CarBrief

NHTSA has 678 owner complaints on file for the 2002 Dakota, and suspension and brakes lead the list[1][2][3]. Five recalls are on file, so check which ones were done before you buy[4][5][6][7][8].

678owner complaints[1]
5recalls[9]
12–19MPG combined (EPA)[10]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 678 complaints for this truck[1]. Of those, 55 mention a crash, 18 a fire and 32 injuries, and 2 deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one part. The counts are not adjusted for how many trucks were sold.

Component group Complaints Crashes Fires
Suspension[2] 226 6 3
Brakes[3] 212 15 12
Power train[11] 89 11 1
Electrical system[12] 52 0 3
Steering[13] 44 4 0
Engine[14] 38 1 2
Air bags[15] 28 23 0
Exterior lighting[16] 21 0 0

Suspension. This is the largest group, with a median mileage at failure of 35,000[2]. In a sample of suspension complaints we read, owners describe knocking, popping or pounding from the front end, and some describe worn or loose control arms and ball joints[2].

Brakes. The brakes group has the most fires of any group (12) and 15 crashes, with a median mileage at failure of 30,000[3]. In a sample of brake complaints we read, some owners describe rotors that warped or wore out early and a shaking pedal. Others describe a pedal that went hard, sank or seemed to stick[3].

Power train. The median mileage at failure is 49,000[11]. In a sample we read, owners describe trouble getting into or staying in the right gear, and a few describe repeated transmission repairs. Two describe the truck shifting itself into reverse while parked with the engine running[11].

Electrical system. The median mileage at failure is 51,000[12]. In a sample we read, owners describe stalling, odd electronics, blown fuses and, in a few cases, overheating parts, sparks or a fire[12].

Air bags. The group is small at 28 complaints, but it shows 23 crashes, 18 injuries and 1 death[15]. That is a different pattern from the other groups, so ask about air bag history on any truck you look at.

Recalls

NHTSA lists five recalls for this model year[9], newest first. Ask for proof that each recall was done.

Fuel economy

EPA combined ratings run from 12 to 19 MPG depending on engine, transmission and drive[10][17]. The best is the 2.5L 4-cylinder 2WD with a 5-speed manual at 17 city, 22 highway and 19 combined MPG, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550[10]. The thirstiest is the 5.9L 8-cylinder 4WD automatic at 11 city, 15 highway and 12 combined MPG, with an estimated $5,600 a year[17].

Version City / Hwy / Comb MPG Annual fuel cost
2WD 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd[10] 17 / 22 / 19 $3,550
2WD 3.9L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd[18] 16 / 18 / 17 $3,950
2WD 3.9L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd[19] 14 / 20 / 16 $4,200
2WD 4.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd[20] 13 / 18 / 15 $4,450
2WD 4.7L 8-cyl, Manual 5-spd[21] 13 / 19 / 15 $4,450
2WD 5.9L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd[22] 11 / 15 / 13 $5,150
4WD 3.9L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd[23] 13 / 16 / 14 $4,800
4WD 3.9L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd[24] 14 / 18 / 15 $4,450
4WD 4.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd[25] 12 / 16 / 14 $4,800
4WD 4.7L 8-cyl, Manual 5-spd[26] 13 / 17 / 14 $4,800
4WD 5.9L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd[17] 11 / 15 / 12 $5,600

All versions use regular gas[10][17].

Safety ratings

NHTSA lists a rollover rating of 3 stars for the 4-door listing[27] and 3 stars for the 2-door listing[28]. No other star ratings are listed for this model year.

Engine and size

EPA lists four engines for this model year: a 2.5L 4-cylinder, a 3.9L 6-cylinder, a 4.7L 8-cylinder and a 5.9L 8-cylinder[10][18][20][22]. The size figures below are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US trucks can differ slightly. Inches and pounds are converted from metric.

Body and drive Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
Regular cab, long box, 2WD[29] 191 in 72 in 65 in 112 in 3,642 lb
Regular cab, long box, 4WD[30] 191 in 72 in 67 in 112 in 3,642 lb
Club cab, long box, 2WD[31] 210 in 72 in 65 in 131 in 3,869 lb
Club cab, long box, 4WD[32] 210 in 72 in 67 in 131 in 3,869 lb
Quad cab, short box, 2WD[33] 210 in 72 in 66 in 131 in 4,244 lb
Quad cab, short box, 4WD[34] 210 in 72 in 69 in 131 in 4,484 lb

How 2002 compares with other years

1995: 208 complaints, 0 recalls19951996: 189 complaints, 1 recalls1997: 446 complaints, 5 recalls19971998: 545 complaints, 5 recalls1999: 641 complaints, 4 recalls19992000: 806 complaints, 5 recalls2001: 678 complaints, 7 recalls20012002: 678 complaints, 5 recalls67820022003: 296 complaints, 4 recalls20032004: 206 complaints, 1 recalls2005: 470 complaints, 6 recalls20052006: 285 complaints, 5 recalls2007: 145 complaints, 4 recalls20072008: 91 complaints, 2 recalls2009: 18 complaints, 5 recalls20092010: 35 complaints, 7 recalls2011: 44 complaints, 6 recalls2011
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Dakota Pickup model year. The 2002 is highlighted[9].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19952080
19961891
19974465
19985455
19996414
20008065
20016787
20026785
20032964
20042061
20054706
20062855
20071454
2008912
2009185
2010357
2011446

The 2002 model year has 678 complaints, the same as 2001, and only 2000 is higher at 806[9]. It has 5 recalls[9]. The 2001 and 2010 model years have 7 each, and 2005 and 2011 have 6 each[9]. The 2003 model year drops to 296 complaints and 4 recalls[9]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat the comparison as a rough guide.

