Air Conditioning went out at 45,000 miles. Dealer fixed for $350.00, went out again 4 months later. Dealer ran pressure test, found no leaks, wanted to re charge system for $190.00. Just rolled windows down in warm weather.
Water pump went at 53,00/ twice dealer gave me wrong pump, went to NAPA got right part for $90. Dealer wanted $190.
Radiator went at 57,000/ $160 to replace.
The catalytic converter ceramic fell apart at 69,000, dealer said out of warranty, went to a muffler shop, they said could not touch it because CA. smog restrictions cover converters till 90000 miles. Dealer still would not fix it. I went to a junk yard and got a used one and installed myself. Cost $25.00.
The transmission lines went at 69,000 also. Cost to replace was $95.00. Dealer wanted $200.00.
Driver door hinges broke at 72,000 miles. Dealer said it is common on Jeep Cherokees, but not Dakotas. Cost to repair hinges, $350.00 at local body shop.
The power of the vehicle was great, but reliability of the truck was sub-par. My prior car was much more reliable.
The best part of owning this vehicle was when another motorist ran an intersection and smashed into the front end driver side at 50+ mph. The frame was severely damaged, yet the airbags did not go off. Dodge told me that the damage was not hard enough. Not sure how much it takes, but the vehicle was a total loss and the front bumper was partially off after the accident.
Driver and passenger airbags (steering wheel and dash) do not deploy in a side impact like you described, since they would be of no benefit.
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