10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
33,157 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2005 Dodge Dakota:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #12

Jul 162014

Dakota

  • 150,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Dakota. The contact parked the vehicle and removed the key from the ignition. The gear then shifted to reverse independently. The contact was unable to start the engine until the gear was shifted to neutral. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but the mechanic was unable to diagnose the failure. The transmission and brackets were replaced, however the failure recurred. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced for a manufacturer's transmission recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000. Updated 09/10/15

- Spiro, OK, USA

problem #11

Jul 312010

Dakota

  • 75,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that while driving 70 mph, the transmission failed. The vehicle made a loud booming sound when the failure occurred. One week prior to the failure, the transmission had been serviced. The rear differential was also replaced for the third time the week before the transmission failed. The vehicle was at the dealer at the time of the complaint. The current and failure mileages were approximately 75,000.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #10

Jan 062009

Dakota

  • 71,254 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Dakota. While driving approximately 75 mph, the vehicle shut off without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The estimated cost for repair was $3,000. Report number 18727338 was filed by the manufacturer. The vehicle has not been repaired. The contact feels that the manufacturer should be responsible for the repair. The failure and current mileages were 71,254.

- Cincinnati , OH, USA

problem #9

Apr 092009

Dakota

  • 69,834 miles
Engine light and transmission temp light came on after driving up and down a large incline. Stopped vehicle to allow temp to cool. Both lights reappear after 30-40 minutes driving and goes off after stopping and cooling for several minutes. Took vehicle to Dodge service and they recommended transmission fluid and filter change. Next day both lights reappeared after 30+min of driving. Next Dodge service recommended changing solenoid which was under warranty, except for $100 deductible. Next day both lights appeared after 30+ min of driving. Next Dodge service recommended full transmission replacement which corrected problem. Mileage was 69834 and so transmission service was under warranty and payment for replacing transmission lines; they said old ones were leaking although no signs were observed previously. Parts replaced: Solenoid, transmission lines, converter, pump kits, seal pkg, O-rings, discs, plates, retnr pkg.

- Martinsburg, WV, USA

problem #8

Apr 202009

Dakota

  • 25,000 miles
Dodge Dakota slt 2005 misfire in cylinder 5 was the code given. Replaced spark plugs and coil. Did not help, check engine light still on. Took to dealership...they ran diagnostic said it was not the computer there is a misfire. Dealership suggested combustion cleaning (about $200) and if that didn't work then they would replace half of the intake valve locks and if that didn't work they would replace the other half of the intake valve locks (about $1650). They would warranty the work for 12 months or 12,000 miles. The problem is the truck has only 25,000 miles on it now! the truck is almost new in terms of mileage but yet has this issue. I have also come to realize that the "idle low until it almost dies" is another common complaint among these trucks. Obviously, Dodge made a hunk of junk and I bought one. After looking at some of the blogs, I see that I am not the only person stuck with an expensive lawn decoration.

- Murfreesboro, TN, USA

problem #7

Jun 252008

Dakota 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Dakota. While the vehicle was parked and the key was not in the ignition, it began rolling backwards on its own. The vehicle knocked down the contact, traveled across the street, and crashed into a tree. The front passenger side door was damaged and the contact was injured. She was informed that her VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 05V460000 (power train: Automatic transmission). The speed and failure mileage were unknown. Updated 10/07/08. Updated 10/08/08.

- Madison, WI, USA

problem #6

Jul 232006

Dakota 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90 miles
I have taken the 2005 Dodge Dakota 4X4 back to the dealer for repair on July 24, 2006. Service technician stated that the problem could not be duplicated. No repairs were made to the vehicle. 1) buzzing noise when shifting into drive also in reverse. 2) transmission slips in drive and reverse when going up a steep incline. The transmission is not downshifting to a lower gear when driving up a hill, have to put transmission in 2nd gear to drive up a steep hill. 3) truck has to come almost to a complete stop before transmission downshifts into 1st gear. 4) after the truck has been driven for a while, there is a metallic "clanking" noise coming from the transmission shifting gears. 5) the front axles (driveshafts) are making a grinding noise when executing a sharp turn with the steering wheel. 6) when in park with the truck turned off there is a lot of play in the steering wheel, it will not lock into place when the key is removed.

- Mansfield, AR, USA

problem #5

Jun 012006

Dakota 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50 miles
: the contact stated a recall letter was received, NHTSA recall, # 05V460000, regarding the power train: Automatic transmission. The vehicle is currently in Hawaii and the contact is unable to have the vehicle sent to a Dodge dealership for the necessary repairs. The manufacturer was alerted and explained they would not ship the part to a mechanic in Hawaii nor would they pay for the repair by the independent mechanic.

- Belmont, CA, USA

problem #4

Jun 152005

Dakota 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,500 miles
The contact states there is NHTSA recall campaign 05V460000 concerning automatic transmission. The parts needed to repair the vehicle are not available at their local dealership. He spoke to their manufacturer, who confirmed that the parts were not available at this time.

- Ukiah , CA, USA

problem #3

Apr 252005

Dakota 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 3,554 miles
The contact complained about transmission problems. Took vehicle to dealer 5 times. The vehicle jerked forward when the transmission shifted gears, and there wa sa clanking noise in the rear of the vehicle. Dealer reprogrammed the transmission and replaced the pump and the converter. It will stick in gear, and it seemed to have no power when going up a hill in reverse. Dealer said to keep bringing the vehicle in for repairs. Manufacturer said to the contact call consumer office and file a complaint.

- F'sted, 00, USA

problem #2

May 202005

Dakota 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Consumer bought new vehicle, Dodge Dakota, consumer found that when he tried to back out of a neighbor's driveway that was on an incline vehicle bogged. Vehicle rolled forward into the road. Consumer was told by dealer that the transmission was the same as previous year Dodge intrepid. When the vehicle was placed in reverse the transmission automatically went to second gear. Vehicle does not seem to have enough power to clime on incline in reverse because of transmission being in second gear. Consumer says that when vehicle would climb hill that there was a smell of something burning, the smell came from the catalytic converter. Dealer states that all Dakotas 2005 with 6 cylinders have the same problem, and dealer cannot fix the problem.

- Reliagh, NC, USA

problem #1

May 272005

Dakota 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,600 miles
The truck will not engage in reverse when maneuvered to back up a slight incline on either pavement or loose ground with or without trailer in tow. Also, will not perform even when in 4-wheel drive. Took to dealer, and duplicated the problem. Dealer did search online to remedy this problem through Chrysler. Service bulletin noted this problem however did not provide a current remedy only suggested to drive forward. This issue is under review by Chrysler.

- Vanhornesville, NY, USA