Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
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.
Began smelling fuel while at idle or immediately after shutting engine off. If vehicle was left shut off for 30 minutes or so the smell would subside and cease. Vehicle then began taking several seconds of cranking to start which added to the case that fuel was escaping from the pressurized fuel line while sitting. I observed fluid leaking from under truck on driver side of vehicle in the cab region and upon closer inspection found the metal fuel line showed evidence of rubbing against under side of cab body and was spraying fuel toward center of truck and had the under side of truck cab wet in about a 2 foot square. Fuel line shows no evidence of being impacted and is still held in routing and securing clamps underneath vehicle. This appears to be the original routing of fuel lines.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that there was a fuel odor emitting outside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel line needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 00V199000 (fuel system, gasoline). The failure mileage was 121,000. The VIN was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that fuel was leaking from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA recall number 00V199000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated they had no knowledge of recall. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Dodge Dakota. Upon starting the vehicle, the contact noticed a strong fuel odor. The contact shut the vehicle off and discovered fuel leaking under the vehicle. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The current and failure mileages were approximately 120,000. Updated 02/03/11 updated 03/17/11
Dt*: the contact stated while driving the contact smelled gasoline. The contact noticed there was gas coming from the top of the plastic fuel tank. There was a crack located at the right rear top corner of the tank. The dealership has been informed.
Consumer complained about a steering box problem. Also, dealer replaced the ball joints and idler arm. Consumer is keeping an eye on the fuel filler tube because it seemed to be rusted. Also, brake line is also rusted.
Gasoline odor while the vehicle was running. Found fuel leaking from the fuel line running under the body on driver's side. Dealer was notified, and informed the consumer that the vehicle was not covered under a recall.
I received a safety recall notice from daimler-Chrysler for the fuel line (recall number 892). The problem was that the fuel line was contacting the body of the vehicle, and could eventually wear through. I took the vehicle to the dealer, and they installed an "isolator" on the fuel line. About a week later, I happend to be looking underneath the vehicle, and noted that the "isolator" amounted to nothing more than a small cyllinder of rubber that was wrapped around the fuel line to separate it from the body of the truck. Unfortunately, the isolator has slipped down and the fuel line is again contacting the body of the vehicle. I noted that there was significant abrasion on the fuel line, although it is not leaking. I shoved the rubber piece back into place. However, it is unlikely to stay there. This is a 4x4 pickup, and it is used off road on a regular basis. …
The filler neck assembly fell under my truck while I was putting gasoline in the tank. It is only held by 4 screws which had fallen out and there is no flange to keep the filler line from falling beneath the truck. This could have been a disaster if it had happened while I was driving down the highway and it could have caused my truck to catch on fire. I called the dealer and they had no "fix" for it other than to put new sheet-metal screws back on it.
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Vehicle description: pickup trucks with a 131 inch wheelbase. Some of these vehicles May have been built with inadequate clearance between the fuel line and the cab underbody.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicles for proper clearance. Fuel lines that exhibit inadequate clearance will be replaced with a redesigned fuel line that will assure proper clearance.
Fuel System complaints in other Dakota years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 1997 Dodge Dakota?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 1997 Dodge Dakota, 9% of the model year's 446 complaints. The component named most often is delivery › hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Dodge Dakota fuel system problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 00V-199 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Jul 17, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1997 Dodge Dakota fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 115,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to fuel & propulsion system 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.