FaultScore report
Owners have filed 161 complaints about the 1991 Dodge Dakota with NHTSA between 1995 and 2017. The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
161
Complaints
11
Crashes reported
5
Fires reported
6
Injuries reported
Click any bar to open that year's report.
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
0 crashes, 2 fires
0 crashes, 1 fires
0 crashes, 1 fires
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 50,000 mi
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
ROLLAWAY IN REVERSE WHEN PARKED
INADVERTENT MOVEMENT OF SHIFTER
ODI RECEIVED AN INQUIRY REGARDING ALLEGED PARK TO REVERSE PROBLEMS WITH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS ON 1991 AND 1992 DODGE DAKOTA PICUP TRUCKS.THE ODI DATABASE REVEALED 11 COMPLAINTS, SEVERAL OF WHICH HAD BEEN REPORTED IN THE MONTHS JUST PRECEDING THE OPENING OF THE PE.THE CONSUMERS CLAIM THAT THEY MOVE THE VEHICLE, PLACE THE TRANSMISSION IN PARK AND EXIT THE VEHICLE.THEN, ALMOST ALWAYS WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, THE VEHICLE ALLEGEDLY SHIFTS INTO REVERSETHE VEHICLE THEN BEGINS TO BACK UP, USUALLY STOPPING ONLY WHEN IT HITS SOMETHING.
STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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 NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH A500 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. INADVERTENT PLACEMENT OF THE SHIFT LEVER IN REVERSE CAN OCCUR WHEN THE DRIVER BELIEVES THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN PLACED IN PARK.
Risk: THIS CAN CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY WITH THE ENGINE ON AFTER THE DRIVER HAS LEFT THE VEHICLE.
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
THE STEERING WHEEL ARMATURE STAMPING CAN CRACK DUE TO FATIGUE AND SEPARATE FROM THE CENTER HUB ATTACHMENT TO THE STEERING COLUMN.
Risk: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE SEPARATION OF THE CENTER HUB ATTACHMENT TO THE STEERING COLUMN RESULTING IN A LOSS OF CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE HOSE MAY RUB AGAINST THE TIRE DURING A FULL LOCK LEFT TURN, WHICH MAY EVENTUALLY CAUSE WEAR THROUGH OF THE BRAKE HOSE ON THE RIGHT FRONT SIDE.
Risk: WEAR THROUGH OF THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE HOSE WOULD CAUSEFLUID LOSS FROM HALF OF THE SPLIT BRAKE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM AND INCREASE STOPPINGDISTANCE WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
STEEL BRAIDED FUEL HOSE ROUTING MAY ALLOW CONTACT BETWEEN THE HOSE AND TRANSMISSION WIRING HARNESS.
Risk: THIS CONTACT COULD CAUSE HOSE DAMAGE AND FUEL LEAKAGETHAT, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.
Powertrain
Certain vehicles may be inadvertently left in reverse when the operator places the shift lever in the "Park" position. Should this occur, unintentional rearward movement of the vehicle could result. Correction: The steel manual valve in the transmission will be replaced with an aluminum version that will provide immediate feedback of reverse engagement to operators if they do not place the shift lever in gated park.
Steering
On certain vehicles, the steering wheel armature may crack due to fatigue and separate from the centre hub attachment to the steering column. This could adversely affect steering control and result in a possible crash. Correction: Steering wheels exhibiting cracks will be replaced. All other involved vehicles will have a reinforcement plate installed to prevent steering wheel separation in the event cracking occurs.
Brakes
ON TWO WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES, THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE HOSE MAY CONTACT THE TIRE DURING FULL LOCK LEFT TURNS. THIS COULD CAUSE THE HOSE TO WEAR THROUGH AND RESULT IN FLUID LOSS AND A PARTIAL BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE WHICH WOULD IN TURN RESULT IN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. CORRECTION: VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED FOR PROPER CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE HOSE AND TIRE. IF REQUIRED, THE HOSE WILL BE REPLACED WITH A MODIFIED VERSION THAT WILL ENSURE ADEQUATE CLEARANCE.
Fuel System
AN IMPROPERLY ROUTED TRANSMISSION WIRING HARNESS MAY COME IN CONTACT WITH THE FUEL HOSES AND CAUSE FUEL HOSE ABRASION. THIS COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE FIRE. CORRECTION: A TIE STRAP WILL BE INSTALLED TO SECURE THE TRANSMISSION WIRING AWAY FROM THE FUEL HOSES.
Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE CONTACT'S DRIVEWAY, IT SUDDENLY ROLLED IN REVERSE WITH THE SHIFTER IN THE PARK POSITION. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THIS FAILURE. THE VEHICLE'S DOOR CRASHED INTO THE GATE AND WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR THE SAME FAILURES MENTIONED IN THE RECALL NOTICE. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V034000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION). THE CONTACT WAS DISPLEASED TO KNOW THAT THERE WAS NOT A SUFFICIENT REMEDY WITH THE RECALL DEFECT REPAIR. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #10244970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
1991 DODGE DAKOTA CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *KB THE CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE PRIOR TO THE FIRE ERUPTED. THE VEHICLE TRANSMISSION HAD BEEN SERVICE A WEEK BEFORE THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE BURNED COMPLETELY.
NHTSA complaint #10169103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. VEHICLE COULD NO LONGER BE DRIVEN.
NHTSA complaint #10024039 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
VEHICLE FAILED TO STAY IN PARK AND SHIFTED TO REVERSE WITH ENGINE RUNNING, STRIKING A PARKED VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS SERVICE ON 6/15/00 FOR RECALL 871, WHICH IS FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM. NO PROOF WAS EXHIBITED TO OWNER DURING INSPECTION ON 10/26/00 THAT VEHICLE WAS PROPERLY SERVICE FOR RECALL 871. VEHICLE IS CONSIDERED UNSAFE FOR DRIVING SINCE IT IS UNKNOWN WHAT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK AND INTO REVERSE.
NHTSA complaint #735656 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE
THE TAILGATE OF THE TRUCK WAS EASILY OPENED BY CONSUMERS GRANDCHILD, AS A RESULT THE CHILD WAS HIT IN THE SHOULDER AND KNOCKED TO THE GROUND, THE TAILGATE OF THE TRUCK IS VERY HEAVY. NLM
NHTSA complaint #554371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
VEHICLE WAS INSIDE THE GARAGE AND WAS IN PARK. CONSUMER HEARD A GRINDING SOUND AND A CLICK. GEAR JUMPED INTO REVERSE AND WENT BACKWARDS TOWARD THE WALL, DAMAGEING THE WALL AND THE TRUCK ITSELF. *AK
NHTSA complaint #863543 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
POWER TRAIN
ABS FOUND FLASHING CODE 7,PERFORMEDPPT, FOUND MODULE BAD.( CHECK SAFETY RECALL F05) WHEN PERFORMING RECALL A/T MANUAL VALVE , FOUND DISCOLORATION IN TRANSMISSION FLUID POSSIBLE COOLER RESTRICTION IS A MAJOR FACTOR IN CONDITION .. TECH TOLD THIS CUSTOMER THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THIS TRANSMISSION TRUCK ONLY HAS 75000 ACTUAL MILE...
NHTSA complaint #11052471 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
ABS FOUND FLASHING CODE 7,PERFORMEDPPT, FOUND MODULE BAD.( CHECK SAFETY RECALL F05) WHEN PERFORMING RECALL A/T MANUAL VALVE , FOUND DISCOLORATION IN TRANSMISSION FLUID POSSIBLE COOLER RESTRICTION IS A MAJOR FACTOR IN CONDITION .. TECH TOLD THIS CUSTOMER THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THIS TRANSMISSION TRUCK ONLY HAS 75000 ACTUAL MILE...
NHTSA complaint #11052471 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
THE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON AS I TURN A CORNER AT LOW SPEEDS AND THEN IT EVENTUALLY GOES OFF AS I STRAIGHTEN OUT. IT HAS DONE THIS INTERMITTENTLY FOR A COUPLE YEARS BUT NOW IT'S GETTING MUCH WORSE AS IT HAPPENS ALMOST EVERY DAY.
NHTSA complaint #10444973 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE CONTACT'S DRIVEWAY, IT SUDDENLY ROLLED IN REVERSE WITH THE SHIFTER IN THE PARK POSITION. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THIS FAILURE. THE VEHICLE'S DOOR CRASHED INTO THE GATE AND WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR THE SAME FAILURES MENTIONED IN THE RECALL NOTICE. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V034000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION). THE CONTACT WAS DISPLEASED TO KNOW THAT THERE WAS NOT A SUFFICIENT REMEDY WITH THE RECALL DEFECT REPAIR. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #10244970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 DODGE DAKOTA. THERE ARE TWO SAFETY RECALLS THAT THE CONTACT WOULD LIKE TO HAVE REPAIRED ON THE VEHICLE: NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER'S 00V106000 (POWERTRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)) AND 95V089000 (STEERING: WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE RECALLS APPLY TO HIS VEHICLE, BUT THEY COULD NOT GET THE PARTS. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 151,139.
