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Dodge Dakota no deployment problems

183 of the 6,482 owner complaints about the Dodge Dakota describe airbags did not deploy in a crash, most of them for the 1999 model year.

owner complaints
183
worst model year
1999
typical repair cost reported
$5,000
typical mileage
70,000
Is there a fix? There are 8 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Aug 31, 2026 · Airbags · TX · crash · 1 injury

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

Filed Nov 8, 2024 · Airbags · 117,858 miles · ID · crash · 1 injury

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. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The local police and paramedics were at the scene. No police reports were filed, however, the report number was unavailable. The contact was transported to the local hospital. The contact sustained injuries included a facial fracture, traumatic brain injury, broken right eye socket, crushed bladder, injury to both feet (toes), and impaired speech. The contact stated that this was the two-year anniversary of the crash. In addition, the contact was continuing to receive physical and speech therapy. In addition, the contact referenced an unknown recall in which the air bags were replaced in the vehicle four months prior to the crash. The contact was concerned that the air bag repair was not performed correctly, since the air bags did not deploy. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,858.

Filed Oct 10, 2023 · Brakes · 5,000 miles · SC · crash · 4 injuries

The contact owned a 1998 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at 25 MPH and attempting to slow the vehicle with the brake pedal depressed all the way to the floorboard, the vehicle failed to come to a complete stop. As a result, the vehicle careened off the roadway and into a ditch. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The occupants were all transported to an area hospital by EMT for treatment. The driver was treated for chest pain caused by the steering wheel; the contact was treated for a broken arm; the oldest rear seat occupant was treated for a facial injury, losing two front teeth; and the youngest rear seat occupant was treated for a concussion. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to the federal safety agency Campaign Number:Â 97V170000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 5,000.

Filed Feb 12, 2021 · Airbags · 112,000 miles · GA · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 dodge dakota. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, a unknown vehicle crashed into the vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained neck and shoulder injuries however no medical attention was provided. A police report was filed. The vehicle was able to be driven from the scene. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 212,000. The VIN was not available.

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 Oct 21, 2019 · Airbags · 99,593 miles · MI · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owned a 2005 dodge dakota. While driving approximately 60 MPH on a bridge, the vehicle slid on black ice, fishtailed, and crashed into a cement column. The air bags did not deploy. There was no warning indicator illuminated. The contact's wife was seated in the front passenger seat and struck her left knee on the dashboard. Medical attention was not received. The contact was not injured. Police report number: 1916400110 was filed. The vehicle was totaled and towed to a garage, but was later retrieved by the contact. The contact called healy chrysler dodge at 231‑845‑3900 (located at 3632 w us-10, ludington, mi 49431) where the air bags were repaired per the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 16v352000 (air bags), 15v313000 (air bags), and 14v770000 (air bags). The technician informed the contact that all the recall repairs were performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that an investigator would call the contact. The contact was not called. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 99,593.

Filed May 10, 2019 · Airbags · 133,000 miles · TX · crash

My daughter was driving to school on the morning of may 8, 2019. My vehicle (which she drives on a daily basis), 2006 dodge dakota, was struck forward of the front wheels on the driver's side by a chevy tahoe while making a right turn from a side street onto a busy, 4 lane divided highway. The collision tore the front bumper off of my/her dakota and caused major front end damage. Her and a friend were both wearing seatbelts and were not seriously injured. The airbags did not deploy. The driver's side airbag was replaced under federal recall on april 25, 2016 at a dodge dealership in denton, tx. The passenger airbag was replaced under similar recall on march 14, 2019 at a dodge dealership in mckinney, tx.

