Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Dodge Dakota owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owned a 2005 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that while reversing into the driveway when the contact attempting to apply the brakes when the brake pedal floored failing to stop the vehicle. The contact applied the emergency brakes and looked under the hood of the vehicle where they noticed a burning odor. The contact shortly noticed that the vehicle had a fire near the engine of the vehicle. The contact stated they had their wife contact the fire department. The fire department put out fire. There were no injuries and no medical assistance needed. Vehicle towed. The contact contacted the manufacturer to inform them that the fire report reported that the vehicle's master cylinder brake fluid leak caused fire. The vehicle deemed totaled. The manufacturer opened a case regarding the matter. The approximate failure mileage was 171,000.
Mine is the 2005 Dodge Dakota extra cab and the exhaust manifold bolts breaking/shearing at the engine block. This can cause (and it has) a ticking sound that gets louder as you accelerate. Once you hear the ticking sound, both sides of the engine are affected. This results in poor mileage, overheating, engine will stall at low idle, ultimately allowing exhaust fumes to enter the cabin, potentiallu, poisoning the occupants with carbon monoxide fumes. I took this vehicle to the dealer to have then replaced. The 1st dealer said it wasn't repairable. 2nd one said, 1400 $ per side to extract broken bolts at the rear of the exhaust manifold on both sides of my 4.7 . 3rd repair shop told me this very common on the 4.7 and he does about 10 a week. His price was 350 $ per size plus gasket and doughnut gasket at the collector. Hey! …
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that there was a continuous noise that progressed. Also, the motor failed and caused the vehicle to stall several times. The dealer and manufacturer stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under a manufacturer recall. The manufacturer provided no repair solution. The vehicle was also included in NHTSA campaign number: 15V313000 (air bags) and the dealer had not been able to schedule the repair for months due to the manufacturer not being able to confirm when the parts May become available. The vehicle continued to randomly stall. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
Driving and it got a ticking noise ?? Then I started to get sleepy and a bad head ache!!! It got loud and then I looked under hood and bolts broke off in the heads of the motor , I can't afford 800--- 1,000 from Chrysler wants to fix it ! It's dangerous if you stay in truck a long time with out window down !! Tales to many people have had same thing but of course they won't fix it should be fixed ! I slept in my truck in move out to ar ! If I did to know what was wrong I could of died from that deal !! How many mite of ??? From carbon monoxide poison????? Needs to be recalled !!!!
Tl contact owns a 2005 Dodge Dakota. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact attempted to safely pull off the road. Due to brake failure, she crashed backwards into another vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but the cause of the failure could not be diagnosed. The manufacturer sent out an investigator to inspect the vehicle, but the results were inconclusive. The contact has pictures of the damaged vehicle and a copy of the police report. The failure and current mileages were 22,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced overheating after being operated in the summer. The check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that a oil radiator cooler was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Engine cylinder head driver side rocker arm fell because of a loose intake valve guide which allows play in the head and rocker arms fallen off into the valve cover. Poor design aluminum head metal elongated for sure, please let Dodge fix the problem. It is truly overly expensive, for the manufacturer mistakes and they have a continuous many. All while driving on the highway at 50 MPH.
Ticking noise from exhaust manifold. Exhaust manifold bolts & studs prematurely broke! Leaking exhaust fumes are able to enter passenger cabin & cause a safety hazard! This issue needs a safety recall to replace exhaust manifold gaskets, bolts & studs that are of an improved grade to correct this factory installation safety issue on both left & right hand exhaust manifolds!!
Ticking noise coming from exhaust manifolds! Exhaust manifold bolts & studs are breaking prematurely allowing exhaust gases to enter passenger compartment! New better grade exhaust manifold bolts & studs plus gaskets need to be installed on both left & right hand side manifolds with a recall to correctly repair this dangerous factory installed defect!!
While driving on highway the engine started a tapping noise. Had a mechanic check it out, and found out the rocker arm was off , fell loose in the valve cover and the valve seat and valve guide were also loose which has caused the rocker arm to fall off.
Engine complaints in other Dakota years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2005 Dodge Dakota?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2005 Dodge Dakota, 5% of the model year's 470 complaints. The component named most often is engine (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Dodge Dakota engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2005 Dodge Dakota, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2005 Dodge Dakota engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.