The Dodge Dakota has 58 NHTSA recall campaigns on record covering 1987–2011. On average a defect was admitted 5.34 years after the car was built, the slowest took 15 years. The most recalled system is Power Train (9 campaigns). Owners also filed 5,122 complaints on this model — see what breaks.
What was recalled on the Dodge Dakota
Grouped by system. Open any row for the campaigns themselves — what failed, what it risks and how the dealer fixes it, straight from the NHTSA filing.
Power Train 9 Read
What's wrong. Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured from February 27, 2008, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through October 20, 2011; model year 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota trucks manufactured from February 27, 2007, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through September 30, 2011; model year 2009 Chrysler Aspen trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008; and model year 2009 Dodge Durango trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008. The rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to an undersized pinion spline that can allow relative motion between the nut and companion flange
Risk. If the rear axle pinion nut loosens, the axle can lock up and cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a vehicle crash with little warning
Fix. On November 7, 2013 Chrysler notified owners that dealers would install a pinion nut retainer, free of charge. In July 2015, and under a consent order with NHTSA, the company agreed to offer owners three options for remedying their vehicles: perform the original remedy, offer to repurchase the vehicle at the fair…
What's wrong. Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2010, Ram 1500 and Dodge Dakota trucks, manufactured from July 1, 2009, through November 30, 2009, because the rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to a lack of adhesive
Risk. If the rear axle pinion nut loosens, the axle can lock up and cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a vehicle crash with little warning
Fix. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a pinion nut retainer, free of charge. The recall began on June 17, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753
What's wrong. Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured from February 27, 2008, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through October 20, 2011; model year 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota trucks manufactured from February 27, 2007, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through September 30, 2011; model year 2009 Chrysler Aspen trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008; and model year 2009 Dodge Durango trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008. The rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to an undersized pinion spline that can allow relative motion between the nut and companion flange
Risk. If the rear axle pinion nut loosens, the axle can lock up and cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a vehicle crash with little warning
Fix. On November 7, 2013 Chrysler notified owners that dealers would install a pinion nut retainer, free of charge. In July 2015, and under a consent order with NHTSA, the company agreed to offer owners three options for remedying their vehicles: perform the original remedy, offer to repurchase the vehicle at the fair…
Air Bags 8 Read
What's wrong. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, Ram 4500/5500, 2010-2011 Dodge Dakota, 2010-2014 Dodge Challenger, 2010-2015 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, and 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death
Fix. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this…
What's wrong. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Chrysler is recalling certain 2009-2010 RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of…
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death
Fix. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this…
What's wrong. 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…
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…
Fix. 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…
Service Brakes, Hydraulic 8 Read
What's wrong. 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
Fix. 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
What's wrong. Vehicle description: pickup trucks. Some vehicles may have been built with inadequate clearance between the rear axle vent hose and the brake hose
Risk. A puncture in the rear brake hose will result in a loss of braking force at the rear wheels
Fix. Dealers will inspect the rear brake hose for evidence of wear. Worn brake hoses will be replaced. The rear vent hose will be shortened by 3 inches and a clip will be installed to assure clearance between the axle vent line and brake hose is maintained
What's wrong. Vehicle description: pickup trucks built with 2.5l engines. Some vehicles may have been built with inadequate clearance between the left front brake tube and the power steering hose
Risk. A puncture of the left front brake tube can result in a loss of braking force at the front wheels, increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will inspect the brake tube and power steering hose for wear. If wear is evident, the brake tube and/or power steering hose will be replaced. A power steering standoff bracket will be installed on all vehicles to ensure that adequate clearance between the brake tube and power steering hose is maintained
Exterior Lighting 6 Read
What's wrong. 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
Fix. 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
What's wrong. 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
Fix. 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
What's wrong. 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
Fix. 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
Fuel System, Gasoline 4 Read
What's wrong. Certain aftermarket airtex electric fuel pumps installed for use as replacement equipment for certain 1997-2004 jeep wrangler; 1997-2001 jeep cherokee; 1997-2004 jeep grand cherokee; and 2000-2003 dodge dakota vehicles. The plastic electrical grommet connectors at the top of the fuel pump module are not compatible with automotive fuels and may degrade causing a potential leak path for fuel
Risk. In the presence of an ignition source, a fuel leak could result in a fire
Fix. Airtex will notify its customers and will replace the affected fuel pumps free of charge. The recall began on january 25, 2006. Owners may contact airtex customer service department at 1-800-880-3056
