KnownCarProblems2005 Dodge Dakota Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 470 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Dodge Dakota, most often about the air bags (30% of complaints, typically around 85,500 miles). It is 4th of 12 Dakota model years by number of complaints and has 6 recalls.
⚠ Safety advisory2 recalls for this car came with a do-not-drive warning. See below and check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Most common 2005 Dodge Dakota problems
Air bags
143 complaints · 30%Half of these problems showed up before 85,500 miles. Parts named most often: frontal.
"takata recall" I have been receiving emails from NHTSA about these air bag inflators. No one has contacted me about replacing or repairing this recall.
The airbag indicator light on the dash remains on after startup. I have had this checked out 3 times by different mechanics all have said its a sensor. I have had the sensor changed which has fixed the problem for a short while, when I say a short while I mean for at least 2 miles of driving after fixing. It then…
Brakes
82 complaints · 17%Half of these problems showed up before 13,000 miles. Parts named most often: foundation components, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, disc, driveline.
Dt when the consumer applied the brakes, the vehicle vibrated so badly, the consumer was unable to control the vehicle. The dealer replaced the left front wheel bearing, rotors, front and rear drums. The consumer called daimler chrysler and they were suppose to get back with the consumer today. Can't set minutes on…
I have a recurring brake vibration on my 2005 Dodge Dakota that started at approximately 12000 miles. The dealer who is doing everything he can has replaced rear axles, drums, brake pads, front rotors, turned drums, changed wheels several times. It has been in the shop at lease 7 times and the problem still exists. I…
Transmission
81 complaints · 17%Half of these problems showed up before 85,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, axle assembly, driveline, transfer case (4-wheel drive).
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering felt loose. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was found that the trans cooler line failed and was leaking. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current…
Rear wheels locked up after pulling onto roadway from a grade and turning left. Accelerated to approx. 25 MPH to enter roadway, heard loud bang and felt vehicle shudder. Drive shaft separated from rear differential, rear wheels would not move; vehicle stopped in middle of 35 MPH roadway. Metal shaft appears sheared…
Suspension
51 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 45,000 miles. Parts named most often: front, rear.
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated when driving at various speeds, the front wheels would exhibit an unusual noise and would veer the vehicle to one side. The dealer advised the hubs and bearings would need to be replaced. The repairs were performed at the owners expense and the failure did not…
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Dakota. While driving 40 MPH, the contact noticed an unusual clicking sound in the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the front end bulbs and bolts. The failure mileage was 45,000 and the current mileage was 53,000.
Steering
47 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 57,500 miles. Parts named most often: linkages, column, rack and pinion, steering wheel/handle bar.
Tl contact owns a 2005 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that while driving the steering wheel locked up at any speed. The contact stated that the failed component was the intermediary shaft. When he lubricated it with wd40 the vehicle began to steer normally for a short time. The dealer stated that the vehicle could…
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that while in the process of making a turn, the steering wheel tightened and was difficult to turn. The failure recurred while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop for a failure diagnostic, where the contacted was informed that the…
Seats
41 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 83,000 miles. Parts named most often: front assembly, mid/rear assembly.
I turned on my heated seat, as I have done several times this winter. After approximately 15 minutes, I smelled something burning. I reached around the back of me as I was driving because a spot on my back was very heated. I actually stuck my finger through a hole in the seat that had burned through both the seat and…
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that the wiring inside the driver's seat cushion burned holes in the fabric. The vehicle was taken to rairdons chrysler Dodge of kirkland (12828 ne 124 th st kirkland, wa 98034), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and…
Electrical
32 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 80,000 miles. Parts named most often: 12v/24v/48v battery, wiring.
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…
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that the wiring inside the driver's seat cushion burned holes in the fabric. The vehicle was taken to rairdons chrysler Dodge of kirkland (12828 ne 124 th st kirkland, wa 98034), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and…
Engine
23 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 60,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine.
Driving and it got a ticking noise ?? Then I started to get sleepy and a bad head ache!!! It got loud and then I looked under hood and bolts broke off in the heads of the motor , I can't afford 800--- 1,000 from chrysler wants to fix it ! It's dangerous if you stay in truck a long time with out window down !! Tales to…
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…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2005 Dodge Dakota recalls
Seats: seat heater/cooler
Risk: The hot spots and burn holes can injure the seat occupant and can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will update the seat heating system control features, free of charge. The recall began december 27, 2018. Owners may contact chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is t80.
Full defect summary
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.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the chrysler, dodge, jeep and ram owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on march 27, 2017. Owners may contact chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is s43. Note: this recall supersedes recall 14v-7700.
