1991 Dodge Dakota: problems, recalls and reliability
5 recalls and 128 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (45% of complaints); the 1990 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 128 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“ABS found flashing code 7,performedppt, found module bad.( check safety recall f05) when performing recall a/t manual valve , found discoloration in transmission fluid possible cooler restriction is a major factor in condition .. Tech told this customer this is a major problem with this transmission truck only has 75000 actual mile...”Owner report · Service Brakes · Aug 2017
“The airbag light comes on as I turn a corner at low speeds and then it eventually goes off as I straighten out. It has done this intermittently for a couple years but now it's getting much worse as it happens almost every day. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2009
“Tl*the contact owns a 1991 dodge dakota. There are two safety recalls that the contact would like to have repaired on the vehicle: NHTSA campaign id number's 00v106000 (powertrain: automatic transmission: gear position indication (prndl)) and 95v089000 (steering: wheel and handle bar). The dealer stated that the recalls apply to his vehicle, but they could not get the parts. There had been no failure to date. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage was 151,139.”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2008
Show 7 more owner reports
“1991 dodge dakota caught fire in the engine compartment. *kb the consumer heard a noise prior to the fire erupted. The vehicle transmission had been service a week before the vehicle caught on fire. The vehicle burned completely. *nm”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2006
“Power steering pump is leaking fluid, causing vehicle to be inoperable. Dealer has been notified. Please provide further information. Ts *tr”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2003
“Consumer attempted to engage 4-wheel drive and heard a loud "metal scraping" noise. Checked by dealer who diagnosed that the front axle is defective. Ts”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2002
“Spare tire winch cable was discovered to have broken and spare tire had fallen off. Driver was unaware of when the spare fell off. *ak”Owner report · Equipment · Jul 2001
“2 fuel lines routed over cross members, have been rubbing against them. This caused fuel lines to crack, resulting in fuel leaks. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Apr 2001
“Recall 00 v 106 000/transmission shift level: dealer (chrysler services center in grand heaven, mi; phone# 616/842-2250) refused to honor recall until problem occurs. Seeking help from NHTSA in this matter. *ak *slc”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2001
“Spare tire support broke and the tire dropped onto pavement while the truck was moving. Luckily, I was in a parking lot when this happened and no cars were following closely behind me. *ak”Owner report · Equipment · Jan 2001
When filing, owners marked a crash in 11 of these complaints and injuries in 8 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 5 campaigns
STEEL BRAIDED FUEL HOSE ROUTING MAY ALLOW CONTACT BETWEEN THE HOSE AND TRANSMISSION WIRING HARNESS.
Remedy: INSTALL A TIE STRAP TO SECURE THE TRANSMISSION WIRING AWAY FROM THE FUEL HOSE.
THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE HOSE MAY RUB AGAINST THE TIRE DURING A FULL LOCK LEFT TURN, WHICH MAY EVENTUALLY CAUSE WEAR THROUGH OF THE BRAKE HOSE ON THE RIGHT FRONT SIDE.
Remedy: IF CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE HOSE AND TIRE ON THE RIGHT FRONT IS INADEQUATE, REPLACE BRAKE HOSE WITH A MODIFIED VERSION TO ENSURE ADEQUATE CLEARANCE.
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
THE STEERING WHEEL ARMATURE STAMPING CAN CRACK DUE TO FATIGUE AND SEPARATE FROM THE CENTER HUB ATTACHMENT TO THE STEERING COLUMN.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING WHEEL FOR ARMATURE CRACKS AND REPLACE ANY WHEELS EXHIBITING CRACKS. ALL OTHER VEHICLES WILL HAVE A REINFORCEMENT PLATE INSTALLED TO PREVENT STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION IF CRACKING OCCURS.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH A500 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. INADVERTENT PLACEMENT OF THE SHIFT LEVER IN REVERSE CAN OCCUR WHEN THE DRIVER BELIEVES THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN PLACED IN PARK.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEEL MANUAL VALVE IN THE TRANSMISSION WITH AN ALUMINUM VERSION.
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 1991 Dodge Dakota reliable?
NHTSA has 128 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on record for the 1991 Dodge Dakota. The most complained-about area is power train (45% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1991 Dodge Dakota problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 75,000 miles or less.
Does the 1991 Dodge Dakota have open recalls?
5 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. 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.