Dodge Dakota Recalls

The Dodge Dakota has 64 recalls spanning the 1987–2012 production run, with the most serious recent issue being a Takata-style airbag inflator defect on 2005–2011 models where the driver's frontal airbag inflator can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, and a separate passenger-side inflator with the same risk on 2009–2011 vehicles, particularly those registered in high-humidity states.

The final production years also carry a rear axle pinion nut recall affecting 2009–2012 models, where the nut can loosen and cause the rear axle to lock up suddenly, resulting in loss of control. A related pinion nut issue on 2009 models built between July and November of that year can allow the rear driveshaft to detach from the axle or drop away from the vehicle entirely. On 2010–2011 models, a second passenger-side airbag inflator recall covers excessive internal pressure that can cause the inflator to explode and throw metal fragments toward occupants.

Going back to the mid-2000s, 2005 models have two concerns: optional side curtain airbag fasteners that may not be tightened correctly, causing improper deployment in a side crash, and heated seats that can develop hot spots capable of burning the occupant or igniting the seat material. A 2006 model electrical issue allows an electrostatic discharge event to knock out turn signals, headlamps, or wipers without warning. The 2003 model year has a wiper motor that can corrode internally and stop working, and a timer module defect that can disable the right low-beam headlamp.

The early 2000s saw several powertrain and safety concerns. On 2001 models, the park/shift interlock can fail and allow the shifter to leave Park with the key removed, and a separate transfer case issue on 4WD models can drop the vehicle into neutral unexpectedly. Front seat belt anchor bolts on 2000–2001 Quad Cab models may not be tightened correctly, reducing restraint effectiveness in a crash. The 2000 model year also has a 4.7L automatic transmission that can expel fluid onto the hot exhaust and ignite, and front suspension upper ball joints on 4x4 models that can lose lubrication, corrode, and separate, causing loss of steering control.

The late 1990s brought a cluster of brake-related issues. On 1999 models, the rear axle vent hose can wear through the rear brake hose and reduce rear braking, and a separate issue on 2.5L-equipped trucks has the power steering hose wearing through the left front brake tube. The 1998 model year has front brake hoses or anti-lock brake sensor wires that can abrade against a wheelhouse splash shield, causing brake fluid loss or anti-lock brake failure. On 1997 models, the power brake booster vacuum hose can come loose, causing a sudden loss of brake assist, and a separate fuel line routing issue on 131-inch wheelbase trucks can wear a hole in the fuel line and create a fire risk. The 1997 model also has an airbag control module that can trigger inadvertent deployment at ignition shutoff.

Further back, 1996 models share the brake booster vacuum hose problem. The 1994 model year has upper control arm bolts on 4x4 trucks that can break and cause loss of steering, fuel tank support straps that can separate and drop the tank,