Top 5 Problems Dodge Dakota Pickup 2005-2010 3rd Generation

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Here are the top 5 problems with the 3rd generation Dodge Dakota Pickup! In this video, Len points out the most common issues you might find on your 2005-2010 Dodge Dakota. He points out the 5 most common problems, and gives you tips on how to figure out solutions to those problems yourself!
This process should be similar on the following vehicles:
2005 Dodge Dakota
2006 Dodge Dakota
2007 Dodge Dakota
2008 Dodge Dakota
2009 Dodge Dakota
2010 Dodge Dakota
🔧 List of tools used:
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⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[@1AAuto]

√ Watch the Video √ Buy The Part at 1A Auto 1aau.to/m/Visit-1AAuto √ Do it Yourself √ Save Money

[@MMFD76]

I've owned 3 of these. Steering shaft on 2 needed replaced and the suspension definitely has issues as they get older. With proper maintenance these trucks can go forever and the 4.7 or 3.7 engines are really easy to work on. Just wish other drivers would stop smashing into me so I could keep one long term. The 2nd one had almost 250k miles on and was still running strong.

[@vr4787]

Miss my 3rd gen Dakota. No major issue in the 8 years I had it, transmission temp sensor would act up every so often but it was solid overall.

[@LouStoriale]

Would be good to show prices on parts and labor time - even if the prices were X years in the past, it provides helpful information to people like me.

[@dixiewishbone5582]

AMEN on the two upper ball joints, Both went bad on my 2008 Dakota and a bit expensive as it was replaced by my local mechanic. This is my second Dakota after an earlier 1995 model which gave great dependable service as well! Thanks for the helpful advice! S. Carolina

[@bulldogpanzer]

You have a good playlist of repairs that is growing for repairing this truck. You should add videos that address things you identified in this video. So far, the list is missing how to replace the exhaust manifolds (especially the passenger side), the camshaft position sensor, and the steering shaft. Also, please add a video for replacing the rack and pinion and the front and rear crankshaft seals. Very helpful videos overall. Thanks.

[@1AAuto]

+bulldogpanzer We're always cycling through common cars. We'll add this repair to our list! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@mikejerrett7354]

These videos are very helpful, lots of good information. Good job

[@sharklordgaming673]

tbh thank you for this video i sadly got the last problem with my truck but I couldn't figure out what was causing it thank you for posting!

[@Elizabeth-lt1qo]

I had the transfer case go while I was half way on an 8 hour drive and I couldn't go more then like 30mph in a 70. Was super scary.

[@superflysquirrel]

Thank you, this was really helpful ❤️

[@reapermanslayer]

WARNING: the manifold problem is not "easily" addressed AT ALL. Entire front end has to be removed, and the engine unbolted and raised. THEN you get to try and get broken bolts out without destroying the block.

[@BrysonMichaelRC]

Just bought one of these, great truck. Ball joint does need replaced lol. I'm also hearing a noise when I put on the breaks from the drivers side back wheel. Not a grinding noise. More like a stretched cable noise. Not sure what it is. I'm gonna just replace the whole suspension in the front to make sure ball joint and the rods are all good. When I get it in the air I'm gonna check the back. Great truck though otherwise

[@YTC518]

Love your videos!!! They are very informative and easy to understand. Thanks for what you all do! God bless!😁🙏🙏👍👍

[@heavyprogressive76]

The bloopers and giggling at the end! Haha

[@johnkelly6392]

I'm thinking of buying a 2005 quad cab this Wednesday

[@more-of-psycho-less-of-logist]

Been waiting for this for so long, thanks for this material! Time to check exhaust manifolds and steering shaft. 😅

[@kingdz6712]

2006 my brother had he passed away and i was left with the truck got the trans rebuild at 200k now i have 206k on it and even when my brother had it the truck was good he parked it because of that now it runs great air blow cold i just have to change the coil packs and wires think i can get another 150k miles on it

[@joshsamuel408]

Does anyone know if buying this type of truck for a college student would or would not break the bank? That would be my concern since this is an options on my list.

[@Nosnehp]

The 4.7 is prone to drop valve seats and causing damage to the cylinder head and piston.

[@Roman-wv4rd]

You forgot about oil pressure sensor right next to oil filter, those things break constantly

[@michaelmcelhinney691]

Any insight on the transmission temp light randomly coming on and off for shoet periods of time and how to fix or stop it?

[@bmack2938]

My 05 had a broken exhaust stud. Started up the truck after a minute or so and it would heat up and seal up the leak. Couldn’t hear. Drove it like that for years.

[@Pro1er]

Why did you stop at the 2010? What about the 2011, does it have the same issues or were they resolved by then?

