Check a VIN

1999 Dodge Dakota engine problems

73 complaints (11% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 56,649. 3 crashes reported.

owner complaints
73
of this car's complaints
11%
typical mileage
56,649
crashes
3
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Engine: gasoline
    19
  • Engine
    16
  • Exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor
    13
  • Cooling system
    8
  • Exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
    6
  • Exhaust system
    4
  • Exhaust system: emission control
    2
  • Cooling system: radiator assembly
    2

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Dodge Dakota engine problems in other years

19901995200020052011

Specific symptoms reported on the 1999 Dodge Dakota engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Knocking 18Stalling 18Check engine light 10

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 1999 Dodge Dakota owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 6, 2019 · Engine, Fuel system · 153,362 miles · MI

Vehicle stalls intermittently in a unpredictable pattern. Vehicle restarts after stalling 7 out of 10 times. When it wont restart immediately after stalling it will take upwards of 10 minutes to achieve engine operation. I've replaced the crank position sensor, as well the cam position sensor. Vehicle continues to stall intermittently.

Filed Jul 6, 2012 · Engine · 122,000 miles · IN

Im not always in a good place to stop when it dies on me,I almost got hit by a car a few times because of this, it dies and wont restart for awhile, I think its in the computer.

Filed Apr 1, 2011 · Engine · 170,000 miles · VT

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 dodge dakota. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH the vehicle stalled. The contact waited for approximately fifteen minutes before the vehicle would restart. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to determine the cause of failure after performing a diagnostic test. The stalling of the vehicle occurred at least six times even though routine maintenance was performed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 170,000.

Filed Oct 15, 2009 · Electrical, Engine · 138,000 miles · OK

I own a 1999 dodge dakota v-8 magnum 5.2l, it only has 138,000 miles on it. When I bought it it only had 76,600 miles. In that little time I have had to replace the upper and lower ball joints twice, and the rack and pinion, and the water pump, the thermostat, the power steering pump, the tie rods, and there is so much more wrong. Why am having to replace these things twice in such little mileage? After reading up on it through the internet I am not the only one with these problems, there are hundreds of people with the same complaints, why is there a recall on the 2000, & 1998 but not 1999? I am out so much money and have almost wrecked my truck twice because of these problems, once with 6 kids in the car with me and again with my 3 kids. This needs immediate attention before several people get hurt or worse, die!!!

Filed Jun 14, 2009 · Engine · 60,789 miles · WA

Intake manifold pan gasket was leaking. This problem was identified during an inspection by an independent mechanic, confirmed and repaired by a dodge dealership. I was told this problem could result in destruction of the engine, despite the fact that the dakota was running well. Repair cost $664.72. Dodge was aware of this widespread problem, and issued a technical service bulletin the year I purchased the truck. Despite the fact that this problem was considered difficult to diagnose, dodge did not notify me and suggest that I have the vehicle tested while still on warranty. I am the original owner of this vehicle. Dodge has declined to assist in the cost of repair.

Filed Jun 14, 2009 · Engine · 42,824 miles · WA

Water pump failed. Due to recent failures on this dodge dakota, I have also become aware that water pump failures were common on dakotas. This failure mode was known to dodge. I am the original owner and was not notified by dodge.

Filed Feb 6, 2009 · Engine, Suspension · FL

Premature ball joint failure resulting in extensive repair costs, premature transmission failure resulting in replacement of transmission, excessive oil sludge build up causing loss of oil pressure, possible damage to engine.

Filed Apr 5, 2006 · Brakes, Engine · 30,000 miles · VT

I had bought my 1999 dodge dakota in 2001, less than 1 year of purchasing this truck, I lost oil pressure, returned the truck to dealer where they tried to replace my motor with a motor that had more miles, this did not happen. Then another year later, gears in my transmission were spent where I had to pay a few thousand dollars to have it repaired. Truck has been sitting for a year, cause of engine knocking again, with no oil pressure, also replaced the oil pump, still no pressure. New converter was put in, still good!! Brakes and rotors are another big complaint of mine, when I have to constantly replace these parts, like every 6 months, can you tell me why? I used to love dodge, but this truck has been a 1 big headache, even parked, cause I know it is going to be costly to repair it again.

Filed Mar 27, 2006 · Engine, Suspension · OH

This web site under vehicle doesn't have the correct choices for a 98 dodge dakota 2 door club cab truck - manufacturer chrysler 2 issue 1 - design flaw in the ball joints of the dadge dakota trucks a) we replaced them april 2003 cost to us $1107.89 b) tv special aired about defects dec 2003 and dec 2004 c) looking for reimbersment - old part not available 2 - catalytic converter a) having our third catalytic converter replaced - known defect but chrysler will not cover the cost. Replacement scheduled for 3/28/06.

Filed Jan 7, 2006 · Brakes, Engine · IN

My son escaped danger when the transmission/torque converter of his 1999 dodge dakota went out on an interstate highway. After replacing that and heading back home, his u joints and wheel bearings went out almost causing another wreck. These were all repaired. So far $3000 in repairs in a month. Then the oil pressure dropped to zero as he was driving. Now the oil pump needs replaced. Along with the tie end rods, the timing chain, and the serpentine. He'd already had the total brake system replaced this summer. Having all the receipts showing regular oil changes, the warranty company refuses to pay for the oil pump because of some sludge in the pump. Now I find from researching on the computer that this is a very common problem in durangos and dakotas. We've put $5000 in this truck in less than one month. The manufacturer needs to admit the flaws in this vehicle. They have some responsibility here. We are just glad he was not injured or killed. But we've put over $5000 in a '99 vehicle - which is unfair when the problems are related to the design and manufacture of the vehicle.

Questions about the 1999 Dodge Dakota engine

Does the 1999 Dodge Dakota have engine problems?

Owners have filed 73 complaints about the engine of the 1999 Dodge Dakota, 11% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1999 Dodge Dakota engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 56,649 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1999 Dodge Dakota engine?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Dodge Dakota have bad engine?

The Dodge Dakota model years with the most engine complaints are 1999 (73 complaints), 1998 (64 complaints) and 2001 (59 complaints).

Other 1999 Dodge Dakota problems

Suspension 342Brakes 95Steering 72Transmission 56Airbags 32Tires 24Electrical 23Acceleration 15Fuel system 14Body 11Visibility 8Lights 7Seat belts 6Wheels 4Seats 2Locks 1

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 1999 Dodge Dakota?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history