Segment:
Mid-size pickup truck
Key Competitors:
Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, Ford Ranger (pre-2012), Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon
Vehicle Attributes:
Available in 2WD and 4WD, various cab configurations (Regular, Club, Crew), robust V6 and V8 engine options for its class
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system
Drivetrain:
Transmission operation (automatic/manual), transfer case (if applicable), drivetrain components
Chassis And Suspension:
Braking system, steering system, suspension components, wheels and tires
Electrical:
Lighting systems, instrumentation, power accessories, basic electrical troubleshooting, fuse locations
Body And Interior:
Door locks, windows, seating adjustments, climate control, safety belts, airbags, cargo management
Operation:
Vehicle startup and shutdown, gear selection, trailer towing, load securing
Maintenance:
Fluid checks and top-offs, tire pressure checks, wiper blade replacement, bulb replacement, basic cleaning
Troubleshooting:
Warning lights and indicators, basic diagnosis of common issues
Depth Level:
Consumer-level operation and basic maintenance; not a comprehensive service or repair manual
Binding:
Perfect bound or saddle-stitched (common for OEM manuals)
Paper Quality:
Durable, glossy or semi-gloss paper stock for longevity
Print Resolution:
High-quality printing for clear text and legible diagrams
Digital Format Details:
PDF (if digital), typically optimized for readability and searchability
Transmission Type Std:
4-speed automatic (42RLE)
Transmission Type Opt:
5-speed manual (NV3500 - typically with 3.7L V6)
Transfer Case 4Wd:
Electronic shift-on-the-fly transfer case (for 4WD models)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mopar ATF+4 (or equivalent)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific gear oil type (likely GL-4 or GL-5)
Wheelbase Regular Cab:
118.4 inches (2997 mm)
Wheelbase Extended Cab:
131.3 inches (3335 mm)
Wheelbase Crew Cab:
131.3 inches (3335 mm)
Bed Length Short:
6.0 ft (approx. 72.6 inches)
Bed Length Long:
7.0 ft (approx. 84.6 inches)
Curb Weight Range:
4,000 - 4,800 lbs (approx.)
Towing Capacity Max:
Up to 6,500 lbs (with 4.7L V8 and proper towing package)
Payload Capacity Max:
Up to 1,500 lbs (approx.)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Not explicitly rated for 2010 model year, typical for trucks of this era
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Not explicitly rated for 2010 model year
IIHS Crash Test Results:
Refer to IIHS website for specific tests conducted on 2010 models
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Available Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - called Electronic Stability Program (ESP) by Chrysler/Dodge
Airbags Front:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Airbags Side:
Available front seat-mounted side-impact airbags
Seat Belts:
Three-point active seat belts for all occupants
Audio System:
Available AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio systems, SiriusXM Satellite Radio
Navigation:
Optional navigation system available on higher trims
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Parking Assist:
Available rear parking assist sensors
Auxiliary Input:
Available auxiliary audio input jack for external devices
Bluetooth:
Optional Uconnect Bluetooth hands-free communication system
Oil Change Interval:
Every 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic or synthetic blend oil)
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or at 30,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement:
3.7L V6: 100,000 miles; 4.7L V8: 100,000 miles (typically platinum or iridium)
Coolant Flush:
First at 60,000 miles or 5 years, then every 30,000 miles or 3 years thereafter (OAT coolant)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Check condition regularly; change every 60,000-100,000 miles depending on usage and fluid condition
Engine Oil Capacity 3.7L:
5.0 quarts (4.7 L) with filter (SAE 5W-20)
Engine Oil Capacity 4.7L:
7.0 quarts (6.6 L) with filter (SAE 5W-20)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler OAT (Organic Acid Technology) Pink Coolant
Common Problems 3.7L:
Intake manifold gasket leaks, occasional misfires due to ignition coil issues
Common Problems 4.7L:
Heat riser actuator failure, occasional piston slap on cold start
Transmission Issues:
Some reports of harsh shifting or delayed engagement with the 42RLE automatic transmission
Suspension Wear:
Front suspension components (ball joints, control arm bushings) can experience wear over time
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing trucks, dating back to the 1930s, known for their durability and utility.
Dakota Generations:
The 2010 Dakota belongs to the third generation (2005-2011), which saw significant updates and platform sharing with Dodge Durango.
Manufacturing Plant:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan
Production Period Third Gen:
2005-2011 model years
Truck Of The Year Mentions:
While not a primary award winner, the Dakota consistently received good reviews for its V8 power and utility in its segment.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Reliability ratings varied across model years and specific components; refer to past Consumer Reports issues for detailed analysis.
