DODGE DAKOTA · model year

2005 DODGE DAKOTA

596 NHTSA complaints, 37 crash reports, and 7 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2005DODGEDAKOTA carries 596 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 37 crashes, 35 fires, 28 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2005 DAKOTA is air bags with 138 filings, followed by power train (58) and service brakes, hydraulic (33). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 7 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 2 investigation files overlapping the 2005 DAKOTA. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

596
Complaints
37
Crashes
35
Fires
28
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

596 filings

Crashes Reported

37 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
AIR BAGS138
POWER TRAIN58
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC33
STEERING33
SEATS30
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM30
SUSPENSION27
SUSPENSION:FRONT18
SERVICE BRAKES13
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION12
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER12
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR11
ENGINE11
UNKNOWN OR OTHER10
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER8

Recalls (7)

15V31300027/05/2015

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010 Chrysler 300, 300C, 300S, and SRT8, 2006-2010 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Magnum, 2005-2

16V35200024/05/2016

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2

17V82000020/12/2017

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain 2005 Dodge Dakota pickup trucks equipped with heated seats. These driver and passenger seats may develop hot spots that can result in the seat cushion or seat back having burn holes.

09E01200007/04/2009

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES

05V46000006/10/2005

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 42RLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE CUP PLUG THAT RETAINS THE PARK PAWL ANCHOR SHAFT MAY BE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED. IF THE SHAFT MOVES OUT OF POSITION, THE VEHICLE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO ACHIEVE 'PARK' POSITION.

05V00200005/01/2005

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH THE OPTIONAL SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG, THE CURTAIN FASTENERS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY TIGHTENED.

14V77000003/12/2014

AIR BAGS

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2004-2005 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500, 2004-2005 Dodge Durango, 2005 Dodge Dakota, 2005 Dodge Magnum and 2005 Chrysler 300, 300C and 300 SRT8 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high ab

Recent Complaints

20260211AIR BAGS

Seat belt light turn on and off since I own the truck.

20230405SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle vibrated, pulled to the right, with a burning odor coming into the cabin of the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and diagnosed that the caliper had failed. The calipers had been replaced six times; however, the failure persisted and became more frequent. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000.

Mileage: 25,000

20220313POWER TRAIN

*Incomplete Recall Status* ***Defect in transfer case*** Complaint of Manufacturer Defect in 2005 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab 4x4 3.7l v6. While driving at a speed of 30mph on a smooth paved highway and selector switch turned to 2 wheel drive mode; out of nowhere, the transfer case tried to engage 4 High which resulted in SVC 4X4 warning lamp illumination and a loud grinding/stuttering sound from under carriage as well as halting me to 10 mph without any help from me. after pulling over on the roadside and putting truck in park and turning the engine off, i waited a couple of minutes and SVC 4X4 indicator and 4High dash light had gone. I restarted the truck only to find that the SVC 4X4 Warning lamp immediately returned and now the 4lo illuminated dash light is constantly showing and truck is still showing in 2 wheel drive with selector switch but 4x4 will not engage at all now. Took to a mechanic shop 1/2 mile down the road and had it read for any DTCs and inspected. Code came back as C140

20220313ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

*Incomplete Recall Status* ***Defect in transfer case*** Complaint of Manufacturer Defect in 2005 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab 4x4 3.7l v6. While driving at a speed of 30mph on a smooth paved highway and selector switch turned to 2 wheel drive mode; out of nowhere, the transfer case tried to engage 4 High which resulted in SVC 4X4 warning lamp illumination and a loud grinding/stuttering sound from under carriage as well as halting me to 10 mph without any help from me. after pulling over on the roadside and putting truck in park and turning the engine off, i waited a couple of minutes and SVC 4X4 indicator and 4High dash light had gone. I restarted the truck only to find that the SVC 4X4 Warning lamp immediately returned and now the 4lo illuminated dash light is constantly showing and truck is still showing in 2 wheel drive with selector switch but 4x4 will not engage at all now. Took to a mechanic shop 1/2 mile down the road and had it read for any DTCs and inspected. Code came back as C140

