Dodge · Known Issues

2011 Dodge Dakota Problems: 1 Known Issue

2011 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated November 2026

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2011 Dodge Dakota has 1 documented issue. None of the listed issues is rated critical; this is not a complete reliability assessment. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $400. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

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On the 2000-2011 Dodge Dakota, the 4WD Dakota transfer cases (NP231 part-time and NP242 or NV244 full-time on 2000-2004 trucks, NV233/NV244 on 2005-2011 trucks) develop leaks at the rear output shaft seal and front output shaft seal. The seals dry out and crack from heat exposure and age, allowing ATF to leak onto the exhaust crossover pipe, creating a burning fluid smell. Low fluid levels from undetected leaks can cause transfer case chain wear and eventual failure.

This issue also affects: Dodge Durango, RAM 2500

Common Symptoms

Fluid dripping from center of vehicle under transfer case
Burning fluid smell from under the vehicle
Low transfer case fluid level
Grinding noise when engaging 4WD
Transfer case whine or rumble at highway speeds

How to Fix

Replace the leaking output shaft seal(s). The rear output seal can often be done in-vehicle by removing the rear driveshaft and prying out the old seal. The front output seal requires more disassembly. Use genuine Mopar seals or National Oil Seals equivalents. Refill the transfer case with Mopar ATF+4. Check fluid level every oil change to catch leaks early. Seal replacement runs $150-$400.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

Mopar 4798125 transfer-case output-shaft seal
Replace a confirmed leaking output seal after identifying the exact transfer case and leak position Fitment: Verified Dakota catalog subset is 2000-2002; do not extend across 2003-2011 without the transfer-case tag and output position Li…
Mopar Parts Giant
National 4370N transfer-case oil seal
Aftermarket rear-output seal branch after case-tag confirmation Fitment: Verified 1997-2001 NP231/NP242 application; this issue uses 2000-2001 overlap only Live direct US product page when checked
Amazon
Mopar 68218057AC ATF+4 fluid
Refill branch only when the identified transfer case specifies ATF+4 Fitment: Confirm transfer-case model and service-manual fluid specification first; amount depends on case and service state Live Mopar direct product page when checked

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$150 - $400

Research This Issue

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Community Reported

Medium ConfidenceVerifiedUpdated Nov 7, 2026

NHTSA Recalls9 recalls

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler 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.

Campaign #16V35200024/05/2016

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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 2006-2009 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.

Campaign #15V31300027/05/2015

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, Dakota, and 2006 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles manufactured July 1, 2005, to July 31, 2006 with manual transmissions. The return springs in the clutch ignition interlock switch may break.

Campaign #14V79500016/12/2014

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE SOFTWARE PROGRAMMED INTO THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE CAN CAUSE A MOMENTARY LOCK UP OF THE DRIVE WHEELS IF THE VEHICLE IS TRAVELING OVER 40 MPH AND THE OPERATOR SHIFTS FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL AND BACK TO DRIVE.

Campaign #06V34100007/09/2006

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, Ram 4500/5500, 2010-2011 Dodge Dakota, 2010-2014 Dodge Challenger, 2010-2015 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, and 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.

Campaign #19V01800015/01/2019

+ 4 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Dodge Dakota problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2011 Dodge Dakota has 1 documented issue. The documented issue is: Transfer Case Output Seal Leak (4WD Dakota). None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.

Is the Dodge Dakota reliable?

The 2011 Dodge Dakota has 1 known issue compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. None of the matching records is rated critical; this is not a complete reliability assessment. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Dodge Dakota problems?

Repair costs for known Dodge Dakota issues range from $150 to $400, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2000-2011 Dodge Dakota Transfer Case Output Seal Leak (4WD Dakota)?

The 4WD Dakota transfer cases (NP231 part-time and NP242 or NV244 full-time on 2000-2004 trucks, NV233/NV244 on 2005-2011 trucks) develop leaks at the rear output shaft seal and front output shaft seal. The seals dry out and crack from heat exposure and age, allowing ATF to leak… Repairs typically run $150-$400. Severity: medium.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.