Dodge Dakota 2002
The 2002 Dodge Dakota came with 4 engines: 2.5 L 4-cylinder, 3.9 L 6-cylinder, 4.7 L 8-cylinder, 5.9 L 8-cylinder. It gets 12 to 19 MPG combined depending on the engine, per the EPA. 12 recall campaigns and 40 owner complaints are on record.
Specs
| Cylinders | 6 |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic · 4 speeds |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 5,330 × 1,820 × 1,690 mm (209.8 × 71.7 × 66.5 in) |
| Wheelbase | 3,330 mm (131.1 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,755 kg (3,869 lb) |
| Body style | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD |
Dimensions and weight: median of the 6 versions in Canada's official specifications (NHTSA vPIC). Each version differs slightly.
For sale in United States
Safety
Crash-test results across markets. They can vary by version and equipment.
Fuel economy (MPG)
🇺🇸 Local dataBy version
| Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 4-cylinder | Manual · 5 speeds | Rear-wheel (RWD) | 17 MPG | 22 MPG | 19 MPG |
| 3.9 L 6-cylinder | Automatic · 4 speeds | AWD | 13 MPG | 16 MPG | 14 MPG |
| 3.9 L 6-cylinder | Automatic · 4 speeds | Rear-wheel (RWD) | 16 MPG | 18 MPG | 17 MPG |
| 3.9 L 6-cylinder | Manual · 5 speeds | AWD | 14 MPG | 18 MPG | 15 MPG |
| 3.9 L 6-cylinder | Manual · 5 speeds | Rear-wheel (RWD) | 14 MPG | 20 MPG | 16 MPG |
| 4.7 L 8-cylinder | Automatic · 4 speeds | AWD | 12 MPG | 16 MPG | 14 MPG |
| 4.7 L 8-cylinder | Automatic · 4 speeds | Rear-wheel (RWD) | 13 MPG | 18 MPG | 15 MPG |
| 4.7 L 8-cylinder | Manual · 5 speeds | AWD | 13 MPG | 17 MPG | 14 MPG |
| 4.7 L 8-cylinder | Manual · 5 speeds | Rear-wheel (RWD) | 13 MPG | 19 MPG | 15 MPG |
| 5.9 L 8-cylinder | Automatic · 4 speeds | AWD | 11 MPG | 15 MPG | 12 MPG |
| 5.9 L 8-cylinder | Automatic · 4 speeds | Rear-wheel (RWD) | 11 MPG | 15 MPG | 13 MPG |
EPA figures for each version sold in the U.S.
Recalls
Consequence · Remedy
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Consequence · Remedy
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Consequence · Remedy
IMPROPER SEATING OF THE WHEEL CAN RESULT IN EXCESSIVE VIBRATION, BRAKE ROTOR NOISE, DIFFICULTY REMOVING THE WHEEL AFTER INSTALLATION AND OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE, AND POSSIBLY WHEEL-END SEPARATION DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. SHOULD WHEEL-END SEPARATION OCCUR, THE DRIVER COULD LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
SKF WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE HUB UNITS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 5, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SKF VSM NORTH AMERICA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-644-8999.
Consequence · Remedy
EITHER OF THESE CONDITIONS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY CAUSING A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
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.
Consequence · Remedy
LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.
Consequence · Remedy
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Consequence · Remedy
A JAMMED OPEN THROTTLE COULD CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH OR INCREASED STOPING DISTANCES WHEN BRAKING.
K&N WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2006.
Consequence · Remedy
IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
AIRTEX WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 25, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AIRTEX CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT 1-800-880-3056.
Consequence · Remedy
EXCESSIVE WEAR IN THE UPPER BALL JOINT MAY ALLOW IT TO SEPARATE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINTS. THIS SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BEGAN ON DECEMBER 21, 2004. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Consequence · Remedy
DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Consequence · Remedy
IMPROPERLY LOADING YOUR VEHICLE CAN CAUSE TIRE FAILURE AND RESULT IN A CRASH.
OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL OVERLAYS CONTAINING CORRECTED INFORMATION RELATIVE TO VEHICLE GAWR AND TIRE SIZE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 1, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-992-1997.
Consequence · Remedy
THIS COULD AFFECT DRIVER VISIBILITY, COULD PREVENT A DRIVER FROM SOUNDING A WARNING BY USING THE HORN, AND, WHEN THE TURN SIGNALS ARE INOPERATIVE, THE DRIVER CANNOT USE THEM TO SIGNAL INTENT TO TURN, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REROUTE THE WIRE HARNESS AND REPAIR THE HARNESS IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 3, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-992-1997.
It may not apply to vehicles sold in your country. Check with your VIN at the source.
Details
On certain vehicles, the ignition/park shift interlock system may become inoperable. This can allow the shifter to be moved out of the PARK position with the ignition key removed (or in the lock position) or it could allow the ignition key to be removed when the shifter has not been placed in the PARK position. This could allow the vehicle to roll away, possibly causing property damage and/or personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will replace the gearshift blocker and bracket assembly.
Details
On certain four wheel drive vehicles, if moisture leaks into the front suspension upper ball joint, evacuation of the lubricant and corrosion of the joint may cause the joint to wear progressively over an extended period of time. A worn upper ball joint could separate, causing a loss of vehicle control which may result in a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the upper ball joints with a revised assembly having improved sealing integrity. Two wheel drive models will be covered by an extended warranty of 10 years or 160,000 kms.
