NHTSA (USA)CriticalDo Not Drive
At a glance
What can fail
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, all rated at the highest severity level, with three covering Takata-style airbag inflators on both the driver and passenger sides that can explode and send metal fragments into the cabin.
The airbag recalls cover both front seating positions. On the passenger side, two separate filings address inflators that can rupture under excessive internal pressure during deployment, scattering metal fragments that can seriously injure or kill occupants. One of these is geographically scoped to high-humidity states and territories including Florida, Texas, Hawaii, and several U.S. territories, where heat and moisture accelerate inflator degradation. The driver-side inflator carries the same risk: in a crash that triggers deployment, the inflator can rupture and send fragments toward the driver or anyone else in the front of the vehicle. On the mechanical side, the rear axle pinion nut can loosen over time, and if it does, the rear axle can lock up with little warning, causing an abrupt and potentially uncontrollable loss of vehicle control. This drivetrain failure can occur without any prior symptoms the driver would notice, making it a serious road hazard at highway speeds.
At a glance
What can fail
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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 →
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.
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.