MYRModel Year Report

1987 Dodge Dakota

○ Not enough data
1987 Dodge Dakota
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:49:53.739Z

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
20

Too few to rank

Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1987

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1985: 2 complaints 1986: 1 complaint 1987: 20 complaints 1987 20 1988: 55 complaints 1989: 64 complaints 1990: 65 complaints 1991: 128 complaints 1992: 219 complaints 1993: 134 complaints 1993 1994: 184 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: 296 complaints 2004: 206 complaints 2005: 470 complaints 2005 2006: 285 complaints 2007: 145 complaints 2008: 91 complaints 2009: 18 complaints 2009 2010: 35 complaints 2011: 44 complaints
1985: 2 complaints 1985 1986: 1 complaint 1987: 20 complaints 1987 20 1988: 55 complaints 1989: 64 complaints 1989 1990: 65 complaints 1991: 128 complaints 1991 1992: 219 complaints 1993: 134 complaints 1993 1994: 184 complaints 1995: 208 complaints 1995 1996: 189 complaints 1997: 446 complaints 1997 1998: 545 complaints 1999: 641 complaints 1999 2000: 806 complaints 2001: 678 complaints 2001 2002: 678 complaints 2003: 296 complaints 2003 2004: 206 complaints 2005: 470 complaints 2005 2006: 285 complaints 2007: 145 complaints 2007 2008: 91 complaints 2009: 18 complaints 2009 2010: 35 complaints 2011: 44 complaints 2011
1985: 2 complaints 1985 1986: 1 complaint 1987: 20 complaints 1987 20 1988: 55 complaints 1989: 64 complaints 1989 1990: 65 complaints 1991: 128 complaints 1991 1992: 219 complaints 1993: 134 complaints 1993 1994: 184 complaints 1995: 208 complaints 1995 1996: 189 complaints 1997: 446 complaints 1997 1998: 545 complaints 1999: 641 complaints 1999 2000: 806 complaints 2001: 678 complaints 2001 2002: 678 complaints 2003: 296 complaints 2003 2004: 206 complaints 2005: 470 complaints 2005 2006: 285 complaints 2007: 145 complaints 2007 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
198964
199065
1991128
1992219
1993134
1994184
1995208
1996189
1997446
1998545
1999641
2000806
2001678
2002678
2003296
2004206
2005470
2006285
2007145
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

5 of 20 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing rack and pinion and gear box (other than rack and pinion).

Structure

3 of 20 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing frame and members.

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, 2008-06-22

Seat belts

3 of 20 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly and retractor.

Show complaint excerpts

Seat belts in passenger side are difficult to pull out of retractor. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-06-22

Engine and engine cooling

3 of 20 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

1987 Dodge Dakota caught fire in the engine compartment. Vehicle was destroyed in the fire. *kb the consumer stated the vehicle stalled before catching on fire. The consumer stated the fuel pump had been replaced recently.

NHTSA ODI report, 2007-10-24

Also filed under Fuel system, gasoline

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2000-12-22

Service brakes

2 of 20 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1986-08-14Parking brake86V115000 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…

    Remedy: Replace both rear parking brake cables.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    1987-05-12Vehicle speed control87V050000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1987 Dodge Dakota — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Steering: 5 reports on file for this year.
  • Structure: 3 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 3 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 86V115000 · Parking brake
  • Recall 87V050000 · Vehicle speed control
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

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, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1987 Dodge Dakota have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.