2009 Dodge Dakota
Only 18 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 18 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1985 | 2 |
| 1986 | 1 |
| 1987 | 20 |
| 1988 | 55 |
| 1989 | 63 |
| 1990 | 63 |
| 1991 | 128 |
| 1992 | 216 |
| 1993 | 134 |
| 1994 | 166 |
| 1995 | 208 |
| 1996 | 189 |
| 1997 | 446 |
| 1998 | 545 |
| 1999 | 641 |
| 2000 | 806 |
| 2001 | 678 |
| 2002 | 678 |
| 2003 | 295 |
| 2004 | 206 |
| 2005 | 470 |
| 2006 | 283 |
| 2007 | 144 |
| 2008 | 91 |
| 2009 | 18 |
| 2010 | 35 |
| 2011 | 44 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 18 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
6 of 18 total reports mention: power train.
5 of 18 total reports mention: air bags.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 5 MPH DOWN HILL, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT NO WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATED IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140617
3 of 18 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, ALL THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190320
2 of 18 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, ALL THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190320
1 of 18 total reports mentions: wheels.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2010, Ram 1500 and Dodge Dakota trucks, manufactured from July 1, 2009, through November 30, 2009, because the rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to a la
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a pinion nut retainer, free of charge. The recall began on June 17, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753.
Campaign 12V474000 — check if this car was fixed
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured from February 27, 2008, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through October 20, 2011; model year 2009-2011
Remedy: On November 7, 2013 Chrysler notified owners that dealers would install a pinion nut retainer, free of charge. In July 2015, and under a consent order with NHTSA, the company agreed to offer owners th
Campaign 13V038000 — check if this car was fixed
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...
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.
Campaign 15V313000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 16V352000 — check if this car was fixed
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia,...
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2018.
Campaign 18V021000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2009 Dodge Dakota — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 12V474000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V038000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V313000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V352000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V021000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2009 Dodge Dakota reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Dodge Dakota?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 Dodge Dakota have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.