2002 Dodge Dakota

The 2002 Dodge Dakota is a mid-size pickup truck that offers a variety of engine and transmission options. The standard engine is a 3.9-liter V6 that produces 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Optional engine choices include a 4.7-liter V8 with 235 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque, and a 5.9-liter V8 with 245 horsepower and 335 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options include a four-speed automatic, a five-speed manual, and a six-speed manual. The Dakota is known for its comfortable ride, spacious cabin, and powerful engines. However, it has also been plagued by a number of issues.

Engine

3.9L V6

• Intake manifold gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking coolant, overheating, poor engine performance
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing chain failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine rattling, loss of power, engine stalling
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain and related components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

4.7L V8

• Intake manifold gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking coolant, overheating, poor engine performance
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve cover gasket leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak from the valve covers
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gaskets
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

5.9L V8

• Oil filter housing gasket leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak from the oil filter housing
  • Solution: Replace the oil filter housing gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Cylinder head gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking coolant, overheating, poor engine performance
  • Solution: Replace the cylinder head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Four-Speed Automatic

• Torque converter failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, slipping gears, overheating
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Leaking transmission pan gasket
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission fluid leak from the pan gasket
  • Solution: Replace the transmission pan gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Five-Speed Manual

• Clutch failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, slipping clutch
  • Solution: Replace the clutch assembly
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Six-Speed Manual

• No Issues Found

Suspension

• Front suspension ball joint failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Steering wobble, clunking noise over bumps
  • Solution: Replace the failed ball joints
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear suspension leaf spring failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear end, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace the leaf springs
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, electrical system malfunction
  • Solution: Replace the battery
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dim headlights, discharged battery
  • Solution: Replace the alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on body panels
  • Description/Symptoms: Surface rust, bubbling paint
  • Solution: Repair and repaint the affected areas
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Tailgate hinge failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Tailgate sags or does not open/close properly
  • Solution: Replace the tailgate hinges
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks on the surface of the dashboard
  • Solution: Replace the dashboard
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seat upholstery tearing
  • Description/Symptoms: Rips or holes in the seat fabric
  • Solution: Repair or replace the seat upholstery
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2002 Dodge Dakota is a reliable and durable truck, but it has been plagued by a number of issues. The most common issues include intake manifold gasket failure, timing chain failure, valve cover gasket leaks, oil filter housing gasket leaks, cylinder head gasket failure, torque converter failure, clutch failure, front suspension ball joint failure, rear suspension leaf spring failure, battery failure, alternator failure, rust on body panels, tailgate hinge failure, dashboard cracking, and seat upholstery tearing. These issues can be costly to repair, ranging from $100 for minor issues to over $3,000 for major repairs.