2005 Dodge Dakota Review
Price Estimate: $2,674 - $4,159





+39
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Strong engine lineup, choice of part-time or full-time four-wheel drive, comfortable and refined interior, nimble handling.
Cons
- No long bed or single cab models, club cab's backseat offers barely passable comfort for adults.
What’s new
The midsize Dodge Dakota is all new for 2005. Improvements include a hydroformed boxed steel frame, a coil-over front suspension, three excellent engine options, a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission, revised styling and improved build quality.
Edmunds says
Refinement appears to be the magic word at Dodge these days, and it shows in the all-new 2005 Dodge Dakota. Excellent powertrain options, nimble suspension and a well thought-out interior score major points, but the aggressive styling isn't for everyone.
For sale near Columbus, OH
98 listings
- 120,975 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, personal use only
- 5'5” bed, 6cyl
- Kincheloe Motors Inc (88 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Leather Seats
- Power Driver Seat
- Alarm
- Rear Bench Seats
Close
Located in Parkersburg, WV
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
15 Combined MPG (14 City/18 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1D7HW58NX5S152061
Stock: 3886
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 09-04-2025- $5,995good price$1,978 below market
- 136,094 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 5'5” bed, 3.7l, 6cyl
- Prime Auto Sales (100 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Rear Bench Seats
- Crew Cab
- Fold Flat Rear Seats
Close
Located in Uniontown, OH
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
15 Combined MPG (14 City/18 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1D7HW48K95S236615
Stock: 236615
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 09-24-2025
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$226/mo for Dakota ST
Dakota ST
vs
$216/mo
Avg. Compact Truck
Reliability
The 2005 Dodge Dakota has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 9 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
9 recalls foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 17V820000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- T80
- Manufactured from:
- 2004-05-17 to 2005-06-24
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 16900
- Defect Description:
- Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain 2005 Dodge Dakota pickup trucks equipped with heated seats. These driver and passenger seats may develop hot spots that can result in the seat cushion or seat back having burn holes.
- Defect Consequence:
- The hot spots and burn holes can injure the seat occupant and can increase the risk of a fire.
- Corrective Action:
- Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will update the seat heating system control features, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 8, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T80.
- Recall Number:
- 16V352000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- S43
- Manufactured from:
- 2004-02-01 to 2011-10-01
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 4575203
- Defect Description:
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) 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.
- Defect Consequence:
- 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.
- Corrective Action:
- 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. Chrysler mailed interim letters informing owners that parts are not yet available on July 7, 2016. Mitsubishi mailed interim letters informing owners that parts are not yet available on July 22, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available in late March 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S43.
- Recall Number:
- 15V313000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- R25
- Manufactured from:
- 2004-01-01 to 2009-12-31
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 4066732
- Defect Description:
- 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 2006-2099 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.
- Defect Consequence:
- 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.
- Corrective Action:
- 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:
- 14V817000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- P81
- Manufactured from:
- 2004-01-01 to 2007-06-30
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 2890785
- Defect Description:
- Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2004-2007 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2005-2007 Dodge Ram 2500, Charger, Magnum, Dakota, Chrysler 300, 300C, SRT8, 2006-2007 Dodge Ram 3500 and Mitsubishi Raider, and 2007 Chrysler Aspen. Upon
- Defect Consequence:
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver side frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the vehicle occupants.
- Corrective Action:
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Some of the vehicles included in this recall were recalled under safety recall 14V-354, and that addresses vehicles sold, or currently registe
- Recall Number:
- 14V770000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- P40 Expand
- Manufactured from:
- 2003-01-01 to 2004-07-30
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 357933
- Defect Description:
- 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.
- Defect Consequence:
- 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.
- Corrective Action:
- 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 supersedes the passenger air bag portion of recall 14V-354.
- Recall Number:
- 14V354000
- Defect Description:
- Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is conducting a limited regional recall for vehicles originally sold or currently registered in Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and equipped with Takata-brand air bag inflators. Upon deployment of t
- Defect Consequence:
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of one of the affected frontal air bags, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the vehicle occupants.