Full defect summary
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, 2008-2010 ram 4500 and 5500 cab chassis, 2004-2009 dodge durango, 2007-2009 chrysler aspen, 2007-2012 jeep wrangler, 2008-2012 dodge challenger, 2005-2008 dodge magnum, 2005-2012 chrysler 300, 2006-2012 dodge charger, 2005-2011 dodge dakota, and 2006-2009 mitsubishi raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in al, ca, fl, ga, hi, la, ms, sc, tx, puerto rico, american samoa, guam, the northern mariana islands (saipan), and the u.s. Virgin islands, or "zone a." additionally, unless included in "zone a" above, chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 ram 1500, 2005-2009 ram 2500, 2006-2009 r
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the affected chrysler and dodge owners and mitsubishi will notify the affected raider owners. Dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began for chrylser on june 8, 2015. The recall for mitsubishi started on june 24, 2015. Chrysler and dodge owners may contact chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Mitsubishi owners may call 1-888-648-7820. Chrysler's number for this recall is r25. Note: this recall supersedes recall 14v817 in its entirety.
Full defect summary
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, 2005-2011 dodge dakota, and 2006-2009 mitsubishi raider vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Air bags
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengerâs frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. For vehicles that were sold, or are currently registered, in florida, puerto rico, hawaii, and the u.s. Virgin islands, owners were notified and the recall began on december 5, 2014. For all other vehicles, chrysler notified owners and the recall began on february 3, 2015. Owners may contact chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is p40 expanded. Note: this recall has been superseded by recall 16v-352. This recall superseded the passenger air bag p
Full defect summary
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 absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in alabama, florida, georgia, hawaii, louisiana, mississippi, texas, puerto rico, u.s. Virgin islands, saipan, guam, and american samoa are addressed by this recall. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Transmission: automatic transmission
Risk: If this occurs and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may roll away and cause a crash without warning.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the transmissions and install a bracket to ensure the park pawl anchor shaft is retained in the proper position. The recall began on november 28, 2005. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Full defect summary
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.
Air bags: side/window
Risk: This could result in an improper side air bag curtain deployment in certain side crash conditions, which can increase the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
Fix: Dealers will tighten the side air bag curtain fasteners to the proper specification. The recall began on january 17, 2005. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Full defect summary
On certain pickup trucks equipped with the optional side curtain air bag, the curtain fasteners may not have been properly tightened.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Desiccated air bag inflator rupture
Summary
From 2000 through 2017, takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("psan") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004l. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 blomquist report at www.NHTSA.gov/sites/NHTSA.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substa
Air bag inflator rupture
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened pe14-016 in june 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.all six vehicles were operated in florida or puerto rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.during the course of pe14-016, odi determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by takata. No evidence of field failures was found in vehicles produced by these five additional manufacturers.nonetheless, at odi's in
Air bag inflator rupture
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened pe14-016 in june 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.all six vehicles were operated in florida or puerto rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.during the course of pe14-016, odi determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by takata. No evidence of field failures was found in vehicles produced by these five additional manufacturers.nonetheless, at odi's in
Steering wheel and steering shaft bolts
Summary
On march 9, 2006 odi upgraded preliminatry evaluation pe05-056 to engineerning analysis ea06-004 to investigate allegations of loose or missing steering shaft coupling bolts and steering column retaining bolts in model year (my) 2004 through 2006 dodge durango sport utility vehicles and my 2005 through 2006 dodge dakota pickup trucks.either condition could result in a loss of steering control.although odi identified some quality issues in the manufacturing processes for the dakota and durango vehicles, the data do not indicate that a safety defect trend is present in either population.the failure rates are low for each condition and trend analyses indicate that problems with the subject bolt
Steering wheel and shaft bolts
Summary
On october 26, 2005 odi opened pe05-056 to investigate allegations of loose or missing steering wheel or steering shaft coupling bolts in model year (my) 2004 and 2005 dodge durango sport utility vehicles and my 2005 dodge dakota pickup trucks manufactured by daimlerchrysler corporation (dcc).during pe05-056 odi identified 3 owner complaints to odi or dcc, 21 field reports to dcc and 142 warranty claims related to the alleged defect conditions.the reports and claims included 8 incidents of either steering wheel separation or steering shaft decoupling while driving due to loose or missing bolts.one of the failures resulted in a crash. Pe05-056 has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea0
Questions about the 2005 Dodge Dakota
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 Dodge Dakota?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: air bags (143 complaints, typically around 85,500 miles); brakes (82 complaints, typically around 13,000 miles); transmission (81 complaints, typically around 85,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2005 Dodge Dakota have?
- 6 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from December 20, 2017 (seats). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2005 a bad year for the Dodge Dakota?
- It is 4th of 12 Dakota model years by number of complaints, with 470 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.