Known Recalls

Model year record

1989 Dodge Dakota

3 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 88 owner complaints on file.

Dodge Dakota, 1987–1996 generation
Pictured: the 1987–1996 generation. Cutlass, CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 01V232000

Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)

Component
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)
Manufacturer
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
4,000
Reported to NHTSA
2001-07-06
Owners notified
2001-08-27

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 4X2 PICKUP TRUCK CONVERTIBLES EQUIPPED WITH V6 ENGINES (BUILT FROM NOVEMBER 1988 - JUNE 1990) AND 4X2 PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH THE SHELBY PACKAGE (BUILT OCTOBER 1988 - JUNE 1989). 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. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 27, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

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 89V237000

Engine and engine cooling: engine

Component
Engine and engine cooling: engine
Manufacturer
CHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
634,000
Reported to NHTSA
1989-12-27
Owners notified
1990-02-21

Defect description

THE ENGINE VALVE COVER GASKET MAY DISLOCATE AND ALLOW AN ENGINE OIL LEAK AT THE GASKET.

Safety risk

THE LEAKAGE OF OIL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COULD CAUSEA FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

REPLACE GASKET COVER WITH REVISED COVER, AND RTV SEALANT WILL BE APPLIED IN PLACE OF A GASKET.

Owner complaints

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

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Steering: rack and pinion14—
Engine and engine cooling: engine6167,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip5—
Power train: automatic transmission399,100 mi
Power train: clutch assembly3—
Power train: manual transmission3—
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)3209,000 mi
Structure: frame and members3—
Electrical system: ignition2—
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system2—
Equipment: mechanical: carrier/rack2—
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch2—
Power train: driveline: driveshaft2—
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly2—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor2—
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar2—
Steering: rack and pinion: rack2—
Tires2—
Visibility: glass, side/rear2—
Electrical system: starter assembly1—
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood1—
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline1—
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)1—
Fuel system, gasoline: carburetor system1—
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump1—
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly1—
Power train: driveline: differential unit1—
Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)1105,980 mi
Seat belts: front: anchorage1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: ABS warning light1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: drum1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: shoes/linings1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: wheel cylinders1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder1—
Steering: hydraulic power assist system1—
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump1—
Structure: body: roof and pillars1—
Suspension: rear1—
Tires: temporary/emergency spare tire1—
Tires: tread/belt1—
Unknown or other1—
Wheels1100,000 mi

The 1988 model has about 1.5 times as many complaints as this one. The 1990 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Other Dodge Dakota model years

201120102009200820072006200520042003200220012000199919981997199619951994199319921991199019891988198719861985

All Dodge Dakota recalls by year

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.