Should you buy a used 2002 Dakota?

This model year has a heavy complaint record, with 678 complaints led by suspension and brakes[1][2][3]. That does not mean every truck has trouble, because the reports are unverified. It does mean a pre-purchase inspection should look closely at the front suspension, brake rotors and pedal feel, and how the transmission shifts. Ask for proof that the recalls were done, especially the ball joint recall on 4WD trucks[5]. The shift interlock recall notice only said the remedy was expected to begin in January 2008, so confirm its status by VIN[4]. Fuel costs are also high on the larger engines, at up to an estimated $5,600 a year[17].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Dodge Dakota?
NHTSA lists 226 suspension complaints and 212 brake complaints out of 678 total[1][2][3]. In the samples we read, owners describe front-end knocking, early rotor wear and warping, and gear shifting trouble[2][3][11].
How many recalls does the 2002 Dodge Dakota have?
NHTSA lists five recalls covering the shift interlock, front upper ball joints on 4WD, wiper module, certification label and wiring harness[4][5][6][7][8].
How many miles per gallon does a 2002 Dakota get?
EPA combined ratings run from 12 to 19 MPG depending on version[10][17]. The 2.5L 4-cylinder manual 2WD is best at 19 MPG combined[10].
Is the 2002 Dodge Dakota a reliable truck?
The complaint record is heavy. It has 678 complaints, tied with 2001 and below only 2000 at 806[1][9]. Complaints are unverified and not adjusted for sales.
How safe is the 2002 Dodge Dakota?
NHTSA lists a rollover rating of 3 stars for the 4-door and 2-door listings[27][28]. The complaint data reports 2 deaths among 678 complaints[1].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 678 owner complaints on file for the 2002 Dodge Dakota Pickup (55 mention a crash, 18 a fire, 32 injuries, 2 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 226 complaints name the suspension component group (6 crashes, 3 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 35,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. 212 complaints name the brakes component group (15 crashes, 12 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 30,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. Recall 07V555, filed December 4, 2007: Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever And Linkage › Column Shift. NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 04V596, filed December 21, 2004: Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint. NHTSA recall database
  6. Recall 04V216, filed May 5, 2004: Visibility › Windshield Wiper / Washer. NHTSA recall database
  7. Recall 03V505, filed December 10, 2003: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
  8. Recall 03V389, filed October 10, 2003: Electrical System › Wiring. NHTSA recall database
  9. Owner complaints and recalls for every Dodge Dakota Pickup model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  10. EPA rating for Dakota Pickup 2WD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 22 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  11. 89 complaints name the power train component group (11 crashes, 1 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 49,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 52 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 3 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 51,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 44 complaints name the steering component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 36,200). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 38 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 50,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. 28 complaints name the air bags component group (23 crashes, 0 fires, 18 injuries, median mileage at failure 58,780). NHTSA vehicle records
  16. 21 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 81,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  17. EPA rating for Dakota Pickup 4WD, 5.9L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 11 city / 15 highway / 12 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Dakota Pickup 2WD, 3.9L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 18 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Dakota Pickup 2WD, 3.9L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 20 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Dakota Pickup 2WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 18 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Dakota Pickup 2WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 19 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Dakota Pickup 2WD, 5.9L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 11 city / 15 highway / 13 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. EPA rating for Dakota Pickup 4WD, 3.9L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 16 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. EPA rating for Dakota Pickup 4WD, 3.9L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 18 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  25. EPA rating for Dakota Pickup 4WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 12 city / 16 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  26. EPA rating for Dakota Pickup 4WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 17 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  27. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: rollover 3 stars. NHTSA vehicle records
  28. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2 DR None: rollover 3 stars. NHTSA vehicle records
  29. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, DAKOTA P/U REG CAB L/BOX 2WD Sport/SLT: length 191 in, width 72 in, height 65 in, wheelbase 112 in, curb weight 3,642 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  30. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, DAKOTA P/U REG CAB L/BOX 4WD Sport/SLT: length 191 in, width 72 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 112 in, curb weight 3,642 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  31. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, DAKOTA P/U CLUB CAB L/BOX 2WD SXT/SLT/R/T: length 210 in, width 72 in, height 65 in, wheelbase 131 in, curb weight 3,869 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  32. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, DAKOTA P/U CLUB CAB L/BOX 4WD SXT/SLT/R/T: length 210 in, width 72 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 131 in, curb weight 3,869 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  33. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, DAKOTA P/U QUAD CAB S/BOX 2WD: length 210 in, width 72 in, height 66 in, wheelbase 131 in, curb weight 4,244 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  34. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, DAKOTA P/U QUAD CAB S/BOX 4WD: length 210 in, width 72 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 131 in, curb weight 4,484 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.