Filed Jun 19, 2018 · Transmission · 111,850 miles · OH · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 dodge dakota. While the vehicle was engaged in park, it rolled away without warning. The rear of the vehicle crashed into a tree. The air bags did not deploy. Due to the failure, the vehicle sustained damage to the tail lights and bumper. The contact stated that his wife sustained a back injury that required medical attention. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not towed or taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 111,850. *tt

Filed Dec 29, 2017 · Airbags, Seat belts · 60,000 miles · ID · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 dodge dakota. While driving 65 MPH, the contact lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle veered to the left and flipped over. The air bags did not deploy. In addition, it was suspected that the harness strap of the driver's seat belt did not restrain the contact during the crash. A police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries to the head, a punctured right lung, a fractured right hand, a fractured right femur, right and left knee dislocation, a fractured left ankle, perennial nerve damage, and major abdominal injuries. Medical attention was required. The vehicle was towed, but was not destroyed. A dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the crash. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. *bf

Filed Aug 17, 2017 · Airbags · 170,000 miles · IA · crash · 1 injury

My son was driving a 2001 dodge dakota, which I purchased new in 2001. He lost control on a gravel road and went off the edge of a ditch. Air bags did not deploy and he was killed in the accident. His passenger was injured, but survived. The front end of the vehicle was in horrible shape, and there is no way an airbag should not have deployed......updated 11/14/17 *bf

Related recalls

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported January 15, 2019 · 1,413,222 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, Ram 4500/5500, 2010-2011 Dodge Dakota, 2010-2014 Dodge Challenger, 2010-2015 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, and 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Risk
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 occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V01.

Recall number 19V018000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported January 9, 2018 · 328,177 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Chrysler is recalling certain 2009-2010 RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Chrysler is also recalling certain 2009 RAM 3500, RAM 2500, RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp 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 owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U03.

Recall number 18V021000 · Recall details

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

Air bagsReported December 3, 2014 · 250,896 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2004-2005 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500, 2004-2005 Dodge Durango, 2005 Dodge Dakota, 2005 Dodge Magnum and 2005 Chrysler 300, 300C and 300 SRT8 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Saipan, Guam, and American Samoa are addressed by this recall. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. For vehicles that were sold, or are currently registered, in Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, owners were notified and the recall began on December 5, 2014. For all other vehicles, Chrysler notified owners and the recall began on February 3, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P40 Expanded. Note: This recall has been superseded by recall 16V‑352. This recall superseded the passenger air bag portion of recall 14V‑354.

Recall number 14V770000 · Recall details

Air bags: side/windowReported January 5, 2005 · 1,142 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain pickup trucks equipped with the optional side curtain air bag, the curtain fasteners may not have been properly tightened.
Risk
This could result in an improper side air bag curtain deployment in certain side crash conditions, which can increase the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
Remedy
Dealers will tighten the side air bag curtain fasteners to the proper specification. The recall began on january 17, 2005. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 05V002000 · Recall details

Air bagsReported May 8, 2001 · 216,100 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: pickup trucks. Sound deadener material inside the steering wheel could become detached from the cover and housing. Note: the ram pickup trucks were built at the warren assembly plant ("s" in the 11th VIN position) from may 16, 2000 through october 23, 2000; st. Louis north assembly plant ("j" in the 11th VIN position) from may 19, 2000 through october 23, 2000; lago alberto assembly plant ("m" in the 11th VIN position) from may 23, 2000 through october 23, 2000; and saltillo assembly plant ("g" in the 11th VIN position) from may 23, 2000 through october 23, 2000. Important: vehicles that have already had the proper clockspring installed, according to warranty records, have been excluded from this recall. In addition, 1997-2000 model year vehicles that have had a suspect replacement clockspring installed, according to warranty records, have been added to this recall.
Risk
When this occurs, the material could interfere with the clockspring ribbon and cause an open circuit. The driver air bag system will become disabled, and the air bag warning lamp will illuminate on the instrument panel.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the clockspring assembly. Owner notification began june 18, 2001. Also some 1997-200 model year vehicles that, according to warranty records, have had a suspect replacement clockspring installed, will also be included in this campaign. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 01V153000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactiveReported May 16, 1997 · 125,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The electrical circuit design allows the potential for an inadvertent air bag deployment upon vehicle ignition shut down.
Risk
Unexpected air bag deployment can result in occupant injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the air bag electronic control module with a newly designed module.

Recall number 97V080000 · Recall details

Questions about the Dodge Dakota no deployment

Which Dodge Dakota years have airbags did not deploy in a crash problems?

The model years with the most reports are 1999 (19 complaints), 2000 (18 complaints) and 2006 (17 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix airbags did not deploy in a crash on the Dodge Dakota?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $5,000 (median of 8 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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