1993 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.
19% of complaints: service brakes — 25 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH INJURY16% of complaints: power train — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and clutch assembly.
CRASH INJURY11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and catalytic convertor.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE CONSUMER WORKED FOR A GOVERNMENT AGENCY AND WAS FORCED TO DRIVE A DECOMMISSIONED VEHICLE. WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040430
THE DRIVER NOTICED SMOKE, OPENED THE HOOD AND VIEWED THE ENGINE ON FIRE. *PH *SC
NHTSA ODI report, 20040223
10% of complaints: steering — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rack and pinion and steering wheel/handle bar.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
ON BACK ROAD FRONT TIRE HIT SOMETHING AND THE STEERING COLUMN SEPARATED. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950601
8% of complaints: structure — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and frame and members.
SAFETY TIMELINE
SOME OF THE ABS EQUIPPED VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN UNDERSIZED BRAKE RETURN CHECK VALVE. IN INCIDENTS WHERE HARD BRAKE PEDAL EFFORT IS APPLIED ON LOW FRICTION ROAD SURFACES, LIKE RAIN COVERED STREETS
Remedy: REPLACE THE RETURN CHECK VALVE WITH THE CORRECT VALVE.
Campaign 93V082000 — check if this car was fixed
STEERING COLUMN SEPARATION
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE N
Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
Campaign 06E049000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1993 Dodge Dakota — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (25 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 93V082000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E049000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1993 Dodge Dakota reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1993 Dodge Dakota is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1993 Dodge Dakota?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1993 Dodge Dakota have?
2 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.