Dodge Dakota Problems — All Years, Common Issues & Reliability
Year-by-year breakdown of safety recalls, NHTSA owner complaints, reported deaths, injuries, crashes, and worst problem areas. Updated daily from federal databases.
Own a Dodge Dakota? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Dodge Dakota — Year-by-Year Problem Comparison
| Year | Verdict | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | Injuries | Deaths | Top Issue | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Excellent | 3 | 34 | 8 | 1 | — | Air Bags | Full report → |
| 2010 | Excellent | 4 | 31 | 6 | 2 | — | Air Bags | Full report → |
| 2009Best | Excellent | 3 | 12 | 1 | 1 | — | Air Bags | Full report → |
| 2008 | Good | 1 | 60 | 5 | 8 | — | Air Bags | Full report → |
| 2007 | Good | 1 | 89 | 5 | 6 | — | Air Bags | Full report → |
| 2006 | Caution | 3 | 199 | 13 | 9 | — | Air Bags | Full report → |
| 2005 | Caution | 4 | 261 | 19 | 20 | — | Air Bags | Full report → |
| 2004 | Good | 3 | 139 | 7 | 4 | 2 | Steering | Full report → |
| 2003 | Caution | 5 | 208 | 12 | 12 | — | Suspension | Full report → |
| 2002 | Avoid | 4 | 456 | 34 | 10 | 1 | Suspension | Full report → |
| 2001 | Avoid | 4 | 463 | 27 | 19 | 1 | Suspension | Full report → |
| 2000Worst | Avoid | 5 | 529 | 50 | 26 | 1 | Suspension | Full report → |
| 1999 | Avoid | 4 | 495 | 42 | 20 | — | Suspension | Full report → |
| 1998 | Avoid | 6 | 429 | 36 | 19 | 1 | Suspension | Full report → |
| 1997 | Avoid | 6 | 367 | 20 | 18 | 3 | Suspension | Full report → |
| 1996 | Good | 1 | 154 | 12 | 2 | — | Service Brakes / Hydraulic | Full report → |
| 1995 | Good | — | 150 | 18 | 11 | 2 | Power Train | Full report → |
| 1994 | Good | 3 | 121 | 17 | 17 | 2 | Service Brakes / Hydraulic | Full report → |
| 1993 | Good | — | 94 | 9 | 10 | — | Fuel System / Gasoline | Full report → |
| 1992 | Good | — | 153 | 8 | 7 | — | Power Train | Full report → |
20 model years shown. Crashes, injuries, and deaths from NHTSA complaint filings. Click any year for full details.
Most Common Dodge Dakota Problems
Based on 4,444 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across all model years.
Dakota Years to Avoid
Best Dakota Years to Buy
Years with fewest complaints and recalls.
Dodge Dakota Problems by Year
Frequently Asked Questions — Dodge Dakota Reliability
What year Dakota has the most problems?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2000 Dodge Dakota had the highest combined complaint and recall count — 529 complaints and 5 safety recalls. See the full 2000 report for specific defects.
Is the Dodge Dakota reliable?
The Dodge Dakota has accumulated 4,444 owner-filed complaints and 60 safety recalls across all model years in NHTSA's database. There have been 13 reported deaths associated with complaints. The 2009 model year shows the fewest reported issues. Always run a VIN check before purchasing any used Dakota.
What are the most common Dakota problems?
The most frequently cited problem areas are: Suspension (1178 reports), Service Brakes / Hydraulic (640 reports), Power Train (467 reports), Air Bags (361 reports). Based on NHTSA complaints across all model years.
How do I check if my Dakota has an open recall?
Use the vehicle's 17-character VIN at VinCheckEngine.com. Our free VIN report pulls the latest NHTSA recall data along with auction history, odometer records, and 30+ intelligence signals.
Check a Specific Dodge Dakota VIN
Model-level data shows what can go wrong. A VIN-specific report shows what has gone wrong with a particular vehicle — including auction history, odometer discrepancies, open recalls, accident records, and 30+ intelligence signals.
Run a Free Dodge Dakota VIN Report →No account required · Instant results · Updated daily