Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (seat frames, recliners, heated seats and seat tracks).
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).
While accelerating from a stop both front seats randomly fall almost flat, causing several near rear end collisions from losing control of steering wheel. On occasions the driver seat has fallen and striking our 2 year old in the face. Not only does it collapse from stops, as does it happen when hitting a small bump, speed bumps, or other small rough patches in the road. I have found no way to keep them upright and I fully believe this is a manufacture defect and I should not have to foot the $700+ bill to replace/repair these seats.
A part inside the front seat broke easily in rear end crash, front seat was occupied. Driver was going 12 MPH when hit in the rear of the truck by a vehicle hit by a vehicle going 40 MPH. The difference is only 28 MPH and the seat broke, the driver fell straight back and was unconscious, sliding under the seatbelt towards the floor. The part of the seat that broke was defective.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that the driver front seat was unstable. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure could not be diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure and no repairs were made. The failure mileage was 125,000 and the current mileage was 150,000. The VIN was unavailable.
I cannot rest properly against the seat back it will recline on its own. Reaching into pocket at drive-thru restaurants applying moderate pressure against seat back it falls all the way back. If I accelerate swiftly the seat back will drop from behind me. In event of accident I'm sure I will have no support to prevent whiplash.
While vehicle was stopped it was rearended. Had child in extended cab bench seat. The seat collapsed backwards & child's head hit side of cab. The front seats collapsed backwards onto child seated in rear. Child sustained serious injuries from the seat. Both seats fell backwards upon impact. Vehicle was totaled.
For a period of a year front driver and passenger set back collapsed. This happened over fifty times and while driving. Consumer tried cleaning the recliner handle and surrounding area, but the problem still occurs.
Replace both sides of upper and lower ball joints at 60K and 120K despite using the best grease in them synthetic. I've complained about the seat back before since new it falls back. Front bucket.
Drivers seat back adjuster is stripped. Upon acceleration, seatback will collapse into an almost flat position. I have lost control on several occasions. Dealer,manufacturer,and vehicle extended warranty company all refuse to repair. What prompted me was a report on tv about this same problem where a guy died from a minor rearend collision,he was also driving an extended cab pickup and his seatback failed, he hit his head on the back window frame and died! Repair part cost is $700 not including labor.
Recline seat latch does not positively latch after use. Concerned that children in rear seat will be injured in minor rear end collision when front seat collapsing on them. After seat is reclined forward to access rear seat, recline latch does not positively latch. Seat can be reclined by driver/passenger pushing back without releasing latch.
The latch mechanism on both of the front bucket seats, that allow either the driver's or passenger's seat to recline forward, does not lock when returned to the upright position, resulting in the seats moving forward when stopping in a emergency situation. Please give any further details.
Seat complaints in other Dakota years
Frequently asked questions
How common are seat problems on the 1997 Dodge Dakota?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the seats of the 1997 Dodge Dakota, 5% of the model year's 446 complaints. The component named most often is front assembly › recliner (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Dodge Dakota seat problems?
No. NHTSA lists no seats 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 seat problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 7 injuries to seats 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.