2010 Dodge Dakota Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2010 Dodge Dakota, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags1634.0%
- Powertrain (other)714.9%
- Electrical612.8%
- Steering510.6%
- Brakes24.3%
- Driver assistance24.3%
- Engine24.3%
- Suspension24.3%
- Visibility24.3%
- Tires & wheels12.1%
- Seat belts12.1%
- Exterior lighting12.1%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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)
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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)
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
WITH ONLY 41750 MILES ON MY 2010 DAKOTA, I WAS BACKING UP A LIGHT TRAILER WHEN SUDDENLY THE REAR TIRES STARTED SPINNING AND IT SEEMED LIKE SOMETHING WAS BLOCKING THE TRUCK/TRAILER FROM MOVING. I WALKED AROUND THE VEHICLE AND SAW NO BLOCKAGES, BUT DID NOTICE THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE WAS POINTED LEFT AND THE LEFT FRONT WAS POINTED RIGHT. UPON INSPECTION, I FOUND THE LEFT FRONT TIE ROD END 100% SEPARATED AT THE BALL/SOCKET JOINT. THERE WAS NO GREASE, LOTS OF RUST, AND IT WAS DRY AS A BONE IN THE BALL/SOCKET JOINT. THERE WAS NO GREASE FITTING ON THE TIE ROD END. THIS HAPPENED IN MY YARD AT NEAR-ZERO SPEED. HOWEVER THAT LAST THING I DID WITH THIS TRUCK WAS TO TOW A CAMPER TRAILER UP NORTH AND BACK WITH MY FAMILY IN THE TRUCK. I WAS GOING TO DO THIS AGAIN IN TWO WEEKS. THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN A TERRIBLY UNSAFE THING TO HAVE BREAK AT FREEWAY SPEEDS AND IT SEEMS OBVIOUS IT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED ON THE NEXT TRIP HAD IT NOT BROKEN AT MY HOUSE. VERY SCARY, FOR A TRUCK WITH ONLY 41,750 MILES ON IT. IT COST ME $130 IN PARTS ( I REPLACED BOTH) PLUS A FRONT END ALIGNMENT TO REPAIR THIS.
WHILE GOING AROUND A LEFT HAND CORNER AT 45 MILES AN HOUR ,I HIT SOME BUMPS IN MY LANE . THE TRUCK ENDED UP HALF WAY INTO THE INCOMING LANE.I GOT IT UNDER CONTROL AND RESUMED MY TRIP AT 45 MILES AN HOUR.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
MY 2010 DODGE DAKOTA 4DR 4X4 HAS TURNED OFF WHILE ON AM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. I NOTIFIED THE DEALERSHIP SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED IT (PURCHASED USED WITH ABOUT 17,000 MILES) AND THEY SAID THAT NOTHING SHOWED/THEY DID NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. I SAID OK, AND THEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN AND AGAIN. IT JUST SHUTS DOWN, I HAVE MY FOOT ON THE GAS AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN I AM WONDERING WHY I'M SLOWING DOWN WHEN I HAVE MY FOOT ON THE GAS AND THEN NOTICE "O" THE TRUCK TURNED OFF! LUCKY THE 5-6 TIMES THIS HAS HAPPENED I HAVE NOT BEEN ON A STRAIGHT PART OF THE ROAD, IT SEEMS TO LOOSE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES, I AM NOT SURE IF OTHER ELECTRICAL THINGS LIKE RADIO AND LIGHTS TURN OFF TO, I AM JUST CONCERNED WITH GETTING TO A STOP SAFELY TO START THE TRUCK AGAIN. AND I PUT IT IN PARK ONCE STOPPED AND IT STARTS RIGHT BACK UP. THIS HAS HAPPENED 5-6 TIMES AT LEAST SINCE I HAVE PURCHASED THE TRUCK ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO (MAYBE 3 YRS AGO). I AM WONDERING IF THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM THAT THEY JUST DISCOVERED IN OTHER DODGE VEHICLES SIMPLE TO THE CHEVY IGNITION RECALL. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
