4.0
definitely annoyingTypical Repair Cost:
$135.00
Average Mileage:
71,817 miles
Total Complaints:
3 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (2 reports)
- switch to red long-life coolant with high glycol mix (1 reports)
cooling system problem
Helpful Websites About 2000 Dodge Dakota uses excessive coolant, no visible leaks
2009May 15
Dakota Sport 4.7L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 106,565 miles
For the most part I'd have to say this truck is bullet-proof - considering the abuse myself and the previous owner have subjected it to. I have it lifted with 33x1250 mud terrain tires and I spend as much time on the trails as I can. The only things to fail have been the electric rad fan and my front drive shaft CV link. Normal and minor stuff, really. Hell, I only just replaced the factory battery after 9 1/2 years. But when I switched to the old-fashioned green coolant on a "mechanic's" advice I started to lose coolant at a steady rate. It evaporates or something. It doesn't hit the ground and it doesn't go into the oil. It evaporates - unless I'm towing then it sprays everywhere! I just put two and two together and I'm switching back to the red long-life stuff. I don't believe it has the same expansion rate as the green stuff. Maybe the overflow is too small for the green stuff. We'll see.
2006Jun 27
(reported on)Dakota 4x4 Sport
- 25,000 miles
you constantly have to monitor the coolant level. It goes low, but shows no visible leaks.
We have partnered with JustAnswer to offer online auto repair help and advice from expert professional automotive technicians. You describe your cooling system problem or ask your question and they try to help you figure it out. The fee is typically $9 to $15, but you can offer to pay more for really tough questions. You will usually receive an answer in 10 minutes or less, and you do not have to pay anything unless you accept the answer.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Aug 11
Dakota SLT 4.7L V8
Same as other complaint below. Over a roughly one month period of regular driving the coolant level goes from the 'full' to 'fill' line with absolutely no signs of leaks. I'm planning on having the cooling system pressure tested to be sure, as there are no leaks on hoses, no signs of coolant in the oil (regularly change the oil myself), no stains on the driveway, has not overheated and the mixture is correct. So for now it's keep adding coolant to ensure it doesn't go dry
Jason M.
Red Deer, AB, Canada
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