2008 Dodge Dakota recalls and problems

The 2008 Dodge Dakota has 2 safety recalls and 91 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Dodge dealer.

Urgent: recall 16V-352, recall 15V-313 carry a "do not drive" warning. Contact a dealer before driving.
Recalls
2
Complaints
91
Crashes / fires
5 / 1
Injuries / deaths
7 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 Dodge Dakota vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 Dodge Dakota recalls

Recall 16V-352: Air Bags

Do not driveReported May 24, 2016 · 4,648,270 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.

Risk: These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S43. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-7700.

Recall 15V-313: Air Bags

Do not driveReported May 26, 2015 · 4,077,169 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010 Chrysler 300, 300C, 300S, and SRT8, 2006-2010 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Magnum, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler and Dodge owners and Mitsubishi will notify the affected Raider owners. Dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began for Chrylser on June 8, 2015. The recall for Mitsubishi started on June 24, 2015. Chrysler and Dodge owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Mitsubishi owners may call 1-888-648-7820. Chrysler's number for this recall is R25. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V817 in its entirety. Vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well.

2008 Dodge Dakota problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Air Bags29
Steering18
Electrical System11
Power Train10
Exterior Lighting9
Service Brakes7
Unknown or Other7
Suspension5
Service Brakes, Hydraulic4
Structure4
Wheels4
Seat Belts4

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 3
  • Power Train › Driveline — 2
  • Equipment › Electrical › Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc. — 2
  • Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal — 2
  • Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer — 2
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 1
  • Structure › Body › Door — 1
  • Steering › Linkages — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 55,623 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2008 Dodge Dakota complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Wheels · reported Mar 24, 2021
Extended cab doors will not open which makes it impossible to access tire changing tools. Looking on the internet, I've discovered this happens to many dodge dakota extended cab trucks. Vehicle was stationary.
Structure · at 138,000 miles · reported Nov 15, 2020
Driving in our lane on a city street going 40 MPH as a vehicle tried to turn into a gas station, crossing our lane right front of us and they did not have enough time to make the turn. To avoid a full blown head on collision, I swerved and we hit front driver side vs front driver side. Going 40 MPH, and the speed of the other vehicle and my air bags did not deploy, that being my main concern why they did not deploy with the speed being considered and hitting front on.
Electrical System · at 100,000 miles · reported May 22, 2019
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…
Electrical System · at 57,000 miles · reported Apr 19, 2019
My engine turns off while driving. I cannot restart the engine until I have stopped, shifted to park, and cycled the ignition to off. The engine stalling started as a low/slow idle condition, and now has escalated to cutting off at full acceleration while merging into expressway traffic. This has happened on several dates. I AM selecting the date of my last remembered occasion.
Engine · at 72,250 miles · reported Jul 3, 2018
4.7l engine blew hole the size of a golf ball in block while passing a slower moving car on a country paved highway maxed at about 60mph. Engine has 72250 miles, running 5w30 synthetic oil. Regular home maintenance - oil changes every 3000 miles, other maintenance as in user manual at home. Had no check engine light, no warning. Truck well maintained (Like new inside and out. I'm retired and truck is for pleasure use.

Other Dodge Dakota years

Compare all Dodge Dakota years · All Dodge models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Dodge Dakota have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2008 Dodge Dakota: 16V-352 (air bags), 15V-313 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Dodge Dakota?

Owners report air bags problems most often (29 reports), followed by steering (18). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 55,623 miles.

Are Dodge recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Dodge dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.