Most common 2004 Dodge Dakota problems
Share of the 206 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Dodge Dakota complaints by model year
Best Dakota years: 2009, 2010, 2011. Years to avoid: 2000, 2001, 2002, 1999, 1998. Compare all years →
2004 Dodge Dakota recalls (1)
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the windshield wiper module motor May be susceptible to water intrusion that could cause internal corrosion and result in partial or complete loss of front windshield wiping capability.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front windshield wiper module. Owner notification began on July 12, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
What 2004 Dodge Dakota owners say
Steering all 74 →
Got in vehicle and started to drive when I noticed making a turn the steering wheel would not return to center. The steering was real heavy like the power steering was failing. Checked power steering fluid-it was okay,tire pressure was OK. As I continued to drive the steering got better. Since that incident the problem with the steering comes and goes. I went on the web and found out how many more 2004 Dodge Dakota truck owners are having the same problem. The steering problem seems to be in the intermediate shaft and/or the steering rack. There should be a recall for this safety problem or a class action. Also the 2004 Dakota ball joints went out at 60000 miles at my expense. There was a recall for 2003 Dakota ball joints being bad but not 2004. …
The steering is very hard to turn either left or right at most times. Feels as if the power steering has failed, but had it inspected by mechanic and says power steering pump and belts are fine. This difficulty in steering is also accompanied by a grinding type of noise in the steering column behind the steeing wheel. It has become more than just an occasional annoyance but rather a more permanent safety issue since my wife is no longer able to use the truck because of the difficulty with the steering. Please advise on what May be the cause and if the manufacturer is aware of similar problems with other Dakota pick ups and if they have issued a recall in the past to remedy the problem. I am hoping to have this resolved quickly since I fear it May only lead to some tragic or catastrophic result. Thank you
Suspension all 45 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Dodge Dakota 4x4. While driving approximately 10 MPH, the contact attempted to make a turn then unexpectedly the front driver's side wheel collapsed due to a fractured ball joint. The vehicle crashed into a cement post in a parking lot. There were no personal injuries. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. There was a recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 04V596000 (suspension:front:control arm:upper ball joint); however the VIN was not included. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Dodge Dakota. While accelerating at a low speed, the contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. In addition, while a stop, the vehicle overheated and the temperature gauge increased. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to multiple independent mechanics, who diagnosed that the front, upper and lower ball joints, struts, control arms, idle arms, control arm bushings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Brakes all 23 →
I own a 2004 Dakota quad 4x4 with 78K miles on it. I bought the truck new and have taken care of it. Most of the miles are highway and it has not been driven off road. Since its no longer under warranty I got online to research a diy solution. I found that many of the problems I have had and are having are not just being experienced by myself but other Dakota owners. 1) steering issues the steering wheel becomes extremely hard to turn at times both going into and coming out of a turn. This started happening in feb 2009 with 71K on it. It is much more prevalent in cold weather. I was unable to drive the truck until the weather warmed up. (I have not had this fixed yet.) 2) brake issues 27K I had to have the front rotors and the rear drums turned and new pads and shoes installed and had the brake fluid changed. …
Here's what I submitted to the Dodge website: last night I returned from my Dodge dealership after having new brake pads and new rotors installed. The vehicle is driving fine and the brakes are operating perfectly. The assistant service manager, wes, was helpful and professional. However, I don't think spending $900 on new rotors should be required after two years of operation and less than 50,000 miles. I am meticulous about maintenance and tire rotation. I do not ride the truck hard and all of my driving is country, not city, mileage. Even your Dodge personnel could not give me any reason why this would happen so soon. I am not a certified mechanic, but I believe there is something seriously wrong with either the design of the brakes or the materials or components used in the brake design. …
2004 Dodge Dakota engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 20 / 17 |
| 3.7L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 14 / 20 / 17 |
| 3.7L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 4.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 19 / 15 |
| 4.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 13 / 18 / 15 |
| 3.7L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 18 / 15 |
| 4.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 17 / 15 |
| 4.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 17 / 14 |
EPA ratings. Class: Full-size pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Dodge Dakota a good car?
Based on 206 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 Dakota rates average: 18% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Dakota at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Dodge Dakota?
The steering — 74 complaints, 36% of all complaints for this model year, most often about linkages › tie rod assembly. Next are the suspension (45) and brakes (23).
How many recalls does the 2004 Dodge Dakota have?
There is 1 recall for the 2004 Dodge Dakota, the most recent from May 5, 2004 (windshield wiper/washer). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Dodge Dakota?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2009, 2010 and 2011. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2000, 2001, 2002, 1999 and 1998. See the full Dodge Dakota years comparison.
At what mileage do 2004 Dodge Dakota problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 51,000 miles; 47% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.