MY FOUR WHEEL DRIVE IS ENGAGING ON IT'S OWN. THE SHIFT MOTOR ENGAGES WHILE THE VEHICLE IS PARKED AND TURNED OFF. THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE WILL ENGAGE ON IT'S OWN WHILE I AM DRIVING. I HAD THE VEHICLE TESTED AT A CERTIFIED GARAGE AND THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THE TRANSFER CASE SHIFT MOTOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. AFTER RESEARCHING DODGE/CHRYSLER ISSUES, I HAVE FOUND THAT QUITE A FEW OTHERS HAVE HAD THIS SAME…
2008 dodge Dakota powertrain problems
moderate 6 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500
Complaints
6
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$2,500
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
PINION BEARING FROZE UP SPINNING RACE IN REAR END HOUSING. THIS REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF ALL BEARINGS AND HOUSE ASSEMBLY. PINION BEARING WAS DEFECTIVE AT THE TIME IT WAS INSTALLED. PICKUP HAS ONLY 48K MILES ON IT. CHRYSLER WAS CONTACTED AGREED IT WAS BAD BUT REFUSED TO HELP ON REPLACEMENT. SAID WARRANTY WAS ONLY GOOD TO 36K. THIS HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY BUT WAS ABLE TO GET TRUCK TO GARAGE. ALL REQU…
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2008 dodge Dakota?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 6 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
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.
Some links on this page are affiliate links.