Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Dodge Dakota owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Truck has an AWD 5 speed 545rfe automatic transmission. The "service 4wd" check light started randomly coming on and blinking while the vehicle was in motion and the transfer control case at times felt like it was attempting to and at times did shift into 4hi or 4lo. This happens without any touching of the control switch on the dash. Dealer disclaims any knowledge of the problem and there are no service bulletins or recalls. A search of the internet reveals that there are hundreds if not thousands of Dodge Dakota, durango and Jeep owners over various model years having this problem, some of whom have spent thousands of dollars replacing the transfer case and control modules without fixing the problem. …
1. 4wd transfer case changes mode by itself (uncommanded transfer case mode change). 2. At highway speeds, console / cluster will indicate one or more of the following intermittently and randomly: service 4wd, 4 lo, 4 hi. I haven't determined if there is correlation to these indicators illuminating and the actual transfer case mode. 3. Vehicle will shift into 4hi by itself when moving, making u-turns on dry pavement difficult and dangerous. There is no indicator on the dashboard of transfer case mode when this happens. 4. Vehicle's transfer case shift motor will activate with truck parked (engine off, key out of ignition, parking brake set, in park) and seems repeatable by opening or closing any of the doors. Transfer case motor sound is the same sequence (truck is normally in 2 hi) every time. 5. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that the vehicle was involved in a crash and was repaired; however, the repairs were not completed correctly. After driving the vehicle home the following day the vehicle was unable to shift into drive. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission damage. The transmission was replaced. Also, while driving various speeds, the vehicle would veer to the left or right inadvertently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with several different issues, such as a damaged front cross member, a fractured front passenger side stabilizer link, a worn passenger side upper control bushing, and other issues. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000. Updated 03/02/17***updated 05/09/17
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Dakota. While driving approximately 35 MPH, a warning chime was heard coming from the instrument panel and the service four wheel drive warning indicator illuminated. The contact pulled into a parking space and, while in reverse, the vehicle independently shifted into four wheel low. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the cause of the failure could not be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact wanted the manufacturer to authorize the dealer to service the vehicle. The manufacturer informed the contact that they would forward the request to the marketing department. The approximate failure mileage was 135,500.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Dakota. While parked, the vehicle switched from two wheel high gear into four wheel low gear. The service four wheel warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired and the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was 130,000. ...updated 02/04/16 the consumer stated the passenger side airbag light blinks on and off. The fuse for the 4 wheel switch was pulled. The consumer was unable to switch in low range and no longer had 4 wheel drive.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Dakota. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 14V795000 (electrical system). While driving 2 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal rattling noise when the clutch was engaged. Additionally, the clutch failed to engage into neutral. The contact removed the key from the ignition. The vehile was taken to dolan Dodge Ram (700 kietzke ln, reno, nv 89502, [phone]) where it was repaired per the recall; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 127,643.
Tl* - the contact said that he was driving about 45 MPH when he noticed smoke coming from his truck. Then contact pulled over at which time he noticed that transmission fluid was leaking which created the smoke. The contact called the fire department they found a small fire under the car. The contact said that he will retain a copy of the report once it is received. The contact called the manufacturer but know one has helped him. The dealer (auto west Dodge) at roseville ca, told him the they can not repair the car until the manufacturer tells them.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Dakota. While driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle went into low gear and the check engine warning light illuminated. The failure occurred several times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000. ......updated 04/01/16
Tl contact owns a 2006 Dodge Dakota. While driving 65 MPH the rear axle broke off of the vehicle causing the vehicle to crash into a wall. The vehicle was destroyed and the air bags deployed. There were no injuries during the crash. The contact called the manufacturer and they stated that they are not responsible for the repairs. The contact stated that the manufacturer should be liable for repairing the axle. The failure mileage was 42,700. Jo
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle made a loud noise and the drive shaft fractured and dropped without warning. The contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a pole. The vehicle was destroyed. A police report was filed but no injuries were reported. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 50,000. Updated 4/4/14
Transmission complaints in other Dakota years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2006 Dodge Dakota?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2006 Dodge Dakota, 13% of the model year's 285 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Dodge Dakota transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2006 Dodge Dakota, though it has 5 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 2006 Dodge Dakota transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 24% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain 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.