MYRModel Year Report

1987 Dodge Dakota

○ Not enough data
1987 Dodge Dakota
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:37:11.437Z

Only 20 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 20 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Dodge Dakota Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1987 highlighted. 1985: 2 complaints 1985 1986: 1 complaints 1987: 20 complaints 1987 1988: 55 complaints 1989: 63 complaints 1989 1990: 63 complaints 1991: 128 complaints 1992: 216 complaints 1993: 134 complaints 1993 1994: 166 complaints 1995: 208 complaints 1996: 189 complaints 1997: 446 complaints 1997 1998: 545 complaints 1999: 641 complaints 2000: 806 complaints 2001: 678 complaints 2001 2002: 678 complaints 2003: 295 complaints 2004: 206 complaints 2005: 470 complaints 2005 2006: 283 complaints 2007: 144 complaints 2008: 91 complaints 2009: 18 complaints 2009 2010: 35 complaints 2011: 44 complaints 2011
1987: 20 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19852
19861
198720
198855
198963
199063
1991128
1992216
1993134
1994166
1995208
1996189
1997446
1998545
1999641
2000806
2001678
2002678
2003295
2004206
2005470
2006283
2007144
200891
200918
201035
201144

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 20 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

STEERING

4 of 20 total reports mention: steering.

STRUCTURE

3 of 20 total reports mention: structure.

Show complaint excerpts

THE SPARE TIRE RETAINER FAILED, ALLOWING THE SPARE TIRE TO DETACH FROM IT'S MOUNT UNDER THE VEHICLE AND FALL TO THE ROAD WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. THE SPARE TIRE IS HELD UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE BY A RETAINER ATTACHED TO A STEEL CABLE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20080622

SEAT BELTS

2 of 20 total reports mention: seat belts.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 of 20 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

ON RIGHT SIDE OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT A FIRE STARTED. FIRE DEPARTMENT COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE DUE TO FACT THAT IT BURNT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20001222

STEERING

1 of 20 total reports mentions: steering.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19860814 — parking brake

THESE TRUCKS WERE EQUIPPED WITH REAR PARK BRAKE CABLES WHICH CAUSED LIMITED REAR BRAKE SHOE TRAVEL RESULTING IN THE PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM NOT HOLDING THE VEHICLE IN THE REVERSE DIRECTION WHEN

Remedy: REPLACE BOTH REAR PARKING BRAKE CABLES.

Campaign 86V115000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19870512 — vehicle speed control

SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM CABLES MAY PARTIALLY DISENGAGE AND BIND AT THE CARBURETOR THROTTLE LEVER ATTACHMENT.

Remedy: INSTALL A WASHER AT SPEED CONTROL CABLE TO CARBURETOR THROTTLE LEVER ATTACHMENT TO ELIMINATE POTENTIAL FOR THIS CONDITION.

Campaign 87V050000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1987 Dodge Dakota — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for steering issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for structure issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 86V115000 (parking brake) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 87V050000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2010 ▲ 2011 ▲ 1988

WORST YEARS

■ 2000 ■ 2002 ■ 2001

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1987 Dodge Dakota reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 1987 Dodge Dakota?

The most-reported component is steering:rack and pinion, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1987 Dodge Dakota have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.