repaired · 2018 Q3
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. 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…
2006 Dodge DakotaProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 285 owner complaints about the 2006 Dodge Dakota, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 14V-795 the manufacturer reports only 32% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 31, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2006 Dodge Dakota has problems
285 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
126Air bags20 crash/fire/injury
47Steering1 crash/fire/injury
36Power train4 crash/fire/injury
30Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
25Suspension
15Service brakes, hydraulic
12Structure
9Engine and engine cooling
9Service brakes
6116 other systems4 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 126 | 20 |
| Steering | 47 | 1 |
| Power train | 36 | 4 |
| Electrical system | 30 | 1 |
| Suspension | 25 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 15 | 4 |
| Structure | 12 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 9 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 9 | 1 |
| 16 other systems | 61 | 4 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2006 Dodge Dakota recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2017 Q3
Driver side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. 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…
repaired · 2016 Q2
Ignition: switch
Risk. 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.
no report yet
Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Show 1 more recall
no report yet
Windshield wiper/washer: switch/wiring
Risk. THIS CAN IMPAIR THE DRIVER'S VISION AND RESULT IN A CRASH.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Dodge.
Mileage at failure
When do air bags problems start?
75kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 28 air bags complaints. 64% were reported before 100,000 miles.
4under 30k miles18under 100k miles10100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2006 vs. every other Dakota year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Dakota median. How we score
'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2006 Dodge Dakota safety ratings
2006 Dodge Dakota Extended Cab in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Rollover: 4 stars (17.9% risk)
- Stability control: No
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
5 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2006 Dodge Dakota, and the recalls they led to.
- STEERING WHEEL AND STEERING SHAFT BOLTSOpen
- Air Bag Inflator RuptureLed to recall 15E-041
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
- Clutch Interlock Switch MalfunctionLed to recall 14V-795
- Air Bag Inflator RuptureLed to recall 14E-073
In owners' words
What Dakota owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Had front collision and airbag didnt deploy,dont know speed,but fast enough to collapse whole front to shift and tear the frame... airbag recall replacement done in February
The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that while her son was at a complete stop at the red traffic light, the driver's side air bag deployed unexpectedly, and the driver noticed that there was white smoke and dark smoke coming from the air bag. There was no warning light…
The contact owned a 2006 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle was involved in a no-fault head-on collision. The vehicle was damaged to the front of the vehicle and the driver's side of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard.…
Own a 2006 Dakota?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.