1988 Dodge Dakota
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1985 | 2 |
| 1986 | 1 |
| 1987 | 20 |
| 1988 | 55 |
| 1989 | 64 |
| 1990 | 65 |
| 1991 | 128 |
| 1992 | 219 |
| 1993 | 134 |
| 1994 | 184 |
| 1995 | 208 |
| 1996 | 189 |
| 1997 | 446 |
| 1998 | 545 |
| 1999 | 641 |
| 2000 | 806 |
| 2001 | 678 |
| 2002 | 678 |
| 2003 | 296 |
| 2004 | 206 |
| 2005 | 470 |
| 2006 | 285 |
| 2007 | 144 |
| 2008 | 91 |
| 2009 | 18 |
| 2010 | 35 |
| 2011 | 44 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
47% of complaints: steering — 26 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rack and pinion and steering wheel/handle bar.
18% of complaints: power train — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and clutch assembly.
CRASHShow 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
7% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and exhaust system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
ENGINE FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 19951012
VEHICLE FIRE. *SKD
NHTSA ODI report, 19950622
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED AN EXHAUST LEAK. *NLM
NHTSA ODI report, 20030318
5% of complaints: structure — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frame and members.
5% of complaints: wheels — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing lugs/nuts/bolts/studs and hub.
Show complaint excerpts
DECORATIVE END COVERS CAME OFF OF WHEEL NUT. WHEEL NUT CATCH 1/2 " OF THE END OF LUG BOLTS. *BF *TC
NHTSA ODI report, 20050104
THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT DESCRIBED IN RECALL RECALL NUMBER 88 V 074 (WHEEL, LUGS, NUTS). THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *NLM
NHTSA ODI report, 20030326
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
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
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 (26 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 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.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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, accounting for 47% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 Dodge Dakota have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.