1992 Dodge Dakota: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 216 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (49% of complaints); the 1990 and 1991 model years look 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 216 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“On my 1992 dodge dakota (v8 5.2l with at, 4x4) the engine quits intermittently, sometimes while parked idling and other times while driving. It does it without warning, as if the key is turned off. Sometimes it starts right up again and other times it will have to crank for a while before it starts. I've had it to 2 different mechanics and they can't determine the cause. All sensors have been replaced as well as a new fuel pump and the problem is still there. Truck has just over 50,000 miles on it. I've had it for about 5 years and the problem started about a year ago. It's very dangerous especially when it happens in traffic or on the interstate. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2010
“Tl*the contact owns a 1992 dodge dakota. He heard a chatter noise and the lifter needed to be tightened. The mechanic stated that the lifter failed in the cam shaft which affected the engine. The dealer stated that there was no recall for this year, make, and model vehicle. The failure and current mileage was 164,000. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2007
“Vehicle was in park while running and it jumped out of gear, rolled down the hill, and hit a motor home. Consumere was able to drive the vehicle to a body shop. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2004
Show 7 more owner reports
“Vehicle was parked and still running when without warning the vehicle popped out of park and rolled back into another parked veihicle.*ak”Owner report · Power Train · May 2003
“The vehicle leaked transmission fluid. The dealer stated that the leak was not related to the transmission recall. *nlm the vehicle leaked transmission fluid. Dealer stated that the leak was not related to the transmission recall.”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2003
“Vehicle frame is disintergrating, breaking off in big chunks, in tire frame from cab back must be replaced. This vehicle has been garage kept for 8 of its 10 years. The vehicle has had the salt washed off frequently during the winters also. This must be a defect in the frame material. Dt”Owner report · Structure · Oct 2002
“Consumer applied brake at 40 mph, pedal went to the floor, no braking action. Dealer determined brake line had rusted and all brake fluid had drained.*ak *mj”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · May 2002
“There is a design flaw on vehicle, fuel line is routed against the body of vehicle, and over time that part has created a hole in the fuel line that causes fuel to leak out. Contacted dealer. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Apr 2002
“Plastic cover on drivers side restraint broke while trying to unlatch it.*ak. Consumer was trapped in the vehicle, consumer stated manufacturer is not willing to fix seatbelt.*jb”Owner report · Seat Belts · Feb 2002
“Consumer received recall notice 00v106000, and made contact with dealership to repair the defect. Dealership was refusing service because there was an ongoing problem with transmission, and must be corrected before they perform recall repairs. Please provide any additional information/attachments.*ak”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2001
When filing, owners marked a crash in 21 of these complaints and injuries in 15 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
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 1992 Dodge Dakota reliable?
NHTSA has 216 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1992 Dodge Dakota. The most complained-about area is power train (49% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1992 Dodge Dakota problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 112,500 miles or less.
Does the 1992 Dodge Dakota have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting. 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.