20220313SUSPENSION

*Incomplete Recall Status* ***Defect in transfer case*** Complaint of Manufacturer Defect in 2005 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab 4x4 3.7l v6. While driving at a speed of 30mph on a smooth paved highway and selector switch turned to 2 wheel drive mode; out of nowhere, the transfer case tried to engage 4 High which resulted in SVC 4X4 warning lamp illumination and a loud grinding/stuttering sound from under carriage as well as halting me to 10 mph without any help from me. after pulling over on the roadside and putting truck in park and turning the engine off, i waited a couple of minutes and SVC 4X4 indicator and 4High dash light had gone. I restarted the truck only to find that the SVC 4X4 Warning lamp immediately returned and now the 4lo illuminated dash light is constantly showing and truck is still showing in 2 wheel drive with selector switch but 4x4 will not engage at all now. Took to a mechanic shop 1/2 mile down the road and had it read for any DTCs and inspected. Code came back as C140

20210414AIR BAGS

GOT TRUCK SMOGGED 4/13/2021 AND WAS TOLD OF AN OUTSTANDING RECALL FOR AIRBAG. THIS RECALL WAS FIXED ON 11/13/2015. ATTACHED ARE COPIES OF NOTICE OF RECALL AFTER GETTING TRUCK SMOGGED AND PAGES 1 AND 2 OF INVOICE SHOWING REPAIR ON 11/13/2015. HOW DO WE GET THIS UPDATED IN THE SYSTEM SO IT WILL NOT SHOW UP AGAIN WHEN WE GET TRUCK SMOGGED NEXT TIME? Consumer stated vehicle has been repaired and no longer needs to be contacted.*JB

20210310STRUCTURE:BODY

WHILE DRIVING ON I-635 NORTHBOUND AT AROUND 25 TO 30 MPH WITH 4X4 ACTIVATED ON A SINGLE LINE AVAILABLE SINCE IT WAS CLEARED AND SALTED. WITHOUT WARNING I WAS THE ONLY VEHICLE THAT VEERED RIGHT HARD AND I LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE ALMOST CRASHING ONTO THE METAL BEAM ALONG THE HIGHWAY. I WENT PAST THE SHOULDER AND DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF HILL, BUT THANKFULLY VEHICLE DIDN'T TURN OFF. I HAD TO SWITCH OFF 4X4 AND BACK ON AND WAS ABLE TO CLIMB UP DESPITE THE SNOW BACK TO THE HIGHWAY WITH NO FURTHER REOCCURRENCE. UNFORTUNATELY WHEN THIS HAPPENED MY PASSENGER SEAT WENT FORWARD AND IS NOW STUCK AND I BROKE LEVER TRYING TO BRING IT BACK FROM FRONT RECLINING. BECAUSE OF THE ROUGH TERRAIN THE REAR QUARTER PANELS WHERE THE WAS SOME RUST HAVE CRACKED

Mileage: 189,000

20210310POWER TRAIN

WHILE DRIVING ON I-635 NORTHBOUND AT AROUND 25 TO 30 MPH WITH 4X4 ACTIVATED ON A SINGLE LINE AVAILABLE SINCE IT WAS CLEARED AND SALTED. WITHOUT WARNING I WAS THE ONLY VEHICLE THAT VEERED RIGHT HARD AND I LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE ALMOST CRASHING ONTO THE METAL BEAM ALONG THE HIGHWAY. I WENT PAST THE SHOULDER AND DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF HILL, BUT THANKFULLY VEHICLE DIDN'T TURN OFF. I HAD TO SWITCH OFF 4X4 AND BACK ON AND WAS ABLE TO CLIMB UP DESPITE THE SNOW BACK TO THE HIGHWAY WITH NO FURTHER REOCCURRENCE. UNFORTUNATELY WHEN THIS HAPPENED MY PASSENGER SEAT WENT FORWARD AND IS NOW STUCK AND I BROKE LEVER TRYING TO BRING IT BACK FROM FRONT RECLINING. BECAUSE OF THE ROUGH TERRAIN THE REAR QUARTER PANELS WHERE THE WAS SOME RUST HAVE CRACKED

Mileage: 189,000

20210310SEATS

WHILE DRIVING ON I-635 NORTHBOUND AT AROUND 25 TO 30 MPH WITH 4X4 ACTIVATED ON A SINGLE LINE AVAILABLE SINCE IT WAS CLEARED AND SALTED. WITHOUT WARNING I WAS THE ONLY VEHICLE THAT VEERED RIGHT HARD AND I LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE ALMOST CRASHING ONTO THE METAL BEAM ALONG THE HIGHWAY. I WENT PAST THE SHOULDER AND DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF HILL, BUT THANKFULLY VEHICLE DIDN'T TURN OFF. I HAD TO SWITCH OFF 4X4 AND BACK ON AND WAS ABLE TO CLIMB UP DESPITE THE SNOW BACK TO THE HIGHWAY WITH NO FURTHER REOCCURRENCE. UNFORTUNATELY WHEN THIS HAPPENED MY PASSENGER SEAT WENT FORWARD AND IS NOW STUCK AND I BROKE LEVER TRYING TO BRING IT BACK FROM FRONT RECLINING. BECAUSE OF THE ROUGH TERRAIN THE REAR QUARTER PANELS WHERE THE WAS SOME RUST HAVE CRACKED

Mileage: 189,000

20210212CrashAIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, A UNKNOWN VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK AND SHOULDER INJURIES HOWEVER NO MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS PROVIDED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN FROM THE SCENE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 212,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Mileage: 112,000

20210203POWER TRAIN

WHILE TRUCK IS SITTING IN PARK NO KEYS IN IT, OBVIOUSIY NOT RUNNING YOU CAN HEAR THE 4WD ACTIVATING, ALSO WHEN DRIVING IN 2WD THE 4WD LIGHT STARTS TO FLASH TRYING TO ENGAGE.

Mileage: 118,000

20200629FireSERVICE BRAKES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING INTO THE DRIVEWAY WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTING TO APPLY THE BRAKES WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL FLOORED FAILING TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKES AND LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE WHERE THEY NOTICED A BURNING ODOR. THE CONTACT SHORTLY NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A FIRE NEAR THE ENGINE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THEY HAD THEIR WIFE CONTACT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT OUT FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND NO MEDICAL ASSISTANCE NEEDED. VEHICLE TOWED. THE CONTACT CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER TO INFORM THEM THAT THE FIRE REPORT REPORTED THAT THE VEHICLE'S MASTER CYLINDER BRAKE FLUID LEAK CAUSED FIRE. THE VEHICLE DEEMED TOTALED. THE MANUFACTURER OPENED A CASE REGARDING THE MATTER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 171,000.

Mileage: 171,000

20200629FireENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING INTO THE DRIVEWAY WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTING TO APPLY THE BRAKES WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL FLOORED FAILING TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKES AND LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE WHERE THEY NOTICED A BURNING ODOR. THE CONTACT SHORTLY NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A FIRE NEAR THE ENGINE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THEY HAD THEIR WIFE CONTACT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT OUT FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND NO MEDICAL ASSISTANCE NEEDED. VEHICLE TOWED. THE CONTACT CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER TO INFORM THEM THAT THE FIRE REPORT REPORTED THAT THE VEHICLE'S MASTER CYLINDER BRAKE FLUID LEAK CAUSED FIRE. THE VEHICLE DEEMED TOTALED. THE MANUFACTURER OPENED A CASE REGARDING THE MATTER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 171,000.

Mileage: 171,000

20200318POWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START OR PARK WITH THE GEAR SHIFTER IN THE PARK POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS ONLY ABLE TO START OR PARK WHEN PLACED IN NEUTRAL. NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH CHAPMAN LAS VEGAS DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM LOCATED AT (3175 E SAHARA AVE, LAS VEGAS, NV 89104) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SUBJECTED TO A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000.

