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2006 Dodge Dakota electrical problems

30 complaints (11% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 90,000.

owner complaints
30
of this car's complaints
11%
typical mileage
90,000
crashes
0
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Ignition: switch
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Dodge Dakota electrical problems in other years

19901995200020052011

Specific symptoms reported on the 2006 Dodge Dakota electrical

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Fire or smoke 5

Related recalls

Electrical system: ignition: switchReported December 16, 2014 · 54,164 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, Dakota, and 2006 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles manufactured July 1, 2005, to July 31, 2006 with manual transmissions. The return springs in the clutch ignition interlock switch may break.
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.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clutch ignition interlock switch, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P80.

Recall number 14V795000 · Recall details

Related investigations

Clutch Interlock Switch MalfunctionOpened May 19, 2014, closed December 23, 2014

On December 16, 2104, Chrysler Group LLC submitted a Safety Recall Report to the federal safety agency describing a defect in the clutch ignition interlock switches in approximately 66,819 model year (MY) 2006 through early-2007 Dodge Ram Trucks, Dodge Dakota, and Mitsubishi Raider vehicles equipped with manual transmissions and built between July 1, 2005 and July 31, 2006 (the federal safety agency Recall No. 14V‑795, Chrysler Recall No. P80), including 38,969 MY 2006 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 vehicles that are part of the subject vehicle population for PE14-013.Chrysler's Safety Report states that:1) the clutch ignition interlock switch return springs may experience fatigue failure due to material issues; 2) if the return springs are broken, the switch contacts may not reflect actual clutch pedal position; and 3) the failures could result in a vehicle experiencing unintended movement if the ignition is cranked when the clutch pedal is not being pressed.Chrysler's recall remedy will replace the clutch ignition interlock switch on all affected vehicles with a switch with a more robust design.On May 19, 2014, ODI opened PE14-013 to investigate clutch ignition interlock failure in MY 2004 through 2006 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks with manual transmissions, based on two MY 2006 complaints and one MY 2004 complaint.One of the MY 2006 complaints involved a fatality that occurred when a young child was able to start a MY 2006 Ram 3500 truck that was parked with the transmission in gear, without depressing the clutch.The diesel engine started and the vehicle moved forward under power running over another child resulting in fatal injuries.ODI's analysis of failure data from all sources identified a total of 14 complaints and 16 warranty claims for the subject vehicles.Thirteen (13) of the complaints and all 16 warranty claims were for the 38,969 MY 2006 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks that were included in 14V‑795.The single complaint that was outside the scope of Chrysler's recall was the MY 2004 ODI complaint identified in the opening resume for PE14-013.Further analysis of this incident indicates that the cause of the clutch switch failure in this vehicle was spring damage caused by hydraulic fluid leakage from the clutch master cylinder into the switch.The field data did not show any other similar incidents of switch failures caused by clutch master cylinder leakage. This investigation is closed based on Chrysler's recall.

PE14013

What 2006 Dodge Dakota owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Apr 30, 2025 · Airbags, Electrical · 221,000 miles · AL · fire

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 illuminated. The contact stated that the air bag caught on fire. The contact stated that the driver attempted to exit the vehicle, but the doors remained locked and the vehicle failed to shift to park(P) for two minutes. The driver was able to shift to neutral(N). The driver broke the front passenger's side window glass and exited the vehicle. A sheriff deputy parked his vehicle behind the driver's vehicle to prevent the vehicle from moving. The contact stated that the air bag fire burned the entire steering wheel and the steering column, the windshield and the front driver's side seat. The fire was extinguished with four extinguishers and with the assistance of the fire department. A fire department report was filed. A police report was filed but the contact did not have the police report information available. The contact's son sustained intrusion of metal shards in his right leg and bruises on the stomach, arm, and chest. The contact's son also sustained migraine, insomnia, panic attacks, and PTSD. The contact's son did not receive medical assistance. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer then towed the vehicle to their location and took pictures of the failure. The dealer then towed the vehicle back to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and denied assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 221,000.

Filed Mar 13, 2024 · Electrical, Visibility · WA

After driving on the interstate highway for a couple hours from Phoenix, Arizona I noticed that the left turn signal started malfunctioning, and the right signal flashed instead. After several hours of driving, noticed that sometimes the right signal only flashed 3 or 4 times when turning on the right indicator. I also noticed that the emergency flashers would usually blink once or twice left, then switch to right only. While stopped, I verified that the right front and rear turn signals were actually blinking as indicated on the dash. The next day however the problem was gone. I drove the car on the interstate again for several hours, without any issues.

Filed Jan 9, 2021 · Airbags, Electrical · CA

It is constantly overheating throwing off more codes. Passager airbag also keep turning off. Also well driving the car jerks back?

Filed Apr 29, 2019 · Electrical, Steering · 103,000 miles · SC

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 dodge dakota. When the contact placed the key in the ignition and started the engine, the key would come out and the steering wheel seized. The contact had to use excessive strength to turn the vehicle and the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to rick hendricks dodge (1468 savannah hwy, charleston, sc 29407, (843) 352-6931) and the mechanics were unsure if a new steering column and/or new ignition switch was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 103,000.

Filed Feb 15, 2018 · Brakes, Electrical · 95,000 miles · FL

Abs light wont even flash or give warning and truck slid a bit. No accidents to report, yet. This has happened multiple times after braking when the needle dips below 20 miles per hour. Thats why I give plenty of space between cars when approaching a light just in case the truck slides. I have complained but dodge keeps telling me my VIN number has no recall for my ABS ecu. There is a recall for ABS ecu but not on my VIN number but I am having the same issue for the ABS recall. So they will not replace it. You can feel the brakes lock up when it does it. Im also having a probem with my ignition swith. At times it will do a no start. That is also on the recall list but I was told again my VIN number wasn't on the list but I have these same problem for the recall. No one will replace these items if your VIN number isn't on the list even if your vehicle is having the problems reported for the recall. When something serious happens then who will be to blame. My VIN number was recalled just for airbags only. These problems need to be fixed asap before serious injuries may reslt.

Filed Jun 15, 2017 · Electrical, Transmission · 135,500 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 dodge dakota. While driving approximately 35 MPH, a warning chime was heard coming from the instrument panel and the service four wheel drive warning indicator illuminated. The contact pulled into a parking space and, while in reverse, the vehicle independently shifted into four wheel low. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the cause of the failure could not be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact wanted the manufacturer to authorize the dealer to service the vehicle. The manufacturer informed the contact that they would forward the request to the marketing department. The approximate failure mileage was 135,500.

Filed Feb 8, 2017 · Driver assistance, Electrical · NV

"takata recall" the four wheel drive actuator tries shifting into 4 wheel drive even when I don't have the truck running. Also the stock stereo system will once in awhile turn on but now it won't and the acc will not work. My truck also tries to shift into 4 wheel drive while turning into my driveway or a parking space

Filed Nov 24, 2016 · Electrical, Transmission · MI

My 2006 dodge dakota, 4.7 transfercase is shifting on its own. Even with no key in the ignition. Also when driving shifts in and out of 4x4.

Filed Nov 14, 2016 · Electrical, Transmission · NC

I bought my truck at auto advantage in hendersonville n.c. In march 2016 to days later transmission went in limp mode they replaced computer three times, then a week an half later happen again this time they rebuilt transmission. Then wipers want stop at times in park when cutoff. Steering has a popping when turning. Now the truck thru 4 codes check everything next day check codes has 3 codes checked again went to work codes still on that evening started home no light or codes thrown its like it fixed its self need help to solve problems. Can not afford anymore fixes. I owe two loans both on truck auto advantage would not help on transmission repairs. Never buy from them again worst buy I ever had. Can you help me with my problems?

Filed Dec 2, 2015 · Electrical · 120,000 miles · AR

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2006 dodge dakota. The contact experienced a failure with the vehicle starting. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 14v795000 (electrical system) and 15v313000 (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 not notified of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. Parts distribution disconnect. Updated 2/4/16

Questions about the 2006 Dodge Dakota electrical

Does the 2006 Dodge Dakota have electrical problems?

Owners have filed 30 complaints about the electrical of the 2006 Dodge Dakota, 11% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2006 Dodge Dakota electrical problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 90,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2006 Dodge Dakota electrical?

Yes, 1 recall: 14V795000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Dodge Dakota have the most electrical problems?

The Dodge Dakota model years with the most electrical complaints are 2001 (58 complaints), 2002 (52 complaints) and 2003 (34 complaints).

Other 2006 Dodge Dakota problems

Airbags 126Steering 47Transmission 36Suspension 25Brakes 24Engine 15Visibility 15Body 12Fuel system 9Lights 9Acceleration 5Seat belts 5Driver assistance 4Tires 3Locks 1Seats 1

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