CarModelProblems.com

2006 Dodge Dakota Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Air Bags — runs 5.0× the fleet median for that category across the 1998 model-years tracked on this site.
283Complaints
6Recalls
22Crashes
7Fires
16Injured
1Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Air Bags (42.8% of complaints) — is covered by 2 NHTSA recall campaigns.

Air Bags complaints here are 5.0× the median for that category across the 1998 model-years tracked on this site.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Air Bags121 · 42.8%RecalledRecall 15V313000 · Recall 16V352000
Steering44 · 15.5%not available
Electrical System29 · 10.2%RecalledRecall 14V795000
Power Train26 · 9.2%not available
Suspension15 · 5.3%not available
Power Train:automatic Transmission11 · 3.9%not available

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

AIR BAGS121 · 42.8%
STEERING44 · 15.5%
POWER TRAIN26 · 9.2%
SUSPENSION15 · 5.3%
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION11 · 3.9%
SERVICE BRAKES9 · 3.2%
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC8 · 2.8%
STRUCTURE:BODY8 · 2.8%
VISIBILITY/WIPER8 · 2.8%

Percentages are the share of the 283 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 6 campaigns

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

NHTSA campaign 15V313000 · 2015 · reported 05/27/2015

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

Park it  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

NHTSA campaign 16V352000 · 2016 · reported 05/24/2016

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.… Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

Park it  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Electrical System:ignition:switch

NHTSA campaign 14V795000 · 2014 · reported 12/16/2014

Broken springs can result in a no-start condition, or cause unintended movement when the ignition is cranked, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Exterior Lighting

NHTSA campaign 09E012000 · 2009 · reported 04/07/2009

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:switch/wiring

NHTSA campaign 06V039000 · 2006 · reported 02/09/2006

THIS CAN IMPAIR THE DRIVER'S VISION AND RESULT IN A CRASH. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

NHTSA campaign 06V038000 · 2006 · reported 02/09/2006

THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

What owners report

“1.DRIVERS AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON WHEN DRIVER. 2.WHEN MAKING A U-TURN I HEAR A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE AROUND THE TIRE AREA. 3.THE EMERGENCY RELEASE BRAKE…”NHTSA complaint 10552723 — filed 11/18/2013 · AIR BAGS
“1)PULLED OUT OF A FOOD LION PARKING LOT AND HIT A POT HOLE AND BROKE THE MAIN SPLINE IN THE TRANSMISSION. 2) THE TRUCK NOW…”NHTSA complaint 10552660 — filed 11/18/2013 · AIR BAGS
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE DAKOTA TRUCK. WHILE DRIVING IN NORMAL WEATHER CONDITIONS, SHE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE BRAKES FAILED. SHE HEARD…”NHTSA complaint 10302970 — filed 01/28/2010 · AIR BAGS

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

1420112318201331672015554220176172019162021232024422026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2006 Dodge Dakota?

Air bags issues are the most-reported category, cited in 121 of 283 NHTSA complaints (42.8%), followed by steering (44), electrical system (29), power train (26). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2006 Dodge Dakota have?

283 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 22 involved a crash, 7 involved a fire, and 16 reported injuries. 1 deaths were reported.

Does the 2006 Dodge Dakota have any recalls?

Yes — 6 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 15V313000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2006 Dodge Dakota's reported problems?

Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.