What's wrong. Certain aftermarket airtex electric fuel pumps installed for use as replacement equipment for certain 1997-2004 jeep wrangler; 1997-2001 jeep cherokee; 1997-2004 jeep grand cherokee; and 2000-2003 dodge dakota vehicles. The plastic electrical grommet connectors at the top of the fuel pump module are not compatible with automotive fuels and may degrade causing a potential leak path for fuel
Risk. In the presence of an ignition source, a fuel leak could result in a fire
Fix. Airtex will notify its customers and will replace the affected fuel pumps free of charge. The recall began on january 25, 2006. Owners may contact airtex customer service department at 1-800-880-3056
What's wrong. Certain aftermarket airtex electric fuel pumps installed for use as replacement equipment for certain 1997-2004 jeep wrangler; 1997-2001 jeep cherokee; 1997-2004 jeep grand cherokee; and 2000-2003 dodge dakota vehicles. The plastic electrical grommet connectors at the top of the fuel pump module are not compatible with automotive fuels and may degrade causing a potential leak path for fuel
Risk. In the presence of an ignition source, a fuel leak could result in a fire
Fix. Airtex will notify its customers and will replace the affected fuel pumps free of charge. The recall began on january 25, 2006. Owners may contact airtex customer service department at 1-800-880-3056
Steering 4 Read
What's wrong. While making a turn, the extra keys on a vehicle operator's key ring can become temporarily lodged in the screw access holes in the back cover of the steering wheel
Risk. This condition can hamper the steering wheel return orcause the ignition to be turned off, resulting in loss of vehicle control and an accident
Fix. Dealers will replace the steering wheel back cover with a redesigned cover
What's wrong. The steering wheel armature stamping can crack due to fatigue and separate from the center hub attachment to the steering column
Risk. This condition can cause separation of the center hub attachment to the steering column resulting in a loss of control and an accident
Fix. Dealers will inspect the steering wheel for armature cracks and replace any wheels exhibiting cracks. All other vehicles will have a reinforcement plate installed to prevent steering wheel separation if cracking occurs
What's wrong. Vehicle description: 4x2 pickup truck convertibles equipped with v6 engines (built from november 1988 - june 1990) and 4x2 pickup trucks equipped with the shelby package (built october 1988 - june 1989). The frame can crack at the steering gear attachment and/or the steering gear mounting bolts can fracture
Risk. The steering gear can separate from the vehicle frame resulting in a loss of vehicle control increasing the potential for a vehicle accident
Fix. Dealers will add reinforcements to the frame and replace the steering gear mounting bolts. If the frame is already cracked, the steering gear weld nuts will also be replaced. Owner notification began august 27, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not…
Suspension 3 Read
What's wrong. Skf is recalling 2,805 hub units, part no. Br930361, sold as a service part for 1997-2004 dodge dakota vehicles and 1999-2003 dodge durango vehicles equipped with 2-wheel drive & rear axle ABS. Due to a specification error, the rotor pilot for the hub unit may be too long. This results in the wheel to not be seated fully against the hub flange face during mounting
Risk. Improper seating of the wheel can result in excessive vibration, brake rotor noise, difficulty removing the wheel after installation and operation of the vehicle, and possibly wheel-end separation during vehicle operation. Should wheel-end separation occur, the driver could loose control of the vehicle, possibly…
Fix. Skf will notify owners and replace the defective hub units free of charge. The recall began on november 5, 2008. Owners may contact skf vsm north america customer service at 1-800-644-8999
What's wrong. On certain sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks equipped with four-wheel drive (4x4), if moisture leaks into the front suspension upper ball joint, evacuation of the lubricant and corrosion of the joint may cause the joint to wear over an extended period of time. This could cause a clunking noise in the front suspension, which may not always be heard by the vehicle occupants
Risk. Excessive wear in the upper ball joint may allow it to separate, which could result in loss of control of the vehicle
Fix. Dealers will replace the front suspension upper ball joints. This safety improvement campaign began on december 21, 2004. Owners can contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403
What's wrong. Skf is recalling 2,805 hub units, part no. Br930361, sold as a service part for 1997-2004 dodge dakota vehicles and 1999-2003 dodge durango vehicles equipped with 2-wheel drive & rear axle ABS. Due to a specification error, the rotor pilot for the hub unit may be too long. This results in the wheel to not be seated fully against the hub flange face during mounting
Risk. Improper seating of the wheel can result in excessive vibration, brake rotor noise, difficulty removing the wheel after installation and operation of the vehicle, and possibly wheel-end separation during vehicle operation. Should wheel-end separation occur, the driver could loose control of the vehicle, possibly…
Fix. Skf will notify owners and replace the defective hub units free of charge. The recall began on november 5, 2008. Owners may contact skf vsm north america customer service at 1-800-644-8999
Equipment 2 Read
What's wrong. NBC Truck Equipment, Inc. (NBC) is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 and model year 2010-2011 trucks equipped with Sure Power battery separator devices, due to overheating
Risk. Overheating of the battery separator can result in smoke and possible fire
Fix. NBC will notify owners, and Sure Power will replace the battery separators free of charge. The safety recall began November 26, 2012. Owners may contact NBC Truck Equipment, Inc. At 1-586-774-4900
What's wrong. NBC Truck Equipment, Inc. (NBC) is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 and model year 2010-2011 trucks equipped with Sure Power battery separator devices, due to overheating
Risk. Overheating of the battery separator can result in smoke and possible fire
Fix. NBC will notify owners, and Sure Power will replace the battery separators free of charge. The safety recall began November 26, 2012. Owners may contact NBC Truck Equipment, Inc. At 1-586-774-4900
What's wrong. On certain minivans and 4x2 pickup trucks, the vehicle certification label may have gross axle weight ratings (gawr) that exceed the maximum tire load capacity as defined in federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 120, "tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars."
Risk. Improperly loading your vehicle can cause tire failure and result in a crash
Fix. Owners will be provided with vehicle certification label overlays containing corrected information relative to vehicle gawr and tire size. Owner notification began march 1, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-992-1997
Electrical System 2 Read
What's wrong. 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
Fix. 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
What's wrong. 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
Fix. 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
What's wrong. On certain pickup trucks equipped with manual transmissions, the headlamp and dash wiring harness may be chafed by the actuation of the clutch pedal. This could result in abnormal operation of the wipers, turn signals, horn or lighting systems
Risk. This could affect driver visibility, could prevent a driver from sounding a warning by using the horn, and, when the turn signals are inoperative, the driver cannot use them to signal intent to turn, increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will reroute the wire harness and repair the harness if necessary. Owner notification began november 3, 2003. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-992-1997
Visibility 2 Read
What's wrong. 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
Fix. Dealers will re-flash the instrument cluster. The recall began on march 6, 2006. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403
What's wrong. On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the windshield wiper module motor may be susceptible to water intrusion that could cause internal corrosion and result in partial or complete loss of front windshield wiping capability
Risk. Driver visibility could be reduced, which could result in a crash
Fix. Dealers will replace the front windshield wiper module. Owner notification began on july 12, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403
What's wrong. On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the windshield wiper module motor may be susceptible to water intrusion that could cause internal corrosion and result in partial or complete loss of front windshield wiping capability
Risk. Driver visibility could be reduced, which could result in a crash
Fix. Dealers will replace the front windshield wiper module. Owner notification began on july 12, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403
How long a defect stays unadmitted
Campaign numbers encode the year of the announcement, so each recall on this model can be dated against the car it applies to.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Average gap before admission | 5.34 years |
| Slowest campaign | 15 years |
| Admitted 5+ years later | 55.2% |
| Campaigns on record | 58 |
Which Dakota years were recalled most
Campaigns per model year. A year with more campaigns is not automatically worse — it may simply have sold in far greater numbers.
| Model year | Campaigns | Most recalled system |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Equipment | |
| 2010 | Equipment | |
| 2009 | Power Train | |
| 2008 | Air Bags | |
| 2007 | Power Train | |
| 2006 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | |
| 2005 | Air Bags | |
| 2004 | Visibility | |
| 2003 | Exterior Lighting | |
| 2002 | Electrical System | |
| 2001 | Child Seat | |
| 2000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | |
| 1999 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | |
| 1998 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | |
| 1997 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | |
| 1996 | Exterior Lighting | |
| 1995 | Exterior Lighting | |
| 1994 | Exterior Lighting | |
| 1993 | Exterior Lighting | |
| 1992 | Power Train | |
| 1991 | Power Train | |
| 1990 | Steering | |
| 1989 | Steering | |
| 1988 | Power Train | |
| 1987 | Parking Brake |
Check your own car
A campaign applies to a range of production, not to every car of the model. The only way to know whether yours is affected — and whether the repair was already done — is by VIN.
| Step | What you get |
|---|---|
| Enter the VIN above | Open campaigns for that exact vehicle, straight from NHTSA |
| Check the repair status | Whether the free fix has already been carried out on this car |
| Book at any franchised dealer | Recall work is free regardless of age, mileage or owner |
Go deeper
A campaign covers a production range. Yours is one car.
- Check whether this exact VIN is affected — and whether the fix was done
- Alerts if a new campaign lands on a car in your garage
- Full research report as a PDF you can hand to a mechanic
- Decode a whole list of VINs at once
- No ads, on every page
- No ads, no tracking — and much more
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Dodge Dakota have?
58 NHTSA campaigns on record, covering 1987–2011. Not every campaign applies to every car — coverage is by production range, so check your VIN.
Is recall work free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer regardless of the car's age, mileage or how many owners it has had. That is a federal requirement, not a courtesy.
How do I know if my Dakota still has an open recall?
Enter its VIN above. We show campaigns that apply to that exact vehicle and whether the repair has already been recorded as done.
Why did a defect take years to be recalled?
On this model the average gap between the car being built and the defect being admitted is 5.34 years, and the slowest campaign came 15 years later. Defects usually surface as they accumulate in the field: complaints pile up, an investigation opens, and only then is a campaign issued.