RoadVitals

2010 Dodge Dakota

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

NHTSA has issued a “do not drive” advisory affecting this model year.

Campaign 19V018000. Confirm whether your specific vehicle is covered using its VIN before acting on this.

Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov
Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
35
Latest Mar 23, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
7
Latest Jan 15, 2019
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
1 currently open
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
3
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 35 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2010 Dodge Dakota, most frequently naming the airbags, powertrain (other) and electrical categories. 7 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 53 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Airbags1634.0%
  • Powertrain (other)714.9%
  • Electrical612.8%
  • Steering510.6%
  • Brakes24.3%
  • Driver assistance24.3%
  • Engine24.3%
  • Suspension24.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

7 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
19V018000NHTSA advisory: do not drive

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jan 15, 2019
1,413,222 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The 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.
The remedy: 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.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC)Manufacturer number V01View on NHTSA.gov
18V021000NHTSA advisory: do not drive

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jan 9, 2018
328,177 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy: 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.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC)Manufacturer number U03View on NHTSA.gov
16V352000NHTSA advisory: do not drive

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

May 24, 2016
4,648,270 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The 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.
The remedy: 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.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC)Manufacturer number S43View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA21002OpenEngineering Analysis

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Opened Sep 17, 2021

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 inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

ElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Mar 23, 2026

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 truck was a "lemon" from that point on. Also, No vehicles should have mother Board computer's managing every system of the vehicle! Dangerous! The Manufactures are Scamming the Consumer. BCM, TCM, PCM ,ECS ,TIPM Are all Scam Engineering By the auto industry, EFI vehicle's only need 1 Computer for the ignition A ECU that's it , the rest of those systems are a Violation of wright to Repair and NHTSA Safety standards. [XXX] the lower Bolt mounting the PCM was so Corroded it broke off in the original PCM on removal. This Vehicle is a lemon . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11726360
Incident
Feb 28, 2026
Airbags
Filed Mar 19, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11725465
Incident
Feb 2, 2026
Mileage
49,800 mi
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Mar 15, 2021
Crash reported

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

NHTSA ID
11403175
Incident
Feb 16, 2021
Mileage
92,700 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jun 6, 2020

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

NHTSA ID
11327551
Incident
Jun 6, 2020
Mileage
39,000 mi
ElectricalSuspension
Filed Jun 9, 2019

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.

NHTSA ID
11218785
Incident
Jun 8, 2019
Mileage
65,000 mi
AirbagsElectricalEngine
Filed Jun 25, 2018

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.

NHTSA ID
11103891
Incident
May 8, 2014
Mileage
140,000 mi
AirbagsDriver assistance
Filed Apr 23, 2018

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 FOR THERE MISTAKE, SERVICE MANGER REFUSED TO FIX IT SO I CALLED DODGE CUSTOMER SERVICE ABOUT 5-TIME AND THEY COULDN'T GET THEM TO FIXIT EITHER.

NHTSA ID
11089695
Incident
Mar 12, 2018
Mileage
34,847 mi
AirbagsSeat belts
Filed Dec 29, 2017
Crash reported1 injury reported

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 CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000. *BF *TR

NHTSA ID
11057348
Incident
Aug 29, 2016
Mileage
60,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

101232

POWER TRAIN

Plate - Planetary

9100226

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.

9100226

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.

9100196

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Lubrication and Maintenance Fluids If MOPAR fluids and chemicals are not readily available, please review Service Library for specifications so a suitable alternative can be used

S2209000004

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; EQUIPMENT

If a Mopar oil filter is not available, use a filter that meets or exceeds USCAR36 specification and is compatible with semi and full synthetic oils.

9004509

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:FILTER/SCREEN

Oil Filter If a Mopar Oil Filter is not available, use a filter that meets or exceeds USCAR36 specification and is compatible with semi and full synthetic oils. Recommended Brands: Wix, Purolator, and NapaGold

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Dodge Dakota by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2011446160.0
2010Viewing357162.1
2009185155.1
2008912149.0
20071444460.2
20062846562.3
20054707564.4
20042065049.7
200329511155.5
200267812159.6
200167814259.8
200080612463.7
199964110158.3
199854512157.8
199744612159.0
19961892156.0
19952081255.0
19941664465.7
19931342157.8
19922162362.1
19911285364.1
1990633155.0
1989633052.7
1988553050.5
1987202048.9
1986100
1985200

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.