Recall 17V820 affects 16,900 2005 Dodge Dakota trucks with heated seats that develop hot spots and burn holes. Free repair at a franchised Dodge dealer.
Dodge is recalling 16,900 2005 Dakota pickup trucks equipped with heated seats because the driver or passenger seat can develop hot spots that burn through the cushion or seat back. Those hot spots can injure the seat occupant and increase the risk of a fire; Dodge dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The heated seat pad in the 2005 Dodge Dakota is an electrical heating element built into the seat cushion and seat back. When the heated seat switch is on, the pad warms the driver or passenger seat while the control system manages power to the element. That control is supposed to prevent the seat from staying too hot for too long.
On affected Dakotas, fatigue in the carbon heating element can create hot spots inside the cushion or seat back. The 2005 Dakota heated-seat control system does not shut itself down based on time in use or current draw, so the element can stay active for the ignition cycle. Heat can build in one area, damaging the upholstery, burning holes in the seat, or leading to open flames inside the cabin.
The warning signs are excessive seat heat or unusual odors from the seat area. If you notice either one, stop using the heated seat and have the recall repair handled by a Dodge dealer.
Who's affected?
| 2005 Dodge Dakota | seat assembly |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 16,900 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2005 Dodge Dakota pickup truck is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific pickup truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
Hot spots or burn holes in the heated seat can injure the seat occupant and increase the risk of a fire. Treat excessive heat or odors from the seat as a reason to stop using the seat heater and schedule the repair. Repair is free at any franchised Dodge dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2005 Dodge Dakota is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Dodge dealer to schedule the free seat-heater control update that addresses hot spots and burn holes in the seat cushion or seat back.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it. If not, reference recall number 17V820 when you call.
- Avoid using the heated seats until the dealer completes the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Dodge technician updates the seat heating system control features covered by recall 17V820. The update and labor are free under the recall. If you already paid for a related heated seat repair before the owner letter, Dodge's reimbursement process asks you to send the original receipt or other adequate proof of payment to the company so the expense can be confirmed.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 20, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 8, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| February 8, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 8, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| February 8, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 27, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V820?
Recall 17V820 covers 16,900 2005 Dodge Dakota pickup trucks with heated seats. The driver or passenger seat heater can develop hot spots that burn through the seat cushion or seat back, injure the occupant, and increase fire risk. Dodge dealers update the seat heating system controls for free.
What should I do if my 2005 Dodge Dakota is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 17V820. If it is, contact a franchised Dodge dealer to schedule the seat heating system control update. Reference recall 17V820 or Dodge recall number T80 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Dodge dealers will update the seat heating system control features free of charge, regardless of where you bought the truck.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is burn injury and fire. In included trucks, the heated seat system can create hot spots that burn through the seat cushion or seat back. Until the dealer completes the free update, avoid using the seat heater.
What if I bought my Dodge Dakota used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Dakota is included, then call a franchised Dodge dealer and reference recall 17V820 or Dodge recall number T80.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V820000 |
|---|---|
| Dodge customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V820 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V820000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →