Faults:

The brake rotors required replacement shortly after purchase.

The ball joints, tie rod ends, and all rubber front suspension components required replacement at 40000 miles; all replacement parts were dealer supplied.

The front passenger seat belt will not lock when pulled rapidly as would be expected during a accident to stop the occupant from hitting the windshield.

The front brake calipers had to be replaced at 46000 miles along with another set of rotors.

The rear drum backing plates rusted through, this was discovered during a state safety inspection.

The valve seats had to be replaced at 52000 miles to remedy a major oil consumption problem.

The total exhaust system had to be replaced at 54000 miles.

The forward pick-up bed retaining bolts rusted off and were replaced.

Three of the exhaust manifold bolt heads were found to have rusted off.

The fuel injector on the number 3 cylinder failed at 59000 miles. Additionally, a brake fluid leak was discovered at the rear of the vehicle caused by severely rusted brake lines.

General Comments:

The truck is no longer safe to operate on the street. I have since welded the exhaust manifolds directly onto the heads and disabled the rear brakes. The vehicle is now only used for work on my property.

The quality of this vehicle is substandard to any thing I have ever seen before.

Faults:

On my third catalytic converter. First two replaced under warranty. Third used aftermarket.

Replaced brakes and rotors twice.

Headliner fell down when first purchased.

Fuel Pump Replaced at 110K Miles.

Factory Radio died first week I had the vehicle.

Replaced light dimmer switch.

Replaced water pump 105K miles.

Replaced arm rest bracket twice.

On third set of tires.

Replaced oxygen sensor.

Leaky front headlight.

General Comments:

Truck rides great and has nice styling.

Reliability is the worst of any vehicle I have every owned.

Dodge dealership bought from provide poor service and wasted considerable time.

Vehicle has great room for the driver with blind spots on the window down supports.

Faults:

Intake Manifold Gasket failed at about 15K.

Engine required re-synchronizing almost as soon as I bought the truck.

The Dakota has been loping when idling (since about 20K miles). It either has a vaccum leak or, as I fear, a leaking head gasket. Perhaps Dodge will buy me a new motor!

The transmission sensor went bad (at 33K)

The fuel filter failed (at 31K)

General Comments:

I suppose it's easy to tell that I cannot stand the truck. It has soured me on Dodge products in general. The service dept. at the five-star Dodge dealer has been good about helping, and I am very, very glad that I purchased a 7-year extended warranty on this vehicle.

I purchased a Dakota because it is the perfect size for the sort of work I do. I haul loads about 6x per year (1500 lbs or slightly more) for garden and farm. The truck also hauls lighter stuff on a regular basis. Otherwise I take the bus or walk to work--so the truck gets about 6K miles per year of duty. I am meticulous about maintaining the truck and use, for instance, Castrol Syntech oil that I change myself.

It's too bad the Dakota is so unreliable (see Consumer's Report) because it looks good and rides great. The only other truck in its size class, the Tundra, costs too much. Other trucks are too small or too darned big. I'll replace my Dodge with a Tundra or Tacoma as soon as the warranty runs out. Sigh.