2006 Dodge Dakota

Do not drive

Owners filed 285 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the air bags. It has been recalled 6 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

161 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 010,000 miles; the median is 55,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags118
12210
Steering36
000
Power Train15
101
Electrical System12
000
Structure › Body7
000
Service Brakes7
100
Power Train › Automatic Transmission7
010
Suspension › Front6
000
Suspension6
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic6
230

6 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
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.

Electrical System › Ignition › Switch14V795000
Filed Dec 16, 201454,164 vehiclesChrysler Group Llc

Defect. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, Dakota, and 2006 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles manufactured July 1, 2005, to July 31, 2006 with manual transmissions. The return springs in the clutch ignition interlock switch may break.

Risk. Broken springs can result in a no-start condition, or cause unintended movement when the ignition is cranked, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clutch ignition interlock switch, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P80.

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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module06V038000
Filed Feb 9, 200639,274 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH FOUR-WHEEL ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEMS (ABS), THE ABS ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) MAY CAUSE A LOSS OF FRONT TO REAR BRAKE BALANCE, AND THE REAR BRAKES COULD LOCK UP PREMATURELY DURING CERTAIN BRAKING CONDITIONS.

Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS ECU. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING THE WEEK OF JULY 17, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Switch/Wiring06V039000
Filed Feb 9, 200679,701 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, A STATIC ELECTRICITY SPARK BETWEEN THE OPERATOR AND THE VEHICLE CAN CAUSE THE TURN SIGNAL, HEADLAMPS OR WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO MALFUNCTION WITHOUT WARNING.

Risk. THIS CAN IMPAIR THE DRIVER'S VISION AND RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL RE-FLASH THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 6, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 31, 2026TX

Had front collision and airbag didnt deploy,dont know speed,but fast enough to collapse whole front to shift and tear the frame... airbag recall replacement done in February

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jul 13, 202655,500 milesCT

The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that the subframe was rusted and the rear spring holder had fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,500.

Power Train1 injured
Filed Feb 18, 2026IL

See attached document for complaint.

Air BagsFire
Filed Apr 30, 2025221,000 milesAL

The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that while her son was at a complete stop at the red traffic light, the driver's side air bag deployed unexpectedly, and the driver noticed that there was white smoke and dark smoke coming from the air bag. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the air bag caught on fire. The contact stated that the driver attempted to exit the vehicle, but the doors remained locked and the vehicle failed to shift to park(P) for two minutes. The driver was able to shift to neutral(N). The driver broke the front passenger's side window glass and exited the vehicle. A sheriff deputy parked his vehicle behind the driver's vehicle to prevent the vehicle from moving. The contact stated that the air bag fire burned the entire steering wheel and the steering column, the windshield and the front driver's side seat. The fire was extinguished with four extinguishers and with the assistance of the fire department. A fire department report was filed. A police report was filed but the contact did not have the police report information available. The contact's son sustained intrusion of metal shards in his right leg and bruises on the stomach, arm, and chest. The contact's son also sustained migraine, insomnia, panic attacks, and PTSD. The contact's son did not receive medical assistance. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer then towed the vehicle to their location and took pictures of the failure. The dealer t

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 13, 2025KS

I was going to work and the transmission started slipping when I had cruise control on, and then when I got to a stop light my truck started revving and wouldn't move. When i put it in neutral it wouldn't roll either. It just kept on revving and screeching. So i out back into drive and it jerks. Also my trucks rear end locked up and wouldn't roll in neutral while the truck is on. You have to keep the truck off and then put it into neutral to roll it.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Nov 8, 2024117,858 milesID

The contact owned a 2006 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle was involved in a no-fault head-on collision. The vehicle was damaged to the front of the vehicle and the driver's side of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The local police and paramedics were at the scene. No police reports were filed, however, the report number was unavailable. The contact was transported to the local hospital. The contact sustained injuries included a facial fracture, traumatic brain injury, broken right eye socket, crushed bladder, injury to both feet (toes), and impaired speech. The contact stated that this was the two-year anniversary of the crash. In addition, the contact was continuing to receive physical and speech therapy. In addition, the contact referenced an unknown recall in which the air bags were replaced in the vehicle four months prior to the crash. The contact was concerned that the air bag repair was not performed correctly, since the air bags did not deploy. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,858.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Mar 13, 2024WA

After driving on the interstate highway for a couple hours from Phoenix, Arizona I noticed that the left turn signal started malfunctioning, and the right signal flashed instead. After several hours of driving, noticed that sometimes the right signal only flashed 3 or 4 times when turning on the right indicator. I also noticed that the emergency flashers would usually blink once or twice left, then switch to right only. While stopped, I verified that the right front and rear turn signals were actually blinking as indicated on the dash. The next day however the problem was gone. I drove the car on the interstate again for several hours, without any issues.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jul 7, 2023108,000 milesGA

The contact owned a 2006 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated while driving at 50 MPH, the brakes failed causing the contact to strike a curb and flatten the front passenger side tire, and damage the rim. No air bags deploy. The contact suffered injuries to the back, neck and suffered a concussion. The contact was transferred to the hospital where she received medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The contact stated the vehicle was under NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 16V352000 (Air Bags) and 15V313000 (Air Bags). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 108,000.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 6, 2023177,000 milesKY

The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Dakota. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V352000 (Air Bags) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair; however, two weeks after the repair, the passenger’s side air bag warning light intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 177,000.

Engine
Filed Apr 2, 2021169,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED VIBRATING ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 169,000.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 25, 2021MO

MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON WHEN I WAS ONLY DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD

Air Bags
Filed Jan 9, 2021CA

IT IS CONSTANTLY OVERHEATING THROWING OFF MORE CODES. PASSAGER AIRBAG ALSO KEEP TURNING OFF. ALSO WELL DRIVING THE CAR JERKS BACK?

