TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE WIRING HARNESS AND ALARM SYSTEM WERE BURNED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. IN ADDITION, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE, THE GEAR SHIFTER WOULD SHIFT INTO PARK OR NEUTRAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF TH…
2005 Dodge Dakota powertrain problems
severe 69 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500
Complaints
69
Recalls
0
Crashes
2
Avg fix
$2,500
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
RANDOMLY, THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE WILL ENGAGE WHEN NOT SELECTED. SO FAR THIS HAS ONLY HAPPENED AT LOW SPEED (IN PARKING LOTS). I CAN TELL IT IS ENGAGED BECAUSE I GET WHEEL SLIPPAGE WHILE TURNING. AFTER STRAIGHTENING THE TRUCK AND SHIFTING TO NEUTRAL, THE PROBLEM WILL BE RESOLVED. ADDITIONALLY, THE "SERVICE 4WD" LIGHT OR "4LO" LIGHTS WILL ILLUMINATE WHILE DRIVING, BUT THE TRANSFER CASE DOES NOT APPEAR…
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2005 Dodge Dakota?
It's a meaningful issue. 69 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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