[@FunkyGOB]

Surprised you guys didn’t cover the TIPM issues

[@Just1American1966]

That ball joint issue isn't restricted to the Gen-3 models. I had to do mine on my 2000 Quad Cab at around 120 thousand miles.

[@Censoredagain7881]

Those steering shafts are notched, and only go on one way, I've replaced one on my 2002 and on my 2005. There is no need to take it to an alignment shop. Unless you want to spend more money.

[@dexdude2]

Mine has a consistent squeaking sound coming from the rear. Is it leaf spring bushings, shackle, body mounts? Any ideas?

[@LUCKYONE1952]

Did you have a automatic trans shifter froze up and have to manually have to lub&free it up and a problem with the cable that set on the ball being lose and not being able to put it in park

[@yettibaker5785]

What about the sent of coolant coming through My vents when I use the heat?

[@NXT_LVL]

lol so they went away from a riveted ball joints in the 97-04 to a push in style... still requiring you to spend the same amount for a new control arm as a Ball joint/Bushing kit is basically the same price within $20 for the second gens

[@crystalmiddleton5884]

My mom just bought a 2011 Dodge Dakota Big Horn Crew 4x4. We are having issues with a clicking noise when driving the truck. And the dash speedometer quits working and brake light comes on and abs light comes on tire pressure light comes on 😅. What could be the problem?

[@17madracki17]

My 2011 dodge 3500 shifted to low range going down the highway haha must be a dodge thing. Was the control module between switch and motor. In a horrible spot getting hit with tire spray of course. 2 years old when it did it

[@paulmbugua9163]

hi i have a 2010 dodge dakota i put a second hard engine in it it worked well then it developed a problem it seems like it is not accelelation and or its in a limp mode alsohas a hard start but eventually it start engine light is on and its calling for a crankshaft sensor bought a new one but still the problem is there help

[@terrymonahansr3390]

got a problem with my power steering in my Dodge Dakota 2005 3.7 eng. I change my top hose and but I have to fill up my reservoir for fluid every 3 weeks

[@joshuadoty9710]

I have an 05 Dodge Dakota I've had it for almost a year and a half I've had it in the shop over 25 different times I've done quite a bit of work to it myself it just came back from Dodge supposedly they put a new motor in it this and that and I got it back and didn't even have it 3 days and it started doing the same problem but I didn't have it back a day or so and it started the overheating problem

[@kenclingman2937]

I have a 2008 dakota with an electrical issue. My headlights keep slowly burning out, one at a time. Either side will do it. I've replaced the bulb harnesses at least 3 times now. 3 new pairs of headlight bulbs. New battery, alternator, headlight switch, New multi function switch, and I've ever replaced the TIPM. (Totally integrated power module) any suggestions on what to try next?

[@KevinSmith-qi5yn]

42RLE transmission is insufficient for the vehicle if you have the 6 cylinder. The 42RLE transmission on mine fails every 60k miles. The heads on the 6 cylinder can also develop issues at about 150k miles. Each of these is a $3k fix at a shop.

[@BuildingPersephone]

I own the 2011 3.7L model (last year). I have a SRV 4WD light on and no 4WD. The light only comes on when attempting to go into 4WD. The actuator and control switch have been replaced to no effect. I thought it might be the Transfer Case Control Module, but this model and this model only does not appear to have a separate TCCM. Instead it's all housed together with a cluster of CMs in the Front Control Module, which is about $1,000 to replace! I am a very amature mechanic, and even more inept electrician, so not sure if it is the CM or not. Given the behaviour (SRV light only comes on when switched, not sound of actuator at all, no other lights, no 4WD at all, no associated code on my reader), is there something else I could do to try and diagnose or fix a fault between the switch and the actuator?

[@AvromCrovax]

Have one with a problem but non of those..... horrible whining groaning sound coming from the back end when holding steady on the gas. Has gotten the point that... the abs, brake, n engine light is on and my speedometer has stopped working

[@gregbrown672]

330 k on an 05. None of these issues on this one. Normal wear replacement fixed everything

[@brandonsturrup8866]

I have the 2007 an it’s just got rebuilt an now it’s not moving an it’s not taking reverse an the 2 front plugs is not getting power I think the harness got pinched

[@joshuaryanferguson3702]

looks like problems every other truck has

[@user-mv3iy3bq9j]

I have a08 dakota and was shifting perfect then one day went into first gear only and now wont shift at all without slipping what could be issue put on snap on computer no code for cpu

[@tylerdurdan2557]

Can your team do a tccm unit and 4 wheel drive switch replacement for a 2001 dakota?

