2009 Dodge Dakota Problems
- Complaints
- 18filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 44,000miles, 10 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 53 do-not-drive
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 17 mpgcombined, 3.7L 6-cyl RWD · 15 city / 20 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2009 Dodge Dakota (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 18 consumer complaints for the 2009 Dodge Dakota. The part named most often is transmission and drivetrain, with 6 complaints (33% of the total), followed by air bags (5) and electrical system (3). 10 of the complaints include a mileage, and 50% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 44,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns (3 marked do-not-drive) and 50 technical service bulletins for this model year. Transmission and drivetrain complaints overlap with 2 recall campaigns covering the differential unit and 16 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Air bags complaints overlap with 3 recall campaigns covering the inflator module and 2 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags5 28%
- Electrical system3 17%
- Engine2 11%
- Tires2 11%
- Brakes1 5.6%
- Other or unknown1 5.6%
- Vehicle speed control1 5.6%
- Wheels1 5.6%
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “Veh RPM started to go up on its own .I stopped vehicle put transmission in neutral and engine would rev up from 1400 RPM to 2400 RPM every 2 seconds I turned veh off and restarted and engine stayed at 2400 RPM and would not come down to a normal idle speed. Was able to drive veh home. This has happened four separate times with same results.”
NHTSA complaint #10512820, filed 2013-05, 68,547 milesAir bags: “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. The vehicle was towed. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries reported. The manufacturer was not contacted. The dealer was unable to determine what caused the failure. The failure mileage was 32,000 and the current mileage was 41,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10598845, filed 2014-06, 32,000 milesElectrical system: “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. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 127,000. The VIN was not available.”
NHTSA complaint #11190223, filed 2019-03, 127,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
50% of the 10 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 32,000 and 69,200 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 Dodge Dakota. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dakota · coupe RWD/AWD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | 4 · 17.9% risk |
| Dakota · sedan RWD/AWD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | 4 · 17.9% risk |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2009 Dodge Dakota version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dakota Pickup 2WD | 3.7L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 16 | 20 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Dakota Pickup 2WD | 3.7L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Dakota Pickup 4WD | 3.7L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 15 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Dakota Pickup 4WD | 3.7L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Dakota Pickup 2WD | 4.7L 8-cyl · flex-fuel | 5-speed automatic | 14 | 19 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Dakota Pickup 4WD | 4.7L 8-cyl · flex-fuel | 5-speed automatic | 14 | 19 | 15 | $4,450 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator moduleCovers: Dodge Dakota 2009–2011, Chrysler 300 2009–2013, Dodge Challenger 2009–2013 +9 more
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, Hawaii…
- Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator moduleCovers: Dodge Dakota 2005–2011, Chrysler 300 2005–2012, Dodge Charger 2006–2012 +13 more
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…
- Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator moduleCovers: Dodge Dakota 2005–2011, Chrysler 300 2005–2010, 300C 2005–2010 +14 more
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…
- 13V038000Feb 6, 2013Power train › Driveline › Differential unitCovers: Dodge Dakota 2009–2011, RAM 1500 2009–2012, Durango 2009 +1 more
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 Dodge Dakota trucks manufactured from February 27, 2007…
- 12V474000Oct 2, 2012Power train › Driveline › Differential unitCovers: Dodge Dakota 2009–2010, RAM 1500 2009–2010
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 lack of adhesive.
Recall details for the 2009 Dodge Dakota → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 50 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11010205Oct 30, 2024Transmission and drivetrain. Plate - Planetary
- 10248509Sep 15, 2023Electrical system. Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring…
- 10244348Sep 15, 2023Electrical system. Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring…
- 10221097Apr 7, 2021Transmission and drivetrain. Transmission 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 servicing, the fasteners…
- 10220837Mar 10, 2021Transmission and drivetrain, Engine cooling. GEAR 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 T-Case. Please…
- 10190584Mar 10, 2021Engine cooling. GEAR 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 T-Case. Please…
- 10220868Mar 4, 2021Transmission and drivetrain. Transfer Case Gear Motor/Actuator Installation Guidelines.
- 10190615Mar 4, 2021Transmission and drivetrain. Transfer Case Gear Motor/Actuator Installation Guidelines.
- 10221831Aug 19, 2020Electrical system, Transmission and drivetrain. (Revision A) No Start No Crank ? Starter Will Not Engage And There Are No Related Codes Or Concerns
- 10180221Aug 19, 2020Electrical system, Transmission and drivetrain, Engine. (Revision A) No Start No Crank ? Starter Will Not Engage And There Are No Related Codes Or Concerns
Other model years of the Dodge Dakota
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 44 | 42,000 | 6 | — | 17 | 64 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 35 | 49,900 | 7 | — | 17 | 31 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 18 | 44,000 | 5 | — | 17 | — | Falling |
| 2008 | 91 | 53,433 | 2 | — | 17 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 145 | 50,196 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 285 | 55,000 | 5 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2005 | 470 | 58,630 | 6 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 206 | 51,000 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 296 | 34,495 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 678 | 39,100 | 5 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 678 | 50,000 | 7 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 806 | 52,000 | 5 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 641 | 60,000 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 545 | 68,500 | 5 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 446 | 72,417 | 5 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 189 | 88,750 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 208 | 98,425 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1994 | 166 | 120,000 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 134 | 80,000 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 216 | 112,500 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1991 | 128 | 75,000 | 4 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 63 | — | 3 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 63 | 124,990 | 3 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 55 | 83,025 | 3 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 20 | 69,000 | 2 | — | 18 | — | Stable |
All Dodge Dakota model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2009 Dodge Dakota have?
NHTSA recorded 18 consumer complaints for the 2009 Dodge Dakota as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2009 Dodge Dakota is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 6 complaints (33% of the total), followed by air bags with 5.
Has the 2009 Dodge Dakota been recalled?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year, 3 of them with a do-not-drive advisory. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2009 Dodge Dakota get?
The EPA rates the 2009 Dodge Dakota (Dakota Pickup 2WD, 3.7L 6-cyl) at 17 mpg combined, 15 city and 20 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,950 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2009 Dodge Dakota reported?
Among the 10 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 44,000 miles and the middle half falls between 32,000 and 69,200 miles; 50% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.