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2008 Dodge Dakota problems

The most common problem on the 2008 Dodge Dakota is airbags. It has fewer complaints than a typical Dakota model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
87/100
Owner complaints
91
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
53
Worst area
Airbags
Fuel economy
15-18mpg

The worst 2008 Dodge Dakota problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 Dodge Dakota

Ball joint 13Wipers 5

Recalls 2

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported May 24, 2016 · 4,648,270 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.
Risk
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 replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S43. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-7700.

Recall number 16V352000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported May 26, 2015 · 4,077,169 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010 Chrysler 300, 300C, 300S, and SRT8, 2006-2010 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Magnum, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk
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 occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler and Dodge owners and Mitsubishi will notify the affected Raider owners. Dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began for Chrylser on June 8, 2015. The recall for Mitsubishi started on June 24, 2015. Chrysler and Dodge owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Mitsubishi owners may call 1‑888‑648‑7820. Chrysler's number for this recall is R25. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V817 in its entirety. Vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well.

Recall number 15V313000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 2008 Dodge Dakota

Defect investigations

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpened September 17, 2021, still open

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

EA21002

Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Dodge Dakota 53

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 53 bulletins for the 2008 Dodge Dakota

2008 Dodge Dakota fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.7L 6‑cylRWD15-162017-18
3.7L 6‑cyl4WD14-1518-1915-16
4.7L 8‑cylRWD141915
4.7L 8‑cyl4WD141915

What 2008 Dodge Dakota owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 24, 2021 · Wheels · TX

Extended cab doors will not open which makes it impossible to access tire changing tools. Looking on the internet, I've discovered this happens to many dodge dakota extended cab trucks. Vehicle was stationary.

Filed Nov 15, 2020 · Body · 138,000 miles · MI · crash · 2 injuries

Driving in our lane on a city street going 40 MPH as a vehicle tried to turn into a gas station, crossing our lane right front of us and they did not have enough time to make the turn. To avoid a full blown head on collision, I swerved and we hit front driver side vs front driver side. Going 40 MPH, and the speed of the other vehicle and my air bags did not deploy, that being my main concern why they did not deploy with the speed being considered and hitting front on.

Filed May 22, 2019 · Electrical · 100,000 miles · FL · fire

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.

Filed Apr 19, 2019 · Electrical, Transmission · 57,000 miles · PA

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.

Filed Jul 3, 2018 · Engine · 72,250 miles · MI

4.7l engine blew hole the size of a golf ball in block while passing a slower moving car on a country paved highway maxed at about 60mph. Engine has 72250 miles, running 5w30 synthetic oil. Regular home maintenance - oil changes every 3000 miles, other maintenance as in user manual at home. Had no check engine light, no warning. Truck well maintained (like new inside and out. I'm retired and truck is for pleasure use.

Filed Feb 13, 2018 · Electrical, Transmission · 150,000 miles · FL

Tl* 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.

Filed Oct 25, 2017 · Airbags · SC

Takata recall

Filed Oct 3, 2017 · Brakes · 270,000 miles · NC

Ref mfr recall 870- the federal safety agency recall 00v‑193. Brake line leaking from rubbing against power steering hose. Contacted local dealer (m&l chrysler dodge jeep ram, lexington nc) was told they had the brake line but not part #cbed6701 and could not repair under recall but could sell me a brake line, referred me to customer service @ 800‑992‑1997. They took information and said they had to check with dealer. I have heard nothing after 10 days from dealer or customer service. Meanwhile I have to add brake fluid to keep from losing my brakes when they have the brake line to fix the problem but say I will have to pay for it.

Filed Aug 18, 2017 · Airbags · ME

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge dakota. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency 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 chrysler dodge jeep, located at 125 main st, lincoln, maine 04457 (877‑377‑9460) was made aware of the recall and stated that chrysler would only allow the parts to be requested individually and that the contact was waitlisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. Updated 10/17/17*lj the consumer stated repair was made on aug 28, 2017.

Filed May 11, 2017 · Airbags · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge dakota. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

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Questions about the 2008 Dodge Dakota

Is the 2008 Dodge Dakota reliable?

Owners have filed 91 complaints about the 2008 Dodge Dakota, fewer than a typical Dakota model year.

What is the 2008 Dodge Dakota year score?

The 2008 Dodge Dakota scores 87 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Dodge Dakota: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Dodge Dakota?

Airbags, with 29 complaints. Next is steering (17).

How many recalls does the 2008 Dodge Dakota have?

2 recalls, covering air bags.

Was there a recall on the 2008 Dodge Dakota airbags?

Yes, 2 recalls: 16V352000, 15V313000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Dodge Dakota have bad airbags?

The Dodge Dakota model years with the most airbags complaints are 2005 (143 complaints), 2006 (126 complaints) and 2007 (59 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2008 Dodge Dakota get?

Official estimates for the 2008 Dodge Dakota range from 15 to 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.7L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 15-16 city and 20 highway.

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