Dodge›Dakota›2004›3.7L/dodge/dakota/2004/3-7l/

AN platform

2004 Dodge Dakota — 3.7L

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2004 Dakota 3.7L.

Body TRUCKEngine 3.7LTransmission Automatic 4-spd

The 2004 Dodge Dakota 3.7L is a truck built on the AN platform, powered by a 3.7‑liter engine that holds five quarts of 10W‑30 API‑specified oil and is paired with an automatic four‑speed transmission. It achieves EPA‑rated fuel economy of 15 city, 20 highway and 17 combined miles per gallon. Reliability data show 206 total owner complaints over the 1990‑2011 production span, with steering issues topping the complaint list and five recall campaigns issued, placing the 2004 model year near the lower end of the complaint curve — only 18 complaints were recorded in 2009, the lowest year — indicating a relatively stable but still monitored history.

Model year2010 2009 2008 2004

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5.0 qtOEM · verified

Engine oil type10W-30 APIOEM · verified

Lug nut torque85-115 ft-lbsOEM · verified

EPA fuel economy15/20/17 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 27 · 600 CCA battery, OE oil filter 05281090AB. Note the factory fuel filter is now discontinued — plan on a superseded or quality aftermarket equivalent, which the part pages below list where known. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 27 · 600 CCAOEM · verified

Tire sizeP245-70R16OEM · verified

Wheel / rim7 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter	05281090AB alt 04781452BF
Engine air filter	53004383AC
Fuel filter	52021983AB discontinued
Spark plug	68303918AA alt SPZFR6F11G
Battery	BB65F111AA alt BB65F121AA
Front wiper blades	55077091AD
Serpentine belt	53032037AM
Thermostat	68174083AA

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

Transmission

Automatic 4-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	209.8 in
Overall width	71.7 in
Overall height	65 in
Wheelbase	131.1 in
Curb weight	3869 lb
Track (front / rear)	61 / 61.4 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	58/42

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined	15 / 20 / 17 mpg
Drivetrain	Rear-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuel	Regular Gasoline

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5.0 qt of 10W-30 API engine oil, GL-5 · 80W-90 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 85-115 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 25.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission Fluid	ATF+4
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity	4
Automatic Transmission Fluid	ATF+4
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity	6.5
Automatic Transmission Fluid	ATF+4
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity	5.5
Brake Fluid	DOT 3
Differential Gear Oil	GL-5 · 80W-90

Engine torques

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs	8.3 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts	130 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts	70 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	25.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs	21 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts	85-115 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug	15.0-25.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug	15.0-25.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub	185 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub	185 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
Spark Plug Manufacturer	Champion
Spark Plug Gap	0.043 in
Spark Plug Torque	20 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	ND 8 oil
Oil Capacity	7.10 oz
Standard BCI Group Number	27
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	600 cca

Service checks

Pressure Test	15 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	14-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	192-199 °F
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)	56.0-60.0 psi
Injector Primary Resistance	13-16 @ 68 degreesF ohms
Engine Compression	100 Minimum psi
Engine Oil Pressure	25-110 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM	3000 rpm

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket	32 ft-lbs / 18 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	148 ft-lbs
Rotor Max Parallel Variation	0.0004 in
Rotor Runout Limit	0.001 in / 0.00138 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From	1 in / 0.59 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To	1 in / 0.59 in
Rotor Discard at or Under	0.965 in
Drum Runout Limit	0.008 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

20 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90

20 ft. lbs

Main Bearings — tightening sequence 4 stages

Prep Install the bedplate retaining bolts, making sure to place the stud bolts in the correct location, Torque the bolts in the sequence shown.

1	Tighten bolts A - L to 40 ft. lbs.	40 ft. lbs
2	Tighten bolts 1 - 10 to 25 in. lbs.	25 in
3	Turn bolts 1 - 10 an additional 90 degrees.	90 degrees
4	Tighten bolts A1 - A6 to 20 ft. lbs.	20 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 6,000 mi; spark plugs every 30,000 mi.

Every 6,000 mi	Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 7,500 mi	Engine Coolant System (leak inspection)
Every 15,000 mi	Engine Air Filter Element (inspect)
Every 18,000 mi	Brake Linings (inspect)
Every 30,000 mi	Spark Plugs (replace) · Transfer Case Assembly (inspect fluid level)
Every 60,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · PCV Valve (inspect)
Every 100,000 mi	Bands (adjust) · Transmission Fluid & Filter (replace)

Owner how-tos

Condensed service procedures for routine maintenance. Procedures that require dealer diagnostic equipment are identified and summarized only.

Common procedures

Key fob — remote (RKE) programming programming new fob buttons Dealer tool OEM · verified

Tool required	DRBIII scan tool (dealer / locksmith)
Why	Transmitter codes are written into the receiver in the passenger door module

Anti-theft (SKIS) — module initialization after immobilizer module replacement Dealer tool OEM · verified

When needed	After Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement
Tool required	DRBIII scan tool
Also required	The vehicle's four-digit PIN code

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2004 Dodge Dakota sits near the low‑end of the complaint trend for the early 2000s, with 206 complaints and only five recalls, a sharp decline from the peak of 842 complaints in 2000. Compared to 2003 (295 complaints, 11 recalls) and 2005 (470 complaints, 7 recalls), 2004’s figures are the most favorable in a five‑year span, indicating a period of relative stability. The recall count for 2004 is the lowest since 2002, while investigations remain absent, suggesting fewer safety‑critical issues that year. Top complaint categories—Steering (56), Suspension (26), Air Bags (14), and Electrical System (13)—highlight mechanical concerns rather than widespread systemic failures. With only 11 crash and six fire complaints, the vehicle’s safety profile appears modest. Overall, 2004 represents a comparatively reliable year, making it a prudent choice for a used Dakota if you can secure a vehicle with a clean maintenance record.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

206

Owner complaints

11 involved a crash · 6 a fire

NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars

Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’90 ’91 ’92 ’93 ’94 ’95 ’96 ’97 ’98 ’99 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03’04’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’11

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 206 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Steering56

Suspension26

Air Bags14

Electrical System13

Service Brakes, Hydraulic12

Power Train10

Engine & Engine Cooling9

Visibility5

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 5 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

09E012000Exterior LightingReported 07/04/2009

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE… Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT…

09E025000Exterior Lighting:HeadlightsReported 11/05/2009

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE… Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 53 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
101232	2024-10-29	Power Train	Plate - Planetary
S2208000136	2022-07-09	Electrical System	Security Module Lock Out After Entering the PIN to Unlock The Wireless Control Module…
S2208000136	2022-07-09	Electrical System	Security Module Lock Out After Entering the PIN to Unlock The Wireless Control Module…
9001784	2021-02-22	Power Train	Mechanical rocker arm, intake, 1.7 ratio.
9001784	2021-02-22	Equipment	Mechanical rocker arm, intake, 1.7 ratio.

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Dakota. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 27 battery Vehicles taking 5.0 qt AN-platform vehicles Engine oil filter 05281090AB Engine air filter 53004383AC Fuel filter 52021983AB Spark plug 68303918AA

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2004 Dakota 3.7L take?

5.0 qt of 10W-30 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 2004 Dakota have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the 3.7L get?

EPA figures are 15 city / 20 highway / 17 combined mpg.