Model year record

2010 Dodge Dakota recalls & problems

The 2010 Dodge Dakota has 7 safety recalls and 35 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is air bags (16 complaints).

Recalls7safety recalls

Complaints35filed by owners

Crashes · fires3 · 0reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths1 · 0reported in complaints

2010 Dodge Dakota in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

4 recalls for this model year carry an NHTSA do not drive advisory. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Safety recalls

Air bagsJan 15, 2019

Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module

Recall 19V0180001,413,222 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

NHTSA advisory: do not drive affected vehicles until repaired.

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, Ram 4500/5500, 2010-2011 Dodge Dakota, 2010-2014 Dodge Challenger, 2010-2015 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, and 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V01.

Air bagsJan 9, 2018

Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module

Recall 18V021000328,177 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

NHTSA advisory: do not drive affected vehicles until repaired.

Problem: 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, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Chrysler is recalling certain 2009-2010 RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Chrysler is also recalling certain 2009 RAM 3500, RAM 2500, RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp 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 owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U03.

Air bagsMay 24, 2016

Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module

Recall 16V3520004,648,270 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

NHTSA advisory: do not drive affected vehicles until repaired.

Problem: 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 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.
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.

Air bagsMay 26, 2015

Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module

Recall 15V3130004,077,169 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

NHTSA advisory: do not drive affected vehicles until repaired.

Problem: 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.
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. Vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well.

Power trainFeb 6, 2013

Driveline › Differential unit

Recall 13V038000278,674 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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, 2009, through September 30, 2011; model year 2009 Chrysler Aspen trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008; and model year 2009 Dodge Durango trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008. The rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to an undersized pinion spline that can allow relative motion between the nut and companion flange.
Risk: If the rear axle pinion nut loosens, the axle can lock up and cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a vehicle crash with little warning.
Fix: On November 7, 2013 Chrysler notified owners that dealers would install a pinion nut retainer, free of charge. In July 2015, and under a consent order with NHTSA, the company agreed to offer owners three options for remedying their vehicles: perform the original remedy, offer to repurchase the vehicle at the fair market value plus 10%, or offer an additional incentive offer towards the purchase of a new Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, or Fiat vehicle. Chrysler will notify owners of the new recall options in a letter expected to be mailed on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N08.

Power trainOct 2, 2012

Driveline › Differential unit

Recall 12V47400044,300 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Risk: If the rear axle pinion nut loosens, the axle can lock up and cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a vehicle crash with little warning.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a pinion nut retainer, free of charge. The recall began on June 17, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753.

EquipmentAug 28, 2012

Electrical

Recall 12V42000032 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: NBC Truck Equipment, Inc. (NBC) is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 and model year 2010-2011 trucks equipped with Sure Power battery separator devices, due to overheating.
Risk: Overheating of the battery separator can result in smoke and possible fire.
Fix: NBC will notify owners, and Sure Power will replace the battery separators free of charge. The safety recall began November 26, 2012. Owners may contact NBC Truck Equipment, Inc. at 1-586-774-4900.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2010 Dodge Dakota Crew 4-DR.

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	★★★★★
Rollover risk	17.9%

2010 Dodge Dakota Extended Cab

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	★★★★★
Rollover risk	17.9%

2010 Dodge Dakota NHTSA side crash test — NHTSA side barrier crash test

2010 Dodge Dakota NHTSA side pole crash test — NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Dakota Pickup 2WD

17mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.7 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

Dakota Pickup 4WD

15mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 18 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.7 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel

Dakota Pickup 4WD FFV

15mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 19 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.7 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel

