CarBrief

Owners filed 206 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004 Dakota, and steering is the group named most often[1][2]. The model year has one recall, for the windshield wiper module[3].

206owner complaints[1]
1recalls[4]
14–17MPG combined (EPA)[5]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 206 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Eleven mention a crash, 6 a fire and 8 an injury, and 1 reports a death[1]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name more than one component.

Component group Complaints Crashes Fires Median mileage at failure
Steering[2] 74 0 0 58,131
Suspension[6] 45 2 0 17,350
Brakes[7] 23 0 0 12,665
Electrical system[8] 21 0 3 47,743
Power train[9] 19 0 0 10,000
Air bags[10] 15 8 2 62,413
Engine[11] 12 1 0 7,910
Visibility[12] 12 0 1 60,000

Steering. It is the largest group at 74 complaints[2]. In the sample of steering complaints we read, owners describe clunking or knocking in the front end and repeated replacement of parts such as the rack and pinion, tie rods and idler arms. Two of the sampled texts describe tie rods pulling apart during a turn[2].

Suspension. NHTSA has 45 complaints here, and two of them mention a crash[6]. In the sample we read, owners describe front-end noise and upper ball joints that squeaked or were replaced, in some cases on trucks with only a few thousand miles[6].

Brakes. There are 23 complaints, with a median mileage at failure of 12,665[7]. In the sample we read, owners describe a pulsing pedal or a shaking steering wheel when braking. They blame warped front rotors that were replaced more than once[7].

Electrical. NHTSA has 21 complaints, including 3 fires[8]. In the sample we read, owners describe a temperature gauge that reads hot with the check engine light on. A few describe a heater blower resistor or its wiring overheating[8].

Air bags. There are only 15 complaints, but they carry 8 crashes, 8 injuries and the one reported death[10]. We did not read the complaint texts for this group, so we cannot say what owners describe.

Recalls

NHTSA lists one recall for this model year.

Fuel economy

EPA rates the 2004 Dakota between 14 and 17 MPG combined, depending on engine, transmission and drive[5][13]. All versions use regular gas. Estimated annual fuel cost runs from $3,950 to $4,800 and uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not 2004 prices[5][13].

Version City / highway / combined MPG Annual fuel cost
2WD, 3.7L 6-cyl, automatic 4-spd[5] 15 / 20 / 17 $3,950
2WD, 3.7L 6-cyl, manual 5-spd[14] 14 / 20 / 17 $3,950
2WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, automatic 5-spd[15] 14 / 19 / 15 $4,450
2WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, manual 5-spd[16] 13 / 18 / 15 $4,450
4WD, 3.7L 6-cyl, automatic 4-spd[17] 14 / 18 / 15 $4,450
4WD, 3.7L 6-cyl, manual 5-spd[18] 14 / 19 / 16 $4,200
4WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, automatic 5-spd[13] 13 / 17 / 14 $4,800
4WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, manual 5-spd[19] 13 / 17 / 15 $4,450

The 3.7L 2WD versions rate best at 17 combined[5][14]. The 4.7L 4WD automatic rates lowest at 14 combined[13].

Safety ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings list both the 2-door and 4-door bodies of this model year as not rated[20][21]. That means there are no crash test stars to compare.

Engine and size

The EPA entries above list a 3.7L 6-cyl and a 4.7L 8-cyl engine[5][15]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, converted to inches and pounds. They can differ slightly from US trucks.

Variant Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
Club Cab long box 2WD[22] 210 in 72 in 65 in 131 in 3,869 lb
Club Cab long box 4WD[23] 210 in 72 in 67 in 131 in 3,869 lb
Quad Cab short box 2WD[24] 210 in 72 in 66 in 131 in 4,244 lb
Quad Cab short box 4WD[25] 210 in 72 in 69 in 131 in 4,484 lb
Regular Cab long box 2WD[26] 191 in 72 in 65 in 112 in 3,642 lb
Regular Cab long box 4WD[27] 191 in 72 in 67 in 112 in 3,642 lb

How 2004 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 recalls2003: 296 complaints, 4 recalls20032004: 206 complaints, 1 recalls20620042005: 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 2004 is highlighted[4].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19952080
19961891
19974465
19985455
19996414
20008065
20016787
20026785
20032964
20042061
20054706
20062855
20071454
2008912
2009185
2010357
2011446

NHTSA has 206 complaints and 1 recall for the 2004 Dakota[4]. Among the model years on file from 1995 to 2011, six have fewer complaints: 1996 (189), 2007 (145), 2008 (91), 2009 (18), 2010 (35) and 2011 (44)[4]. The other ten have more, including 1995 at 208, 2003 at 296 and 2005 at 470[4].

On recalls, 1995 has none and 1996 has 1, the same as 2004[4]. Every other year has between 2 and 7[4]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many trucks were sold, so a low count can partly reflect fewer trucks on the road.

Should you buy a used 2004 Dakota?

The 2004 Dakota falls in the middle of the Dakota range for complaints, and its single recall is for the wiper module[4][3]. If you are looking at one, check that the wiper recall was done, and ask for records of front-end work. Steering, suspension and brakes have the largest complaint counts, and owners in our sample describe repeat repairs[2][6][7]. Fuel economy is 14 to 17 MPG combined depending on version[5][13]. Because there are no crash test ratings, a careful inspection matters more[20][21].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Dodge Dakota?
NHTSA has 206 complaints, and steering is the group named most often at 74, followed by suspension at 45 and brakes at 23[1][2][6][7].
Has the 2004 Dodge Dakota been recalled?
Yes, once. Recall 04V216 covers the windshield wiper module motor, which can corrode and lose wiping. Dealers replace the module[3].
How many miles per gallon does a 2004 Dodge Dakota get?
EPA combined ratings range from 14 to 17 MPG depending on engine, transmission and drive[5][13].
Did the 2004 Dodge Dakota get a crash test rating?
NHTSA lists the 2-door and 4-door bodies as not rated[20][21].
Is 2004 a good year for the Dodge Dakota?
It has 206 complaints and 1 recall[4]. Six other years have fewer complaints, and only 1995 and 1996 have as few recalls or fewer[4].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 206 owner complaints on file for the 2004 Dodge Dakota Pickup (11 mention a crash, 6 a fire, 8 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 74 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 58,131). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Recall 04V216, filed May 5, 2004: Visibility › Windshield Wiper / Washer. NHTSA recall database
  4. Owner complaints and recalls for every Dodge Dakota Pickup model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  5. EPA rating for Dakota Pickup 2WD, 3.7L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 20 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  6. 45 complaints name the suspension component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 17,350). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 23 complaints name the brakes component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 12,665). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 21 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 3 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 47,743). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 19 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 10,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 15 complaints name the air bags component group (8 crashes, 2 fires, 8 injuries, median mileage at failure 62,413). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 12 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 7,910). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 12 complaints name the visibility component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. EPA rating for Dakota Pickup 4WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 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
  14. EPA rating for Dakota Pickup 2WD, 3.7L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 20 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  15. EPA rating for Dakota Pickup 2WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 19 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  16. EPA rating for Dakota Pickup 2WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 18 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Dakota Pickup 4WD, 3.7L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-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
  18. EPA rating for Dakota Pickup 4WD, 3.7L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Dakota Pickup 4WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 17 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2 DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  21. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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

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.