Dodge Dakota Fuel System, Gasoline Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Sep 30, 2026 · 134 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 134 complaints with NHTSA about fuel system, gasoline problems on the Dodge Dakota across 14 model years. The 1997 model year has the most (34). The words owners use most often: “fuel line” (13% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Fuel line: mentioned in 18 of 134 complaints (13%)
  • Gas tank: mentioned in 16 of 134 complaints (12%)
  • Pump failed: mentioned in 8 of 134 complaints (6%)
  • Ball joints: mentioned in 8 of 134 complaints (6%)

At what mileage do fuel system, gasoline problems happen?

Based on 55 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles12 · 22%
10k–25k miles7 · 13%
25k–50k miles15 · 27%
50k–75k miles9 · 16%
75k–100k miles6 · 11%
100k–150k miles6 · 11%
150k+ miles0 · 0%

How serious are the reports?

Of 134 complaints, 2 mention a crash, 2 a fire.

Dodge Dakota fuel system, gasoline complaints by model year

Peak: 1997, with 34 complaints
1995: 131995131996: 101996101997: 341997341998: 111998111999: 111999112000: 122000122001: 6200162002: 132002132003: 8200382004: 4200442005: 4200542006: 5200652007: 2200722008: 120081

n = 134 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearFuel System, Gasoline complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2008 Dakota11%4,100
2007 Dakota21%12,150
2006 Dakota52%45,000
2005 Dakota41%69,000
2004 Dakota42%1,500
2003 Dakota83%34,290
2002 Dakota132%24,800
2001 Dakota61%32,310
2000 Dakota121%40,500
1999 Dakota112%36,000
1998 Dakota112%90,000
1997 Dakota348%111,500
1996 Dakota105%—
1995 Dakota136%—

When owners reported it

Peak: 2004, with 19 complaints
1995: 3199531996: 441997: 4199741998: 771999: 131999132000: 12122001: 132001132002: 772003: 9200392004: 19192005: 102005102006: 992007: 4200742008: 442009: 3200932010: 442011: 3201132012: 112013: 2201322014: 33

n = 134 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (1)

Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsJul 17, 2000 · NHTSA campaign 00V199000 · 91,610 vehicles

Model years: 1997

Problem: Vehicle description: pickup trucks with a 131 inch wheelbase. Some of these vehicles may have been built with inadequate clearance between the fuel line and the cab underbody.

Risk: This contact can result in wear, and after extended contact, could cause a perforation in the fuel line, resulting in leakage. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the vehicles for proper clearance. Fuel lines that exhibit inadequate clearance will be replaced with a redesigned fuel line that will assure proper clearance.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 dodge dakota. The contact stated that there was a fuel odor emitting outside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel line needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the…

Received Dec 2, 2014 · NHTSA complaint 10661594

2002 dodge dakota consumer is concerned about brake line *cn the consumer stated the vehicle was manufactured with inferior materials. The gas tank straps broke and the transmission and brake lines had rusted and were leaking. The repair shop replaced the brake line and brake hose. *jb

Received Nov 26, 2014 · NHTSA complaint 10653342

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 dodge dakota. The contact stated that fuel was leaking from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to nhtsa recall number 00v199000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was notified of the…

Received Sep 10, 2014 · NHTSA complaint 10632232

1)pulled out of a food lion parking lot and hit a pot hole and broke the main spline in the transmission. 2) the truck now shuts off as you're going 70 mph and when you crank it back up. The engine light stays on but the rev limiter is kicking in at 2000 rpms until you stop again and shut the motor…

Received Nov 18, 2013 · NHTSA complaint 10552660

Purchased this 2000 dodge dakota , engine light constantly on stating large leak in evap system. P0455. Fuel leak at gas cap. No way to fix this, odor is strong smell the gas leaking out. Unable to pass nys inspection! *tr

Received Jun 8, 2013 · NHTSA complaint 10515800
Dodge Dakota
1987-1990 Dodge Dakota photographed in USA.. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently asked questions

Do all Dodge Dakotas have fuel system, gasoline problems?

No. NHTSA has 134 owner complaints about fuel system, gasoline for the Dodge Dakota. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.

Was there a recall on the Dodge Dakota fuel system, gasoline?

Yes: 1 safety recall list fuel system, gasoline. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

What do owners say about fuel system, gasoline problems on the Dodge Dakota?

The most frequent phrase is “fuel line”, in 18 of 134 complaints, followed by “gas tank” (16).

Other Dodge Dakota problems

See all Dodge Dakota problems.