Details
On certain vehicles, the windshield wiper motor assembly may become susceptible to water intrusion that could cause internal corrosion and result in partial or complete loss of front windshield wiping capability. Correction: Dealers will replace the front windshield wiper motor with a revised version that contains a water shield.
Details
On certain vehicles, the certification label does not meet the requirements of CMVSS 120. The Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) on the label exceeds the load carrying capacity of the minimum size tire listed on the label. Correction: Owners will be provided with vehicle certification label overlays containing corrected information relative to vehicle GAWR and tire size.
Details
On certain vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, the headlamp and dash wiring harness may be chafed by the actuation of the clutch pedal. This could result in abnormal operation of the wipers, turn signals, horn or lighting systems. Correction: Dealer will reroute the wiring harness.
Common problems
40 reports🇺🇸 Local dataReported by owners to the source below. It is not a verdict on this car: it is what people wrote.
WHY are brake lines on vehicles not required to be made so as not to rust? Brake lines failed on my vehicle, and need to be replaced. How many accidents are caused by brake line failures?
My 2002 Dodge Dakota sometime will not go into park. other times it will jump out and go into reverse. this has caused my vehicle to roll backwards and destroyed neighbors mailbox. to get it into park takes several tries. I now must use my parking brake anytime I am parked.
II HAVE REPLACE FRONT ROTORS, FRONT CALIPERS, REAR WHEEL CYLINDERS AND SHOES, THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN BLEED SEVERAL TIMES, AND BRAKE SYSTEM WAS LOOKED AT SEVERAL TIMES BY ASE MASTER MECHANIC. GOING DOWN THE ROAD ON THE INITIAL PUSH ON THE PEDDLE THE PEDDLE GOES MORE THAN HALF WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR, YOU THEN RELEASE PEDAL…
THIS 2001 DODGE DAKOTA COMES UP WITH CODE P0601 IT SAYS IT IS A MEMORY CHECK SUM ERROR. IT COMES ON INTERMITTENT IN COLD WEATHER. IF YOU CLEAR THE CODE IT MIGHT COME RIGHT BACK OR IT MIGHT STAY OFF IT IS ANNOYING SOMETIMES IT MESSES WITH THE ABS MAKING THE FRONT RIGHT BRAKE HANG UP
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF GEAR. WHEN THE SHIFTER FINALLY SHIFTED OUT OF GEAR AND INTO DRIVE, IT WOULD SHIFT BACK INTO PARK. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KEFFER CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM…
THE CAR GOES INTO PARK, BUT PARK DOES NOT ENGAGE. I'M ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY. THE COLUMN SHOWS PARK BUT THE CAR CONTINUES TO ROLL. I SEE THAT 2002 DAKOTAS HAVE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT MY VIN # DOESN'T SHOW A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM.
CENTRAL TIME MODULE CAUSING MY LIGHTS TO CUT OFF WHILE DRIVING COULD CAUSE ACCIDENT
FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE AND HUB ASSEMBLY COMPLETELY BROKE FREE FROM THE VEHICLE THIS IS A FOLLOW UP FROM MY FIRST INTIAL REPORT TO CHRYSLER AND ALSO NHTSA PHONE CONVERSATION IN WHICH I DID A REPORT TO BOTH AND PAID 2500.00 WHICH I STILL HAVE RECEIPT OF PAYING TO HAVE FIXED...FATHER HAD A 2000 DODGE DURANGO WHICH HAD …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO MOVE WITH OUT THE IGNITION BEING STARTED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE KEY COULD BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION AND THE VEHICLE COULD STILL BE MOVED OR PUSHED WITHOUT THE ENGINE BEING STARTED OR WITHOUT THE GEAR BEING IN DRIVE.…
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME ONE OF THE BREAK LINES HAS RUSTED THRU. THIS TIME I HIT THE BRAKES HARD TO MISS TWO DEAR AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. I ONLY COULD STOP THE TRUCK WITH THE EMERGENCY BREAK. THE TRUCK HAS NOT BEEN USED OFF ROAD AND HAS BEEN DRIVEN IN VIRGINIA IS HOLE LIFE. THE FIRST TIME MY MECHANIC CAUGHT A…
RECALL G38 / THE TRANS SHIFTER STARTED TO NOT GO INTO PARK AT TIMES AND THEN SLIP OUT NOW IT WILL NOT GO INTO PARK AT ALL..SHIFTER STOPS AT REVERSE AND I HAVE LOOKED AT SHIFTER AJUSTMENT AND NO PROBLEM THERE, THE RECALL SAID IT DID NOT APPLY TO MY VIN .BUT I AM HAVING SAME PROBLEMS LISTED AS THE RECALL STATE'S OTHER…
"TAKATA RECALL" HIGH BEAMS COME ON ON BOTH SIDES LOW BEAM DOES NOT COME ON PASSENGER SIDE BUT ON THE DRIVER SIDE
Questions
- What engine does the 2002 Dodge Dakota have?
- The 2002 Dodge Dakota came with 4 engines: 2.5 L 4-cylinder, 3.9 L 6-cylinder, 4.7 L 8-cylinder, 5.9 L 8-cylinder.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2002 Dodge Dakota?
- It gets 12 to 19 MPG combined depending on the engine, per the EPA.
- Does the 2002 Dodge Dakota have recalls?
- 12 recall campaigns are on record. The latest concerns Exterior Lighting (2009-05-11).
- What are the common problems of the 2002 Dodge Dakota?
- 40 owners have filed complaints, most often about Service Brakes.
Other years
Which Dodge Dakota year to buy? Recalls and complaints by yearOther models by Dodge
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