I WAS DRIVING MY 2010 DODGE DAKOTA DOWN THE STREET TURNING LEFT WHEN THE ENTIRE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN. I LOST THE ENGINE, STEERING AND BRAKES. I NEARLY HIT A UTILITY POLE BY INCHES. I STARTED THE TRUCK UP AGAIN AND STARTED WITHOUT ANY ISSUE, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AND I CONTINUED TO DRIVE DOWN THE STREET, WHEN I WENT TO GO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN AGAIN, THE TRUCK COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN AGAIN. AT THIS POINT MY TRUCK WHEN OVER AND ONTO A CURB, I TRIED TO TURN THE WHEEL AND BRAKE BUT HAD NO CONTROL (LUCKILY NO ONE WAS ON THE SIDEWALK SO THERE WERE NO INJURIES). AT THIS POINT I KNEW I COULD NOT DRIVE THE TRUCK AND HAD TO CALL TO GET IT TOWED. ONCE AT THE DEALERSHIP HERB CHAMBERS DODGE IN MILLBURY, MA THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR. I ASKED IF IT WAS A COMMON PART TO BREAK BECAUSE OF THE NEAR ACCIDENTS I COULD OF HAD AND ALL THEY WOULD SAY IS THAT THERE IS NO RECALL ON IT. WHEN I SAID I DIDN'T ASK IF THERE WAS A RECALL I ASKED IF IT IS COMMON FOR THIS PART TO BREAK AND LOOSE ALL POWER IN THE CAR HE JUST REPEATED HIMSELF "THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS PART". I HAVE OWNED A 2006 DODGE DAKOTA (I HAD TO REPLACE THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR TWICE) AND NOW MY 2010 DODGE DAKOTA HAD THE SAME ISSUE. BETWEEN MY 2 VEHICLES THIS PART HAS FAILED 3 TIMES. I AM WORRIED ABOUT THIS PART CAUSING ACCIDENTS, AND MAKING DRIVERS NOT HAVING CONTROL OF THERE VEHICLES. IF A SENSOR FAILS I DON'T BELIEVE THE WHOLE VEHICLE SHOULD SHUT DOWN IT IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND PUTS THE DRIVERS, OTHER DRIVERS, AND ANY PEDESTRIANS ON THE STREET. I ALSO CONTACTED DAIMLER CHRYSLER ABOUT THE ISSUE AND I RECEIVED THE SAME RESPONSE "IM SORRY THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS PART." *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
TRUCK WAS BEING DRIVEN AT A SLOW SPEED WHEN THE TIE ROD FELL OFF AND TRUCK HIT A TREE. NO INJURY BUT LEFT FRONT SIDE OF BUMPER DAMAGED. THE TIE ROD END WAS REPLACED AT A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE BALL JOINT END WAS BADLY DETERIORATED. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TAKATARECALL WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE THE WIPER WASHERS, THE BLADES MOVE, BUT NO WASHER FLUID SPRAYS ON THE WINDOW. SOMETIMES THE WIPERS WORK AND SOMETIMES THEY DO NOT WORK AND ONLY RESUME WORKING AFTER I USE THE TURN SIGNAL OR PUSH THE WASHER STICK. THIS HAPPENS WHILE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY OR MOVING. THE WASHER PUMP WAS REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE AND STILL DID NOT FORCE FLUID ONTO THE WINDSHIELD. I WAS TOLD IT IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM IN THE STEERING COLUMN. WHEN PASSING A SEMI TRUCK IN WINTER CONDITIONS OR RAINY DRIVING, I HAVE HAD TO PULL OVER AND CLEAN THE WINDSHIELD WITH A RAG IN ORDER TO SEE CLEARLY TO DRIVE. VERY DANGEROUS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE INOPERATIVE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,112 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 32,942.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE DAKOTA QUADCAB 4X4 WITH BF GOODRICH RUGGED TRAIL TIRES, LINE SIZES P265/70/R16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE DRY ROTTEN. THE TIRES WERE TAKEN TO DISCOUNT TIRE AN AUTHORIZED DEALER OF BF GOODRICH, WHO OFFERED TO PROVIDE SOME FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TOWARD THE COST OF THE REPLACEMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,300. UPDATED 9/10/12 *CN THEY OFFERED 50% ON THE FRONT TIRES AND 40% ON THE REAR TIRES. AFTER CONTACTING AND EXECUTIVE, THEY OFFERED 75%OFF OFF THE NEW TIRES. UPDATED 09/19/12
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL WAS TURNED ON AND THE SIGNAL SWITCHED TO THE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL WITHOUT BEING PROMPTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .