Dodge Dakota Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Dodge Dakota options? We analyzed 10 model years (2003–2012) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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Found a Dodge Dakota? Check that exact car.
Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Dodge Dakota has 1,624 owner complaints and 53 safety recalls across model years 2003–2012. The most reported issue area is AIR BAGS. 2005 drew the most complaints; 2009 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Dodge
- Model
- Dakota
- Model years analyzed
- 2003–2012 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 1,624
- Safety recall campaigns
- 53
- Crash-related complaints
- 111
- Fire-related complaints
- 48
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2005 (470 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2009 (18 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- AIR BAGS
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
Dodge Dakota: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe DODGE DAKOTA has 1,624 NHTSA complaints and 53 recalls on record. 111 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 1,624 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 53 federal recall campaigns
- 111 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Sep 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
53 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2003–2012. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 1,624 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
1,624 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
After starting the Dakota, I pushed on the brake pedal so I could put the automatic transmission in Drive. My foot went all the way to the floor. I tried again with the same result. I checked the brake fluid reservoir. It was a bit low, but not empty. When the tow truck arrived to haul it away, I noticed a pool of brake fluid on the driveway approximately below the master cylinder. It is clear the brake system experience a catastrophic failure. I will know more when my mechanic reports what he has found. He suspects corrosion on the brake line. No one was hurt and there was no property damage because I did not put the truck in gear.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, ALL THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
A/C DRAIN TUBE HAD NOT BEEN ABLE TO DRAIN SINCE OWNING THE VEHICLE SINCE NOVEMBER 2009, DUE TO A FLAWED DESIGN, HENCEFORTH I WAS ILL EVERY TIME I DROVE THE VEHICLE WITH THE A/C ON. THIS LAST ILL DRIVEN 1 HOUR AND 30 MINUTE DAY, 7 JULY 2017, I WAS TERRIBLY NAUSEA, EXTREME HEADACHES AND EXHAUSTION LASTING THROUGH TO 9 JULY 2017. HAD IT BEEN A LONGER DRIVE, I AM SURE I WOULD HAVE HAD AN ACCIDENT AS I STRUGGLED TO DRIVE HOME AND PUT MYSELF INTO BED. THIS FLAWED DESIGN WAS REPAIRED, AS ALL VEHICLES SHOULD BE INSPECTED FOR THE SAFE AND WELFARE OF THE DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS.
TRUCK STOPING WHILE DRIVING HAD REPLACE TIPM ON CITY AND HIGHWAY
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V313000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V313000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, BUT WAS UNABLE TO BE CONNECTED TO A REPRESENTATIVE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Read 14 more owner reports
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V313000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. ...UPDATED 02/04/16 *BF *JS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V313000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 70 MPH, THE CONTACT INADVERTENTLY BUMPED THE IGNITION KEY AND ALL OF THE INDICATORS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED. A CHIME ACTIVATED AND THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS TURN ON WHICH CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO RESUMED NORMAL FUNCTIONED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 41,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 5 MPH DOWN HILL, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT NO WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATED IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHAT CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 41,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE SWAYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE WAS DEFLATED AND WARPED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE HOUSING WAS FRACTURED. THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE WAS REPLACED. TWO DAYS AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED, THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE WAS FOUND TO BE DEFLATED AND WARPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE HOUSING AND SENSOR WERE FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,200.
