MYRModel Year Report

1989 Dodge Dakota

▲ Better than typical
1989 Dodge Dakota
RENDERED 2026-09-16T13:17:19.947Z

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, 1989 highlighted. 1985: 2 complaints 1985 1986: 1 complaints 1987: 20 complaints 1988: 55 complaints 1989: 64 complaints 1989 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: 144 complaints 2008: 91 complaints 2009: 18 complaints 2009 2010: 35 complaints 2011: 44 complaints 2011
1989: 64 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
2007144
200891
200918
201035
201144

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

STEERING 34%

34% of complaints: steering — 22 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rack and pinion and gear box (other than rack and pinion).

INJURY
SERVICE BRAKES 23%

23% of complaints: service brakes — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

POWER TRAIN 23%

23% of complaints: power train — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manual transmission and clutch assembly.

CRASH INJURY DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

VEHICLE JUMPED OUT OF PARK TO REVERSE BY ITSELF AND RAN OVER AND KILLED THE OWNER.SAME OCCURRENCE LAST FALL AND THE VEHICLE BY ITSELF HIT A BLDG.DETAILS. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960625

THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION OVERHEATED AND MELTED.*MR *PH *NM

NHTSA ODI report, 20040108

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 16%

16% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and cooling system.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

I WAS DRIVING DOWN 1994 AND THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUSED A HUGE FIRE. MELTING ALL THE WIRING AND DESTROYING THE TRUCK. THE DETROIT FIREDEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND THE TRUCK IS A TOTAL LOSS.

NHTSA ODI report, 20041024

VALVE COVER GASKET REPLACED TWICE DUE TO LEAK (89V-237), OIL SENDING UNIT FAILED, ALSO IDLER PULLEY FAILED, CAUSING VIBRATION. *SKD

NHTSA ODI report, 19941101

STRUCTURE 6%

6% of complaints: structure — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frame and members and roof and pillars.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19900221 — engine and engine cooling

THE ENGINE VALVE COVER GASKET MAY DISLOCATE AND ALLOW AN ENGINE OIL LEAK AT THE GASKET.

Remedy: REPLACE GASKET COVER WITH REVISED COVER, AND RTV SEALANT WILL BE APPLIED IN PLACE OF A GASKET.

Campaign 89V237000 — 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

R 20010827 — steering

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 4X2 PICKUP TRUCK CONVERTIBLES EQUIPPED WITH V6 ENGINES (BUILT FROM NOVEMBER 1988 - JUNE 1990) AND 4X2 PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH THE SHELBY PACKAGE (BUILT OCTOBER 1988 - JUNE 19

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. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEG

Campaign 01V232000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1989 Dodge Dakota — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for steering issues (22 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (15 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (15 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 89V237000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 96V094000 (steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 01V232000 (steering) 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 1989 Dodge Dakota reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1989 Dodge Dakota is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1989 Dodge Dakota?

The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1989 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.