2010 Dodge Dakota Problems
Compared with other Dodge Dakota years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
31/100 0.6× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.6× that of a typical Dodge Dakota year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 3 of its 35 complaints were filed by the end of 2012.
- Most reported part: Air bags (16 complaints, median 60,000 mi).
- 4 recalls with a do-not-drive warning, 7 in total. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 35filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 49,900miles, 22 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 74 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 2010 Dodge Dakota (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 35 consumer complaints for the 2010 Dodge Dakota. The part named most often is air bags, with 16 complaints (46% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain (7) and electrical system (6). 22 of the complaints include a mileage, and 50% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 49,900 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns (4 marked do-not-drive) and 53 technical service bulletins for this model year. Air bags complaints overlap with 4 recall campaigns covering the inflator module and 2 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Transmission and drivetrain complaints overlap with 2 recall campaigns covering the differential unit and 19 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Compared with the other 2 Dodge Dakota model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 31 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
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 bags16 46%
- Electrical system6 17%
- Steering5 14%
- Brakes2 5.7%
- Engine2 5.7%
- Suspension2 5.7%
- Vehicle speed control2 5.7%
- Exterior lighting1 2.9%
Also reported: Other or unknown (1), Seat belts (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “I receive air bag recall notice in 2016. I have been waiting for koons chrysler and Dodge dealer in mclean. Va to fix recall for over 6 months. I took the pick up truck with an appointment several months ago but they did not fix it because they needed to order a part. I have to drive my pick up truck back and forth from virginia to south carolina with this defect.”
NHTSA complaint #11025224, filed 2017-09Transmission and drivetrain: “I was attempting to pass a semi. The cruise was set at 70. The semi sped up to 70 also and I had to touch my accelerator to get past him. As I did, my transmission dropped into neutral and I had to let off the accelerator. It dropped back into gear at 65. I was then able to speed up to 75 and pass the semi. I had a line of cars behind me also doing 70.”
NHTSA complaint #10667207, filed 2014-12, 75,500 milesElectrical system: “My 2010 Dodge Dakota 4dr 4x4 has turned off while on am driving down the road. I notified the dealership shortly after I purchased it (purchased used with about 17,000 miles) and they said that nothing showed/they did not find anything wrong. I said ok, and then it happened again and again. It just shuts down, I have my foot on the gas and all of the sudden I am wondering why I'm slowing down when I have my foot on the gas and then notice o the truck turned off! …”
NHTSA complaint #10607678, filed 2014-07, 18,000 milesSteering: “While going around a left hand corner at 45 miles an hour ,I hit some bumps in my lane . The truck ended up half way into the incoming lane.I got it under control and resumed my trip at 45 miles an hour.”
NHTSA complaint #10817336, filed 2016-01, 89,697 milesMileage when problems were reported
50% of the 22 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 26,300 and 75,500 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 2010 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 Crew Cab · sedan RWD/AWD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | 4 · 17.9% risk |
| Dakota Extended Cab · coupe 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 2010 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 | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| 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 2010–2011, Jeep Wrangler 2010–2016, Dodge Charger 2010–2015 +5 more
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, Ram 4500/5500, 2010-2011 Dodge Dakota, 2010-2014 Dodge Challenger, 2010-2015 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, and 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air…
- 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.
See all 7 recalls for the 2010 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. 53 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…
- 10242717Jul 27, 2023Equipment. Lubrication and Maintenance Fluids If MOPAR fluids and chemicals are not readily available, please review Service Library for specifications so a suitable alternative can be used
- 10227983Apr 2, 2022Engine cooling, Equipment. If a Mopar oil filter is not available, use a filter that meets or exceeds USCAR36 specification and is compatible with semi and full synthetic oils.
- 10212248Mar 30, 2022Transmission and drivetrain. Oil Filter If a Mopar Oil Filter is not available, use a filter that meets or exceeds USCAR36 specification and is compatible with semi and full synthetic oils. Recommended Brands: Wix, Purolator…
- 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.
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 2010 Dodge Dakota have?
NHTSA recorded 35 consumer complaints for the 2010 Dodge Dakota as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2010 Dodge Dakota is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 16 complaints (46% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 7.
Has the 2010 Dodge Dakota been recalled?
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for this model year, 4 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 2010 Dodge Dakota get?
The EPA rates the 2010 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 2010 Dodge Dakota reported?
Among the 22 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 49,900 miles and the middle half falls between 26,300 and 75,500 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 29, 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.