Home › Dodge › Dakota Pickup › 2005
2005 Dodge Dakota Pickup: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 470 owner complaints on file for the 2005 Dodge Dakota Pickup[1], and the largest group is air bags[2]. The truck has six recalls, so check every one before you buy or keep it[3].
Most reported problems
Owners filed 470 complaints with NHTSA[1]. Of those, 30 mention a crash, 27 a fire and 20 injuries[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several parts.
Here are the component groups with the most complaints:
| Component group | Complaints | Median mileage at failure |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags[2] | 143 | 85,333 |
| Brakes[5] | 82 | 13,000 |
| Power train[6] | 81 | 82,000 |
| Suspension[7] | 51 | 45,000 |
| Steering[8] | 47 | 57,500 |
| Seats[9] | 41 | 81,000 |
| Electrical system[10] | 32 | 80,000 |
| Engine[11] | 23 | 60,000 |
We also read a small sample of complaint texts for four groups. It is only a sample, so it shows what owners describe, not how common a problem is.
- Air bags. In a sample of complaints we read, In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe an air bag warning light that comes on and off, and several say dealers could not find the cause[2].. Three of the 12 describe air bags that did not deploy in a crash[2].
- Brakes. In the sample, 9 of 12 describe shaking or pulsing when braking[5]. Several say it came back after dealer repairs[5]. The median mileage for brake complaints is low, at 13,000[5].
- Power train. In the sample, 6 of 12 describe vibration or shuddering tied to the rear axle[6]. Three of the 12 describe a truck that struggled to back up an incline[6].
- Suspension. In the sample, 7 of 12 describe a vibration or shimmy that dealers had trouble fixing[7]. Several of the sample describe worn or broken front end parts such as tie rods, ball joints or sway bar links[7].
The seats group has 41 complaints, and 22 of them mention a fire[9]. We did not read complaint texts for seats, so we cannot say what owners describe. The heated seat recall below is a separate item[12].
Recalls
NHTSA lists six recalls for this model year[12][13][14][15][16][17]. Newest first:
- Heated seats (17V820). Heated driver and passenger seats can develop hot spots that burn the seat cushion or back. That can hurt the person in the seat and raise the risk of a fire. Dealers update the seat heating controls for free[12].
- Passenger air bag inflator (16V352). The passenger air bag inflator can break apart after long exposure to humidity and temperature swings. Metal fragments could hit the people in the truck and cause serious injury or death. The recall covers trucks by where they were first sold or registered, grouped into three zones of states. The notice tells owners not to drive until the repair is done. Dealers replace the inflator for free[13].
- Driver air bag inflator (15V313). The driver air bag inflator can be damaged by moisture, and in a crash it could break apart and send metal fragments at the driver or others. The notice tells owners not to drive until the repair is done. Dealers replace the inflator for free. A driver air bag replaced earlier still needs this repair[14].
- Passenger air bag inflator in humid states (14V770). This earlier recall covered trucks sold or registered in high humidity areas, for the same risk of the inflator breaking apart. Dealers replace the inflator for free. NHTSA notes that recall 16V352 superseded it[15].
- Automatic transmission park pawl (05V460). On trucks with 42RLE automatic transmissions[16], a plug holding part of the park mechanism may be installed wrong. The truck may then not stay in Park and could roll away if the parking brake is not set. Dealers inspect the transmission and add a bracket[16].
- Side curtain air bags (05V002). On trucks with the optional side curtain air bag, the fasteners may not have been tightened properly. The curtain could deploy wrongly in a side crash and raise the risk of injury. Dealers tighten the fasteners[17].
Remove the paragraph.
Fuel economy
EPA lists two engines for this truck: a 3.7L 6-cyl and a 4.7L 8-cyl[4][18]. Combined mileage runs from 15 to 17 MPG depending on engine, transmission and drive[4][19][18][20][21][22][23][24].
| Version | City / Hwy / Combined | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| 2WD, 3.7L, Automatic 4-spd[4] | 15 / 20 / 17 | $3,950 |
| 2WD, 3.7L, Manual 6-spd[19] | 14 / 20 / 16 | $4,200 |
| 2WD, 4.7L, Automatic 5-spd[18] | 14 / 18 / 15 | $4,450 |
| 2WD, 4.7L, Manual 6-spd[22] | 13 / 19 / 15 | $4,450 |
| 4WD, 3.7L, Automatic 4-spd[20] | 14 / 18 / 15 | $4,450 |
| 4WD, 3.7L, Manual 6-spd[21] | 15 / 19 / 16 | $4,200 |
| 4WD, 4.7L, Automatic 5-spd[23] | 14 / 19 / 15 | $4,450 |
| 4WD, 4.7L, Manual 6-spd[24] | 13 / 18 / 15 | $4,450 |
All versions use regular fuel. EPA's annual cost uses its current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the truck was new.
Safety ratings
NHTSA gives the 2005 Dakota 4 stars for rollover, with a rollover risk of 17.9%[25]. That is listed for both the 2 DR and 4 DR entries[25][26].
Engine and size
The EPA lists a 3.7L 6-cyl and a 4.7L 8-cyl engine[4][18]. Our data has no horsepower figures for this truck.
Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US trucks. They come from Transport Canada data, converted to inches and pounds.
| Variant | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Club Cab 2WD Laramie[27] | 219 in | 72 in | 69 in | 131 in | 4,295 lb |
| Club Cab 2WD ST/SLT[28] | 219 in | 72 in | 69 in | 131 in | 4,281 lb |
| Club Cab 4WD ST/SLT[29] | 219 in | 72 in | 69 in | 131 in | 4,436 lb |
| Quad Cab 2WD Laramie[30] | 219 in | 72 in | 69 in | 131 in | 4,385 lb |
| Quad Cab 2WD ST/SLT[31] | 219 in | 72 in | 69 in | 131 in | 4,363 lb |
| Quad Cab 4WD ST/SLT[32] | 219 in | 72 in | 69 in | 130 in | 4,500 lb |
How 2005 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 208 | 0 |
| 1996 | 189 | 1 |
| 1997 | 446 | 5 |
| 1998 | 545 | 5 |
| 1999 | 641 | 4 |
| 2000 | 806 | 5 |
| 2001 | 678 | 7 |
| 2002 | 678 | 5 |
| 2003 | 296 | 4 |
| 2004 | 206 | 1 |
| 2005 | 470 | 6 |
| 2006 | 285 | 5 |
| 2007 | 145 | 4 |
| 2008 | 91 | 2 |
| 2009 | 18 | 5 |
| 2010 | 35 | 7 |
| 2011 | 44 | 6 |
NHTSA's counts for each Dakota model year put 2005 at 470 complaints and 6 recalls[3].
- Complaints. Five years have more complaints than 2005: 2000 (806), 2001 (678), 2002 (678), 1999 (641) and 1998 (545)[3]. Every year after 2005 has fewer, from 285 in 2006 down to 18 in 2009[3].
- Recalls. Only 2001 and 2010 have more, with 7 each[3]. The 2011 model year ties 2005 at 6[3].
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many trucks were sold, and Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many trucks were sold. Treat the comparison as a rough guide.. Treat the comparison as a rough guide.
Should you buy a used 2005 Dakota?
The recall list matters most here. Two air bag inflator recalls carry a do-not-drive notice until the repair is done[13][14], so confirm by VIN that every recall on this truck is closed. Air bags are also the largest complaint group at 143 complaints[2], and in the sample we read, owners describe a warning light that dealers could not trace[2]. Then merge the rollover and mpg sentence into the closing sentence to reach 5 sentences. Brake shaking and vibration also show up in the samples[5][7]. The rollover rating is 4 stars[25][26], and combined fuel economy is 15 to 17 MPG[4][18]. If the recall work is done and a mechanic checks the brakes, axle and front end, it can be a fair candidate, and fuel costs of $3,950 to $4,450 a year are worth budgeting for[4][18].
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 Dodge Dakota?
- Air bags have the most NHTSA complaints at 143[2], followed by brakes at 82[5] and power train at 81[6]. In the samples we read, owners describe air bag warning lights, brake shaking and axle vibration. These are unverified reports.
- Does the 2005 Dodge Dakota have any recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA lists six, including heated seats, two air bag inflator recalls with a do-not-drive notice, an automatic transmission park pawl and side curtain air bag fasteners[12][13][14][16][17]. The sixth, 14V770, covers passenger air bag inflators in humid states and was superseded by 16V352[15].
- How many miles per gallon does a 2005 Dodge Dakota get?
- EPA combined ratings run from 15 to 17 MPG depending on version[4][18]. The best is the 2WD 3.7L automatic at 17[4].
- Is the 2005 Dodge Dakota a reliable truck?
- Our data cannot give a reliability score. It shows 470 complaints[1] and six recalls[3], and the complaint count is not adjusted for sales.
- Which Dodge Dakota model year has the fewest complaints?
- Among the years in NHTSA's counts, 2009 has the fewest at 18[3]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 470 owner complaints on file for the 2005 Dodge Dakota Pickup (30 mention a crash, 27 a fire, 20 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 143 complaints name the air bags component group (12 crashes, 0 fires, 7 injuries, median mileage at failure 85,333). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Dodge Dakota Pickup model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Dakota Pickup 2WD, 3.7L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 20 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 82 complaints name the brakes component group (7 crashes, 2 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 13,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 81 complaints name the power train component group (4 crashes, 1 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 82,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 51 complaints name the suspension component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 45,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 47 complaints name the steering component group (6 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 57,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 41 complaints name the seats component group (0 crashes, 22 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 81,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 32 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 6 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 80,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 23 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 17V820, filed December 20, 2017: Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater / Cooler. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 16V352, filed May 24, 2016: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V313, filed May 26, 2015: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 14V770, filed December 3, 2014: Air Bags. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 05V460, filed October 6, 2005: Power Train › Automatic Transmission. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 05V002, filed January 5, 2005: Air Bags › Side / Window. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Dakota Pickup 2WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 18 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Dakota Pickup 2WD, 3.7L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 20 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Dakota Pickup 4WD, 3.7L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 18 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Dakota Pickup 4WD, 3.7L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Dakota Pickup 2WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 19 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Dakota Pickup 4WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 19 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Dakota Pickup 4WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 18 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2 DR None: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, DAKOTA P/U CLUB CAB 2WD LARAMIE: length 219 in, width 72 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 131 in, curb weight 4,295 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, DAKOTA P/U CLUB CAB 2WD ST/SLT: length 219 in, width 72 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 131 in, curb weight 4,281 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, DAKOTA P/U CLUB CAB 4WD ST/SLT: length 219 in, width 72 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 131 in, curb weight 4,436 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, DAKOTA P/U QUAD CAB 2WD LARAMIE: length 219 in, width 72 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 131 in, curb weight 4,385 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, DAKOTA P/U QUAD CAB 2WD ST/SLT: length 219 in, width 72 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 131 in, curb weight 4,363 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, DAKOTA P/U QUAD CAB 4WD ST/SLT: length 219 in, width 72 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 130 in, curb weight 4,500 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov