Before you buy
This 2009 Dodge Dakota has 18 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Transmission / Drivetrain.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2009 Dodge Dakota Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2009 Dodge Dakota trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 6 trims analysed.
2009 Dodge Dakota Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2009 Dodge Dakota Extended CabOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated17.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
17.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2009 Dodge Dakota has 18 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Dodge
- Model
- Dakota
- Model year
- 2009
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 18
- Crash-related complaints
- 1
- Safety recall campaigns
- 5
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 16
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 15 / 19
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- No
Common problems
Most common 2009 Dodge Dakota problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Airbag Malfunctions
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Airbag Malfunctions, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2009 Dodge Dakota?
This DODGE DAKOTA year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection.
Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2009 Dodge Dakota
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
- Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
- Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN
Before You Close the Deal
- 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
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2009 Dodge Dakota, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The DODGE DAKOTA has 18 NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. 1 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Recall context: 5 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.
- 18 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 5 federal recall campaigns
- 1 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
Full breakdown
All 2009 Dodge Dakota complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Dodge Dakota. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 Dodge Dakota. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 arriv…
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 MILE…
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 HEADACHE…
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 REC…
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…
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 …
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 REPA…
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…
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…
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 FR…
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 N…
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…
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 BE…
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 APPROXIM…
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 …
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
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2009 Dodge Dakota.
Safety recalls
2009 Dodge Dakota recalls
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 Dodge Dakota. 5 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2009 Dodge Dakota buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2009 Dodge Dakota reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 18 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns for this model year. This DODGE DAKOTA year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Dodge Dakota?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (6 complaints). #2: Airbag Malfunctions (5 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (3 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Dodge Dakota?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2009 Dodge Dakota?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2009 Dodge Dakota, NHTSA complaints include 1 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 18 total complaints. 1 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2009 Dodge Dakota have any recalls?▾
Yes. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2009 Dodge Dakota. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 5 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2009 Dodge Dakota?▾
This DODGE DAKOTA year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Dodge Dakota reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2009 Dodge Dakota based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.