Model year record

1988 Dodge Dakota

3 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 65 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 96V094000

Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)

Component
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)
Manufacturer
CHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
140,000
Reported to NHTSA
1996-06-13
Owners notified
1996-11-08

Defect description

THE FRAME CAN CRACK AT THE STEERING GEAR ATTACHMENT AND/OR THE STEERING GEAR MOUNTING BOLTS CAN FRACTURE.

Safety risk

THE STEERING GEAR CAN SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE FRAME RESULTING IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL ADD REINFORCEMENTS TO THE FRAME AND REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR MOUNTING BOLTS. IF THE FRAME IS ALREADY CRACKED, THE STEERING GEAR WELD NUTS WILL ALSO BE REPLACED.

Recall campaignNHTSA 88V074000

Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs

Component
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Manufacturer
CHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
1,700
Reported to NHTSA
1988-05-04
Owners notified
1988-05-31

Defect description

MACHINING ERROR IN LOCATING WHEEL STUD HOLES MAY PREVENT FULL SEATING OF BRAKE DRUM TO SHAFT FLANGE.

Safety risk

WHEEL STUDS COULD LOOSEN, ALLOWING WHEEL TO SEPARATEFROM THE TRUCK.

Manufacturer remedy

REPLACE AXLE SHAFTS AS NECESSARY.

Recall campaignNHTSA 87V194000

Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)

Component
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)
Manufacturer
CHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
3,500
Reported to NHTSA
1987-12-26
Owners notified
1988-02-18

Defect description

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MAY CONTAIN A PARK SPRAG ROD ASSEMBLY THAT MAY STICK IN THE TOOTH BUTT UNENGAGED POSITION.

Safety risk

THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL WITH THEGEAR SHIFT LEVER IN PARK POSITION.

Manufacturer remedy

ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES WILL HAVE THE PARK SPRAG ROD ASSEMBLIES REPLACED.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Steering: rack and pinion22
Power train: automatic transmission6
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline3
Steering3118,100 mi
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar3
Structure: frame and members3
Equipment: mechanical: carrier/rack2
Power train: clutch assembly2
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly2
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)2
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs2
Electrical system: ignition1
Electrical system: ignition: switch1
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system147,950 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery1
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly1
Latches/locks/linkages: hatchback/liftgate: lock1
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch1
Power train: driveline: differential unit1
Power train: manual transmission1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads1
Suspension: rear1
Tires: tread/belt1
Vehicle speed control1
Wheels: hub1

The 1987 model has 3 times as many complaints as this one. The 1989 model has about half as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.