Market Segment:
Mid-size pickup truck
Target Audience:
Consumers seeking a versatile pickup truck for work and personal use, offering a blend of capability and comfort.
Key Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon
Vehicle Type:
Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck
Body Styles:
Regular Cab, Extended Cab (Quad Cab), Crew Cab (availability varies by configuration)
Cargo Bed Lengths:
Short Bed (approx. 6.1 ft), Long Bed (approx. 8.1 ft)
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, engine maintenance
Drivetrain:
Transmission (automatic/manual), driveline components, four-wheel-drive system (if equipped)
Brakes:
Brake system operation, ABS, parking brake, brake fluid
Steering Suspension:
Power steering system, suspension components, wheel alignment
Electrical Lighting:
Battery, charging system, lighting system (headlamps, taillamps, interior), fuses, relays
Climate Control:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system operation and maintenance
Interior Features:
Seating, seat belts, airbags, door locks, windows, audio system, instrument cluster
Exterior Features:
Doors, hood, tailgate, mirrors, wipers, exterior lighting
Instrumentation Controls:
Dashboard layout, gauges, warning lights, control functions
Safety Security:
Airbags, seat belts, child restraints, vehicle security system, anti-theft features
Basic Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, cabin air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, transmission fluid service
Troubleshooting:
Interpreting dashboard warning lights, basic diagnostic tips for common issues
Operating Instructions:
Proper starting and stopping procedures, use of various vehicle controls and features
Emergency Procedures:
Changing a flat tire, jump-starting the battery, towing information
Tire Wheel Care:
Tire rotation, proper inflation, wheel torque specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive owner-level information, focusing on safe operation, maintenance, and user-accessible features. Does not typically include in-depth diagnostic procedures or full rebuild instructions found in service manuals.
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission (with 3.7L V6)
Transmission Type Optional:
5-speed Automatic Transmission (45RFE or 545RFE, with both V6 and V8)
Drivetrain Options:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
Wheelbase Regular Cab:
119.8 inches
Wheelbase Extended Cab:
131.3 inches
Wheelbase Crew Cab:
131.3 inches
Overall Length Short Bed:
195.1 inches
Overall Length Long Bed:
217.5 inches
Curb Weight Range:
Approximately 3,900 - 4,700 lbs (depending on configuration)
Max Payload Capacity:
Up to approximately 1,500 lbs (depending on configuration)
Max Towing Capacity:
Up to approximately 6,400 lbs (depending on configuration and engine)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4 Stars (for 2009 model, may vary slightly by test)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4 Stars (for 2009 model, may vary slightly by test)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
5 Stars (for 2009 model, may vary slightly by test)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
5 Stars (for 2009 model, may vary slightly by test)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Rating:
Good (for 2009 model, may vary slightly by test)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Front airbags, optional side-curtain airbags (depending on trim and configuration)
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts for all occupants, pretensioners for front seats
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for specific recommendations).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement 3.7L:
Approximately 100,000 miles (depending on spark plug type specified).
Spark Plug Replacement 4.7L:
Approximately 100,000 miles (depending on spark plug type specified).
Transmission Fluid Service:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles or as recommended by the manufacturer based on driving conditions.
Engine Oil Type 3.7L:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic or Synthetic Blend (API Certified)
Engine Oil Type 4.7L:
SAE 5W-20 Synthetic or Synthetic Blend (API Certified)
Engine Oil Capacity 3.7L:
5.0 quarts (4.7 liters) with filter change.
Engine Oil Capacity 4.7L:
6.0 quarts (5.7 liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT) or equivalent meeting Chrysler MS-9769
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (MS-9602)
Common Complaint 1:
Actuator failures in HVAC blend doors causing temperature control issues.
Common Complaint 2:
Occasional power steering pump whine or leaks.
Common Complaint 3:
Front suspension components (e.g., ball joints, tie rod ends) may wear prematurely in some models.
Common Complaint 4:
Check engine light illumination related to evaporative emission system (EVAP) leaks.
Brand:
Dodge is an American brand with a long history of producing trucks and performance vehicles.
Third Generation:
The 2009 model year falls within the third generation of the Dodge Dakota, introduced for 2005. This generation saw significant redesigns, improved powertrains, and expanded cabin options.
Manufacturing Location:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Warren, Michigan, USA