What's Wrong with the 3rd Generation Dakota?

Front 3/4 view of a Dodge Dakota

The 3rd generation Dakota spans the 2005 to 2011 model years.

It has accumulated 223 owner complaints over those year and ranks 28th in reliability out of 54 eligible Dodge generations.

Our reliability rank is based on our PainRank™ system. A higher number means you can expect more significant problems. The average Dodge score is 12.28 while this generation comes in at 10.29.

Compare With Other Dakota Generations

The Worst 2005-2011 Dakota Problems

  1. Dodge Vehicles With Recalled Takata Airbags

    Takata, a parts supplier, provided automakers with a defective airbag inflator responsible for 23 deaths and hundreds of injuries. It's one of the largest and most dangerous recalls in automotive history, affecting over 37 million vehicles …

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  2. Ram Death Wobble

    Dodge Ram trucks are susceptible to a horrible front end vibration known as the death wobble, but what is it and how to FIX it?…

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  3. Oil Sludge in the 2.7L Engine

    Oil sludge buildup and sludge-related engine failure is a design DEFECT in Chrysler's 2.7L engine…

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What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks

Years to Avoid

3rd Generation Dakota Key Numbers

  1. 7 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 223 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 28th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 54 eligible generations.

Recent 3rd Generation Dakota News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.