Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Dodge Dakota owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Radio was popping during drive from seattle to montana. After a dinner break in idaho, engine died after driving across bridge to get back on freeway. Smoke was issuing from hood (rear drivers side of hood) before coasting to a stop. Vehicle engine compartment and engine were completely destroyed - vehicile totalled. Fire chief (shoshone county, idaho) said it looked like the fire started either in or under the fuse box under hood. Dodge sent a fire engineer to inspect vehicled but won't share the results.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that when the ignition was turned to the on position, steam appeared from the vents. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the heating coil spring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 118,795. Updated 02/10/16;updated 04/30/18
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Dodge Dakota quad cab. The contact stated that the vehicle stalls without warning. The vehicle has no power steering or brakes when the failure occurred. The contact also stated that the vehicle does not sputter or hesitate prior to stalling and when the security warning light is flashing, he is not able to start the vehicle. The contact has to play with the remote to get the light to turn off, and stated that all of the gauges on the instrument panel stopped working when the failure occurred. The vehicle had not been inspected. The VIN was not available and the failure mileage was 78,000. The current mileage was 78,900.
Consumer complained about steering column/headlights. When the steering column was in the tilt upright position, the low beam lights operated. When the tilt steering wheel was in the straight position the low beam lights went out automatically. The consumer found out the low beam wire at the multi-function switch had broken at the connection and shorted out.
Several incidents of electrical failure (date below first incident) speedometer does not work; ABS light stays on; computer shorted out; dealer found computer bolted on top of wires; fan stayed on; dates vary over last 1 1/2 years number of failures is a best guess.
As I was driving along, the vehicle shut off, and smoke came out of the hood. I opened the hood, and all the wiring in the engine bay was on fire. The truck was a complete loss due to fire damage.
Speedometer does not operate smoothly. On acceleration or deceleration movement is erratic (jerky); it moves as if it is getting stuck. Dealer has replaced the instrument cluster 3 times with no improvement. They now say this operation is 'normal' beacuse it is electronic and computer controlled. They now appear to be unwilling to do anything else to the truck. The suspension pops/clunks when making sharp right turns. It occasionally will also pop when stopping and immediately again upon startup (going straight). The intensity of the noise varies. Dealer says they can't find the problem until it gets worse.
The position of the ignition switch is located too close to steering wheel. Point of extra keys dangling from key ring can swing and become lodged in hole in back of steering wheel during left hand turn. End result is steering locked and subsequent loss of vehicle control. Manufacturer should be made to plug holes on back side of steering wheel. I have had this happen to me and problem can easily be duplicated. I have temporarily put duct tape over holes to prevent this from happening again.
As of 10/22/00 until 01/14/01 I have had 18 problems with vehicle. Wont start at different times, but will restart after several minutes. Transmission stays in 3rd gear or slips in & out of gear. Brakes make growling noise & shutter. Truck will die with no warning. Has spark knock with 87 or 89 octane fuel. Many problems.
Consumer states that vehicle's computer is defective. Dealer notified. The vehicle failed state emission test and the dealer replaced spark plugs and serviced the fuel injection. But the vehicle failed the emission test again. Another mechanic stated that the catalytic converter could possibly be the cause. Yh
NHTSA investigations
Stop lamp switch
Alleged that electrical failure of the brake stop lamp switch man result in stop lamps not illumination during service brake application, and the vehicle's cruise control system May fail to disengage
Electrical complaints in other Dakota years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2000 Dodge Dakota?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the electrical system of the 2000 Dodge Dakota, 3% of the model year's 806 complaints. The component named most often is wiring (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Dodge Dakota electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2000 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 2000 Dodge Dakota electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 43,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 7 fires and 0 injuries to electrical 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.