1993 Dodge Dakota: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 134 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (17% of complaints).
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 134 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 1993 dodge dakota. While driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The dealer stated that the ignition switch was faulty. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2014
“Tl*the contact's daughter owns a 1993 dodge dakota with firestone firehawk atx tires. He stated that while his daughter was driving 40 mph, she experienced a blowout on the rear passenger side tire. The blowout caused the vehicle to fall into a ditch; in addition, there was damage to the vehicle the front passenger side tire. The purchase date and tire failure mileage were unknown. The failure mileage was 105,618 and the current mileage was 105,621.”Owner report · Tires · Jul 2007
“Consumer had a 1993 dodge dakota and a noise was heard from the front suspension of the vehicle. Owner had to replace the upper ball joints after 32,000 mi. Consumer took the vehicle back to the dealer, and was told that the noise that was being heard was normal. Provide further details. *ak”Owner report · Suspension · Oct 2004
Show 7 more owner reports
“While driving and applying the brakes, the ABS locked up the front wheel, but the rear wheel kept turning. The dealer stated it was normal . *ak the consumer almost wrecked 4-5 times when slippery. The master cylinder was found leaking and the ABS diagnostic module failed. *sc *jb”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Dec 2003
“The vehicle runs fine, but when you stop at light or sign the vehcle will stall. You can even put in neutral when you stop and still stalls. Now the truck is having problems starting. It back fires and runs rough for a min. To start you have to hold the throlle down for a min. Has had full tune up and new catalitic convert.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2003
“Paint has been peeling on the roof of the cab and the hood of the truck. The area where the paint has peeled has now rusted.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Dec 2002
“Replacement tires, 20000 miles, p215/75r15, dot# c4x3600 a05 r, while traveling at 65mph drivers side rear tire separated, and then the tire blewup/split on sidewall. *ak *jg”Owner report · Tires · Dec 2001
“Vehicle shakes when traveling on the highway. Applied brakes, and vehicle trembled. Dealership was aware of problem. *ak”Owner report · Suspension · Jul 2001
“ABS malfuction is due to a defective ABS module, causing t pedal to go to floor, and a delayed in stopping distance. Dealer / manufacturer were not notified at this time. Please feel free to provide any further details on this matter. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Mar 2001
“I noticed in winter 2000 the paint on the top of the truck was pealing. When I took it in for an estimate I was told it was caused by a defect. The paint loses cohesion with the primer used by the manufacturer. The manufacturer did agree to pay $218 to fix where the paint was pealing at that time. The first paint shop stated it would all have to be taken to bare metal to prevent it from continuing. At this time about a 1/3 of the top of the windshield is next to the non-painted surface. No safetydefect. *ak”Owner report · Structure · Dec 2000
When filing, owners marked a crash in 15 of these complaints and injuries in 16 - 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.
SOME OF THE ABS EQUIPPED VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN UNDERSIZED BRAKE RETURN CHECK VALVE. IN INCIDENTS WHERE HARD BRAKE PEDAL EFFORT IS APPLIED ON LOW FRICTION ROAD SURFACES, LIKE RAIN COVERED STREETS, THE VALVES MAY FAIL, CAUSING THE ABS TO BECOME INOPERATIVE. THIS CREATES EXCESS BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL AND MAY CAUSE THE ABS WARNING LIGHT TO COME ON.
Remedy: REPLACE THE RETURN CHECK VALVE WITH THE CORRECT VALVE.
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 1993 Dodge Dakota reliable?
NHTSA has 134 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1993 Dodge Dakota. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (17% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1993 Dodge Dakota problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 80,500 miles or less.
Does the 1993 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.