DODGE DAKOTA · model year

2009 DODGE DAKOTA

23 NHTSA complaints, 1 crash report, and 5 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2009DODGEDAKOTA carries 23 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 1 crash, 0 fires, 1 injury, 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 2009 DAKOTA is power train with 6 filings, followed by air bags (5) and electrical system (3). 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 5 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 2009 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.

23
Complaints
1
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

23 filings

Crashes Reported

1 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
POWER TRAIN6
AIR BAGS5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
ENGINE2
TIRES1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
WHEELS1
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION1
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
SERVICE BRAKES1

Recalls (5)

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

18V02100009/01/2018

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas,

13V03800006/02/2013

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured from February 27, 2008, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through October 20, 2011; model year 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota trucks manufactured from February 27, 2007, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1

12V47400002/10/2012

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2010, Ram 1500 and Dodge Dakota trucks, manufactured from July 1, 2009, through November 30, 2009, because the rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to a lack of adhesive.

Recent Complaints

20210923SERVICE BRAKES

After starting the Dakota, I pushed on the brake pedal so I could put the automatic transmission in Drive. My foot went all the way to the floor. I tried again with the same result. I checked the brake fluid reservoir. It was a bit low, but not empty. When the tow truck arrived to haul it away, I noticed a pool of brake fluid on the driveway approximately below the master cylinder. It is clear the brake system experience a catastrophic failure. I will know more when my mechanic reports what he has found. He suspects corrosion on the brake line. No one was hurt and there was no property damage because I did not put the truck in gear.

20190320ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, ALL THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Mileage: 127,000

20190320ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, ALL THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Mileage: 127,000

20170719UNKNOWN OR OTHER

A/C DRAIN TUBE HAD NOT BEEN ABLE TO DRAIN SINCE OWNING THE VEHICLE SINCE NOVEMBER 2009, DUE TO A FLAWED DESIGN, HENCEFORTH I WAS ILL EVERY TIME I DROVE THE VEHICLE WITH THE A/C ON. THIS LAST ILL DRIVEN 1 HOUR AND 30 MINUTE DAY, 7 JULY 2017, I WAS TERRIBLY NAUSEA, EXTREME HEADACHES AND EXHAUSTION LASTING THROUGH TO 9 JULY 2017. HAD IT BEEN A LONGER DRIVE, I AM SURE I WOULD HAVE HAD AN ACCIDENT AS I STRUGGLED TO DRIVE HOME AND PUT MYSELF INTO BED. THIS FLAWED DESIGN WAS REPAIRED, AS ALL VEHICLES SHOULD BE INSPECTED FOR THE SAFE AND WELFARE OF THE DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS.

Mileage: 24

20170217ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TRUCK STOPING WHILE DRIVING HAD REPLACE TIPM ON CITY AND HIGHWAY

Mileage: 82,924

20160226AIR BAGS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V313000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

20151210AIR BAGS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V313000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, BUT WAS UNABLE TO BE CONNECTED TO A REPRESENTATIVE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

20151009AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V313000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. ...UPDATED 02/04/16 *BF *JS

20150707AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V313000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

20140617ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 70 MPH, THE CONTACT INADVERTENTLY BUMPED THE IGNITION KEY AND ALL OF THE INDICATORS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED. A CHIME ACTIVATED AND THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS TURN ON WHICH CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO RESUMED NORMAL FUNCTIONED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 41,000.

Mileage: 38,000

20140617ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 70 MPH, THE CONTACT INADVERTENTLY BUMPED THE IGNITION KEY AND ALL OF THE INDICATORS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED. A CHIME ACTIVATED AND THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS TURN ON WHICH CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO RESUMED NORMAL FUNCTIONED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 41,000.

Mileage: 38,000

20140617CrashAIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 5 MPH DOWN HILL, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT NO WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATED IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHAT CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 41,000.

Mileage: 32,000

20140521WHEELS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE SWAYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE WAS DEFLATED AND WARPED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE HOUSING WAS FRACTURED. THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE WAS REPLACED. TWO DAYS AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED, THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE WAS FOUND TO BE DEFLATED AND WARPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE HOUSING AND SENSOR WERE FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,200.

Mileage: 69,200

20140521TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE SWAYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE WAS DEFLATED AND WARPED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE HOUSING WAS FRACTURED. THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE WAS REPLACED. TWO DAYS AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED, THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE WAS FOUND TO BE DEFLATED AND WARPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE HOUSING AND SENSOR WERE FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,200.

Mileage: 69,200

20140426POWER TRAIN

THE REAR AXLE PINION NUT ON YOUR VEHICLE MAY LOOSEN DUE TO UNDERSIZED PINION SHAFT SPLINES. A LOOSE PINION NUT COULD CAUSE THE REAR AXLE TO SEIZE OR CAUSE THE DRIVE SHAFT TO SEPARATE RESULTING IN A LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER. EITHER SITUATION COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING. *TR

20130919POWER TRAIN

SAFETY RECALL N08/NHTSA 13V-038 WAS ANNOUNCED MAY 13 2013. SINCE THAT DAY I HAVE REPEATEDLY CONTACTED THE DEALER,[XXX], REQUESTING THAT THE RECALL REPAIR BE PERFORMED ON MY 2009 DODGE DAKOTA. EVERY TIME I CALL THEY TELL ME THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS. THEY ALSO TELL ME THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHEN THEY WILL GET THE PARTS. IT IS UNACCEPTABLE THAT FOUR MONTHS AFTER A RECALL IS ANNOUNCED THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER ARE DOING NOTHING TO CORRECT THE DEFECT. IT IS MORE UNACCEPTABLE TO ME THAT IT APPEARS NHTSA IS DOING NOTHING TO ENFORCE THEIR RECALLS. THE NOTICE STATES THAT MY VEHICLE "COULD CRASH WITHOUT WARNING"! WHEN IS NHTSA GOING TO REQUIRE CHRYSLER TO REPAIR THESE DEFECTIVE VEHICLES? THIS MONTH? NEXT MONTH? NEXT YEAR? IS THERE ANY DEADLINE FOR THESE REPAIRS TO BE DONE? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6), *TR

Mileage: 50,000

20130827POWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 13V038000 (POWER TRAIN) HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE TIME FOR REPAIR. THE REAR AXLE BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE THE BOLT SEPARATION FAILURE AS LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE 39,000. UPDATED 10/31/13*LJ

Mileage: 38,000

20130823POWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 13V038000 (POWER TRAIN) AND THE PART REMAINED UNAVAILABLE SINCE APRIL OF 2013. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE AN EXPECTED DATE FOR THE REMEDY PART TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED ANY FAILURE.

20130605POWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V038000 (POWER TRAIN) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 37,000. *TR

20130520VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

VEH RPM STARTED TO GO UP ON ITS OWN .I STOPPED VEHICLE PUT TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL AND ENGINE WOULD REV UP FROM 1400 RPM TO 2400 RPM EVERY 2 SECONDS I TURNED VEH OFF AND RESTARTED AND ENGINE STAYED AT 2400 RPM AND WOULD NOT COME DOWN TO A NORMAL IDLE SPEED. WAS ABLE TO DRIVE VEH HOME. THIS HAS HAPPENED FOUR SEPARATE TIMES WITH SAME RESULTS. *TR

Mileage: 68,547

Compare 2009DODGEDAKOTA to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2009 DODGE DAKOTA have?
The 2009 DODGE DAKOTA has 23 NHTSA complaints, 1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2009 DODGE DAKOTA?
Yes, the 2009 DODGE DAKOTA has 5 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 2009 DODGE DAKOTA?
The most-complained component for the 2009 DODGE DAKOTA is POWER TRAIN with 6 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include AIR BAGS and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2009 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.