Is the Dodge Dakota Reliable?
1992–2011 defect & recall-risk analysis from citable NHTSA data.
The score ranks this model's recall intensity against other trucks — plus systemic-defect concentration and any open federal investigations. It measures defect and recall risk, not long-term mechanical durability, and is deliberately not skewed by how many were sold.
Reliability Score
Own a Dodge Dakota? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Dodge Dakota Reliability by Year
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Reliability Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 5 | 34 | 1 | — | 57 | Fair |
| 2010 | 5 | 31 | 2 | — | 57 | Fair |
| 2009 | 3 | 12 | 1 | — | 57 | Fair |
| 2008 | 1 | 60 | 8 | — | 57 | Fair |
| 2007 | 2 | 89 | 6 | — | 57 | Fair |
| 2006 | 3 | 201 | 10 | — | 57 | Fair |
| 2005 | 3 | 261 | 20 | — | 57 | Fair |
| 2004 | 4 | 139 | 4 | 2 | 57 | Fair |
| 2003 | 7 | 208 | 12 | — | 57 | Fair |
| 2002 | 6 | 456 | 10 | 1 | 57 | Fair |
Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.
How the Dakota Compares to Similar Vehicles
The Dakota scores 1 points below the average truck. Consider checking years with lower complaint volumes.
Known Dodge Dakota Reliability Issues
The following components appear most frequently in owner complaints filed with NHTSA:
Based on 1491 owner complaints across recent model years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Dodge Dakota reliable?+
The Dodge Dakota scores 72/100 on our reliability index — rated "Good." Across 10 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 39 recall campaigns and 1491 owner complaints in the NHTSA database.
What year Dakota is most reliable?+
Among the years analyzed, the 2011 Dakota achieved the highest reliability score of 57/100 with 5 recalls and 34 complaints.
How many miles does a Dakota last?+
With consistent maintenance, most Dodge Dakota owners report 150,000 to 200,000+ miles of service life. Checking the VIN of any specific used Dakota will reveal its actual mileage history and any title events.
More Dodge Dakota Research
Check a Specific Dodge Dakota VIN
Model-level reliability scores show general trends. A VIN-specific report reveals the exact history of any individual vehicle — accidents, odometer records, auction events, and open recalls.
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