1990 Dodge Dakota: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 63 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is steering (42% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 2001
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 63 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“First tire separation discovered by csaa auto service during routine maintenance, on 11/07/01. Second and third tread separation were during vacation, when driving down highway, at 50mph, the tires started producing rough ride. Stopped to check tires, and noticed separation.*ak (tiresize: lt21575r15)”Owner report · Tires · Nov 2001
“While driving heard a rattle, that sounded like water pump was going bad. Next day, consumer heard a loud crash bang, fan blade broke off, cut radiator hose. Fan blade had to be replaced. Consumer felt like if they would have been under hood some one may have been seriously injured.*ak the customer also noted that one of four blade fan has cracked. Radiator failed. *yh”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2000
“The fuel tank cracked, causing the fuel to spill over. If it was to become a source of ignition, it could cause a fire. Dealer will replace fuel tank. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 1998
Show 7 more owner reports
“Consumer complainting of transmission overdrive system malfunction with only 67,000 miles of wear, dealer notified and will repair for a cost to the cosumer.”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 1998
“While loading equipment into bed, 1/2 inch aluminum rivet that holds tailgate chain bracket onto the body failed/ripped off. (qcaw)”Owner report · Structure · Apr 1998
“Owner received a recall notice concerning steering gear box. But was unable to get the vehicle repaired because the mechanic at the dealer told them they could only get it repaired monday through friday, not on saturday. Owner stated that's their only means of transportation. *ak”Owner report · Steering · Mar 1998
“Transmission failed with virtually no warning. Transmission had been visually inspected and serviced as part of a service call; no signs of failure were detected.”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 1997
“Took vehicle in for a recall and the vehicle was supposed to be ready by 3 on dec.20, 1996,but the dealership doesn't have the parts.”Owner report · Steering · Dec 1996
“Rack and pinion steering bolts came loose and caused a loss of steering, the two mounting bolts broke. *ak consumer received recall96v094 and took vehicle to dealer for inspection, dealer stated the rack and pinion had cracked, a mechanic stated it was broke in between the two mounting bolts, consumer feels the only way the rack could have broken in half is for one of the mounting pads to have torn loose from the crossmember. *slc”Owner report · Steering · Nov 1996
“Consumer states that while she was driving the vehicle on normal road conditions that the she stepped on the brakes and there was no steering what so ever and the rack and pinion fell from under the car. There was absolutely no steering.*ak”Owner report · Steering · Sep 1996
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
THE FRAME CAN CRACK AT THE STEERING GEAR ATTACHMENT AND/OR THE STEERING GEAR MOUNTING BOLTS CAN FRACTURE.
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.
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.
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.
THE ENGINE VALVE COVER GASKET MAY DISLOCATE AND ALLOW AN ENGINE OIL LEAK AT THE GASKET.
Remedy: REPLACE GASKET COVER WITH REVISED COVER, AND RTV SEALANT WILL BE APPLIED IN PLACE OF A GASKET.
How other years compare
Check your exact Dakota by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1990 Dodge Dakota reliable?
NHTSA has 63 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 Dodge Dakota. The most complained-about area is steering (42% of complaints).
Does the 1990 Dodge Dakota have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning steering:gear box (other than rack and pinion). Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.