THE REAR AXLE PINION NUT ON YOUR VEHICLE MAY LOOSEN DUE TO UNDERSIZED PINION SHAFT SPLINES. A LOOSE PINION NUT COULD CAUSE THE REAR AXLE TO SEIZE OR CAUSE THE DRIVE SHAFT TO SEPARATE RESULTING IN A LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER. EITHER SITUATION COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING. *TR
SAFETY RECALL N08/NHTSA 13V-038 WAS ANNOUNCED MAY 13 2013. SINCE THAT DAY I HAVE REPEATEDLY CONTACTED THE DEALER,[XXX], REQUESTING THAT THE RECALL REPAIR BE PERFORMED ON MY 2009 DODGE DAKOTA. EVERY TIME I CALL THEY TELL ME THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS. THEY ALSO TELL ME THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHEN THEY WILL GET THE PARTS. IT IS UNACCEPTABLE THAT FOUR MONTHS AFTER A RECALL IS ANNOUNCED THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER ARE DOING NOTHING TO CORRECT THE DEFECT. IT IS MORE UNACCEPTABLE TO ME THAT IT APPEARS NHTSA IS DOING NOTHING TO ENFORCE THEIR RECALLS. THE NOTICE STATES THAT MY VEHICLE "COULD CRASH WITHOUT WARNING"! WHEN IS NHTSA GOING TO REQUIRE CHRYSLER TO REPAIR THESE DEFECTIVE VEHICLES? THIS MONTH? NEXT MONTH? NEXT YEAR? IS THERE ANY DEADLINE FOR THESE REPAIRS TO BE DONE? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6), *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 13V038000 (POWER TRAIN) HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE TIME FOR REPAIR. THE REAR AXLE BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE THE BOLT SEPARATION FAILURE AS LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE 39,000. UPDATED 10/31/13*LJ
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 13V038000 (POWER TRAIN) AND THE PART REMAINED UNAVAILABLE SINCE APRIL OF 2013. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE AN EXPECTED DATE FOR THE REMEDY PART TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED ANY FAILURE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V038000 (POWER TRAIN) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 37,000. *TR
VEH RPM STARTED TO GO UP ON ITS OWN .I STOPPED VEHICLE PUT TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL AND ENGINE WOULD REV UP FROM 1400 RPM TO 2400 RPM EVERY 2 SECONDS I TURNED VEH OFF AND RESTARTED AND ENGINE STAYED AT 2400 RPM AND WOULD NOT COME DOWN TO A NORMAL IDLE SPEED. WAS ABLE TO DRIVE VEH HOME. THIS HAS HAPPENED FOUR SEPARATE TIMES WITH SAME RESULTS. *TR
WHILE TRAVELING AT AN APPROXIMATED SPEED OF 15MPH ON A FOREST SERVICE ROAD THE SIDEWALL OF THE TIRE BLEW OUT. WEATHER WAS CLEAR, 70 DEGREES F. *TR
Many Dodge vehicle models experience failure of illumination for instrument clusters. This creates an unsafe condition for the driver since information presented at the instrument cluster, cannot be determined during night time driving conditions. Dodge makes no provision to customers for replacement or repair parts and does not provide any documentation through Dodge dealers on how to address this issue. It was determined that Dodge does not offer replacement instrument clusters to address this issue.
The backlighting on the instrument cluster is defective. Only a portion of the gauges are illuminated. Should this occur for the speedometer then driver will not have a way to determine vehicle speed during the nighttime hours.
Showing 20 of 1,624 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Dodge Dakota
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Dodge Dakota, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Dodge Dakota has 1,624 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Dodge Dakota has 53 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 111 of the Dodge Dakota's 1,624 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Dodge Dakota vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Dodge Dakota vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Dodge Dakota has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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How does the Dodge Dakota stack up? Compare complaint history with similar vehicles.
By state
Check a Dodge Dakota by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Dodge Dakota.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Dodge Dakota reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Dodge Dakota reliable?
Poor. The Dodge Dakota has 1,624 NHTSA owner complaints and 53 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is AIR BAGS. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Dodge Dakota years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2005 (470 complaints), 2003 (296 complaints), 2006 (285 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Dodge Dakota problems?
Top reported issues: AIR BAGS (440 complaints); SUSPENSION (244 complaints); POWER TRAIN (236 complaints).
Does the Dodge Dakota have recalls?
Yes — 53 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Dodge Dakota. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.