2010 Dodge Dakota Problems

Severe Issues

Used DODGE DAKOTA shoppers should review this model-year complaint and recall record before making an offer. Based on 70 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions the most reported area.

20099 years2011

Before you buy

This 2010 Dodge Dakota has 70 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Airbag Malfunctions.

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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70
Complaints
6
Crashes
β€”
Fires
2
Injuries
β€”
Fatalities
7
Recalls

2010 Dodge Dakota Fuel Economy

βœ“ EPA Official Data

EPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2010 Dodge Dakota trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.

14
MPG City
14–15 range
19
MPG Hwy
18–20 range
15
MPG Combined
15–17 range
592
g COβ‚‚/mile
Regular Gasoline
⚠️Costs $9,500 more than avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.

Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2010 Dodge Dakota has 70 owner complaints, 6 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.

2010 Dodge Dakota β€” key reliability facts
Make
Dodge
Model
Dakota
Model year
2010
NHTSA owner complaints
70
Crash-related complaints
6
Safety recall campaigns
7
Top reported component
Airbag Malfunctions
Reliability signal
Severe Issues
EPA MPG combined
15
EPA MPG city / highway
14 / 19
Fuel type
Regular Gasoline

Common problems

Most common 2010 Dodge Dakota problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
32
complaints

Airbag Malfunctions

Crash-related:2
Injuries:2
#2
14
complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

#3
12
complaints

Electrical Faults

Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Transmission / Drivetrain, 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 2010 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 2010 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 2010 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 70 NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record. 6 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Recall context: 7 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.

Key Findings
  • 70 total complaints filed with NHTSA
  • 7 federal recall campaigns
  • 6 crash-related complaints on record
Top Concerns
  • Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
  • Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Verify service records for frequently complained components
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect Complaint volume is influenced by sales volume β€” popular models naturally accumulate more complaints

Full breakdown

All 2010 Dodge Dakota complaints by category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2010 Dodge Dakota. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Airbag Malfunctions322β€”β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain14β€”β€”β€”
Electrical Faults12β€”β€”β€”
Steering Defects102β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration42β€”β€”
Brake System42β€”β€”
Suspension Failures42β€”β€”
Engine Problems4β€”β€”β€”
Uncategorized Issues2β€”β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues22β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper2β€”β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures2β€”β€”β€”
Tire Issues2β€”β€”β€”
Visibility2β€”β€”β€”

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 2010 Dodge Dakota. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

Showing 70 most recent complaints

Transmission / DrivetrainMar 23, 2026

Vehicle Has Experienced all Dash waring lights & noises going on and off while driving Threw multiple codes saying the PCM was not connecting with the ODB2 reader , Vehicle would not crank or start 2 times did a Hard reset and it started, the end result is all Dash Lights lumina…

Transmission / DrivetrainMar 23, 2026

Vehicle Has Experienced all Dash waring lights & noises going on and off while driving Threw multiple codes saying the PCM was not connecting with the ODB2 reader , Vehicle would not crank or start 2 times did a Hard reset and it started, the end result is all Dash Lights lumina…

Airbag MalfunctionsMar 19, 2026

The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Dakota. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 18V021000 (Air Bags) and 15V313000 (Air Bags). The dealer was contacted for the recall repairs and was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact called the manufactur…

Airbag MalfunctionsMar 19, 2026

The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Dakota. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 18V021000 (Air Bags) and 15V313000 (Air Bags). The dealer was contacted for the recall repairs and was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact called the manufactur…

Unintended Acceleration CrashMar 15, 2021

THE ROADS WERE SLICK AND I WAS TRAVELING SLOW CAME OVER THE CREST OF A SMALL HILL OVER BYPASS AND HEADED DOWN HILL BRAKING SLOWLY I COULD TELL IT FELT LIKE I WASN'T SLOWING DOWN LIKE I EXPECTED AS I APPROACHED A VEHICLE AHEAD OF ME STOPPED AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT,SO I PUMPED THE BRA…

Unintended Acceleration CrashMar 15, 2021

THE ROADS WERE SLICK AND I WAS TRAVELING SLOW CAME OVER THE CREST OF A SMALL HILL OVER BYPASS AND HEADED DOWN HILL BRAKING SLOWLY I COULD TELL IT FELT LIKE I WASN'T SLOWING DOWN LIKE I EXPECTED AS I APPROACHED A VEHICLE AHEAD OF ME STOPPED AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT,SO I PUMPED THE BRA…

Transmission / DrivetrainJun 6, 2020

REAR PINON SEAL HAS DETERIORATED ALONGSIDE SIMILAR DODGE TRUCKS WITHIN THE SAME YEAR OF MODEL, BUT THE 2010 DODGE DAKOTA IS NOT COVERED AS WELL. *TR

Transmission / DrivetrainJun 6, 2020

REAR PINON SEAL HAS DETERIORATED ALONGSIDE SIMILAR DODGE TRUCKS WITHIN THE SAME YEAR OF MODEL, BUT THE 2010 DODGE DAKOTA IS NOT COVERED AS WELL. *TR

Suspension FailuresJun 9, 2019

DODGE DOKATA 2010. HEATER RESISTOR OVERHEATS REPEATEDLY. ELECTRICAL SMOKE AND BURNING SMELL REPEATEDLY. VERY HOT TO TOUCH. SO OVERHEATED WIRES AND RESISTOR MELTS. RESISTOR AND WIRES REPLACED NUMEROUS TIMES. SAME RESULTS. FRONT BALL JOINTS KEEP GOING BAD CAUSING DANGEROUS …

