Faults:

Approximately 8 months after owning the vehicle the left front shock starting leaking.

A few months further down the road the air bag light starting coming on.

Both of these issues required service by the dealership. They were both covered by the manufacturer warranty.

General Comments:

I thought I'd give an American made vehicle a try, however I am starting to regret that decision. My Nissan truck was rock solid and required zero trips to the dealership even after nearly 15 years of use. Due to the salty conditions in the upper mid-west in the winter the poor old thing just rusted out.

I will dump the Dakota prior to the 3-year warranty and I will not return to buy another.

Faults:

The only problem I have had with the truck is a very annoying squeak. This squeak is coming from the left body mount. For some reason the rubber around the mount is rubbing against the body or frame. It can get very loud. It was serviced at the dealer, but the problem still persists. I previously owned a 2000 Dakota regular cab and never had this problem. I have a friend with a 2001 CC and he doesn't have this problem.

General Comments:

Beyond the squeak problem I can't say enough about this vehicle. I imediatly fell in love with the Dakota with my 2000 model. I upgraded to the r/t model in 2002 for the lack of power in the V6 and roominess you get with a club cab.

Faults:

My CD player quit 8 months after I bought the truck. (When the weather started getting cold.)

General Comments:

The truck is excellent. I'm very happy with all the power.

Faults:

In cold weather the windshield washer hosing valve (which is located within the Y splitter) freezes & prevents the windshield washer fluid to come out. (This is easily fixed by replacing the Y splitter valve with a regular Y splitter)

The seat recliner handle for the rear passengers has broken. (This was replaced by the Dealer)

Tires are difficult to get properly balanced. In this case, they still are not properly balanced. (Goodyear Wrangler RTS) (Balancing was attempted 5 times by the Good Year Dealer. Wheels were tested separately and are OK.)

General Comments:

Besides these small issues, the truck runs great. Performance, handling, and comfort are very good and gives a exhilarating driving feeling.

Faults:

At 3000 miles, the dealer had to update the trucks computer because it was missing some sort of update. The torque converter had to be replaced at 4400 miles.

The entire transmission was replaced at 4850 miles.

At 6000 miles, I went in to have my oil changed, and afterwords the truck would not remain running. The dealer said my idle speed control motor was faulty and had to be replaced. Luckily, they had one in stock.

Also at 6000 miles, after replacing my idle control motor, the dealer informed me that some sort of valve body needed to be replaced and they would order the part and let me know when it came in.

General Comments:

This truck hesitates on the up-shift and has trouble maintaining speed in cruise. The dealer says that this is just how the 2002 Dodge Dakota V6's run.

The truck itself is very comfortable as far as the cabin and the seating.

The handling is terrible.

Faults:

The air bag light started coming on after 1 month. Dealership had the vehicle for 1 day. Problem has been fixed.

General Comments:

Truck runs great, and responds when you want it.

Back seat is perfect for kids. It may be a little tight for adults on long distance.

Bed is a little small. Maybe Dodge will get on the ball like Nissan has and make a regular size bed.