2006 Dodge Dakota Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 36about this part
- Share
- 13%of 285 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 36 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2006 Dodge Dakota, 13% of the 285 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“2006 Dakota automatic transmission shifts in to od at 40 MPH and below, which causes vehicle to vibrate loudly and suddenly slow down. When ignored, the engine sounds like it will stall. I've taken this truck to local Dodge dealer (brigham - gill) in natick, ma for diagnosis and I was told this is normal .”
NHTSA complaint #10406933, filed 2011-06, 68,000 miles“I think it's a recall but kinda acts up at up 35/45 MPH and then it straightens out. Has 103k miles on it please help me everything has been maintained”
NHTSA complaint #11183865, filed 2019-03, 102 miles“The clutch slave cylinder on my 2006 Dakota x-cab 6 speed manual has been replaced 3 times since I have owned it in the past 6 months.. After looking at forums and blogs, I see this is common in standard transmissions for this truck. The part fails much without warning, and has been in city and interstate driving. I live in a rural area, close to the interstate, not a lot of start and stopping. The last time this happened, sept. …”
NHTSA complaint #10290590, filed 2009-11, 45,778 miles“). I am writing to inform you of safety concerns I have with my 2006 Dodge Dakota laramie (4x4 quad cab). My issues are with the transfer case / transmission of my truck. 1.my truck has shifted into four low on its own at low speeds in both reverse and at low speeds moving forward. 2.when I am not in the vehicle my Dodge Dakota will try and shift into four wheel drive on its own (like I said, no one is in the vehicle). 3.when I hit my unlock button, my truck will try and go into four wheel drive. …”
NHTSA complaint #10511825, filed 2013-05, 155,284 miles“Just last week at 42,000 miles on the truck and I was told that the steering rack needed to be replaced. I replaced the steering rack and the power steering still doesn't seem to be working only occasionally. I am now being told to bring the truck back into the dealership. Honestly, if they would just take this truck back .I don't even want money back for it..just set me free of this truck and loan and I'd be happy.”
NHTSA complaint #10231000, filed 2008-06, 42,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11010205Oct 30, 2024Plate - Planetary
- 10221097Apr 7, 2021Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during…
- 10220837Mar 10, 2021GEAR MOTOR, Transfer Case The gear motor assembly is shipped in AWD/2WD position. The transfer case needs to be positioned in AWD/2WD position to properly assemble gear motor to…
- 10220868Mar 4, 2021Transfer Case Gear Motor/Actuator Installation Guidelines.
- 10190615Mar 4, 2021Transfer Case Gear Motor/Actuator Installation Guidelines.
- 10220471Feb 22, 2021Mechanical rocker arm, intake, 1.7 ratio.
- 10136527Mar 27, 201356045489A$ - Neutral Safety Switch - Trans Assy 06036369AA Screw and Washer is now available as a service part , 2 required to attach Neutral Start Switch
- 10021426Mar 20, 2007Improved hill climb capability in reverse or dtc's p1713 / p1776.
- 10020935Dec 9, 2006Flash 42rle - improved hill climb capability in reverse or diagnostic trouble codes (dtc) p1713/p1776.
- 10021239Aug 25, 2006Powertrain control module initialization.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 8 | 18% |
| 2010 | 7 | 20% |
| 2009 | 6 | 33% |
| 2008 | 10 | 11% |
| 2007 | 24 | 17% |
| 2006 | 36 | 13% |
| 2005 | 81 | 17% |
| 2004 | 19 | 9% |
| 2003 | 38 | 13% |
| 2002 | 89 | 13% |
| 2001 | 93 | 14% |
| 2000 | 74 | 9% |
| 1999 | 56 | 9% |
| 1998 | 74 | 14% |
| 1997 | 46 | 10% |
| 1996 | 28 | 15% |
| 1995 | 27 | 13% |
| 1994 | 25 | 15% |
| 1993 | 20 | 15% |
| 1992 | 110 | 51% |
| 1991 | 60 | 47% |
| 1990 | 14 | 22% |
| 1989 | 12 | 19% |
| 1988 | 10 | 18% |
| 1987 | 1 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2006 Dodge Dakota
126 complaintsSteering
47 complaintsElectrical system
30 complaintsSuspension
25 complaintsBrakes
24 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
15 complaintsBody and structure
12 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsExterior lighting
8 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsEngine
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 Dodge Dakota
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology