 miles. I am getting a severe spark knock and a tremendous oil consumption 2.5 quarts every two hundred miles. They installed faulty engine intake manifold plenum pan gaskets. Through my extensive research there have been countless complaints on this. I was driving down the highway and my check engine light came on and checked my gauges I had a complete loss of oil pressure. Luckily no one was behind me because my engine stalled!!! The Dodge dealer told me this is very common, so why are they not taking responsibility?
Two driver side exhaust manifold bolts broke off. These two bolts where holding on the heat shield. The heat shield drop down and wedged it self between the engine and steering shaft. The steering shaft is now scored. The only reason I found this was that I know what an exhaust leak sounds like and went searching. If I didn't I would have never found it until my steering shaft separated.
Consumer was replacing upper and lower ball joints every 35,000 miles. Also, consumer replaced the idler arm. Consumer contacted the dealer, who informed consumer that they will not warranty the suspension parts. Provide further details. The consumer stated the manifold plenum gasket was leaking oil into the intake. The consumer replaced the gasket himself.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 35 MPH a knocking and pinging sound was heard coming from the engine. The vehicle was driven to an independent repair shop for inspection. The mechanic determined the engine needed replaced due to oil sludge. The vehicle was properly maintained. The manufacturer has been alerted. Updated 6/12/2006 -
Upper and lower ball joints failed at 77,000 miles. The vehicle started squeaking over slight bumps and worsened to squeaking all of the time, the steering wheel began to make unusual noises when turning, and coolant leaked from the engine.
The vehicle's fan belt squealed the day I drove it off of the showroom floor. It has been for repairs to the belt six times it is clos to the end of the warranty and Chrysler refuses to commit to continued repair until the problem is solved. The belt is a concern for me because if it fails while I am called to the hospital in the middle of the night, I could be stranded in a very bad neighborhood and could be dealt great bodily harm or death if the indiviual needs drug money desperately!! I also do not feel the vehicle is a reliable form of transportation. The first two times it was in the dealer, they repalced clutch parts, the third time they claimed there was nothing wrong. The fourth time they took my suggestion and sprayed the belt with water and it squealed. They replaced the belt. The fifth time, it was squealing all of the time. They replaced the belt and the belt idler. …
I have two recurring problems. 1) I had the truck in 3 separate times for rattling noise in the engine compartment. The dealer, so far, replaced the timing chain and fan clutch, both under warranty. Once again, the engine is making the same rattling noise. This noise started around 58,000 miles. Also, my engine currently has an oil leak. The dealer claims it is the front seal. The dealer broke this seal when the timing chain was replaced. The dealer refuses to pay for the seal repair. 2) I had the truck in 3 times for another rattling noise in the A/C (interior). The dealer claimed the noise was normal. The fourth visit and conversation with manager proved that the noise, in fact, was not normal. The dealer replaced the compressor. At the current mileage, the A/C is once again making the same noise. In summary, the engine is producing a rattling noise. …
Engine complaints in other Dakota years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1997 Dodge Dakota?
NHTSA has 51 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1997 Dodge Dakota, 11% of the model year's 446 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Dodge Dakota engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1997 Dodge Dakota, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1997 Dodge Dakota engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 77,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.