Suspension FailuresJun 9, 2019

DODGE DOKATA 2010. HEATER RESISTOR OVERHEATS REPEATEDLY. ELECTRICAL SMOKE AND BURNING SMELL REPEATEDLY. VERY HOT TO TOUCH. SO OVERHEATED WIRES AND RESISTOR MELTS. RESISTOR AND WIRES REPLACED NUMEROUS TIMES. SAME RESULTS. FRONT BALL JOINTS KEEP GOING BAD CAUSING DANGEROUS …

Electrical FaultsJun 25, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE AND AIR BAG WARNING INDICATORS REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TEMPERATURE SENSOR, CATALYTIC CONVERTER, AND ECM CODE (EN…

Electrical FaultsJun 25, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE AND AIR BAG WARNING INDICATORS REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TEMPERATURE SENSOR, CATALYTIC CONVERTER, AND ECM CODE (EN…

Airbag MalfunctionsApr 23, 2018

I TOOK MY TRUCK TO EASTGATE CHRYSLER AT 500 NORTH SHADELAND AVE. 46219 PH.# 317-352-7192 TO HAVE MY AIRBAG RECALL REPAIRED AND A WHEEL ALIGNMENT, THERE WASN'T ANYTHING WRONG WITH MY TRUCK WHEN I TOOK IT INTO THEM, ON MY WAY HOME I NOTICE THAT THE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS FLICKERING WHEN …

Airbag MalfunctionsApr 23, 2018

I TOOK MY TRUCK TO EASTGATE CHRYSLER AT 500 NORTH SHADELAND AVE. 46219 PH.# 317-352-7192 TO HAVE MY AIRBAG RECALL REPAIRED AND A WHEEL ALIGNMENT, THERE WASN'T ANYTHING WRONG WITH MY TRUCK WHEN I TOOK IT INTO THEM, ON MY WAY HOME I NOTICE THAT THE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS FLICKERING WHEN …

Airbag Malfunctions CrashDec 29, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT AND FLIPPED OVER. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. IN ADDITION, IT WAS SUSPECTED THAT THE HARNESS STRAP OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN T…

Airbag Malfunctions CrashDec 29, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT AND FLIPPED OVER. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. IN ADDITION, IT WAS SUSPECTED THAT THE HARNESS STRAP OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN T…

Visibility/WiperDec 15, 2017

TAKATARECALL WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE THE WIPER WASHERS, THE BLADES MOVE, BUT NO WASHER FLUID SPRAYS ON THE WINDOW. SOMETIMES THE WIPERS WORK AND SOMETIMES THEY DO NOT WORK AND ONLY RESUME WORKING AFTER I USE THE TURN SIGNAL OR PUSH THE WASHER STICK. THIS HAPPENS WHILE VEHICL…

Visibility/WiperDec 15, 2017

TAKATARECALL WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE THE WIPER WASHERS, THE BLADES MOVE, BUT NO WASHER FLUID SPRAYS ON THE WINDOW. SOMETIMES THE WIPERS WORK AND SOMETIMES THEY DO NOT WORK AND ONLY RESUME WORKING AFTER I USE THE TURN SIGNAL OR PUSH THE WASHER STICK. THIS HAPPENS WHILE VEHICL…

Airbag MalfunctionsOct 25, 2017

I TOOK MY 2010 DODGE DAKOTA TO MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP (SOUTH HILLS DODGE) ON JUNE 5TH 2017 AFTER RECEIVING MULTIPLE RECALL NOTICES ABOUT THE R25 PASSENGER AIRBAG INFLATOR. THEY TOLD ME THEY WOULD HAVE TO ORDER THE PART AND I WILL HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL IT ARRIVES. I WENT THERE AGAIN A…

Airbag MalfunctionsOct 25, 2017

I TOOK MY 2010 DODGE DAKOTA TO MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP (SOUTH HILLS DODGE) ON JUNE 5TH 2017 AFTER RECEIVING MULTIPLE RECALL NOTICES ABOUT THE R25 PASSENGER AIRBAG INFLATOR. THEY TOLD ME THEY WOULD HAVE TO ORDER THE PART AND I WILL HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL IT ARRIVES. I WENT THERE AGAIN A…

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Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2010 Dodge Dakota.

Safety recalls

2010 Dodge Dakota recalls

7 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2010 Dodge Dakota. 7 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.

Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

#19V018000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE15/01/2019
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

#18V021000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULESep 1, 2018
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

#16V352000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE24/05/2016
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

#15V313000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE27/05/2015
Safety recall

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

#12V420000EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL28/08/2012
Safety recall

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT

#12V474000POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNITFeb 10, 2012
Safety recall

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT

#13V038000POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNITJun 2, 2013

Across model years

Compare Dodge Dakota model years

Compare complaint and recall volume across years to see whether 2010 lands in a lower-risk or higher-risk part of the model timeline.

Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

Questions

2010 Dodge Dakota buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2010 Dodge Dakota reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 70 owner complaints, 6 crash-related complaints, and 7 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 2010 Dodge Dakota?β–Ύ

#1: Airbag Malfunctions (32 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (14 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (12 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2010 Dodge Dakota?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2010 Dodge Dakota?β–Ύ

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2010 Dodge Dakota, NHTSA complaints include 6 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 70 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2010 Dodge Dakota have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes. 7 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2010 Dodge Dakota. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 7 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 2010 Dodge Dakota?β–Ύ

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 Airbag Malfunctions 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 2010 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.