Federal safety data shows 1 recalls and 18 complaints for the 2009 Dodge Dakota, a low safety profile overall. Check the known issues section below for the most common problem areas.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

12V4740002012-02-10

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2010, Ram 1500 and Dodge Dakota trucks, manufactured from July 1, 2009, through November 30, 2009, because the rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to a lack of adhesive.

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.

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

Of 18 issues reported over 1 model years, air bags problems are the most common for the 2009 Dodge Dakota. A pre-purchase inspection should focus here first.

01Air Bags5

02Power Train5

03Electrical System2

04Service Brakes1

05Electrical System,engine1

18 total across 1 model years (2009–2009)Full data at NHTSA.gov

Dodge Dakota Fuel Economy

15–18mpg combined

14-16city

18-20hwy

$3,750-$4,500/yr

The 2009 Dodge Dakota delivers 15 to 18 MPG combined across 6 powertrain combinations. If fuel cost matters to you, pay attention to engine and drivetrain. The spread is significant.

By Trim

Dakota Pickup 2WD - Manual 6-spd

18mpg

3.7L 6-cyl · Rear-Wheel Drive

16 city20 hwy~$3,750/yr-1/10 Poor

Dakota Pickup 2WD - Automatic 4-spd

17mpg

3.7L 6-cyl · Rear-Wheel Drive

15 city20 hwy~$3,950/yr-1/10 Poor

Dakota Pickup 4WD - Manual 6-spd

16mpg

3.7L 6-cyl · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive

15 city19 hwy~$4,200/yr-1/10 Poor

Dakota Pickup 2WD - Automatic 5-spd

15mpg

4.7L 8-cyl · Rear-Wheel Drive

14 city19 hwy~$4,500/yr-1/10 Poor

Dakota Pickup 4WD - Automatic 4-spd

15mpg

3.7L 6-cyl · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive

14 city18 hwy~$4,500/yr-1/10 Poor

Dakota Pickup 4WD - Automatic 5-spd

15mpg

4.7L 8-cyl · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive

14 city19 hwy~$4,500/yr-1/10 Poor

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Where to Find 2009 Dodge Dakota

36States

20%in top 3

Nebraska has the most inventory at 8%, with options spread across 36 states. Willing to ship? Your selection opens up significantly.

NENebraska

138%

COColorado

96%

TXTexas

96%

GAGeorgia

85%

CACalifornia

85%

MNMinnesota

75%

WAWashington

75%

WIWisconsin

75%

OROregon

75%

FLFlorida

75%

PAPennsylvania

64%

MOMissouri

64%

DEDelaware

53%

OHOhio

53%

DCWashington DC

53%

NCNorth Carolina

53%

ILIllinois

43%

AZArizona

43%

KYKentucky

43%

IDIdaho

32%

UTUtah

32%

MIMichigan

32%

MD2

NV2

KS2

TN2

IN1

VA1

AR1

ND1

RI1

NM1

SC1

WY1

Geographic distribution reflects all active listings for this model, not just 2009.

Buying a 2009 Dodge Dakota?

Answers to common buyer questions

Is the 2009 Dodge Dakota a good car to buy?

The 2009 Dodge Dakota has its strengths and its watch-outs. 1 recall has been issued, so verify completion with the dealer. Owners report air bags as the area to watch most closely. Check the safety section for recall details and the pricing data to see if the numbers work for you.

Are there recalls on the 2009 Dodge Dakota?

There are 1 documented recall for the 2009 Dodge Dakota. Don't let that scare you; most are routine. Just make sure they're all resolved before you sign. Details in the safety overview.

What's the gas mileage of the 2009 Dodge Dakota?

You'll get between 15 and 18 MPG combined from the 2009 Dodge Dakota, depending on engine and drivetrain. That's a meaningful difference over time. The fuel economy table shows exactly which configs get what.

What are common problems with the 2009 Dodge Dakota?

Out of 18 owner complaints, air bags issues lead the pack. Get a pre-purchase inspection that specifically covers this area. The known issues breakdown has all the details.