- Corrective Action:
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag inflator(s), free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
- Recall Number:
- 09E012000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 16270
- Defect Description:
- SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
- Defect Consequence:
- DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Corrective Action:
- SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
- Recall Number:
- 05V460000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- E14
- Manufactured from:
- 2004-09-01 to 2005-06-01
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 256409
- Defect Description:
- ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 42RLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE CUP PLUG THAT RETAINS THE PARK PAWL ANCHOR SHAFT MAY BE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED. IF THE SHAFT MOVES OUT OF POSITION, THE VEHICLE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO ACHIEVE 'PARK' POSITION.
- Defect Consequence:
- IF THIS OCCURS AND THE PARKING BRAKE IS NOT APPLIED, THE VEHICLE MAY ROLL AWAY AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSIONS AND INSTALL A BRACKET TO ENSURE THE PARK PAWL ANCHOR SHAFT IS RETAINED IN THE PROPER POSITION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 28, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
- Recall Number:
- 05V002000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- D57
- Manufactured from:
- 2004-07-01 to 2004-11-23
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 1142
- Defect Description:
- ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH THE OPTIONAL SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG, THE CURTAIN FASTENERS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY TIGHTENED.
- Defect Consequence:
- 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.
- Corrective Action:
- 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.
Warranty
3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 7 years / 70,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 5 years / 100,000 miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
Dodge Dakota Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
great mid size with heart of a full size
4.5 out of 5 starsdaveydoo, 01/01/2015
2005 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab SLT Rwd SB (3.7L 6cyl 6M)
Perfect size for urban areas. Has 4.7L with 5 speed transmission with normal maintenance is still strong. Returning 16.2 combined driving. With 138631 miles I had to replace front shocks and rebuild front suspension due to feeling floaty and steering no too crisp. Interior is perfect for four full size adults.
260,000 miles and going strong
5 out of 5 starsKathy F., 12/29/2018
2005 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab Laramie 4WD SB (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
I've owned my Dakota since it had 5,000 miles on it. I used it to commute 100 miles a day. Now, I use it for weekend use. When it had 200,000 miles on it, I bought tires. The mechanic tried to talk me into ones that would last for 90,000 miles and I laughed because the truck had so many miles on it. Looks like I may have to put a new set of tires on it. I love, love, love this … truck. Would have bought one with less miles on it recently if I could have found one.
It rocks
4.38 out of 5 starsmrwilliematt, 02/02/2005
2005 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab Laramie 4WD SB (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
Just bought a 2005 Dodge Dakota Larimie Quad Cab 4WD, V8. I traded in a 2003 Dakota Quad Cab 2WD with the 3.9 V6. The 2005 rides, handles, and sounds way better than the 2003. I also gets better mileage. I am getting around 17 on the 2005 compared to 15 on the 2003. I know a lot of people do not care for the looks of this truck but as a driver it is light years ahead on the previous … model Dakota.
Driving 2005 Dakota 4x4 QuadCab 8 Years
3.88 out of 5 starscool_breeze1, 05/31/2015
2005 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab ST 4WD SB (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
I would call this an average vehicle with average performance and average reliability. Gas mileage, performance, comfort, reliability not awful but not great, mostly in the middle leaning towards the better side.
I have the towing package and hear that the truck is great for its size, however I have never towed with it, owned it since 2007 and do not know whether previous owner … towed. MPG has crept down over the years to around 14 city, 18 highway - wish that I had purchased the 8 cyl since the day I got this one, as the smaller engine has made no difference in mileage but a lot of difference in fun, 8 is better. Average maintenance, minor warranty work on heater fan motor, OK truck.
2005 Dakota Highlights
Club Cab
ST
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $19,885 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $226/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
rear wheel drive | |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Dakota include:
- Alarm
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5PassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintPoor
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