This page covers 5 recalls and 35 owner complaints for the 2010 Dodge Dakota.
The 2010 Dodge Dakota draws the most complaints around its airbag system, where owners frequently report warning lights staying on and concerns about the inflator components not being serviced, many describe waiting extended periods without a repair being completed. Powertrain complaints come in second, with owners describing PCM communication failures that leave the truck unable to crank, multiple warning lights illuminating simultaneously, and the engine control system losing contact with diagnostic tools entirely. Replacing the PCM doesn't always resolve the issue according to these reports. Steering complaints are fewer but mention ball joints wearing out repeatedly and contributing to handling problems. A handful of owners also describe a heater blower resistor that overheats, melts wiring, and produces a burning smell, and the problem returns even after the parts are replaced.
35
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2010 Dodge Dakota has 5 recalls, the most serious being Takata airbag inflators on both the driver and passenger sides that can explode during a crash and send metal fragments into the cabin, potentially causing serious injury or death.
The airbag issue spans multiple filings covering both frontal inflators, and prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the problem for all affected vehicles. Separately scoped populations include vehicles registered in high-humidity states and territories, where the risk is considered elevated. On the drivetrain side, the rear axle pinion nut can loosen and cause the rear axle to lock up with little warning, resulting in sudden loss of vehicle control.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's frontal air bag inflator may build up excessive internal pressure during deployment and rupture or explode.
What the fix does
The passenger frontal air bag inflator will be replaced at no cost.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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.
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.
