Transmission complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 8 | 18% | 28,000 miles |
| 2010 | 7 | 20% | 65,000 miles |
| 2009 | 6 | 33% | 50,000 miles |
| 2008 | 10 | 11% | 57,000 miles |
| 2007 | 24 | 17% | 39,000 miles |
| 2006 | 36 | 13% | 50,000 miles |
| 2005 | 81 | 17% | 85,000 miles |
| 2004 | 19 | 9% | 34,000 miles |
| 2003 | 38 | 13% | 13,000 miles |
| 2002 | 89 | 13% | 50,000 miles |
| 2001 | 93 | 14% | 57,000 miles |
| 2000 | 74 | 9% | 60,000 miles |
| 1999 | 56 | 9% | 104,000 miles |
| 1998 | 74 | 14% | 82,000 miles |
| 1997 | 46 | 10% | 54,000 miles |
| 1996 | 28 | 15% | — |
| 1995 | 27 | 13% | 50,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Case nunber:[redacted]. I contacted you 12/04/15 concerning brakes on this truck and I also told you that every time I would try an discuss this issue with efird Chrysler florence, sc they would tell me the brakes are antilock system and it was normal for them to make noise when applied for emergency stopping. I took this truck back 12-10-15 and told them about the near accident my wife and I had on 12-01-15 making an emergency stop. This truck (traveled 15ft.) after applying the brakes before it started braking to stop this vehicle and we were 3ft. Away from making contact with another vehicle. Now to me this is serious and we are afraid of this vehicle in emergency stops. It has had poor stopping before but never like this. I contacted Chrysler several times about the problem with the brakes but, contacting Chrysler you can get into a lot of conversation but not much action. …
Case number: [redacted] /this truck has never stopped safely since I purchased it new (02-07-2011/ mileage now 28455). When you have to make an emergency stop it might or might not bring it to a stop. Last week my wife and I tried to avoid a collision when a car made a quick turn in front of us and then this car had to make a quick stop. When we applied the brakes it made a very rough sound under front end...(as usual...but traveled 15 ft. Before it applied the brakes... And we were only 3ft. Away from a serious accident). I have discussed this brake problem on many occasions when I would take it in for service with the people who check me in but,...they always tell me the brakes are bunny hopping and this is normal for the new trucks and there is nothing wrong with them...(but never check them out to make sure). …
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. The contact stated that while driving, the rear axle pinion nut and the drive train fractured. The vehicle was not able to be driven. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 12V474000 (power train); and the dealer was not able to schedule the repair in a reasonable timeframe. The contact was also included in NHTSA campaign number: 15V313000 (air bags) and the dealer stated that the part was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 90,800.
Safety recall n08/NHTSA 13v-038 was announced May 13 2013. Since that day I have repeatedly contacted the dealer,[redacted], requesting that the recall repair be performed on my 2009 Dodge Dakota. Every time I call they tell me they do not have the parts. They also tell me they have no idea when they will get the parts. It is unacceptable that four months after a recall is announced the dealer and the manufacturer are doing nothing to correct the defect. It is more unacceptable to me that it appears NHTSA is doing nothing to enforce their recalls. The notice states that my vehicle "could crash without warning"! When is NHTSA going to require Chrysler to repair these defective vehicles? This month? Next month? Next year? Is there any deadline for these repairs to be done? ,
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that NHTSA campaign number 13V038000 (power train) had exceeded a reasonable time for repair. The rear axle began to experience the bolt separation failure as listed in the recall. The manufacturer advised that the part was not available for repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 38,000 and the current mileage 39,000. Updated 10/31/13
2008 Dodge Dakota quad cab 4x4 is the biggest piece of junk I have had 3 trans done and trans lines 3 times all front end tie rods struts sway bars wheel barrings rotors radio air bags seat belts and more replaced on this rolling wheeled piece of junk ive had people say nice truck and I say thanks but dont buy one they are a junk only 116K miles on it and will be lots more to spend on this junk dealer asked me if I ever drove it down a drit road and I said why he said the tie rods are wore out on it and I said how this is when I had 10K miles on it they said they that you should not go on any dirt roads come on now where are no dirt roads I laughed at them and said I had not went on one yet. Now how do anybody get this thing right on get rid of it what a lemon.
My four wheel drive is engaging on it's own. The shift motor engages while the vehicle is parked and turned off. The four wheel drive will engage on it's own while I am driving. I had the vehicle tested at a certified garage and the mechanic said that the transfer case shift motor needs to be replaced. After researching Dodge/Chrysler issues, I have found that quite a few others have had this same issue. They also changed the transfer case shift motor and the problem was not resolved. I would like to find out if Chrysler is going to fix their electrical problems with the Dodge four wheel drives.
Related recalls (7)
Power train › Driveline › Differential unit
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured from February 27, 2008, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through October 20, 2011; model year 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota trucks manufactured from February 27, 2007, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through September 30,…
Remedy: On November 7, 2013 Chrysler notified owners that dealers would install a pinion nut retainer, free of charge. In July 2015, and under a consent order with NHTSA, the company agreed to offer owners three options for…
Power train › Driveline › Differential unit
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2010, Ram 1500 and Dodge Dakota trucks, manufactured from July 1, 2009, through November 30, 2009, because the rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to a lack of adhesive.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a pinion nut retainer, free of charge. The recall began on June 17, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift
On certain van and pickup trucks equipped with automatic transmissions, the ignition/park shift interlock system May become inoperative. This can allow the shifter to be moved out of the "park" position with the ignition key removed (or in the "lock" position).
Remedy: Dealers will replace the gearshift blocker and bracket assembly free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during January 2008. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Power train › Automatic transmission
On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks equipped with automatic transmissions, the software programmed into the powertrain control module can cause a momentary lock up of the drive wheels if the vehicle is traveling over 40 MPH and the operator shifts from drive to neutral and back to drive.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module free of charge. The recall began on October 2, 2006. Owners May contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Power train › Automatic transmission
On certain pickup trucks, sport utility and passenger vehicles equipped with 42rle automatic transmissions, the cup plug that retains the park pawl anchor shaft May be improperly installed. If the shaft moves out of position, the vehicle May not be able to achieve 'park' position.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the transmissions and install a bracket to ensure the park pawl anchor shaft is retained in the proper position. The recall began on November 28, 2005.
Show 2 more recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift
Vehicle description: light duty trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with 4-wheel drive. The electric shift transfer case May not fully engage into gear when the operator moves the transfer case selector switch.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the transfer case control module. Owner notification began April 9, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy…
Power train › Automatic transmission
Vehicle description: pickup trucks equipped with 4.7l engine and automatic transmissions. The automatic transmission May expel fluid from the fill tube during normal temperature operation.
Remedy: Dealers will shorten the vent hose and assure adequate clearance.
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Dakota years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2001 (93), 2002 (89), 2005 (81), 1998 (74) and 2000 (74) model years. Transmission complaints make up 14% of all complaints for the 2001.
Is there a recall for Dodge Dakota transmission problems?
Yes — 7 recalls, including 13V-038 (differential unit, Feb 6, 2013); 12V-474 (differential unit, Oct 2, 2012); 07V-555 (column shift, Dec 4, 2007). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Dodge Dakota transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 58,000 miles; 41% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (270 mentions), followed by the driveline › differential unit (41).
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.