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 11, 202064,000 milesNC

MY 2006 DAKOTA FILLER TUBE SPITS THE GAS BACK OUT ONTO THE PAVEMENT WHEN TRYING TO REFUEL. IT TAKES A VERY LONG TIME TO REFUEL AND I UNDERSTAND MANY CHRSYLER PRODUCTS ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. THERE IS A RECALL ON 2005 DURANGO C OR THE SAME PROBLEM. WHY IS THERE NO RECALL FOR THE DAKOTAS?

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Dec 27, 2019116,000 milesTN

PASSENGER AIRBAG WAS TURNED ON BUT DIDN'T DEPLOY, DID NOT HAVE SEATBELT ON BECAUSE IT BROKE BUT ALL OTHERS IN THE ACCIDENT HAD THEIRS ON. DRIVER WAS DRIVING NORMAL AND A TRUCK COMING OPPOSITE WAY HIT A TRUCK THREE TRUCK LENGTH AHEAD SPUN OUT OF CONTROL AND HIT OUR VEHICLE HEAD ON.*DT CONSUMER HAS STATED SHE HAS HEAD TRAUMA.*JB*JB *DT*DT*JB *DT*JB*DT*JB*DT*JB*DT*JB*DT*DT*DT*DT*JB*AS*DT *TR

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Dec 17, 2019134,000 milesOR

THIS ONE SIMPLE PART EFFECTS SO MUCH AND IT IS UNSAFE THAT THIS PART AFFECTS SO MUCH. YOU GUYS OFFER IT BUT ITS CLOSE TO 1400$. WHY IS IT SO MUCH? THIS WOULD BE VEHICLE NUMBER 2 WITHIN A YEAR OF EACH OTHER HAVING SOMETHING BAD GO WRONG IT MAKES IT UNSAFE TO DRIVE. IT EFFECTS MY FUEL MILEAGE, BRAKES, SPEDO AND TACH GO CRAZY, HEADLIGHTS FLASH, PROBLEMS WITH COMMUNICATING WITH TRANSMISSION, AND IT KEADS TO THE FRONT CONTROLE MODULE. MY CRUISE STOPPED WORKING AND IT WORKED BEFORE. MY KEY FOB HAS ISSUES UNLOCKING AND LOCKING TAKES LIKE 10 BUTTON PRESSES TO WORK. I LIKE YOUR TRUCKS BUT THIS MAKES IT UNSAFE I CANT EVEN LET MY KID RIDE IN MY TRUCK WITH ME

Power Train
Filed Oct 22, 201990,000 milesTX

THE TRUCK HAS VERY LITTLE POWER PROVIDED DUE TO THE TRANSMISSION AFTER COMING TO A STOP. THIS ONLY HAPPENS DURING WARM WEATHER. DURING THE COLDER MONTHS OF WINTER THE TRANSMISSION OPERATES NORMALLY. WITHOUT PROPER ACCELERATION IT POSES A SAFETY PROBLEM GETTING INTO TRAFFIC FROM A STOP SIGN OR STOP LIGHT. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR THE PAST YEAR DURING THE LATE SPRING, SUMMER AND FALL MONTHS.

Power Train
Filed Aug 15, 2019127,643 milesNV

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V795000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL RATTLING NOISE WHEN THE CLUTCH WAS ENGAGED. ADDITIONALLY, THE CLUTCH FAILED TO ENGAGE INTO NEUTRAL. THE CONTACT REMOVED THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. THE VEHILE WAS TAKEN TO DOLAN DODGE RAM (700 KIETZKE LN, RENO, NV 89502, (775) 786-1211) WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED PER THE RECALL; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,643.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 10, 201936,680 milesPA

TOOK TRUCK IN FOR PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG RECALL, WHEN CHANGE OUT , TOLD ME I NEED A NEW ORC MODULE. THE PROBLEM IS MY AIRBAG LIGHT NEVER CAME ON UNTIL THEY CHANGE MY AIRBAG. I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO, IT WOULD BE MY COST.

Air BagsCrash
Filed May 10, 2019133,000 milesTX

MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING TO SCHOOL ON THE MORNING OF MAY 8, 2019. MY VEHICLE (WHICH SHE DRIVES ON A DAILY BASIS), 2006 DODGE DAKOTA, WAS STRUCK FORWARD OF THE FRONT WHEELS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE BY A CHEVY TAHOE WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN FROM A SIDE STREET ONTO A BUSY, 4 LANE DIVIDED HIGHWAY. THE COLLISION TORE THE FRONT BUMPER OFF OF MY/HER DAKOTA AND CAUSED MAJOR FRONT END DAMAGE. HER AND A FRIEND WERE BOTH WEARING SEATBELTS AND WERE NOT SERIOUSLY INJURED. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG WAS REPLACED UNDER FEDERAL RECALL ON APRIL 25, 2016 AT A DODGE DEALERSHIP IN DENTON, TX. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WAS REPLACED UNDER SIMILAR RECALL ON MARCH 14, 2019 AT A DODGE DEALERSHIP IN MCKINNEY, TX.

Structure › Body › Door
Filed May 7, 201953,312 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. THE VEHICLE WAS EXAMINED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE LATCH ASSEMBLY AND CABLE WERE FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000. *BF CONSUMER STATED BOTH DOORS FAILED. RIGHT REAR DOOR FAILED ON VIN XXXX TRUCK AND VIN XXXX. REFERENCE NUMBER XXXX AND XXXX. 'PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB

20 of 285 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2000
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
201144600Do not drive
201035700Do not drive
200918500Do not drive
200891210Do not drive
2007144420Do not drive
2006 — this page285671Do not drive
20054707270Do 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 →

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: May 24, 2016. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.