2005 Dodge Dakota

Do not drive

Owners filed 470 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the airbags. It has been recalled 7 times.

Avoid One of the Dodge Dakota years to avoid: 2.3× the complaints of a typical Dakota year. Which Dodge Dakota years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
58,759 milesMedian miles at failure

328 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 0–10,000 miles.

Most common 2005 Dodge Dakota problems

143 of the 470 complaints (30%) are about the airbags.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags · airbags138
1107
Power Train · transmission47
110
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes29
100
Seats24
0143
Steering23
300
Suspension22
201
Electrical System19
020
Suspension › Front15
100
Service Brakes · brakes12
220
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission12
101

2005 Dodge Dakota airbags problems

30% of all complaints

143 of the 470 complaints are about the airbags. This is what owners describe:

  • sets off warning lights on the dash16% · 23
  • shows an airbag warning light14% · 20
  • did not deploy its airbags in a crash6% · 9

Share of the 143 airbags complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
85,666 mi
median of 38 reports
Peak year of filing
2015
55 airbags complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
12 · 0 · 7
in these complaints
“Tl* the contact owned a 2005 dodge dakota. While driving approximately 60 MPH on a bridge, the vehicle slid on black ice, fishtailed, and crashed into a cement column. The air bags did not deploy. There was no warning indicator illuminated. The contact's wife was seated in the front passenger seat and struck her left knee on the dashboard. Medical attention was not received. The contact was not injured.”
Owner complaint, filed Oct 21, 2019 at 99,593 miles
“Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2005 dodge dakota. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v352000 (air bags); however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator was illuminated. The approximate failure mileage was 146,000.”
Owner complaint, filed Mar 24, 2017 at 146,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2005: 41 complaints, 4 about the airbags'052006: 37 complaints, 2 about the airbags2007: 16 complaints, 1 about the airbags'072008: 21 complaints, 2 about the airbags2009: 25 complaints, 1 about the airbags'092010: 26 complaints, 2 about the airbags2011: 20 complaints, 1 about the airbags'112012: 16 complaints, 2 about the airbags2013: 19 complaints, 0 about the airbags'132014: 26 complaints, 3 about the airbags2015: 80 complaints, 55 about the airbags'152016: 63 complaints, 39 about the airbags2017: 34 complaints, 22 about the airbags'172018: 21 complaints, 2 about the airbags2019: 13 complaints, 2 about the airbags'192020: 4 complaints, 2 about the airbags2021: 4 complaints, 2 about the airbags'212022: 1 complaints, 0 about the airbags2023: 1 complaints, 0 about the airbags'232024: 0 complaints, 0 about the airbags2025: 0 complaints, 0 about the airbags'252026: 2 complaints, 1 about the airbagsRecall 05V002000 (airbags)Recall 05V460000 (transmission)Recall 09E012000 (headlights)Recall 14V770000 (airbags)Recall 15V313000 (airbags)Recall 16V352000 (airbags)Recall 17V820000 (seats)NHTSA investigation EA21002NHTSA investigation EA15001NHTSA investigation PE14016NHTSA investigation EA06004
All complaintsAbout the airbagsRecall (red: the airbags)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2005 Dakota peaked in 2015, with 80 filed that year. Owners had filed 0 complaints about the airbags before the first recall that covers it, 05V002000 in January 2005; 143 more have come in since. In 2026 owners filed 2 so far.

7 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler17V820000
Filed Dec 20, 201716,900 vehiclesChrysler (FCA US LLC)

Defect. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain 2005 Dodge Dakota pickup trucks equipped with heated seats. These driver and passenger seats may develop hot spots that can result in the seat cushion or seat back having burn holes.

Risk. The hot spots and burn holes can injure the seat occupant and can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy. Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will update the seat heating system control features, free of charge. The recall began December 27, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T80.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module16V352000Do not drive
Filed May 24, 20164,648,270 vehiclesChrysler (FCA US LLC)

Defect. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.

Risk. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S43. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-7700.

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module15V313000Do not drive
Filed May 26, 20154,077,169 vehiclesChrysler (FCA US LLC)

Defect. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010 Chrysler 300, 300C, 300S, and SRT8, 2006-2010 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Magnum, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler and Dodge owners and Mitsubishi will notify the affected Raider owners. Dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began for Chrylser on June 8, 2015. The recall for Mitsubishi started on June 24, 2015. Chrysler and Dodge owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Mitsubishi owners may call 1-888-648-7820. Chrysler's number for this recall is R25. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V817 in its entirety. Vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well.

Air Bags14V770000
Filed Dec 3, 2014250,896 vehiclesChrysler Group LLC

Defect. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2004-2005 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500, 2004-2005 Dodge Durango, 2005 Dodge Dakota, 2005 Dodge Magnum and 2005 Chrysler 300, 300C and 300 SRT8 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Saipan, Guam, and American Samoa are addressed by this recall. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. For vehicles that were sold, or are currently registered, in Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, owners were notified and the recall began on December 5, 2014. For all other vehicles, Chrysler notified owners and the recall began on February 3, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P40 Expanded. Note: This recall has been superseded by recall 16V-352. This recall superseded the passenger air bag portion of recall 14V-354.

Exterior Lighting09E012000
Filed Apr 7, 200916,270 vehiclesSabersport

Defect. SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission05V460000
Filed Oct 6, 2005256,409 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 42RLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE CUP PLUG THAT RETAINS THE PARK PAWL ANCHOR SHAFT MAY BE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED. IF THE SHAFT MOVES OUT OF POSITION, THE VEHICLE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO ACHIEVE 'PARK' POSITION.

Risk. IF THIS OCCURS AND THE PARKING BRAKE IS NOT APPLIED, THE VEHICLE MAY ROLL AWAY AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSIONS AND INSTALL A BRACKET TO ENSURE THE PARK PAWL ANCHOR SHAFT IS RETAINED IN THE PROPER POSITION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 28, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Air Bags › Side/Window05V002000
Filed Jan 5, 20051,142 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH THE OPTIONAL SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG, THE CURTAIN FASTENERS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY TIGHTENED.

Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN AN IMPROPER SIDE AIR BAG CURTAIN DEPLOYMENT IN CERTAIN SIDE CRASH CONDITIONS, WHICH CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE SIDE AIR BAG CURTAIN FASTENERS TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 17, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

All 7 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 5 name the 2005 Dakota.

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureEngineering analysis EA21002Open
Opened Sep 17, 2021airbags

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at …

Air Bag Inflator RuptureEngineering analysis EA15001Open
Opened Feb 24, 2015Led to recall 14V668airbags

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field …

Air Bag Inflator RupturePreliminary evaluation PE14016Closed
Opened Jun 11, 2014Closed Mar 2, 2015Led to recall 13V172000airbags

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field …

STEERING WHEEL AND STEERING SHAFT BOLTSEngineering analysis EA06004Open
Opened Mar 9, 2006steering

On march 9, 2006 odi upgraded preliminatry evaluation pe05-056 to engineerning analysis ea06-004 to investigate allegations of loose or missing steering shaft coupling bolts and steering column retaining bolts in model year (my) 2004 through 2006 dodge durango sport utility vehicles and my 2005 through 2006 dodge dakota pickup trucks.either condition could result in a loss of steering control.although odi identified some quality issues in the manufacturing processes for the dakota and durango vehicles, the data do not indicate that a safety defect trend is present in either population.the …

STEERING WHEEL AND SHAFT BOLTSPreliminary evaluation PE05056Closed
Opened Oct 26, 2005Closed Mar 9, 2006steering

On october 26, 2005 odi opened pe05-056 to investigate allegations of loose or missing steering wheel or steering shaft coupling bolts in model year (my) 2004 and 2005 dodge durango sport utility vehicles and my 2005 dodge dakota pickup trucks manufactured by daimlerchrysler corporation (dcc).during pe05-056 odi identified 3 owner complaints to odi or dcc, 21 field reports to dcc and 142 warranty claims related to the alleged defect conditions.the reports and claims included 8 incidents of either steering wheel separation or steering shaft decoupling while driving due to loose or missing …

Technical service bulletins

64 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2005 Dakota. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

transmission 18equipment 14engine 10electrical system 8body and frame 4steering 3visibility 2airbags 1
K03Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 24, 2010airbags

CHRYSLER CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: SELECT DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON TO SEE OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER. THE SIDE AIRBAG INFLATABLE CURTAIN (SABIC) ON ABOUT 4200 MY 2005-2007 DODGE DAKOTA VEHICLES MAY NOT DEPLOY IN AN INSURANCE INSTITUTE FOR HIGHWAY SAFETY SIDE IMPACT TEST. THE OCCUPANT RESTRAINT CONTROLLER MODULE WILL BE REPROGRAMMED.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA 5-star safety ratings
Version testedOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
2005 Dodge Dakota 4-DR.———★★★★★17.9%
2005 Dodge Dakota Extended Cab———★★★★★17.9%

New Car Assessment Program results for this model year. Ratings compare cars of similar size and weight only.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Mar 20, 202681,892 milesKY

The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that the vehicle had been shipped to them. While the vehicle was parked, the contact inspected the vehicle and observed that the frame was severely corroded. The contact also noted that the frames of all the vehicle doors were corroded as well. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was not formally diagnosed; however, the mechanic informed the contact that the frame was severely corroded, the vehicle was structurally compromised, and they were unsure whether the vehicle could be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 81,892.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 11, 2026NV

Seat belt light turn on and off since I own the truck.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper
Filed Apr 5, 202325,000 milesNJ

The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle vibrated, pulled to the right, with a burning odor coming into the cabin of the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and diagnosed that the caliper had failed. The calipers had been replaced six times; however, the failure persisted and became more frequent. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000.

Power Train
Filed Mar 13, 2022TN

*Incomplete Recall Status* ***Defect in transfer case*** Complaint of Manufacturer Defect in 2005 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab 4x4 3.7l v6. While driving at a speed of 30mph on a smooth paved highway and selector switch turned to 2 wheel drive mode; out of nowhere, the transfer case tried to engage 4 High which resulted in SVC 4X4 warning lamp illumination and a loud grinding/stuttering sound from under carriage as well as halting me to 10 mph without any help from me. after pulling over on the roadside and putting truck in park and turning the engine off, i waited a couple of minutes and SVC 4X4 indicator and 4High dash light had gone. I restarted the truck only to find that the SVC 4X4 Warning lamp immediately returned and now the 4lo illuminated dash light is constantly showing and truck is still showing in 2 wheel drive with selector switch but 4x4 will not engage at all now. Took to a mechanic shop 1/2 mile down the road and had it read for any DTCs and inspected. Code came back as C1404. Transfer case still tries to engage as soon as truck door is opened and dome light comes on. SVC 4X4 warning indicator stays on the dash lit up and 4lo warning light flashes non stop. Manufacturers communication letter has been sent to dealerships for the proper installation steps of the transfer case on the model of my truck due to improper positioning. I have noticed no Recall but have found a Campaign ID listed for this issue. I've owned this truck for only DAYS now with the intention of pr

Air Bags
Filed Apr 14, 2021CA

GOT TRUCK SMOGGED 4/13/2021 AND WAS TOLD OF AN OUTSTANDING RECALL FOR AIRBAG. THIS RECALL WAS FIXED ON 11/13/2015. ATTACHED ARE COPIES OF NOTICE OF RECALL AFTER GETTING TRUCK SMOGGED AND PAGES 1 AND 2 OF INVOICE SHOWING REPAIR ON 11/13/2015. HOW DO WE GET THIS UPDATED IN THE SYSTEM SO IT WILL NOT SHOW UP AGAIN WHEN WE GET TRUCK SMOGGED NEXT TIME? Consumer stated vehicle has been repaired and no longer needs to be contacted.*JB

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 10, 2021189,000 milesMO

WHILE DRIVING ON I-635 NORTHBOUND AT AROUND 25 TO 30 MPH WITH 4X4 ACTIVATED ON A SINGLE LINE AVAILABLE SINCE IT WAS CLEARED AND SALTED. WITHOUT WARNING I WAS THE ONLY VEHICLE THAT VEERED RIGHT HARD AND I LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE ALMOST CRASHING ONTO THE METAL BEAM ALONG THE HIGHWAY. I WENT PAST THE SHOULDER AND DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF HILL, BUT THANKFULLY VEHICLE DIDN'T TURN OFF. I HAD TO SWITCH OFF 4X4 AND BACK ON AND WAS ABLE TO CLIMB UP DESPITE THE SNOW BACK TO THE HIGHWAY WITH NO FURTHER REOCCURRENCE. UNFORTUNATELY WHEN THIS HAPPENED MY PASSENGER SEAT WENT FORWARD AND IS NOW STUCK AND I BROKE LEVER TRYING TO BRING IT BACK FROM FRONT RECLINING. BECAUSE OF THE ROUGH TERRAIN THE REAR QUARTER PANELS WHERE THE WAS SOME RUST HAVE CRACKED

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Feb 12, 2021112,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, A UNKNOWN VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK AND SHOULDER INJURIES HOWEVER NO MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS PROVIDED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN FROM THE SCENE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 212,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Power Train
Filed Feb 3, 2021118,000 milesPA

WHILE TRUCK IS SITTING IN PARK NO KEYS IN IT, OBVIOUSIY NOT RUNNING YOU CAN HEAR THE 4WD ACTIVATING, ALSO WHEN DRIVING IN 2WD THE 4WD LIGHT STARTS TO FLASH TRYING TO ENGAGE.

Service BrakesFire
Filed Jun 29, 2020171,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING INTO THE DRIVEWAY WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTING TO APPLY THE BRAKES WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL FLOORED FAILING TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKES AND LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE WHERE THEY NOTICED A BURNING ODOR. THE CONTACT SHORTLY NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A FIRE NEAR THE ENGINE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THEY HAD THEIR WIFE CONTACT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT OUT FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND NO MEDICAL ASSISTANCE NEEDED. VEHICLE TOWED. THE CONTACT CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER TO INFORM THEM THAT THE FIRE REPORT REPORTED THAT THE VEHICLE'S MASTER CYLINDER BRAKE FLUID LEAK CAUSED FIRE. THE VEHICLE DEEMED TOTALED. THE MANUFACTURER OPENED A CASE REGARDING THE MATTER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 171,000.

Power Train
Filed Mar 18, 2020200,000 milesNV

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START OR PARK WITH THE GEAR SHIFTER IN THE PARK POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS ONLY ABLE TO START OR PARK WHEN PLACED IN NEUTRAL. NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH CHAPMAN LAS VEGAS DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM LOCATED AT (3175 E SAHARA AVE, LAS VEGAS, NV 89104) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SUBJECTED TO A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 27, 2020112,855 milesIL

HEATED DRIVER SEAT CAUGHT FIRE. CALLED DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE DRIVER HEATED SEAT. THE DEALER SAID THERE WAS AIRBAG RECALL ON THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE OF THE TRUCK. THE DEALER SAID THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR AIRBAGS AND WOULD NEED TO CONTACT DODGE FOR A CASE NUMBER. CONTACTED DODGE AND WAS TOLD JUST DRIVE CAREFULLY.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 31, 202073,003 milesGA

WAS REPAIRED 05/13/2016 BY CHRYSLER DODGE DEALERSHIP 0F SOUTH SAVANNNAH

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Oct 21, 201999,593 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH ON A BRIDGE, THE VEHICLE SLID ON BLACK ICE, FISHTAILED, AND CRASHED INTO A CEMENT COLUMN. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT'S WIFE WAS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AND STRUCK HER LEFT KNEE ON THE DASHBOARD. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT RECEIVED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. POLICE REPORT NUMBER: 1916400110 WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND TOWED TO A GARAGE, BUT WAS LATER RETRIEVED BY THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT CALLED HEALY CHRYSLER DODGE AT 231-845-3900 (LOCATED AT 3632 W US-10, LUDINGTON, MI 49431) WHERE THE AIR BAGS WERE REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V352000 (AIR BAGS), 15V313000 (AIR BAGS), AND 14V770000 (AIR BAGS). THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT ALL THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT AN INVESTIGATOR WOULD CALL THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT WAS NOT CALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,593. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Oct 13, 201980,000 milesCO

VEHICLE GOES IN AND OUT OF 4 WHEEL DRIVE AND 4 WHEEL LO ON IT'S OWN, WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING OR NOT AND MOVING OR NOT. THERE HAVE BEEN TIMES WHEN I OPEN THE DOOR, NOT UNLOCK, JUST OPEN, AND YOU CAN HEAR THE TRANSFER CASE SHIFTING . SOMETIME "SERVICE 4 WHEEL DRIVE" LIGHT COMES ON, OTHER TIMES JUST 4 WHEEL INDICATOR AND OTHER TIMES NO LIGHT AT ALL. THOUGH IT IS A 2005, I ONLY HAVE 80K ON IT. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS NOW

Engine
Filed Aug 24, 201962,000 milesSC

TICKING NOISE FROM EXHAUST MANIFOLD. EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS & STUDS PREMATURELY BROKE! LEAKING EXHAUST FUMES ARE ABLE TO ENTER PASSENGER CABIN & CAUSE A SAFETY HAZARD! THIS ISSUE NEEDS A SAFETY RECALL TO REPLACE EXHAUST MANIFOLD GASKETS, BOLTS & STUDS THAT ARE OF AN IMPROVED GRADE TO CORRECT THIS FACTORY INSTALLATION SAFETY ISSUE ON BOTH LEFT & RIGHT HAND EXHAUST MANIFOLDS!!

Engine
Filed Aug 24, 201962,500 milesSC

TICKING NOISE COMING FROM EXHAUST MANIFOLDS! EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS & STUDS ARE BREAKING PREMATURELY ALLOWING EXHAUST GASES TO ENTER PASSENGER COMPARTMENT! NEW BETTER GRADE EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS & STUDS PLUS GASKETS NEED TO BE INSTALLED ON BOTH LEFT & RIGHT HAND SIDE MANIFOLDS WITH A RECALL TO CORRECTLY REPAIR THIS DANGEROUS FACTORY INSTALLED DEFECT!!

Power Train
Filed Aug 4, 2019152,000 milesAZ

CAME TO A STOP BEHIND 2 VEHICLES IN LEFT TURN LANE. WHEN TRAFFIC LIGHT GREEN ARROW CAME AND ACCELERATED THERE WAS A LOUD BANG AND TRUCK WOULD NOT MOVE. CAR BEHIND SKIDDED TO A STOP TO AVOID TRUCK. TRIED REVERSE AND DRIVE WITH NO AFFECT THEN LOOKING UNDER TRUCK THER WAS REAR DIFFERENTIAL OIL PUDDLING UNDER CENTER PUMPKIN. GROUP OF PEOPLE HELPED PUSHED TRUCK INTO LOT BACKWARDS SINCE WOULD ROLL FORWARD. TOWED BACK TO WORK AND INSPECTED NEXT DAY 8/3/19 AND PINION NUT HAD BACKED OFF. PULLED DIFF COVER AND FOUND SEVERAL CHUNKS OF METAL FROM DAMAGE. BUILD DATE 08/04 152,000 MILES WITH 9 1/4 REAREND. APPARENTLY THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE RAM 1500 WITH SAME REAR END AND WITHIN THIS BUILD DATE. WOULD NOT THE DAKOTA ALSO BE INCLUDED? L

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 26, 2019150,000 milesAZ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED TO STOP THE VEHICLE AT A STOP SIGN. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE ONTO A CURB TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

SeatsFire
Filed Jun 3, 2019CO

I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE T80 HEATED SEATS IN MY 2005 DODGE DAKOTA I CALLED THE CHRYSLER REPRESENTATIVE SCHEDULE A REPAIR SERVICE WITH PERKINS DODGE COLORADO SPRINGS HE ORDERED THE SEATS I TOLD THE REPRESENTATIVE THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE HAD A BURN HOLE IN IT AND HAD CAUGHT FIRE WHEN THE NEW SEATS ARRIVED AT PERKINS DODGE I TOOK MY TRUCK IN TO BE REPAIRED THEY TOLD ME THEY WILL NOT DO THE PASSENGER SEAT BECAUSE OF THE BURN HOLE HAS CUT OUT PIECES. I TOLD THEM I HAD TO REMOVE SOME OF THE BURNT MATERIAL TO PUT A SEAT COVER ON AND STILL UTILIZE THE SEAT. SEATS ARE STILL UNDER RECALL THEY ORDERED THEM KNOWING THAT THERE WAS A BURN HOLE I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THEY WILL NOT PROCEED WITH THE REPAIR THE INFORMATION FOR THE CASE NUMBER AND REPRESENTATIVE I TALKED TO IS HERE.... MY NAME IS [XXX] FROM THE FCA CASE MANAGEMENT DIVISION, I HAVE BEEN ASSIGNED AS YOUR CASE MANAGER. HERE IS SOME INFORMATION THAT WILL BE HELPFUL FOR YOU TO HAVE: YOUR CASE NUMBER IS [XXX] THE CHRYSLER CASE MANAGEMENT TELEPHONE NUMBER IS: [XXX] MY DIRECT EXTENSION: [XXX] MY WORK HOURS ARE: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM EASTERN STANDARD TIME (MONDAY-FRIDAY). I WILL CONTACT YOU WITHIN ONE BUSINESS DAY OF YOUR APPOINTMENT BY TELEPHONE TO REVIEW YOUR CASE WITH YOU. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR - (RECALL RELATED INCIDENT) TS

Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/CoolerFire
Filed Mar 11, 2019110,000 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT OVERHEATED AND CAUGHT FIRE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V820000 (SEATS); 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. HALEY CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM AIRPORT (5400 S LABURNUM AVE, RICHMOND, VA 23231, (804) 663-5337) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler
Filed Feb 27, 2019PA

2005 DODGE DAKOTA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO HEATED SEATS SAFETY RECALL T80/NHTSA 17V-820 AND WHEN VEHICLE WILL BE REPAIRED. *AS *TR

Engine
Filed Jan 20, 2019174,000 milesLA

EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS BROKE CAUSING EXHAUST FUMES TO FILTER INTO THE CABIN. THE FILTRATION OF EXHAUST FUME OCCURS WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION OR STATIONARY. ACCORDING TO DEALER IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE.

Power Train
Filed Jan 17, 2019130,000 milesMO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE SERVICE 4 WHEEL DRIVE INDICATOR INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATED. DURING THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE DRIVEN IN 4 WHEEL DRIVE. ALSO, AFTER REMOVING THE IGNITION KEY, THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE ACTUATOR WOULD REMAIN ACTIVE. EVENTUALLY, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND WAS RESET. AFTER RESETTING THE TRANSMISSION, THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION ERRONEOUSLY SWITCHED INTO 4 WHEEL DRIVE AND CAUSED THE SPEED TO REDUCE TO 10 MPH. THE FAILURES WERE NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 11, 2019NY

TAKATA RECALL.. OVER 8 MONTHS WAITING FOR NEW AIRBAGS. NO END IN SIGHT.

Power Train
Filed Jan 9, 201992,000 milesIL

SERVICE 4WD LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND I WAS WATCHING IT AND NOTICE THE 4 LOW LIGHT BLINKED ON ONCE. NOTHING SEEMS TO BE WRONG WITH THE TRANSFER CASE BUT I THINK IT WANTING TO GO INTO 4WD ON ITS OWN. THE SERV 4WD LIGHT STAYS ON AT TIMES AND OTHER TIMES AFTER AWHILE IT WILL GO OFF BUT LATER COME BACK ON.

Suspension
Filed Dec 28, 2018105,000 milesWA

I TOOK MY 2005 DAKOTA TO REPAIR SHOP BECAUSE OF CLUNKING NOISE ON FRONT DRIVERS SIDE. NOISE WAS HEARD WHEN DRIVING OR ROCKING THE TRUCK WHEN IT WAS PARKED. REPAIR SHOP SAID LOWER BALL JOINT COMPLETELY FAILED AND WAS RIDING ON LOWER CONTROL ARM INSTEAD OF SUPPORTED BY BALL JOINT. UPPER BALL JOINT WAS ALSO BAD. PASSENGER SIDE UPPER BALL JOINT WORN OUT AND LOWER BALL JOINT BOOT WAS CRACKED. ALL TIE ROD ENDS ALSO NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 24, 2018198,000 milesAL

SEATS ALMOST CAUGHT FIRE. MELTED A HOLE IN SEATS

Steering
Filed Nov 30, 2018195,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, AN ODOR OF POWER STEERING FLUID EMITTED THROUGH THE AIR VENTS. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKING FROM THE BEARING OF THE POWER STEERING PUMP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT WAS A CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAL OF THE BEARING AND POWER STEERING PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 195,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 10, 2018141,000 milesFL

TAKATA AIR BAG. I PURCHASED A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA IN AUGUST 2018. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP IN OCTOBER WHEN I FOUND OUT ABOUT THE RECALL. DEALERSHIP REPLACED DRIVERS SIDE BUT NOT PASSENGER SIDE.I WAS TOLD AND SHOWN PHOTOS OF AN EMPTY SPACE.THERE WAS NO AIRBAG OR WIRING.I STILL HAVE NO PSA. ALSO WHEN I TEST DROVE THIS VEHICLE IT HAD NO HEADLIGHTS.WHEN I PURCHASED IT I WAS TOLD THEY WERE FIXED.I DO NOT HAVE HIGH BEAMS STILL. THERE ARE ALSO PROBLEMS WITH THE EMISSIONS ON THIS TRUCK.I REPLACED THE EVAP PUMP BUT STILL IS NOT CORRECT. CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHAT I CAN DO ABOUT THESE SAFETY ISSUES? THANK YOU.

Steering
Filed Oct 27, 2018RI

HELLO, I RECENTLY PURCHASED A ONE OWNER 2005 DODGE DAKOTA, WHICH HAS LESS THAN 35,000 MILES AND HAS BEEN VERY WELL MAINTAINED. THE CAR FAX CAME BACK CLEAN FOR ACCIDENTS ETC, BUT I HAVE FOUND, THAT BOTH THE FRONT AND REAR SECTIONS OF THE CHASSIS HAD TO BE REPLACED ON DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES AND MOST OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION HAD TO BE REPLACED TOO. DUE TO EXCESSIVE DEEP RUST. TO THE POINT OF THE NUT HOLDING THE LEFT OUTER TIE ROD END DISINTEGRATED. THE STRAIGHT SIDE RAILS OF THE CHASSIS ARE EXCESSIVELY DEEP RUSTED. AS WELL AS THE OIL PAN AND REAR AXLE HOUSING (WHICH ARE ORIGINAL). THE DEALERSHIP HAD TO CUT OFF THE FRONT SUSPENSION COMPONENTS AND REPLACE ALL BUSHINGS AND MOST OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION COMPONENTS. DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST AND WEAR. MY TRUCK HAS BARELY BEEN ON THE ROAD FOR ITS YEAR AND HAS HAD MINIMAL EXPOSURE TO ROAD CHEMICALS SUCH AS SALT ETC. THESE COMPONENTS ROTTING AWAY TO THIS EXTENT WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE REGARDLESS OF AGE INDICATES THE USE OF POOR QUALITY MATERIALS BEING USED DURING ASSEMBLY AND POSING A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE TO CONSUMERS. I OPENED A CASE# 57271603 WITH CHRYSLER AND THE AGENT TOLD, THAT EVEN IF THE CASE WAS MOVED UP FOR REVIEW . IT WOULD BE SENT BACK DUE TO THE AGE OF THE TRUCK . WHICH I DISAGREE WITH, AS THE FRONT SUSPENSION COMPONENTS SHOULD NOT HAVE ROTTED AND DISINTEGRATED SO BADLY AND THE CHASSIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAD TO HAVE EXTENSIVE REPAIRS IN LESS THAN 35,000 MILES. I WOULD THINK, THAT THIS POSES A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE FOR ANYONE BUY

Air Bags
Filed Oct 24, 2018156,000 milesMO

HELLO, I HAVE CALLED LARRY HILLIS IN POPLAR BLUFF SEVERAL TIME ABOUT THIS RECALL ON MY TRUCK. WHEN I E-MAILED THEM LAST WEEK THEY SENT ME AN E-MAIL SAYING THEY WOULD TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM, ( THE SAME THING THEY TOLD ME WHEN I CALLED LAST YEAR) IF THIS NEED FIXED THEN I AM COVERING MY BASES IN CASE SOMETHING HAPPENS. THE NEXT CALL OR TEXT WILL BE TO THE BBB. THANK YOU, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler
Filed Oct 10, 2018DC

2005 DODGE DAKOTA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO A SETTLE CLAIM FOR FAULTY HEATED SEATS THAT CAUGHT ON FIRE. *AS *JS

SeatsFire
Filed Oct 1, 2018MI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PART FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V820000 (SEATS) WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE DEALER (PARKWAY CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM, 21560 HALL RD, CLINTON TWP, MI 48038, (586) 465-7210) WAS UNABLE TO VERIFY A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO RECEIVE THE PART. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A HOLE WAS BURNED IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT NEAR THE CONSOLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO SPECIFY WHEN THE PART WOULD BE SUPPLIED TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 14, 2018179,000 milesIN

APPROXIMATELY TWO WEEKS AGO FROM THIS COMPLAINT, WHILE DRIVING THE AFOREMENTIONED VEHICLE (2005 DODGE DAKOTA) DURING NORMAL, SUMMER TIME ROAD CONDITIONS, WRITER NOTICED THAT THE "SVC 4WD" WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED. LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED FOR APPROXIMATELY 3 MILES BEFORE TURNING OFF. LIGHT DIDN'T ILLUMINATE AGAIN UNTIL SUNDAY, 09/09/2018. WHEN UNLOCKING THE VEHICLE USING THE VEHICLE'S REMOTE UNLOCK ON THE KEY, WRITER NOTICED A SOUND THAT SOUNDED LIKE THE VEHICLE ENGAGING THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE MECHANISMS. WRITER STARTED THE VEHICLE, NOTED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN FOUR WHEEL DRIVE, AND THE SERVICE LIGHT WAS NOT ILLUMINATED. DURING THE COURSE OF THIS WEEK, THE SERVICE LIGHT HAS INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATED ON OCCASION, REMAINING ON FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME, THEN TURNS OFF. TODAY, 09/14/2018, WHEN LEAVING MY WORK FOR AN ERRAND, I NOTED THAT THE "SVC 4WD" LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED IMMEDIATELY AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE. WRITER NOTED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO, IN FACT, IN FOUR WHEEL DRIVE, AS THE VEHICLE WAS "SKIPPING" THE TIRES WHILE TURNING AND EXHIBITING SIGNS OF A VEHICLE IN 4 WHEEL DRIVE WHILE DRIVING ON DRY PAVEMENT. WRITER NOTED THAT THE "4WD CONTROL KNOB" WAS IN THE 2WD POSITION. WRITER PARKED THE VEHICLE AND MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, WHILE BOTH IN PARK AND NEUTRAL, TO ENGAGE THE 4WD AND DISENGAGE USING THE 4WD CONTROL KNOB. NONE OF THESE ACTIONS WERE ABLE TO DISENGAGE THE TRANSFER CASE. WRITER DROVE THE VEHICLE TO MY DESTINATION, (APPROXIMATELY 3 MILES), NOTING UPO

Electrical System
Filed Sep 2, 201848,000 milesLA

ON THE PASSENGER SIDE ELECTRIC WINDOW A NOISE WAS HEARD AND THE WINDOW NOW DOES NOT WORK.

SeatsFire
Filed Aug 24, 2018NC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V820000 (SEATS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WITHIN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. THE DEALER (JOHN GREENE CHRYSLER/JEEP/DODGE, 910 JAMESTOWN ROAD, MORGANTON, NC 28655) CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT CAUGHT FIRE IN FEBRUARY OF 2017. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE DRIVER. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler
Filed Jun 18, 2018TX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V820000 (SEATS); 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. TOMBALL DODGE IN TOMBALL, TEXAS WAS MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE, AND THAT CHRYSLER HAD NOT DETERMINED A REMEDY FOR THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Power Train
Filed May 19, 2018158,352 milesNY

MY 2005 DAKOTA HAS BEEN JUMPING IN AND OUT OF 4WD WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND YESTERDAY THE TRANSFERCASE LOCKED INTO NEUTRAL WHILE THE VEHICLE WAD SITTING IN MY MOTHER'S DRIVEWAY AND ROLLED INTO THE ROAD

Engine
Filed Apr 21, 2018130,000 milesCA

MINE IS THE 2005 DODGE DAKOTA EXTRA CAB AND THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS BREAKING/SHEARING AT THE ENGINE BLOCK. THIS CAN CAUSE (AND IT HAS) A TICKING SOUND THAT GETS LOUDER AS YOU ACCELERATE. ONCE YOU HEAR THE TICKING SOUND, BOTH SIDES OF THE ENGINE ARE AFFECTED. THIS RESULTS IN POOR MILEAGE, OVERHEATING, ENGINE WILL STALL AT LOW IDLE, ULTIMATELY ALLOWING EXHAUST FUMES TO ENTER THE CABIN, POTENTIALLU, POISONING THE OCCUPANTS WITH CARBON MONOXIDE FUMES. I TOOK THIS VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THEN REPLACED. THE 1ST DEALER SAID IT WASN'T REPAIRABLE. 2ND ONE SAID, 1400 $ PER SIDE TO EXTRACT BROKEN BOLTS AT THE REAR OF THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD ON BOTH SIDES OF MY 4.7 . 3RD REPAIR SHOP TOLD ME THIS VERY COMMON ON THE 4.7 AND HE DOES ABOUT 10 A WEEK. HIS PRICE WAS 350 $ PER SIZE PLUS GASKET AND DOUGHNUT GASKET AT THE COLLECTOR. HEY! IF THIS IS SUCH A COMMON PROBLEM WHY ARE WE DODGE OWNERS BEING HOSTAGE BY HAVING TO MAKE THIS REPAIR OURSELVES AND PAY FOR IT? IT IS AN EMMISIONS ENGINEERING UNDERDESIGN THAT NEEDS TO BE FIXED AND A RECALL NEEDS TO BE ISSUED. IT IS A DESIGN DEFECT. PLEASE INVESTIGATE AND GET THIS SITUATION CORRECTED BEFORE SOME INNOCENT CHILD DIES FROM CARBON MONOXIDE ENTERING THE CABIN. NOT TO MENTION OTHER POTENTIAL HAZARDS THAT MAY OCCUR BECAUSE THE DRIVER IS OVERWHELMED BY CARBON MONOXIDE AND RUNS DOWN 78 PEOPLE BECAUSE THEY PASSED OUT FROM THE CARBON MONOIXIDE FILLED CABIN WHILE DRIVING. PLEASE. DO. SOMETHING. TIME IS RUNNING OUT. BEFORE SOMEBODY IS KILLED.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 18, 2018NJ

2005 DODGE DAKOTA. CONSUMER IS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR VEHICLE. CONSUMER STATES THAT DEALER REFUSES TO REPAIR VEHICLE. *LD *JS

Electrical System
Filed Apr 3, 2018124,706 milesVA

TRUCK TRIES TO ENGAGE INTO 4X4 MODE WHILE KNOB IS IN 2X4 SELECTION AND KEY IS NOT EVEN IN IGNITION. ALSO WHILE DRIVING TRUCK ENGAGES INTO 4X4 MODE WHILE KNOB IS IN 2X4 MODE. DODGE DEALER SAID THEY NO LONGER MAKE TIPM PART TO FIX THIS ISSUE AND NO OTHER PARTS COMPANY MAKE THIS PART.

SeatsFire
Filed Mar 27, 2018195,000 milesWI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE SEAT HEATERS WERE TURNED ON. AFTER THE PASSENGER EXITED THE VEHICLE, THE PASSENGER STATED TO THE CONTACT THAT THE SEATS WERE VERY HOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT STARTED TO SMOKE AS THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN 25 MILES TO THE FIRE STATION WHERE THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FIRE STARTED IN THE SEAT. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO THE DEALER BRICKNER'S OF ANTIGO INC. (123 E HIGHWAY 64, ANTIGO WI 54409) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A FUSE FOR THE HEATED SEATS WERE TURNED OFF. THE NEXT DAY THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE SAME DEALER FOR AN OIL CHANGE AN AT THAT TIME WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V820000 (SEATS) AND THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED BECAUSE THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL WERE DISCONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO CONTACTED AND WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 195,000. *TT *JS *TT

Power Train
Filed Mar 19, 2018135,000 milesNC

THE TRANSFER CASE ON THIS VEHICLE WILL RANDOMLY SHIFT FROM 2 WHEEL DRIVE TO 4 WHEEL DRIVE OR EVEN TO 4 WHEEL DRIVE LOW RANGE WITH NO DRIVER INPUT. SHIFTING TO 4 LOW IS VERY DANGEROUS AS IT TENDS TO LOCK UP THE DRIVE TRAIN WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE

Seats
Filed Jan 17, 2018137,000 milesNJ

I HAVE A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA WITH LEATHER SEATS. I TURNED ON BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER HEAT TO THE SEATS DROVE ABOUT TWO MILES TO DROP MY CHILD OFF TO SCHOOL. WHEN I GOT BACK HOME I NOTICED A BURN HOLE AND MELTED LEATHER AROUND THE HOLE. I HAVEN'T USED IT SINCE.

