On 12, 27, 2001 I purchased from nemer chrysler/plymouth/dodge in queensbury, new york,12804 a 2002 dodge dakota, slt pick-up truck. Thus far the valve body of the transmission was replaced on 12,19, 2002.*ak on 5,25,2004 with 26thousand + ,miles, the front brake rotors had to be replaced becasue of suspected poor workmanship and materials in the metal. (the pads with 26 thousand miles were in like new condition)
2002 Dodge Dakota: complete transmission failure
5 of the 678 complaints about the 2002 Dodge Dakota describe complete transmission failure.
- owner complaints
- 5
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 12 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Complete transmission failure by model year
What owners say
Transmission slips out of gear from 1st to 2nd shift which is especially dangerous when crossing intersections or attempting to pass vehicles as problem is occurring often but inconsistently. Have taken truck back to dealer 5 times and only once could they find the problem and replaced transmission oil pump and valve body but problem still exists. Also when putting vehicle into drive it sometimes acts as reverse, and when in reverse lunges forward as in drive. Dealer replaced prdnl (gear shift) once but still having problems with gear position. Dealership states they must be able to reproduce problem in order to replace transmission. Was also told by service department that this was a common problem with this model vehicle with no solution in sight thus far. Am pursuing lemon law litigation as this is more than just a safety hazard.
Transmission not shifting properly. Shifts at 35 MPH and then winds out to 55 MPH or more and will not shift until you take foot off gas slightly. Vehicle has been brought back 6 times for same problem. Their "fix" was from adjustments to changing internal tranmission parts to installing a new transmission with the same problem persisting. Now am in lemon law litigation.
Unsafe condition involving the automatic transmission manifested itself at approximately 4,000 miles. While driving the vehicle the automatic transmission will enter overdrive mode at approximately 45-50mph. Once this occurs the vehcile will no longer respond to light or moderate throttle pressure. If you apply a heavier pressure then the vehiclee drops down into passing gear and takes off. This presents a very unsafe and hazardous condition when attempting to enter a limited access highway or passing another vehicle, in that the vehicle power and acceleration is lost at the precise moment that the transmission drops into overdrive. The dealers fix was to replace the automatic transmission. Unfortunately the new transmission has developed the same problem after only 3,000 miles. The new transmission also does not shift properly from 1st to 2nd gear when starting up in the morning. The engine revs and gains rpms but the transmission does not upshift until the vehicle has travelled 4-5 blocks.
Transmission failed due to lack of oil from factory. Both factory and dealer signed vehicle preparation forms stating "all fluids checked". Transmission failed on freeway. Lost power to rear wheels. If it had locked up from failure a crash would have been likely.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Plate
- Part Description: Seal
- 56045489A$
- Powertrain control module initialization
- 45RFE/545RFE trans - delayed engagement due to cooler return filter replacement
- Powertrain control module initialization
- Customers may complain the vehicle will not shift out of 2ND gear while climbing a grade
- Customers may complain the vehicle will not shift out of 2ND gear while climbing a grade
Related recalls
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift
- What is wrong
- On certain van and pickup trucks equipped with automatic transmissions, the ignition/park shift interlock system may become inoperative. This can allow the shifter to be moved out of the "park" position with the ignition key removed (or in the "lock" position). This can also allow the ignition key to be removed when the shifter has not been placed in the "park" position.
- Risk
- Either of these conditions could allow the vehicle to roll away causing a crash without warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the gearshift blocker and bracket assembly free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during january 2008. Owners may contact chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 07V555000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2002 Dodge Dakota transmission failure
Is complete transmission failure a common problem on the 2002 Dodge Dakota?
5 of 678 owner complaints about the 2002 Dodge Dakota (1%) mention complete transmission failure. The model year with the most reports is 2000.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2002 Dodge Dakota?
There is 1 recall and 12 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2002 Dodge Dakota
Ball joint 197Headlights 23ABS 22Stalling 22Brake failure 21Harsh shifting 21Premature wear 20Fire or smoke 18Engine failure 17No deployment 16Overheating 15Won't shift 15Wipers 15Grinding brakes 12Knocking 12Pulling 11Check engine light 9Door locks 6Steering noise 6Jerking 5Loss of power 5Misfire 5Tire blowout 5
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