This is my first post on this forum. I have been searching everywhere for help with my 2008 Dodge Dakota.

According to the internet MPG for the 2008 Dakota SXT is about 18-22 MPG, and right now mine is 15 MPG Highway.

Is there any others out there who have the same problem?

For a while I thought that the gas mileage was average, but I thought I had an 18 gallon tank, but the book says that it is a 22 gallon, which puts my gas mileage at about 15.1 mpg.

Also, in the past I have had two occasions where the truck just seemed to shut off out of nowhere. I had to take the key out and restart the truck to resume driving.

I'm just looking for some answers!

 

What engine do you have? Is this all highway or mixed? I can get about 18-18.5mpg in 90% highway driving with the 4.7.

Also, watch your tire pressures, I get the best around 39-40psi. Using the recommended 35, or the tire max of 44psi kills my mpgs.

 

That's about right. Keep it tuned up and drive like granny. Use the search function. There are a billion threads on gas mileage issues with these trucks.

 

The only true method of measuring MPG is miles driven divided by gallons put into the tank. You don't even need to know how large your gas tank is. From your description here, it sounds like you are using a different method. Correct me if I am mistaken.

What engine do you have, 4.7 V8 or 3.7 V6?

In my 2010 4x4 4.7L V8, I average 15-16 in the winter with a little 4x4 usage and about 50%-60% in town driving. In the summer, I average 16-18.

 

Yes, make sure to use the miles driven/gallons poured method. For the most accurate results, pump it to full and let the pump click just once. Reset your trip counter and drive. The more fuel you burn, the more accurate the results will be. I drop it to between a quarter-half tank or so before I pump again. Once you refuel again you should try to use the same pump at the same station, and same grade. Then mark you mileage from the trip counter, fuel up and let it click by itself. Divide you miles driven by gallons poured and you will get your average mileage.

If you are doing all highway, and you drive normally, I could see that calculation coming to around 18ish or higher. I get 15ish, and I certainly don't drive normally. My spin tech muffler just sounds too good when I hammer the pedal.

 

Dang, I'd be happy with 15. I'm averaging 10-11 combined with the 4.7 in 05 dak.

 

+1

 

Have you done all the usual stuff, checked air filter/tire pressures/not in 4wd/etc.? That seems very low even for the 4.7...

 

and don't forget tires .. guys like those HEAVY All Terrain Tires .. like 10ply .. those thingsw will drop you mileage...also how much stuff do you carry every day in your truck, driving habits are the biggest factor .. I have a 2006 4x4 quad cab 4.7V8 6speed manual and I average 16-17 ...

 

I have no idea what mileage I get. I fill the tank at a quarter, drive 'til it is at a quarter again and fill it again.

And I try to go without air conditioning - my experience is that MoPaR a/c units draw heavy on the fuel.

I keep it tuned and clean, but short of snake-oil, there is not much I can do to change the mileage - I bought a truck with a V8 - I can pass anything but a gas station.