MYRModel Year Report

1988 Dodge Dakota

▲ Better than typical
1988 Dodge Dakota
RENDERED 2026-08-02T09:58:35.458Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Dodge Dakota Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1988 highlighted. 1985: 2 complaints 1985 1986: 1 complaints 1987: 20 complaints 1988: 55 complaints 1988 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
1988: 55 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

STEERING 35%

35% of complaints: steering — 19 distinct reports on file.

POWER TRAIN 11%

11% of complaints: power train — 6 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE IN PARK WITH ENGINE ON AND IT WENT INTO REVERSE AND WENT INTO A HOUSE.PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960625

STRUCTURE 5%

5% of complaints: structure — 3 distinct reports on file.

STEERING 5%

5% of complaints: steering — 3 distinct reports on file.

STEERING 5%

5% of complaints: steering — 3 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19880218 — power train

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MAY CONTAIN A PARK SPRAG ROD ASSEMBLY THAT MAY STICK IN THE TOOTH BUTT UNENGAGED POSITION.

Remedy: ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES WILL HAVE THE PARK SPRAG ROD ASSEMBLIES REPLACED.

Campaign 87V194000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19880531 — wheels

MACHINING ERROR IN LOCATING WHEEL STUD HOLES MAY PREVENT FULL SEATING OF BRAKE DRUM TO SHAFT FLANGE.

Remedy: REPLACE AXLE SHAFTS AS NECESSARY.

Campaign 88V074000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19961108 — steering

THE FRAME CAN CRACK AT THE STEERING GEAR ATTACHMENT AND/OR THE STEERING GEAR MOUNTING BOLTS CAN FRACTURE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD REINFORCEMENTS TO THE FRAME AND REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR MOUNTING BOLTS. IF THE FRAME IS ALREADY CRACKED, THE STEERING GEAR WELD NUTS WILL ALSO BE REPLACED.

Campaign 96V094000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1988 Dodge Dakota — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for steering issues (19 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (6 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for structure issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 87V194000 (power train) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 88V074000 (wheels) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 96V094000 (steering) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2010 ▲ 2011 ▲ 1990

WORST YEARS

■ 2000 ■ 2002 ■ 2001

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1988 Dodge Dakota reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1988 Dodge Dakota is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1988 Dodge Dakota?

The most-reported component is steering:rack and pinion, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1988 Dodge Dakota have?

3 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.