Dakota Pickup 2WD FFV

15mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 19 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.7 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Air bags	16	1	1	60,000 mi
Power train	7	0	0	65,000 mi
Electrical system	6	0	0	50,000 mi
Steering	5	1	0	23,400 mi
Service brakes	2	1	0	—
Suspension	2	1	0	—
Engine	2	0	0	—
Vehicle speed control	2	1	0	—
Visibility	1	0	0	—
Tires	1	0	0	—
Exterior lighting	1	0	0	—
Visibility/wiper	1	0	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Electrical system
Vehicle Has Experienced all Dash waring lights & noises going on and off while driving Threw multiple codes saying the PCM was not connecting with the ODB2 reader , Vehicle would not crank or start 2 times did a Hard reset and it started, the end result is all Dash Lights luminated when Key is on , No crank & No communication with the PCM, No Code visible any more I replaced the PCM same issue Now the TIPM which I believe Blew my PCM also at 141,000 miles! Very Dangerous!! A well maintained vehicle should never have Computer Problems at 140,000 , FYI I am a state Licensed auto Mechanic. this Vehicle also had a fuel pump problem 12/21/2011 and was serviced at the dealership , I believe this…
Feb 28, 2026
Air bags
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Dakota. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 18V021000 (Air Bags) and 15V313000 (Air Bags). The dealer was contacted for the recall repairs and was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact called the manufacturer and was informed that it would take a while for the parts to be obtained. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was blinking intermittently. The failure mileage was approximately 49,800.
Feb 2, 2026 · 49,800 miles
Service brakesCrash
THE ROADS WERE SLICK AND I WAS TRAVELING SLOW CAME OVER THE CREST OF A SMALL HILL OVER BYPASS AND HEADED DOWN HILL BRAKING SLOWLY I COULD TELL IT FELT LIKE I WASN'T SLOWING DOWN LIKE I EXPECTED AS I APPROACHED A VEHICLE AHEAD OF ME STOPPED AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT,SO I PUMPED THE BRAKES TWICE AND THE ENGINE ROARED AND MY TRUCK RACED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE AHEAD OF ME. THE OTHER DRIVER WAS VERY ANGRY AND WOULDN'T BELIEVE ME WHEN I TRIED TO EXPLAIN WHAT HAPPENED. HE WOULD NOT EXCHANGE INFORMATION WITH ME. MY FOOT DID NOT SLIP. I CAN'T EVEN GET MY TRUCK TO SURGE FORWARD LIKE THAT IF I HIT THE GAS HARD
Feb 16, 2021 · 92,700 miles
Power train
REAR PINON SEAL HAS DETERIORATED ALONGSIDE SIMILAR DODGE TRUCKS WITHIN THE SAME YEAR OF MODEL, BUT THE 2010 DODGE DAKOTA IS NOT COVERED AS WELL. *TR
Jun 6, 2020 · 39,000 miles
Electrical system
DODGE DOKATA 2010. HEATER RESISTOR OVERHEATS REPEATEDLY. ELECTRICAL SMOKE AND BURNING SMELL REPEATEDLY. VERY HOT TO TOUCH. SO OVERHEATED WIRES AND RESISTOR MELTS. RESISTOR AND WIRES REPLACED NUMEROUS TIMES. SAME RESULTS. FRONT BALL JOINTS KEEP GOING BAD CAUSING DANGEROUS DRIVING CONDITIONS. MANY RESISTOR AND BALL JOINT COMPLANTA ALL OVER THE INTERNET. I FEAR SOMEONE WILL DIE IF THE 2 ISSUES ARE NOT RESOLVED.
Jun 8, 2019 · 65,000 miles
Air bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE AND AIR BAG WARNING INDICATORS REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TEMPERATURE SENSOR, CATALYTIC CONVERTER, AND ECM CODE (ENGINE) NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURES RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
May 8, 2014 · 140,000 miles
Air bags
I TOOK MY TRUCK TO EASTGATE CHRYSLER AT 500 NORTH SHADELAND AVE. 46219 PH.# 317-352-7192 TO HAVE MY AIRBAG RECALL REPAIRED AND A WHEEL ALIGNMENT, THERE WASN'T ANYTHING WRONG WITH MY TRUCK WHEN I TOOK IT INTO THEM, ON MY WAY HOME I NOTICE THAT THE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS FLICKERING WHEN I TURNED CORNER SOMETIMES AND 2 DAYS LATER IT STAYED ON AND THE CRUISE CONTROL QUITE WORKING AND THE HORN WOULDN'T BLOW AND AND THAT AREA WHERE YOU BLOW THE HORN WAS VERY HARD, I MADE AND APPOINTMENT TO TAKE IT IN TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS AND THEY TOLD ME I MUST HAVE DONE SOMETHING TO DAMAGE IT BECAUSE IT WAS FINE WHEN I LEFT AND THE CLOCK-SPRING WAS BAD AND THE REPAIR WOULD COST $480,I TOLD THEM,I'M NOT PAYING…
Mar 12, 2018 · 34,847 miles
Air bagsCrash1 injury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT AND FLIPPED OVER. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. IN ADDITION, IT WAS SUSPECTED THAT THE HARNESS STRAP OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN THE CONTACT DURING THE CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HEAD, A PUNCTURED RIGHT LUNG, A FRACTURED RIGHT HAND, A FRACTURED RIGHT FEMUR, RIGHT AND LEFT KNEE DISLOCATION, A FRACTURED LEFT ANKLE, PERENNIAL NERVE DAMAGE, AND MAJOR ABDOMINAL INJURIES. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED, BUT WAS NOT DESTROYED. A DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE…
Aug 29, 2016 · 60,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
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 substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled…
EA21002 · opened Sep 17, 2021