repaired · 2020 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle…
2011 Dodge DakotaProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 44 owner complaints about the 2011 Dodge Dakota, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 6 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 October 25, 2024. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2011 Dodge Dakota has problems
44 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
18Air bags2 crash/fire/injury
8Power train1 crash/fire/injury
5Service brakes2 crash/fire/injury
4Electrical system
3Exterior lighting
3Engine
2Fuel/propulsion system
1Structure
1Suspension
33 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 18 | 2 |
| Power train | 8 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 5 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 4 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 3 | 0 |
| Engine | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 1 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 |
| 3 other systems | 3 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
6 recalls
2011 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 · 2019 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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…
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…
Show 2 more recalls
repaired · 2015 Q2
Driveline: differential unit
Risk. If the rear axle pinion nut loosens, the axle can lock up and cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a vehicle crash with little warning.
no report yet
Equipment: electrical
Risk. Overheating of the battery separator can result in smoke and possible fire.
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
2011 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
2011 Dodge Dakota safety ratings
2011 Dodge Dakota Extended PU/EC 4WD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- 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 2011 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.
AIRBAG CLOCKSPRING IS NOT WORKING, DRIVERS AIRBAG WILL NOT WORK AND HORN DOESNT WORK ALONG WITH ANY OTHER CONTROLS ON THE STEERING WHEEL
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V352000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. HALL…
I WAS IN A WRECK WHILE IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY, THE TRUCK WAS TBONED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND TURNED OVER ON ITS SIDE AND NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.
Own a 2011 Dakota?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.