NHTSA vehicle safety data

2005 Dodge Dakota Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2005 Dodge Dakota has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns and 470 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Dodge dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2005 Dodge Dakota, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

2005 Dodge Dakota owner complaints

Owners have filed 470 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Dodge Dakota, describing incidents dated November 1, 2004 to March 20, 2026.

Most-cited components

  • Air Bags 143 complaints
  • Service Brakes 82 complaints
  • Power Train 81 complaints
  • Suspension 51 complaints
  • Steering 47 complaints
  • Seats 41 complaints

Of the 470 complaints on file, 30 report a crash and 27 a fire; across all 470 complaints, owners report 20 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

  • ODI #11725826 · Filed

    The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that the vehicle had been shipped to them. While the vehicle was parked, the contact inspected the vehicle and observed that the frame was severely corroded. The contact also noted that the frames of all the vehicle doors were corroded as…

  • ODI #11717376 · Filed

    Seat belt light turn on and off since I own the truck.

  • ODI #11515548 · Filed

    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…

Read all 470 complaints

Owner-reported

2005 Dodge Dakota mileage at failure

327 of the 470 complaints on file for the 2005 Dodge Dakota give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.

Mileage at failure by component, from owners' complaints to NHTSA
Air BagsMedian 85,000 milesMiddle half 60,000–115,000 milesBased on 38 complaints
Service BrakesMedian 14,000 milesMiddle half 5,000–35,000 milesBased on 73 complaints
Power TrainMedian 85,000 milesMiddle half 55,000–130,000 milesBased on 69 complaints
SuspensionMedian 45,000 milesMiddle half 30,000–60,000 milesBased on 45 complaints
SteeringMedian 55,000 milesMiddle half 35,000–70,000 milesBased on 40 complaints
SeatsMedian 80,000 milesMiddle half 60,000–115,000 milesBased on 34 complaints

A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.

Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.

These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.

Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2005 Dodge Dakota in 5 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Seat Heaters May Overheat

NHTSA #17V820000 · Seats — Front Assembly — Seat Heater/Cooler · NHTSA notice

Reported December 20, 2017 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Potentially affected: 16,900 vehicles

Repair completion: 24.59% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign T80 · Owners notified December 27, 2018 · Vehicles built May 17, 2004 – June 24, 2005 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

The hot spots and burn holes can injure the seat occupant and can increase the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Do Not Drive - Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture

NHTSA #16V352000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported May 24, 2016 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Potentially affected: 4,648,270 vehicles

Repair completion: 43.53% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign S43 · Owners notified March 27, 2017 · Vehicles built starting February 1, 2004 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

DO NOT DRIVE — this recall carries a "do not drive" advisory. Contact a Dodge dealer immediately.

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Do Not Drive - Driver Side Frontal Air Bag May Rupture

NHTSA #15V313000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Driver Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported May 26, 2015 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Potentially affected: 4,077,169 vehicles

Repair completion: 47.11% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign R25 · Owners notified June 8, 2015 · Vehicles built starting January 1, 2004 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

DO NOT DRIVE — this recall carries a "do not drive" advisory. Contact a Dodge dealer immediately.

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Passenger Air Bag Inflator May Rupture

NHTSA #14V770000 · Air Bags · NHTSA notice

Reported December 3, 2014 · Chrysler Group LLC

Potentially affected: 250,896 vehicles

Repair completion: 23.01% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign P78 · Owners notified February 3, 2015 · Vehicles built May 18, 2004 – July 30, 2004 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

FMVSS 108/AFTERMARKET COMBINATION LAMPS

NHTSA #09E012000 · Exterior Lighting · NHTSA notice

Reported April 7, 2009 · SABERSPORT

Potentially affected: 16,270 vehicles

Owners notified May 11, 2009

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES PRODUCED BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER.IN ORDER TO DETERMINE IF YOUR AFTERMARKET LAMP ASSEMBLY IS AFFECTED BY THIS NONCOMPLIANCE, PLEASE REVIEW THE LIST OF MODEL NUMBERS PROVIDED TO US BY SABERSPORT.THE LIST CAN BE FOUND UNDER "DOCUMENT SEARCH" LOCATED AT THE BOTTOM OF YOUR SCREEN.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CUP PLUG

NHTSA #05V460000 · Power Train — Automatic Transmission · NHTSA notice

Reported October 6, 2005 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Potentially affected: 256,409 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign E14 · Owners notified November 28, 2005 · Vehicles built September 1, 2004 – June 1, 2005 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

IF THIS OCCURS AND THE PARKING BRAKE IS NOT APPLIED, THE VEHICLE MAY ROLL AWAY AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

DAIMLERCHRYSLER RECALL NO. E14.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236; (TTY:1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

SIDE AIR BAG CURTAIN

NHTSA #05V002000 · Air Bags — Side/Window · NHTSA notice

Reported January 5, 2005 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Potentially affected: 1,142 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign D57 · Owners notified January 17, 2005 · Vehicles built July 1, 2004 – November 23, 2004 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH THE OPTIONAL SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG, THE CURTAIN FASTENERS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY TIGHTENED.

Safety consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN AN IMPROPER SIDE AIR BAG CURTAIN DEPLOYMENT IN CERTAIN SIDE CRASH CONDITIONS, WHICH CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

DAIMLERCHRYSLER RECALL NO. D57.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Other Dodge Dakota model years

Check your 2005 Dodge Dakota VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Dodge Dakota at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

Check a Dodge VIN