2012 Dodge Dakota

The 2012 Dodge Dakota marked the final year of production for this mid-size pickup truck. It offered a blend of utility and practicality, appealing to those who needed a capable vehicle smaller than a full-size truck. The Dakota was available with two engine options: a 2.5L Inline-4 producing 177 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.7L V6 generating 210 horsepower and 235 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were generally paired with either a 4-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission depending on the configuration. Owners often praised the Dakota’s manageable size, decent towing capacity, and rugged styling. However, some common complaints included its relatively poor fuel economy compared to newer trucks, dated interior, and some reliability concerns.

Engine

2.5L Inline-4

• No Issues Found

3.7L V6

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from various locations on the engine, including valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and rear main seal. Symptoms include visible oil drips under the vehicle, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gasket or seal is the typical solution.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the location and severity of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The crankshaft position sensor can fail, leading to rough running, stalling, or a no-start condition. The check engine light may also illuminate.
  • Solution: Replacing the crankshaft position sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Erratic Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard or delayed shifts, slipping between gears, or failure to shift at all. The transmission may also overheat.
  • Solution: Diagnosis can involve checking fluid levels, inspecting for leaks, and scanning for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). Solutions can range from fluid changes to valve body repair or complete transmission replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (fluid change) to $2000+ (transmission replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

6-Speed Manual

• No Issues Found

Suspension

• Ball Joint Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature wear of the ball joints, particularly on the front suspension. Symptoms include clunking noises when going over bumps, loose steering, and uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replacing the worn ball joints. It is often recommended to replace both upper and lower ball joints at the same time.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ per side.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rusting of Suspension Components
  • Description/Symptoms: In regions with harsh winters and road salt, suspension components such as control arms, sway bar links, and leaf springs can be prone to rusting.
  • Solution: Replacing the rusted components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ depending on the part and amount of rust.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows may stop working or operate intermittently.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty power window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Radio/Audio System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The radio may experience intermittent power loss, distorted sound, or failure to connect to Bluetooth.
  • Solution: Diagnosing the cause of the malfunction, which may involve replacing the radio unit or repairing wiring connections.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on Wheel Wells and Rocker Panels
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust developing on the wheel wells and rocker panels, especially in areas with road salt use.
  • Solution: Rust repair, which may involve sanding, patching, and repainting the affected areas. In severe cases, replacement of body panels may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ per panel.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracking of the dashboard, especially in areas exposed to direct sunlight.
  • Solution: Replacing the dashboard or using a dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (dashboard cover) to $1000+ (dashboard replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary The 2012 Dodge Dakota, while a versatile mid-size truck, can be susceptible to some common issues. Engine oil leaks and crankshaft position sensor failures in the 3.7L V6 are fairly common. Transmission issues, particularly with the 4-speed automatic, can range from minor shifting problems to major failures. Suspension component wear and rust are also concerns. Electrical problems and interior issues can also occur. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to potentially costly repairs. Buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle for signs of these problems before purchasing.