What's Wrong with the 3rd Generation (2005–2011) Dakota?

Dakota owners have made 223 complaints about the 2005–2011 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 28th out of 54 Dodge generations in overall reliability, with some engine and transmission concerns.

Compare With Other Dakota Generations

Common 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota Problems

Some of the worst issues 3rd generation Dakota owners have to deal with.

  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 …

    Continue reading article "Dodge Vehicles With Recalled Takata Airbags" A crash test dummy about to hit an airbag superimposed with the Takata logo

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 the Most

Years to Avoid

3rd Generation (2005–2011) 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 (2005–2011) 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.

  1. Is that a light at the end of the Takata tunnel?

    Fiat-Chrysler (FCA) says they’ve entered the _ fourth and final stage_ of Takata recalls with a campaign to replace the passenger-side inflators in 1.6 million vehicles.

    The bulk of the vehicles are in the US and include the 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, 4500, 5500, the 2010-2011 Dakota, the 2010-2014 Challenger, and the 2011-2015 Charger.…

    keep reading article "FCA Recalls 1.6 Million Takata Inflators in 'Fourth and Final Stage'"