[@1AAuto]

We do not have a video for this repair right now, but we'll keep this request in mind for a future video! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@franciscoesquivel6573]

the gear lever is stuck I already changed the brake switch and it doesn't work either and the brake light is not working either I had to disconnect the cable that is near the lever to be able to drive it and I have not been able to fix it

[@jonathancaliwag2073]

I have 2005 dodge Dakota, every time I start it, it’s smell burnt, why it’s like that? Thanks

[@forumicebreaker]

1:41 steering shaft question: Could this steering shaft problem be misdiagnosed by a mechanic as an issue with the rack and pinion? I have no access to the truck in question (2008 Dakota, 2WD with 40,000 miles). All I know is what I've been told, it sounds like the truck went in and had rack and pinion and tie rod replaced at a $1300 cost. Any opinions on this, anyone?

[@user-db9ge4um1g]

Ive got an 05 dakota quadcab 4.7 v8 with 165k great truck but i get a horrendous tin can sound from the front driver tire only between 30-35 mph has anyone else had this problem?

[@leotomma3494]

Regular wear and tear and maintenance isn't a problem, every vehicle goes through it

[@friarfanatik1978]

TIPM I believe is my finicky issues

[@drcurby]

I'm noticing most of us owned more then 1 dakota lol. 2000v8 and 2008 v6. I've spent so much money on my 08. so much more money then it's worth. but it's still going@ 330100km

[@brianhatcher-ds3mz]

2009 Dodge Dakota stuck in park

[@erichmmiiiable]

The ball joints, cam sensor, and 4wd shaft motor

[@andrew_trucker]

how come its so hard to fidn the 4 cylinder dakotas

[@Shafenheimer]

2005 fuel vapor leak. No one can find where it’s leaking from.

[@ironman11880]

ive owned 2 of these. between them ive had all of these problems.

[@1AAuto]

+Ken Whiteman Thanks for the feedback!

[@forumicebreaker]

Question: would a lesser mechanic diagnose that steering shaft issue as a need to replace the pinion rack and all tie-rods? Background on my question: My kid has a 2004 Dakota 2WD with 40,000 miles on the truck, formerly in-law Grandpa's truck. Due to wife filing for divorce and alienating me as much as possible, my kid, who can come across town anytime (I have a room for him here) or contact me anytime, apparently had a $1300 rack and pinion/tie rod replacement done on the truck recently and is hitting up my parents (Grandma and Grandpa, who have no money to help, or even a car of their own) for some money. So I know very little about this truck. The kid got it from the in-law side because my wife wouldn't let me have our son pay for his own vehicle insurance when my wife basically gave him my (just bought) 1996 Tacoma. Needless to say, the wife drained over $20K from the joint account prior to filing, so this is using the alienated kid and possibly a method to get him to hate me as part of her smear campaign.

[@jasonstewart8973]

Hell I took the u joints out of a wrecked dakota bout 60.000 on it .and changed em out .the wrecked one is rack n pinion mine ant.he didn't cost nothing but time.hell just center it up my alinement was fine didn't cost a dime.

[@1AAuto]

+Jason Stewart Thanks for the feedback!

[@MetalAsFork]

Those abundant hand gestures are cheesin' me out, bro.

[@desertcobrabattalion1890]

Brakes have gone out 3 times master break cylinder,headers,front diff,front axles,abs, 5 sets of barrings,starter, and alot more i have only used my truck for 1 years before repairs cost more then it was worth 2011 ram dakota 4.7 4x4 i still have it rn i am doing another set of barriers cant wait for my f350 to get back from the shop dam thieves cant have anything to nice

[@1AAuto]

+Desert Cobra Battalion Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@cleo4356]

I bought a '05 Dakota from a widow whose husband died 8yrs ago. Truck has only been driven once a month over those 8 yrs. I went to use the 4wd for snowy road conditions when I was reversing out of my driveway. Check engine light came on and in 4wd reverse the transmission didn't want to engage and shifted hard when it finally did. It now stalls when I come to a stop and accelerate and also does not want to engage when I put it in drive. Would that possibly have anything to do with the transfer case? Also he used it to haul his classic car around for car shows so it has a load such on it.

[@andrew_trucker]

are the 1990s dakota better than 2005 and 2010?

[@judahbrutus]

These are one of the worst build vehicles I have ever driven. Generally build quality is terrible, every one of these gets bad rust on the wheel wells, engine bay and bed I drove a couple 2011's that were only 5 years old at the time and I could not believe the amount of rust, the rattling sound when driving and bad ball joints. Don't buy one of these. The 1st Gen dakotas are build pretty good but the quality dropped quickly from there.

[@tomrobards7753]

To start with one major problem is it's a dodge