2009 Dodge DAKOTA problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
18 owner complaints analyzed
5 distinct recall campaigns
44,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2009 model year. Data snapshot: . 10 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Power Train is the most frequently named component, appearing in 6 of 18 complaints (33.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission and shifting | 2 | 11.1% |
| Braking behavior | 1 | 5.6% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Power Train | 6 |
| Air Bags | 5 |
| Electrical System | 3 |
| Engine | 2 |
| Electrical System:Ignition | 1 |
| Service Brakes | 1 |
| Tires | 1 |
| Tires:Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems | 1 |
Power Train: 6; Air Bags: 5; Electrical System: 3; Engine: 2; Electrical System:Ignition: 1; Service Brakes: 1; Tires: 1; Tires:Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 2 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 3 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 3 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 1 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 1 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 3; 50,000 to 74,999: 3; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 0
25,000 to 49,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (3). 8 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2013 | 5 |
| 2014 | 4 |
| 2015 | 3 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2021 | 1 |
2009: 1; 2013: 5; 2014: 4; 2015: 3; 2016: 1; 2017: 2; 2019: 1; 2021: 1
Pattern summary
Power Train leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 2 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10512820 · 2013-05-20 (May 20, 2013)
VEH RPM STARTED TO GO UP ON ITS OWN .I STOPPED VEHICLE PUT TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL AND ENGINE WOULD REV UP FROM 1400 RPM TO 2400 RPM EVERY 2 SECONDS I TURNED VEH OFF AND RESTARTED AND ENGINE STAYED AT 2400 RPM AND WOULD NOT COME DOWN TO A NORMAL IDLE SPEED. WAS ABLE TO DRIVE VEH HOME. THIS HAS HAPPENED FOUR SEPARATE TIMES WITH SAME RESULTS. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 68,547 miles reported. Look up ODI 10512820 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11434071 · 2021-09-23 (September 23, 2021)
After starting the Dakota, I pushed on the brake pedal so I could put the automatic transmission in Drive. My foot went all the way to the floor. I tried again with the same result. I checked the brake fluid reservoir. It was a bit low, but not empty. When the tow truck arrived to haul it away, I noticed a pool of brake fluid on the driveway approximately below the master cylinder. It is clear the brake system experience a catastrophic failure. I will know more when my mechanic reports what he has found. He suspects corrosion on the brak…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11434071 at NHTSA ↗