1995 Dodge Dakota SLT review from North America

Radiator warped and failed 110,000.

Water pump leaked and failed 105,000.

Air conditioner failed- $800 repair estimate- I never fixed this.

Gas gauge faulty, idiot light works - Use trip odometer 300 miles to empty.

Replaced engine - Probably my fault $2800 January 1999 at 120,000 miles.

Replaced Exhaust from manifold back due to converter failure 185,000.

EGR Amp failed: probably related to Exhaust 185,000.

Factory CD failed: Clarion 6 disc changer, no idea why it failed. 95,000.

Factory sunroof leaking: inevitable, but a real pain 100,000 miles.

Seats wearing badly: poor materials.

Headliner falling: poor fit and finish of factory installed sunroof 140,000.

Cracked Rim of Wheel: shoddy materials or construction (Whole wheel replaced)

120,000 miles.

Lots of front windshield replacements

.

This vehicle has been driven hard and was not well maintained early on. I rushed the break in period and it may not have sealed itself well. It started as a lease so I figured it would be somebody else's problem, but the miles racked up and I purchased it.

In spite of the abuse it has been a good performer with both mid-range and top end power. Cruises at 75 mph at 2500 rpm in overdrive (both easy on the engine and gas mileage) Could pass on straight over 100 mph, but I wouldn't try that now.

After 100,000 miles the problems listed above began. I hit 100,000 miles in early 1998 so that was about 45,000 miles a year of Highway driving, It really was flawless before then.

Most of the problems may be due to regular wear and tear the Engine failure is probably due to my abuse/negligence.

I think I can drive it another 50,000 but the maintenance is getting high.

The miles have dropped because I have other transpo now- Motorcycles, Metro rail, convertible, bike.