The 2009 Dodge Dakota has 5 recalls, the most serious being Takata airbag inflators on both the driver and passenger sides that can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
The airbag recalls cover both front seating positions. The driver-side inflator can rupture during deployment, and the passenger-side inflator carries the same risk of an explosive failure that scatters sharp metal fragments. One of the passenger-side filings applies specifically to vehicles sold or registered in high-humidity states and territories, where the risk is elevated.
The remaining recalls involve the rear axle. On certain trucks, the rear axle pinion nut can loosen and cause the axle to lock up with little warning, leading to sudden loss of vehicle control. A separate but related issue affects trucks built during a specific production window where the pinion nut can separate entirely, allowing the rear driveshaft to detach from the axle or fall away from the vehicle.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front airbag inflator may explode during a crash due to propellant degradation from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The passenger frontal air bag inflator may fail or deploy unexpectedly, potentially injuring occupants.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's front air bag inflator can allow moisture inside over time, which may cause it to rupture when deployed.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the driver's front air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear axle pinion nut can loosen because the pinion spline is undersized, allowing the nut to shift and potentially fail.
What the fix does
Dealers install a pinion nut retainer at no cost, or owners may choose vehicle repurchase or incentive towards a new vehicle purchase.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear axle pinion nut may have been made incorrectly and could loosen or separate. This could cause the driveshaft to detach or the differential to fail suddenly, resulting in loss of power or rear wheel lockup.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a pinion nut retainer to prevent the nut from separating.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
