2011 Dodge Dakota Problems
Used DODGE DAKOTA shoppers should review this model-year complaint and recall record before making an offer. Based on 44 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2011 Dodge Dakota has 44 NHTSA complaints — 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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2011 Dodge Dakota Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2011 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. 4 trims analysed.
2011 Dodge Dakota Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program4 variants tested — showing 2011 Dodge Dakota Extended PU/EC 4WDOfficial 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 2011 Dodge Dakota has 44 owner complaints, 8 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Dodge
- Model
- Dakota
- Model year
- 2011
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 44
- Crash-related complaints
- 8
- Safety recall campaigns
- 6
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 16
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 14 / 19
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- No
Common problems
Most common 2011 Dodge Dakota problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Transmission / Drivetrain
Brake System
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Transmission / Drivetrain, Brake System. 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 2011 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 2011 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 2011 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 44 NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. 8 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Recall context: 6 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.
- 44 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 6 federal recall campaigns
- 8 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 2011 Dodge Dakota complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Dodge Dakota. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 18 | 2 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 6 | 2 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 5 | 4 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 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 2011 Dodge Dakota. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 cus…
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.
My truck has a white panel that's fading out, turning black. The instrument panel is getting hard to read. Pretty soon I won't be able to see how fast I'm going, how much gas I have, any important gauge's that I need to be able to see at night.
BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE ABOUT 5 YEARS AGO FROM A LOCAL DEALER WITH 28,000 MILES ON IT.THE PREVIOUS OWNER BOUGHT IT NEW.I HAVE ALL THE SERVICE RECORDS OF WHAT WAS DONE TO IT INCLUDING OIL CHANGES EVERY 3,000 MILES.HAVE ALWAYS TREATED IT LIKE A BABY AND BRAGGED ABOUT IT.NOW HAS 84,016 …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE, THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE OF A COOLANT LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE COOLANT RESERVOIR WAS PUNCTURED BY THE FRONT PASSENGER…
AIRBAG CLOCKSPRING IS NOT WORKING, DRIVERS AIRBAG WILL NOT WORK AND HORN DOESNT WORK ALONG WITH ANY OTHER CONTROLS ON THE STEERING WHEEL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED, BUT FAILED TO RESPOND. THE BRAKE PEDAL HAD TO BE PUMPED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED.…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EMITTED AN ABNORMAL NOISE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PINION BEARING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTAC…
WHEN ACCELERATING IT SHUDDERS TREMENDOUSLY. LET OF THE GAS AND IT STOPS SOMETIMES.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V352000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE R…
I WAS IN A WRECK WHILE IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY, THE TRUCK WAS TBONED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND TURNED OVER ON ITS SIDE AND NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V352000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECAL…
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE AND AIR BAG WARNING INDICATORS REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V313000 AND 16V352000 (…
I CONTACTED DODGE ABOUT THE RECALL AND THEY HAVE NO SOLUTION A BUT TO SIT AND WAIT FOR AIRBAGS TO COME IN. HOWEVER, IN THE INTERREM MY WIFE WON'T GET IN THE TRUCK. THEY WILL NOT OFFER ANY HELP OR RESOLUTION. WHAT AM I TO DO? WE CONTACTED FCA AND THEY OFFER NO SOLUTION. DO WE HA…
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 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…
TAKATA INFLATORS - NOTHING HAS HAPPENED, THAT'S THE PROBLEM. THE PART IS MY "DRIVER AIR BAG INFLATOR" MY DEALERSHIP, GREENBRIER DODGE OF CHESAPEAKE, VA. 1717 S. MILITARY HIGHWAY (855-890-3634) CONTINUES TO TELL ME THAT THE "REPLACEMENT" PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE - THIS HAS BEEN GO…
AT 60,597 MILES, ALL THE TIE RODS AND BALL JOINTS COMPLETELY FAILED. OTHER DODGE TRUCK MODELS WERE RECALLED FOR THE SAME REASON, BUT NOT THE DAKOTAS. FAILURE WAS WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON CITY STREET. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO A GARAGE. REPAIR INVOICE I…
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 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 2011 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR THE AIR BAGS AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPA…
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 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 RECA…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2011 Dodge Dakota.
Safety recalls
2011 Dodge Dakota recalls
6 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2011 Dodge Dakota. 6 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:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
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
2011 Dodge Dakota buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2011 Dodge Dakota reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 44 owner complaints, 8 crash-related complaints, and 6 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 2011 Dodge Dakota?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (18 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (8 complaints). #3: Brake System (6 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2011 Dodge Dakota?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2011 Dodge Dakota?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2011 Dodge Dakota, NHTSA complaints include 8 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 44 total complaints. 1 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2011 Dodge Dakota have any recalls?▾
Yes. 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2011 Dodge Dakota. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 6 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 2011 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 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 2011 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.