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…
2008 Dodge DakotaProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 91 owner complaints about the 2008 Dodge Dakota, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-352 the manufacturer reports only 34% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 24, 2021. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2008 Dodge Dakota has problems
91 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
29Air bags3 crash/fire/injury
17Steering
11Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
10Power train
8Exterior lighting
7Service brakes
5Suspension
4Wheels
4Seat belts
2713 other systems4 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 29 | 3 |
| Steering | 17 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 11 | 1 |
| Power train | 10 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 8 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 7 | 1 |
| Suspension | 5 | 0 |
| Wheels | 4 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 4 | 1 |
| 13 other systems | 27 | 4 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2008 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…
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.
Best & worst years
2008 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
2008 Dodge Dakota safety ratings
2008 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
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2008 Dodge Dakota, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
In owners' words
What Dakota owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V352000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THREE BROTHERS…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V352000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…
DUE TO MY PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG BEING POTENTIALLY DEADLY I CANNOT TRADE OFF MY TRUCK FOR A FAIR MARKET VALUE. ALSO I FEEL IT IS UNSAFE FOR ANY PERSON OR PERSONS TO RIDE IN THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE TRUCK. I CONTACTED DODGE BACK IN OCTOBER OF 2016 AND EXPRESSED MY CONCERNS ON THE SAFETY OF ME…
Own a 2008 Dakota?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.