Does a Dodge Dakota have a catalytic converter?
Yes. A Dodge Dakota, when sold in the United States with a gasoline engine, has a catalytic converter as part of its exhaust system.
The exact setup varies by year and engine. Early models may have a single converter, while many mid- to late-generation Dakotas use two catalytic converters—one close to the manifold and a second downstream. The U.S. Dakota lineup did not offer a factory diesel option, so diesel-specific catalytic configurations are not part of the stock trucks.
Overview of catalytic converter configurations by Dakota generation
Because emissions rules and engine designs changed over the Dakota’s production run (1987–2011), the number and placement of catalytic converters differ by era and trim.
Common patterns by engine/era
The following patterns are typical, though exact configurations can vary by model year and market.
- Single catalytic converter: Some of the earlier or base-model Dakotas used one converter located near the exhaust manifold.
- Dual catalytic converters: Many later Dakotas with V6 or V8 engines used a two-converter setup—one close to the engine (close-coupled) and a second further back in the exhaust path.
- Auxiliary exhaust components: In dual-cat setups, you may also find a secondary resonator or other emission-control components downstream of the second converter.
- Diesel variants: The U.S. Dakota lineup did not include a factory diesel option, so diesel-specific catalytic systems are not part of stock configurations.
In summary, most Dodge Dakotas have at least one catalytic converter, with two being common in many mid- to late-generation gasoline models depending on engine choice.
How to identify and inspect the catalytic converter on a Dakota
To verify the number and location of catalytic converters on your Dakota, or if you’re planning maintenance or replacement, follow these steps.
- Consult the vehicle’s service manual or data plate for the exact configuration by year and engine.
- Safely lift the rear of the truck and locate the exhaust system along the undercarriage. Look for metal canisters along the exhaust path near the engine and further back toward the mid-pipe or muffler.
- Count the catalytic converters and note their positions (close-coupled near the manifold vs. downstream).
- Check for signs of damage, rattling, or sealing issues around the converter housings, and confirm any check engine light or emissions-related codes with an OBD-II scanner or professional diagnostic tool.
Understanding the exact setup for your Dakota will help with diagnosis, replacement parts, and compliance with emissions testing where required.
Summary
The Dodge Dakota universally uses catalytic converters on its gasoline-powered models in the U.S. The number of units typically ranges from one to two, with dual-converter arrangements being common on many mid-to-late-era configurations. There was no factory diesel Dakota offered in the U.S., so diesel-specific catalytic setups are not part of stock trucks. For owners, verifying the exact layout involves checking the service manuals and visually inspecting the exhaust under the vehicle, or consulting a qualified mechanic.
