What's New for 1997 Dodge Dakota
Knowing how much a vehicle has changed from previous model years can help provide additional context when reviewing reliability ratings. Our Editors give you the bottom-line on what's new, the pros, the cons and more.
What's New for 1997
Powertrains are carried over, but everything else on the 1997 Dodge Dakota is new. Distinctions? Tightest turning circle in class, roomiest cabs and dual airbags are standard. Faux pas? No third door option, and the passenger airbag cannot be deactivated, so a rear-facing child seat is out of the question unless you cram it into the rear of the Club Cab. Read More
Long-Term Reliability Ratings by Identifix
Portions © 2008 by Identifix, Inc. All rights reserved
Ratings Key
 |
Minimal Problems |
 |
Moderate Problems |
 |
Significant Problems |
1997 Dodge Dakota Reliability Rating
| Category |
Rating |
Comments |
| Engine |
 |
Periodic problems on this vehicle are failures of the Intake Manifold Gasket and the Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor (V8 engine equipped only). Failure of the CKP Sensor will prevent the vehicle from starting. The cost to repair the Intake Manifold Gasket is estimated at $12.00 for parts and $279.50 for labor. The cost to repair the CKP Sensor is estimated at $87.60 for parts and $71.50 for labor, manual transmission vehicle, and $122.00 for parts and $71.50 for labor, automatic transmission vehicle. All prices are estimates based on $65 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax. |
| Transmission & Driveline |
 |
A periodic problem on this vehicle is failure of the transmission Output Shaft Speed Sensor. The cost to replace the transmission Output Shaft Speed Sensor is estimated at $25.50 for parts and $19.50 for labor. All prices are estimates based on $65 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax. |
| Steering & Suspension |
 |
|
| Brake |
 |
A periodic problem on this vehicle is failure of the Rear Axle Speed Sensor. The cost to replace the Rear Axle Speed Sensor is estimated at $31.75 for parts and $19.50 for labor. All prices are estimates based on $65 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax. |
| Heating & Air Conditioning |
 |
|
| Starting & Charging |
 |
|
| Accessories |
 |
|
| Overall |
 |
4 out of 5 |
Reliability ratings displayed above reflect style specific standard features and may vary from aggregated values displayed for the same year in the historical model overview below.
Reliability History for Dodge Dakota
|
1995 |
1996 |
1997 |
1998 |
1999 |
| Engine |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Transmission & Driveline |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Steering & Suspension |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Brake |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Heating & Air Conditioning |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Starting & Charging |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Accessories |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Overall |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Reliability History for Dodge
|
1995 |
1996 |
1997 |
1998 |
1999 |
| Engine |
|
|
|
|
|
| Transmission & Driveline |
|
|
|
|
|
| Steering & Suspension |
|
|
|
|
|
| Brake |
|
|
|
|
|
| Heating & Air Conditioning |
|
|
|
|
|
| Starting & Charging |
|
|
|
|
|
| Accessories |
|
|
|
|
|
| Overall |
|
|
|
|
|
|