Mileage: 200,000

20200227AIR BAGS

HEATED DRIVER SEAT CAUGHT FIRE. CALLED DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE DRIVER HEATED SEAT. THE DEALER SAID THERE WAS AIRBAG RECALL ON THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE OF THE TRUCK. THE DEALER SAID THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR AIRBAGS AND WOULD NEED TO CONTACT DODGE FOR A CASE NUMBER. CONTACTED DODGE AND WAS TOLD JUST DRIVE CAREFULLY.

Mileage: 112,855

20200227SEATS

HEATED DRIVER SEAT CAUGHT FIRE. CALLED DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE DRIVER HEATED SEAT. THE DEALER SAID THERE WAS AIRBAG RECALL ON THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE OF THE TRUCK. THE DEALER SAID THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR AIRBAGS AND WOULD NEED TO CONTACT DODGE FOR A CASE NUMBER. CONTACTED DODGE AND WAS TOLD JUST DRIVE CAREFULLY.

Mileage: 112,855

20200131AIR BAGS

WAS REPAIRED 05/13/2016 BY CHRYSLER DODGE DEALERSHIP 0F SOUTH SAVANNNAH

Mileage: 73,003

20191021CrashAIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH ON A BRIDGE, THE VEHICLE SLID ON BLACK ICE, FISHTAILED, AND CRASHED INTO A CEMENT COLUMN. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT'S WIFE WAS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AND STRUCK HER LEFT KNEE ON THE DASHBOARD. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT RECEIVED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. POLICE REPORT NUMBER: 1916400110 WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND TOWED TO A GARAGE, BUT WAS LATER RETRIEVED BY THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT CALLED HEALY CHRYSLER DODGE AT 231-845-3900 (LOCATED AT 3632 W US-10, LUDINGTON, MI 49431) WHERE THE AIR BAGS WERE REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V352000 (AIR BAGS), 15V313000 (AIR BAGS), AND 14V770000 (AIR BAGS). THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT ALL THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT AN INVESTIGATOR WOULD CALL THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT WAS NOT CALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS N

Mileage: 99,593

20191013ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

VEHICLE GOES IN AND OUT OF 4 WHEEL DRIVE AND 4 WHEEL LO ON IT'S OWN, WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING OR NOT AND MOVING OR NOT. THERE HAVE BEEN TIMES WHEN I OPEN THE DOOR, NOT UNLOCK, JUST OPEN, AND YOU CAN HEAR THE TRANSFER CASE SHIFTING . SOMETIME "SERVICE 4 WHEEL DRIVE" LIGHT COMES ON, OTHER TIMES JUST 4 WHEEL INDICATOR AND OTHER TIMES NO LIGHT AT ALL. THOUGH IT IS A 2005, I ONLY HAVE 80K ON IT. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS NOW

Mileage: 80,000

20190824ENGINE

TICKING NOISE FROM EXHAUST MANIFOLD. EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS & STUDS PREMATURELY BROKE! LEAKING EXHAUST FUMES ARE ABLE TO ENTER PASSENGER CABIN & CAUSE A SAFETY HAZARD! THIS ISSUE NEEDS A SAFETY RECALL TO REPLACE EXHAUST MANIFOLD GASKETS, BOLTS & STUDS THAT ARE OF AN IMPROVED GRADE TO CORRECT THIS FACTORY INSTALLATION SAFETY ISSUE ON BOTH LEFT & RIGHT HAND EXHAUST MANIFOLDS!!

Mileage: 62,000

Compare 2005DODGEDAKOTA to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2005 DODGE DAKOTA have?
The 2005 DODGE DAKOTA has 596 NHTSA complaints, 37 crashes, 35 fires, 28 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2005 DODGE DAKOTA?
Yes, the 2005 DODGE DAKOTA has 7 recall(s). The most common affected component is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 DODGE DAKOTA?
The most-complained component for the 2005 DODGE DAKOTA is AIR BAGS with 138 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include POWER TRAIN and SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC.
Is the 2005 DODGE DAKOTA safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.