Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
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).
1997 Dodge Dakota club cab 2 wd pickup had excessive tire wear at 25,000 miles so all tires replaced. Tires had been rotated every 7,000 mi. After tire replaced took to Dodge dealer for front end alignment. Dealer refused because they said front ball joints needed replaced costing $900. When asked if this was unusual dealer said no and that ball joints could wear out in 10,000 miles. I called daimler Chrysler to complain and they refused my request for assistance saying no problems of this type have been reported. The truck was never driven off road, never involved in an accident, only driven to work and home within 40 miles of my home. Truck was never abused and I feel the ball joints (and tires) should not have worn out in this small amount of time. I am an engineer and believe there is a design or manufacturing problem that LED to this premature failure. …
Tl contact owns a 1997 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that the vehicle shifts out of gear when the 4 wheel drive feature is activated. The failure began since the time the vehicle was purchased. He called the dealer, but became ill and was unable to return the vehicle for repair before the thirty day warranty expired. The vehicle received a new state inspection in spite of the brake and ball joint issues. The contact stated that the 4 wheel drive feature disengages while driving and the upper and lower ball joints were completely worn, making the vehicle difficult to steer. The wheel hub was replaced and there was no brake lining on the rear axle. The brake cables were replaced as well. The VIN, engine size, and purchase date were unknown. The current mileage is 116,000 and failure mileage was 108,000.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Dodge Dakota. The vehicle has continental tires. While driving 65 MPH, the tread from one of the tires began to strike the door and front fender of the vehicle before completely separating from the tire. The remainder of the tires remained inflated. The contact did not drive or any potholes or other road hazards to cause the failure. He took the tire back to the store from where it was purchased and was informed that it was defective. The tire was replaced for free. The tire size, tire line, and remaining tread depth were unknown. The failure mileage was 90,408. Updated 03/17/09. The consumer believed the tire was defective. Updated 03/17/09.
The cruise control (97 Dakota) has proven intermittent on every long trip. Four attempts by the dealer to locate and correct the problem have been unsuccessful. The cruise control quits after 1 - 3 hours. Shutting the vehicle down and restarting restores normal operation for a while. The OEM tires (Goodyear wranglers) have poor dry and very poor wet traction and are dangerous. Replaced with Michelin tires, excellent now.
Vehicle rim experiencing hair line cracks along thebase of wheel; causing air to leaks out. Dealer notified and refuse to replace wheel unless cost go to consumer. / also vehicle wheel never was invovled in a accident....... Seeking help or additional information from NHTSA in this matter.
Front tires excessively worn on outside edges. Driver's side front tire also excessively worn on inner edge. Passenger side front tire slightly worn on inner edge. All of which May cause a tire blowout. Same problem on the 1991 Dakota. Please provide further information.
Uneven, excessivee wear on the outside of the front tires, even though tires were rotated approximately every 6-8,000 miles. Only driven on highways. Had to replace at 19,000 miles.( dot number: tire size: p215-75r15 )
The front tires experienced uneven tread wear. Dealership was unable to perform a front end alignment because all 4 ball joints wore out prematurely.
Consumer complaining that Dodge manufacturer is putting regular vehicle tires on their trucks. Consumer confronted Dodge manufacturer, but manufacturer refused to comment. Dealer notified.
Steering knuckle spindle assembly failed causing caliper to come loose . Hub bearings on both front wheel assemblys wore out. Was told that this could result in wheel coming off of vehicle.
Wheel & Tire complaints in other Dakota years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 1997 Dodge Dakota?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 1997 Dodge Dakota, 5% of the model year's 446 complaints. The component named most often is tread/belt (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Dodge Dakota wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires 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 wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
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.