Seats1 injured
Filed Jan 16, 2018115,000 milesTX

TURNED ON PASSENGER SEAT WARMER TO KEEP A MEAL WARM IN A WHITE FOAM FOOD CONTAINER. 5 MINUTES LATER WHEN I ARRIVED AT HOME THE BOTTOM OF THE CONTAINER HAD A MELTED HOLE IN IT. THE SEAT WAS EXTREMELY HOT TO THE TOUCH IN ONE SPOT ON THE SEAT. THE REST OF THE SEAT BOTTOM AND BACK WERE NOT WARM AT ALL. SEVERAL DAYS LATER MY WIFE TURNED THE SEAT WARMER ON TO LOW AND WITHIN A COUPLE OF MINUTES SHE EXCLAIMED THAT THE SEAT WAS BURNING HER BOTTOM. WE SHUT THE SEAT WARMER OFF AND THE SEAT BEGAN TO COOL DOWN. THE SEAT WARMER HAD WORKED JUST FINE BEFORE THESE INCIDENTS. IT COULD HAVE SERIOUSLY BURNED MY WIFE IF COULD GET HOT ENOUGH TO MELT A FOAM FOOD CONTAINER. BOTH TIMES THE TRUCK WAS PARKED AND TRAVELING. TOP SPEED WAS 30ISH.

Seats
Filed Jan 3, 201856,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEATED SEAT OVERHEATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 56,000.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 15, 2017158,580 milesWI

I WAS PICKING UP MY BOYS FROM SCHOOL WHEN I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. THEN I SAW SMOKE COMING FROM MY DRIVERS SIDE SEAT. I TURNED OFF THE HEAT TO THE SEAT. WHEN I GOT OUT OF THE TRUCK, THERE WAS A BURN MARK IN THE SEAT AND ON MY JACKET.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Dec 7, 201745,000 milesID

SEAT HEATER MALFUNCTION, CAUSING SMALL FIRE AND HOLE MELTED INTO THE SEAT.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Nov 16, 2017100,000 milesCT

DODGE DURANGO 2005 TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED AT 100,000. ONCE THAT WAS REPLACED 4WD SERVICE LIGHT APPEARED AND SWITCHING SOUNDS UNDER THE TRUCK STARTED. THE TRUCK LOCKED INTO PLACE AND COULD NOT MOVE. I WENT INTO 4WD AUTOMATICALLY AND WHEN I WENT TO SEACH PROBLEMS ONLINE I CAME ACROSS HUNDREDS OF THE SAME COMPLAINTS. PLEASE CHECK OUT HTTPS://WWW.CARGURUS.COM/CARS/DISCUSSION-T4148_DS482593 I AM SPEECHLESS AND VERY AFRAID OF DRIVING THIS CAR.

Power Train
Filed Nov 13, 201782,000 milesNY

TRANSMISSION SLIPS TO NEUTRAL FROM FULL STOP WHILE MOVING FROM STOPED ,AND BANGS INTO GEAR WHILE MOVING

Complaints 1-50 of 470, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2000
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
201144600Do not drive
201035700Do not drive
200918500Do not drive
200891210Do not drive
2007145420Do not drive
2006285671Do not drive
2005 — this page4707270Do not drive
2004206561Fatalities reported
20032961150Above average
200267812182Fatalities reported
200167814112Fatalities reported
200080612142Fatalities reported
19996411060Above average
19985451216Fatalities reported
19974461261Fatalities reported
1996189261Fatalities reported
1995208161Fatalities reported
1994166442Fatalities reported
1993134260Routine
1992216280Above average
1991128550Routine
199063300Routine

Compare every Dakota year →

2005 Dodge Dakota: questions buyers ask

Is the 2005 Dodge Dakota a good car?

Going by the federal record, it is one of the Dakota years to avoid: owners filed 470 complaints, 2.3 times as many as a typical Dakota year. The most common complaint is about the airbags (30%).

What is the most common problem with the 2005 Dodge Dakota?

The airbags: 143 of the 470 complaints (30%) are about it. Owners most often say it sets off warning lights on the dash (16%), shows an airbag warning light (14%) and did not deploy its airbags in a crash (6%). The typical report comes at 85,666 miles.

How many recalls does the 2005 Dodge Dakota have?

7 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Dec 20, 2017. 2 of them carry a do-not-drive or park-outside warning. The largest, 16V352000, covered 4,648,270 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2005 Dodge Dakota problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 58,759 miles. For the airbags the midpoint is 85,666 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2005 Dodge Dakota?

Yes, 5 times. The latest, EA21002 ("Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture"), was opened Sep 17, 2021 and is still open. 3 investigations are open.

Are there service bulletins for the 2005 Dodge Dakota?

The manufacturer filed 64 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the transmission (18), the engine (10) and the electrical system (8). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

NHTSA has issued a do-not-drive warning for a recall on this vehicle.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Dec 20, 2017. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.