MYRModel Year Report

1988 Dodge Dakota

▲ Better than typical
1988 Dodge Dakota
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:42:30.167Z

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
55
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 1988

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Steering

47% of complaints

Complaints per year

1985: 2 complaints 1986: 1 complaint 1987: 20 complaints 1988: 55 complaints 1988 55 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 1988: 55 complaints 1988 55 1989: 64 complaints 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 1988: 55 complaints 1988 55 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

1988: 55 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

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Steering

47% · 26 reports

Most commonly citing rack and pinion and steering wheel/handle bar.

Power train

18% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and clutch assembly.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

While in park with engine on and it went into reverse and went into a house.please describe.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-06-25

Engine and engine cooling

7% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and exhaust system.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Engine fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-10-12

Vehicle fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-06-22

The vehicle experienced an exhaust leak.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-03-18

Structure

5% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing frame and members.

Wheels

5% · 3 reports

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2005-01-04

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-03-26

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1988-02-18Power train87V194000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    1988-05-31Wheels88V074000 Machining error in locating wheel stud holes may prevent full seating of brake drum to shaft flange.

    Remedy: Replace axle shafts as necessary.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    1996-11-08Steering96V094000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1988 Dodge Dakota — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Steering: 26 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 10 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 4 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 87V194000 · Power train
  • Recall 88V074000 · Wheels
  • Recall 96V094000 · Steering
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.