10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
69,198 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2008 Dodge Dakota electrical problems

electrical problem

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2008 Dodge Dakota Owner Comments

problem #11

May 222019

Dakota

  • 100,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Miami, FL, USA

problem #10

Feb 182019

Dakota

  • 57,000 miles
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.

- Zelienople, PA, USA

problem #9

Aug 312017

Dakota

  • 150,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Dakota. While driving various speeds, the vehicle shifted from two wheel drive to four wheel drive independently. The vehicle was taken to bill bryan Chrysler (3401 us-441, fruitland park, fl 34731) where it was diagnosed that the transfer case motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

- Leesburg, FL, USA

problem #8

Jun 012015

Dakota 6-cyl

  • 125,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Somerset, KY, USA

problem #7

Sep 252015

Dakota

  • 57,025 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that all the warning lights illuminated intermittently. The contact had to shut off the engine in order to reset the vehicle. The contact also stated that the air conditioner and radio could not be used simultaneously or it would cause electrical failures. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The dealer advised that the vehicle would need to be diagnosed in order to determine the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 15V313000 (air bags). The failure mileage was 57,025.

- Soap Lake, WA, USA

problem #6

Jul 012013

Dakota

  • 80,000 miles
Possible short in electrical system effecting safety equipment. Seatbelt warning continues to alarm when seatbelts are worn and/or fastened without passengers in vehicle. Audible alarm stops after driving at higher speeds without frequent stops for traffic, street lights, stop signs (ie: Freeway), however, visual warning light remains on dash. Horn effected - fuse blows and requires replacement each time horn is used. Seat belt system problems began in 2013 while driving on freeway at approx. 60mph. Horn problems began in 2014.

- Tustin, CA, USA

problem #5

Apr 292015

Dakota

  • 25,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Crank position sensor failed causing total loss of engine power harsh downshift from transmision at speed and loss of power brakes and power stearing could get someone killed if it was in a intersection or on the highway replacement should be free + towing

- Bourbonnais, IL, USA

problem #4

Jul 052013

Dakota 4WD 8-cyl

  • 62,692 miles
Right rear tire pressure sensor internal failure, leading to need for replacement.

- Woodbridge, VA, USA

problem #3

Sep 162013

Dakota 6-cyl

  • 59,464 miles
This truck has had to be towed in to the dealership several times in the 15 months since I've owned it. The service department tells me it is due to the tipm. The failure of this part makes the vehicle impossible to start. Apparently Chrysler has a huge problem with this part.

- Greenville, KY, USA

problem #2

Jun 122014

Dakota

  • miles
Wind shield wiper motor is good but switch is defective. Only wipes very slow is very dangers for me to travel when its raining.

- Hulbert, OK, USA

problem #1

Oct 212010

Dakota

  • 45,000 miles
Turn signals and wipers intermittent. Push lever down and right signal may blink, or no signal, or left signal. Push lever up and right signal may blink or nothing at all. If signals do work properly as they switch off (either manually or when the turn is completed) opposite signal may blink 1-3 times. While switching from high beam to low beam and vice versa windshield washer and wipers will turn on for 3-4 swipes.

- Woods Cross, UT, USA

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