The 1997 Dodge Dakota was the debut model-year entry for the second generation of production for the mid-size pickup truck under Chrysler's Dodge Ram line-up. The vehicle--which includes its two/rear wheel (2WD) incarnation--had a litany of recalls due to mechanical, electrical and engine-related programs.
Suspension
The suspension recall, occurring in 2008, was the only one that specifically affected the 1997 Dodge Dakota 2WD. SKF USA, Inc. made hub units for vehicles with 2WD drive (and rear axle anti-lock braking) that had unnecessarily long rotor pilots. As a result, the steering wheel did not fully sit against the hub flange face during mounting. SKF replaced the hub units free of charge to prevent, in the very worst instance, a wheel separation during driving.
Replacement Fuel Performance Kits
Some 1997 Dodge Dakotas had replacement fuel performance kits by K&N Engineering--sold under the Mopar performance parts brand name--that could have parts of it sucked into the truck's engine throttle body to jam it, thus possibly leading to unintended acceleration. With the recall beginning on April 2006, K&N offered a free repair kit for the affected vehicles.
Exterior Lighting
Aftermarket parts manufacturers AJ Motorsport, Pro-A Motors, Dope, Inc. and Saber Sport made exterior lamp assemblies for the '97 Dakota that lacked amber side reflectors, thus violating the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108. The manufacturers offered to either repurchase the lamps or offer a full refund for them. The recall for AJ and Pro-A began in 2006, while that of Dope and Sabersport began in 2009.
Clearance
Some 1997 Dodge Dakotas were recalled--beginning from September 2000--because of two distinct clearance issues. One was insufficient clearance between the fuel line and the vehicle's underbody, while the other involved insufficient clearance between the left front brake tube and power steering hose.
To prevent perforation in both instances, dealers installed redesigned fuel lines and power steering standoff brackets after inspection to determine improper clearance.
Brakes
Chrysler had to issue a recall for some 1997 Dodge Dakotas on September 2000 for replacement brake hydraulic master cylinders from Brake Parts, Inc. that lose flexibility at cold temperatures. This could cause brake fluid to leak and decrease brake line pressure, thus increasing stopping distance. Brake Parts, Inc. replaced the cylinders free of charge.
Airbags
In July 1997, some 1997 Dodge Dakotas were recalled for a defective electrical circuit design, which could unexpectedly deploy the airbags upon turning off the ignition. Authorized dealers replaced the airbag electronic control module with a newly designed one. Four years later, in 2001, more Dakotas were recalled for the possible failure of airbags to deploy due to detached sound deadener material inside the steering wheel interfering with the clockspring ribbon. This prompted replacement of the clockspring assembly.
Contact
Apart from the problems caused by the third-party manufacturers, Chrysler authorizes the repairs for the 1997 Dodge Dakota recalls to be done free of charge because it has accepted liability for the manufacturing defects. Owners who think they have these aforementioned problems can contact the manufacturer at 800-853-1403, the NHTSA Vehicle Safety hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 800-424-9153) or visit Safercar.gov (see Resources).
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