2005 Dodge Dakota: problems, recalls and reliability
7 recalls and 470 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (30% of complaints); the 2003 and 2004 and 2007 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Dec 2017
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 470 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“GOT TRUCK SMOGGED 4/13/2021 AND WAS TOLD OF AN OUTSTANDING RECALL FOR AIRBAG. THIS RECALL WAS FIXED ON 11/13/2015. ATTACHED ARE COPIES OF NOTICE OF RECALL AFTER GETTING TRUCK SMOGGED AND PAGES 1 AND 2 OF INVOICE SHOWING REPAIR ON 11/13/2015. HOW DO WE GET THIS UPDATED IN THE SYSTEM SO IT WILL NOT SHOW UP AGAIN WHEN WE GET TRUCK SMOGGED NEXT TIME? Consumer stated vehicle has been repaired and no longer needs to be contacted.*JB”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2021
“While truck is sitting in park no keys in it, obviousiy not running you can hear the 4wd activating, also when driving in 2wd the 4wd light starts to flash trying to engage.”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 2021
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 dodge dakota. The contact stated while driving 45 mph, a unknown vehicle crashed into the vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained neck and shoulder injuries however no medical attention was provided. A police report was filed. The vehicle was able to be driven from the scene. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 212,000. The VIN was not available.”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2020
Show 7 more owner reports
“The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle vibrated, pulled to the right, with a burning odor coming into the cabin of the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and diagnosed that the caliper had failed. The calipers had been replaced six times; however, the failure persisted and became more frequent. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Apr 2020
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 dodge dakota. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start or park with the gear shifter in the park position. The vehicle was only able to start or park when placed in neutral. No warning light was illuminated. The contact spoke with chapman las vegas dodge chrysler jeep ram located at (3175 e sahara ave, las vegas, nv 89104) and was informed that the vehicle was not subjected to a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2020
“Heated driver seat caught fire. Called dealership and was told there was a recall on the driver heated seat. The dealer said there was airbag recall on the driver and passenger side of the truck. The dealer said they would not repair airbags and would need to contact dodge for a case number. Contacted dodge and was told just drive carefully.”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2020
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 dodge dakota. While driving 45 mph, the brakes failed when the brake pedal was engaged to stop the vehicle at a stop sign. The contact was able to coast the vehicle onto a curb to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 150,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jul 2019
“Vehicle goes in and out of 4 wheel drive and 4 wheel lo on it's own, whether the vehicle is running or not and moving or not. There have been times when I open the door, not unlock, just open, and you can hear the transfer case shifting . Sometime "service 4 wheel drive" light comes on, other times just 4 wheel indicator and other times no light at all. Though it is a 2005, I only have 80k on it. This has been going on for about 6 months now”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2019
“Exhaust manifold bolts broke causing exhaust fumes to filter into the cabin. The filtration of exhaust fume occurs whether the vehicle is in motion or stationary. According to dealer it is a common problem with this type of vehicle.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2019
“Service 4wd light keeps coming on and I was watching it and notice the 4 low light blinked on once. Nothing seems to be wrong with the transfer case but I think it wanting to go into 4wd on its own. The serv 4wd light stays on at times and other times after awhile it will go off but later come back on.”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2019
When filing, owners marked a crash in 30 of these complaints and injuries in 20 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 7 campaigns
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 42RLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE CUP PLUG THAT RETAINS THE PARK PAWL ANCHOR SHAFT MAY BE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED. IF THE SHAFT MOVES OUT OF POSITION, THE VEHICLE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO ACHIEVE 'PARK' POSITION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSIONS AND INSTALL A BRACKET TO ENSURE THE PARK PAWL ANCHOR SHAFT IS RETAINED IN THE PROPER POSITION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 28, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
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.
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) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010 Chrysler 300, 300C, 300S, and SRT8, 2006-2010 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Magnum, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler and Dodge owners and Mitsubishi will notify the affected Raider owners. Dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began for Chrylser on June 8, 2015. The recall for Mitsubishi started on June 24, 2015. Chrysler and Dodge owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Mitsubishi owners may call 1-888-648-7820. Chrysler's number for this recall is R25. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V817 in its entirety. Vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well.
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH THE OPTIONAL SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG, THE CURTAIN FASTENERS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY TIGHTENED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE SIDE AIR BAG CURTAIN FASTENERS TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 17, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain 2005 Dodge Dakota pickup trucks equipped with heated seats. These driver and passenger seats may develop hot spots that can result in the seat cushion or seat back having burn holes.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will update the seat heating system control features, free of charge. The recall began December 27, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T80.
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2004-2005 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500, 2004-2005 Dodge Durango, 2005 Dodge Dakota, 2005 Dodge Magnum and 2005 Chrysler 300, 300C and 300 SRT8 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Saipan, Guam, and American Samoa are addressed by this recall. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. For vehicles that were sold, or are currently registered, in Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, owners were notified and the recall began on December 5, 2014. For all other vehicles, Chrysler notified owners and the recall began on February 3, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P40 Expanded. Note: This recall has been superseded by recall 16V-352. This recall superseded the passenger air bag portion of recall 14V-354.
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2005 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Dakota by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Dodge Dakota reliable?
NHTSA has 470 owner complaints and 7 recall campaigns on record for the 2005 Dodge Dakota. The most complained-about area is air bags (30% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2005 Dodge Dakota problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 62,000 miles or less.
Does the 2005 Dodge Dakota have open recalls?
7 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning power train:automatic transmission. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.