This page covers 5 recalls and 44 owner complaints for the 2011 Dodge Dakota.
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2011 Dodge Dakota centers on the airbag system category, which accounts for a disproportionate share of reports, most of those describing instrument cluster backlighting failures, where gauges go partially or fully dark, making speed, fuel level, and other readouts difficult or impossible to see at night. Owners describe the illumination fading progressively, with some panels turning dark in patches while others go out entirely. Powertrain complaints make up the next notable group, with owners reporting issues consistent with drivetrain wear over time. Engine complaints are fewer in number but include reports of knocking that developed at higher mileage. A single report describes a coolant reservoir punctured by contact with the front fender, causing a coolant leak while the vehicle was parked, that appears isolated rather than a recurring pattern.
44
Total Complaints
8
Crash-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2011 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 recalls but describes the same underlying defect: the frontal airbag inflators can rupture or explode under excessive internal pressure, and prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue for all affected vehicles. Some of these recalls specifically cover vehicles registered in high-humidity states and territories, where moisture accelerates the risk. Separately from the airbag concerns, the rear axle pinion nut can loosen over time, causing the rear axle to lock up with little warning and 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.
