Electrical complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 4 | 9% | 130,000 miles |
| 2010 | 6 | 17% | 50,000 miles |
| 2009 | 3 | 17% | 83,000 miles |
| 2008 | 11 | 12% | 63,000 miles |
| 2007 | 14 | 10% | 60,000 miles |
| 2006 | 30 | 11% | 90,000 miles |
| 2005 | 32 | 7% | 80,000 miles |
| 2004 | 21 | 10% | 49,000 miles |
| 2003 | 34 | 11% | 92,000 miles |
| 2002 | 52 | 8% | 60,000 miles |
| 2001 | 58 | 9% | 90,000 miles |
| 2000 | 21 | 3% | 43,000 miles |
| 1999 | 23 | 4% | 87,000 miles |
| 1998 | 19 | 3% | 170,000 miles |
| 1997 | 17 | 4% | 130,000 miles |
| 1996 | 19 | 10% | 78,000 miles |
| 1995 | 12 | 6% | 210,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Many Dodge vehicle models experience failure of illumination for instrument clusters. This creates an unsafe condition for the driver since information presented at the instrument cluster, cannot be determined during night time driving conditions. Dodge makes no provision to customers for replacement or repair parts and does not provide any documentation through Dodge dealers on how to address this issue. It was determined that Dodge does not offer replacement instrument clusters to address this issue.
The backlighting on the instrument cluster is defective. Only a portion of the gauges are illuminated. Should this occur for the speedometer then driver will not have a way to determine vehicle speed during the nighttime hours.
Vehicle Has Experienced all Dash waring lights & noises going on and off while driving Threw multiple codes saying the PCM was not connecting with the ODB2 reader , Vehicle would not crank or start 2 times did a Hard reset and it started, the end result is all Dash Lights luminated when Key is on , No crank & No communication with the PCM, No Code visible any more I replaced the PCM same issue Now the TIPM which I believe Blew my PCM also at 141,000 miles! Very Dangerous!! A well maintained vehicle should never have Computer Problems at 140,000 , FYI I am a state Licensed auto Mechanic. this Vehicle also had a fuel pump problem 12/21/2011 and was serviced at the dealership , I believe this truck was a "lemon" from that point on. Also, No vehicles should have mother Board computer's managing every system of the vehicle! Dangerous! The Manufactures are Scamming the Consumer. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Dodge Dakota. While driving various speeds, the check engine and air bag warning indicators remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the temperature sensor, catalytic converter, and ECM code (engine) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failures recurred. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Dakota. While attempting to start the vehicle, all the instrument panel indicators illuminated and the vehicle failed to start. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 127,000. The VIN was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that while traveling 70 MPH, the contact inadvertently bumped the ignition key and all of the indicators on the instrument panel illuminated. A chime activated and the cruise control was turn on which cause the vehicle to resumed normal functioned. The failure recurred several times. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure was unable to be diagnosed. The failure mileage was 38,000 and the current mileage was 41,000.
Risk of fire by wrong sized fused in power outlet. I almost burn the truck charging a drone (57w charger) parking and left alone for about 20 minutes, when I back the cabin was filled with smoke. First I think in the lithium batteries catching fire, but no, the smoke comes from behind the dash. Quickly I removed the 20a fuse and left like this. I ordered the replacement outlet and today when I was to change I found the wires complete melted. Check the service manual and shows a 18awg wire protected whit 20a fuse. Probably a inherited from some old Dodge Ram which one have a 20a fuse and 14awg wire. Checking some news models and have 18awg too, so it could be more vehicles in potential risk of fire. The user manual, printed, digital online, the fuse box cover, service manual, everywhere says 20a fuse for a thin 18awg wire.
The left turn signal works when it wants and when I turn it on the right turn signal comes on. The wipers and the headlights are currently going out or coming on by themselves. I have an error on the airbags (which have had the drivers replaced and currently awaiting the passengers, plus the new recall on the hose to the air bags). This issue started at around 120K miles. The fuses have been checked and passed. The bulbs-replaced. The situation is getting worse as the dash and interior lights do not work. The night lights went out when I was driving one night and do not drive after dusk anymore. All of this happens driving. The turns do it whether I am making a turn or pulling out or even testing them parked.
Related recalls (2)
Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, Dakota, and 2006 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles manufactured July 1, 2005, to July 31, 2006 with manual transmissions. The return springs in the clutch ignition interlock switch may break.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clutch ignition interlock switch, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Electrical system › Wiring
On certain pickup trucks equipped with manual transmissions, the headlamp and dash wiring harness May be chafed by the actuation of the clutch pedal. This could result in abnormal operation of the wipers, turn signals, horn or lighting systems.
Remedy: Dealers will reroute the wire harness and repair the harness if necessary. Owner notification began November 3, 2003. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
NHTSA investigations
Stop lamp switch
Alleged that electrical failure of the brake stop lamp switch man result in stop lamps not illumination during service brake application, and the vehicle's cruise control system May fail to disengage
Clutch Interlock Switch Malfunction
On December 16, 2104, Chrysler Group LLC submitted a Safety Recall Report to NHTSA describing a defect in the clutch ignition interlock switches in approximately 66,819 model year (MY) 2006 through early-2007 Dodge Ram Trucks, Dodge Dakota, and Mitsubishi Raider vehicles equipped with manual transmissions and built between July 1, 2005 and July 31, 2006 (NHTSA Recall No. 14V-795, Chrysler Recall No.
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Dakota years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2001 (58), 2002 (52), 2003 (34), 2005 (32) and 2006 (30) model years. Electrical complaints make up 9% of all complaints for the 2001.
Is there a recall for Dodge Dakota electrical problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 14V-795 (switch, Dec 16, 2014); 03V-389 (wiring, Oct 10, 2003). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Dodge Dakota electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles; 33% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the wiring (32 mentions), followed by the wiring › interior/under dash (31).
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.