Which Dodge Dakota years should I avoid?

NHTSA data only covers the 2010 and 2011 model years, and neither is flagged as an avoid year in this dataset. The 2011 model shows a higher complaint index (100) and more crashes (8) than the 2010 model.

What is the most common problem with the Dodge Dakota?

Airbags are the top problem area across both years covered, accounting for 43% of the 79 total complaints, followed by Transmission & Powertrain at 19%.

Does the Dodge Dakota have any recalls?

NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns across the 2010-2011 Dakota, including 4 do-not-drive recalls in each model year.

Which Dodge Dakota year is better, 2010 or 2011?

The 2010 Dakota has a complaint index of 0 versus 100 for 2011, along with fewer complaints (35 vs 44) and fewer crashes (3 vs 8), based on NHTSA data.

Dodge Dakota Best and Worst Years (2010–2011)

NHTSA data covers only the 2010 and 2011 Dodge Dakota, with no years flagged as avoid or best. The 2011 model has more complaints (44 vs 35) and a higher complaint index (100 vs 0), with Airbags as the top problem area for both years.

Model years: 2; 2010–2011
NHTSA complaints: 79
Recall campaigns: 7
Crashes reported: 11
Fires reported: 0
Top problem area: Airbags

Dakota Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Dodge Dakota problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2010	No verdict	0	35	3	0	7 !	Airbags	15	—
2011	No verdict	100	44	8	0	6 !	Airbags	15.5	—

Most common Dodge Dakota problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Airbags34 (43%)
Transmission & Powertrain15 (19%)
Electrical System11 (14%)
Brakes8 (10%)
Engine8 (10%)
Other6 (8%)
Steering5 (6%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires5 (6%)
Fuel System2 (3%)
Visibility & Wipers2 (3%)

Frequently asked questions

Which Dodge Dakota years should I avoid?: NHTSA data only covers the 2010 and 2011 model years, and neither is flagged as an avoid year in this dataset. The 2011 model shows a higher complaint index (100) and more crashes (8) than the 2010 model.
What is the most common problem with the Dodge Dakota?: Airbags are the top problem area across both years covered, accounting for 43% of the 79 total complaints, followed by Transmission & Powertrain at 19%.
Does the Dodge Dakota have any recalls?: NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns across the 2010-2011 Dakota, including 4 do-not-drive recalls in each model year.
Which Dodge Dakota year is better, 2010 or 2011?: The 2010 Dakota has a complaint index of 0 versus 100 for 2011, along with fewer complaints (35 vs 44) and fewer crashes (3 vs 8), based on NHTSA data.