Acceleration complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2010 | 2 | 6% | 93,000 miles |
| 2009 | 1 | 6% | 69,000 miles |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% | 62,000 miles |
| 2007 | 5 | 3% | 14,000 miles |
| 2006 | 5 | 2% | 90,000 miles |
| 2005 | 5 | 1% | 54,000 miles |
| 2004 | 6 | 3% | 4,000 miles |
| 2003 | 9 | 3% | 1,000 miles |
| 2002 | 8 | 1% | 36,000 miles |
| 2001 | 19 | 3% | 98,000 miles |
| 2000 | 14 | 2% | 26,000 miles |
| 1999 | 15 | 2% | 56,000 miles |
| 1998 | 9 | 2% | 55,000 miles |
| 1997 | 12 | 3% | 120,000 miles |
| 1996 | 10 | 5% | 130,000 miles |
| 1995 | 6 | 3% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Dodge Dakota. While slowing to stop the vehicle, the rpms suddenly increased and the vehicle experienced sudden acceleration. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on multiple occasions, but the failure could not be duplicated. The accelerator pedal was replaced, but the failure continued. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 100.
Tl contact owns a 2007 Dodge Dakota. While driving 70 MPH with the cruise control activated, the contacts husband decelerated. As he applied the brakes the vehicle increased to 20-25 miles per hour. The contact has notified a local authorized dealer. The mechanic stated that nothing can be done to repair the vehicle unless the service engine light illuminates. As of August 10, 2007, the vehicle is being serviced and the contact is waiting to find out the cause of failure. The failure and current mileages were 5,000. Updated 02-01-08 the consumer stated the truck did not slow down once the brakes were applied but after 2 to 3 minutes the vehicle accelerated. Updated 02/01/08
01/26/2015 @ 1545 +- hours pst. Driving on cruise control when I came to a 3 way stop. Tapped brake to come off cruise. Came to a complete stop behind 4/5 vehicles. Advanced at idle RPM (750). I was the 2nd vehicle in line when my engine RPM's started increasing. Applied hard brake, RPM continued to increase, enough to over ride the rear wheel brakes causing/allowing the tires to spin. I turned the ignition off, shifted to park, re-started the engine. After restart every thing performed as designed.
I took my vehicle to my mechanic because my dash light stopped working. He said that there was a recall for the instrument panel and the recall should cover 2006 models. When we run the VIN number it does not show for my vehicle but there was a recall for all other 2006 Dodge durango because it is a fire risk. Can you please see if there is any way that my vehicle just got missed.
On October 5, 2016 at approximately 12:45 p.m., l engaged the cruise control at a speed of 55 miles per hour. When I pressed on the brake pedal the truck accelerated to a speed of 60 miles and higher. I tested the cruise control system twice more and it did the same thing. The vehicle never slowed down. This is a safety hazard. I was on dam neck road where the speed limit is 55 miles per hour. This is a city street. After this occurred my engine light came on, which clearly indicates a mechanical problem. I think there May be other vehicles that could have this same malfunction and cause a serious accident or death.
Keys partly slip out of ignition causing electrical failures. While in motion, if you bump your keys with your knee or hit a bump in the road, multiple dashboard warning lights appear and gauges, including the speedometer, will give inaccurate or nonexistent readings. Cruise control and other systems May fail. Vehicle must be pulled over and turned off to clear the electrical failures. This failure can occur multiple times in one trip.
The cruise control on my 2004 Dodge Dakota quad cab accelerates going down hill. I've had it to the dealer who indicates this is a common problem with this vehicle and similarly equipped durangos. They tell me that there is no fix. I, then, contacted daimler Chrysler customer assistance and received a call from a nice lady who told me that Dodge was not aware of the problem and referred me to another Dodge dealership. I contacted them. They suggested that I go back to the original dealer and find out if they had contacted dealer support. They did and were told that Dodge is indeed aware of the problem but isn't going to fix it. I contacted daimler Chrysler customer assistance and received an apology, but no indication that they will do anything to improve the safety of my vehicle.
Cruise control would engage itself intermittently while driving at high speed. Vehicle had been to the dealer on two separate occasions, and they were unable to locate cause of the problem. Also, a loud popping sound was heard while braking. Dealer was notified. Dealer replaced both rotors and brake light 4 times due to moisture build up. However, problem recurred.
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Dakota years have acceleration problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2001 (19), 1999 (15), 2000 (14), 1997 (12) and 1996 (10) model years. Acceleration complaints make up 3% of all complaints for the 2001.
Is there a recall for Dodge Dakota acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for any Dodge Dakota model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Dodge Dakota acceleration problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 52,000 miles; 52% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the cruise control (21 mentions), followed by the accelerator pedal (8).
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.