NHTSA lists 12 safety recalls and 830 owner complaints for the 2000 Dodge Dakota. Most complaints involve suspension (287) and service brakes, hydraulic (249). The EPA rates it 12–20 mpg combined.
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
SKF IS RECALLING 2,805 HUB UNITS, PART NO. BR930361, SOLD AS A SERVICE PART FOR 1997-2004 DODGE DAKOTA VEHICLES AND 1999-2003 DODGE DURANGO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2-WHEEL DRIVE & REAR AXLE ABS. DUE TO A SPECIFICATION ERROR, THE ROTOR PILOT FOR THE HUB UNIT MAY BE TOO LONG. THIS RESULTS IN THE WHEEL TO NOT BE SEATED FULLY AGAINST THE HUB FLANGE FACE DURING MOUNTING.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Dakota model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 199 |
| 1997 | 452 |
| 1998 | 557 |
| 1999 | 688 |
| 2000 | 830 |
| 2001 | 678 |
| 2002 | 689 |
| 2003 | 296 |
| 2004 | 206 |
| 2005 | 470 |
| 2006 | 285 |
| 2007 | 145 |
| 2008 | 91 |
| 2009 | 18 |
| 2010 | 35 |
| 2011 | 44 |
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2000 DODGE DAKOTA EQUIPPED WITH COOPER TIRES, TIRE LINE: FUTURA, TIRE SIZE: 275/75/R15. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE VERY LOUD WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT STATED HE TOOK THE TIRES TO PEPBOYS (7725 W NEWBERRY RD, GAINESVILLE, FL 32606, (352)332-6003) TO BE INSPECTED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WHEEL BEARINGS WERE FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 235,100.”
“The contact owns a 1998 N/A Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that while at the DMV to renew the tags, the contact was unable to register the vehicle because the vehicle was under recall. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 00V193000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 163,159.”
“BAD RUST ISSUE TO AREAS INCLUDING FRONT AND REAR BUMBER, THE ENTIRE BED INCLUDING MOUNTING POINTS, FENDERS, CAB CORNERS AND FRAME. LOST FENDER FLARE TWICE DUE TO RUST AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT THE ENTIRE BED SLID BACK AND ALMOST FELL OFF AND FENDERS AND BUMBERS ARE BASICALLY RUST AND NEED REPLACED, WHEEL WELLS ON BED ARE FALLING APART CAUSING A SAFETY ISSUE IF I HAUL ANYTHING”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dakota Pickup 2WD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,200 | 444 |
| Dakota Pickup 2WD Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.9 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,800 | 523 |
| Dakota Pickup 2WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.9 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 16 | $4,000 | 555 |
| Dakota Pickup 2WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,300 | 592 |
| Dakota Pickup 2WD Man 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,300 | 592 |
| Dakota Pickup 4WD Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.9 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | $4,300 | 592 |
| Dakota Pickup 4WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.9 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | $4,600 | 635 |
| Dakota Pickup 4WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | $4,600 | 635 |
| Dakota Pickup 4WD Man 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | $4,600 | 635 |
| Dakota Pickup 2WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.9 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 | 16 | 13 | $4,950 | 684 |
| Dakota Pickup 4WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.9 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 11 | 15 | 12 | $5,350 | 741 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
12 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 830 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are suspension (287), service brakes, hydraulic (249), power train (75). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2000 Dodge Dakota at 12–20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (11 versions rated).