NHTSA complaint #10222110 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 DODGE DAKOTA. THERE ARE TWO SAFETY RECALLS THAT THE CONTACT WOULD LIKE TO HAVE REPAIRED ON THE VEHICLE: NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER'S 00V106000 (POWERTRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)) AND 95V089000 (STEERING: WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE RECALLS APPLY TO HIS VEHICLE, BUT THEY COULD NOT GET THE PARTS. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 151,139.
NHTSA complaint #10222110 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
1991 DODGE DAKOTA CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *KB THE CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE PRIOR TO THE FIRE ERUPTED. THE VEHICLE TRANSMISSION HAD BEEN SERVICE A WEEK BEFORE THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE BURNED COMPLETELY.
NHTSA complaint #10169103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
PAINT FLAKING OFF. I AM THE ONLY OWNER OF THE TRUCK. THE PAINT STARTED FLAKING OFF OVER A YEAR AGO.
NHTSA complaint #10086297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
THE FUEL SUPPLY TUBE WORE THROUGH THE FIREWALL AND FLOOR PAN WHICH CAUSED A FUEL LEAKAGE. *PH THE FUEL SUPPLY TUBE WAS INSTALLED SO THAT IT WAS DIRECTLY AGAINST THE JUNCTION OF THE FIREWALL AND FLOOR PAN. THIS WAS A SHARP WELDED JUNCTION WHICH WORE THROUGH THE STEEL FUEL SUPPLY TUBE AND CAUSED THE FUEL LEAK. (DEFECTIVE AT THE FACTORY AND PRESENTED A FIRE/EXPLOSION HAZARD) *SCC
NHTSA complaint #10040396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. VEHICLE COULD NO LONGER BE DRIVEN.
NHTSA complaint #10024039 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:POWER STEERING FLUID
POWER STEERING PUMP IS LEAKING FLUID, CAUSING VEHICLE TO BE INOPERABLE. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS
NHTSA complaint #10006102 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AXLE HUBS
CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO ENGAGE 4-WHEEL DRIVE AND HEARD A LOUD "METAL SCRAPING" NOISE. CHECKED BY DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT AXLE IS DEFECTIVE. TS
NHTSA complaint #8023216 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION CONCERNING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE STEEL MANUAL VALVE, HOWEVER CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT SINCE THE VEHICLE HAS OVER A HUNDRED THOUSAND MILES ON THE TRANSMISSION, IN ORDER FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS TO BE EFFECTIVE THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE REBUILT AT CONSUMERS EXPENSE, CONSUMER FEELS THIS IS JUST AN EXCUSE IN CASE OF A PRODUCT FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #563618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
CONSUMER STATES THAT THIS IS THE SECOND RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE, CONSUMER HAD TO HAVE TRANSMISSION REPLACED THREE TIMES PRIOR.
NHTSA complaint #562022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
WHILE DRIVING, RIGHT REAR TIRE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION, CAUSING CONSUMER TO RUN OFF THE ROAD AND CAUSING DAMAMGE TO VEHICLE, FIRESTONE AFFINITY, P215/70R15, CLAIM 46-0351-405. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #6900297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
CONSUMER RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL 00VV106000/ MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 871 CONCERNING TRANSMISSION FAILURE. TOOK VEHICLE TO JOHN L WAY DODGE SOUTHWEST WHERE REPAIRS WERE DONE. VEHICLE WAS NOT HAVING PROBLEM OF SHIFTING GEARS UNTIL AFTER REPAIRS WERE DONE. REFERRED CONSUMER TO MANUFACTURER.
NHTSA complaint #8006796 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
CONSUMER STATES THAT THIS IS THE SECOND RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE, CONSUMER HAD TO HAVE TRANSMISSION REPLACED THREE TIMES PRIOR.
NHTSA complaint #562022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION CONCERNING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE STEEL MANUAL VALVE, HOWEVER CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT SINCE THE VEHICLE HAS OVER A HUNDRED THOUSAND MILES ON THE TRANSMISSION, IN ORDER FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS TO BE EFFECTIVE THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE REBUILT AT CONSUMERS EXPENSE, CONSUMER FEELS THIS IS JUST AN EXCUSE IN CASE OF A PRODUCT FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #563618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
WHILE DRIVING, RIGHT REAR TIRE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION, CAUSING CONSUMER TO RUN OFF THE ROAD AND CAUSING DAMAMGE TO VEHICLE, FIRESTONE AFFINITY, P215/70R15, CLAIM 46-0351-405. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #6900321 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
A SHOCK IS GIVEN UPON OPENING THE DOOR AT TIMES. DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR.
NHTSA complaint #9003346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
A SHOCK IS GIVEN UPON OPENING THE DOOR AT TIMES. DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR.
NHTSA complaint #9003346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
PRIOR TO RECALL NOTIFICATION, CONSUMER EXPERIENCED POSSIBLE TRANSMISSON PROBLEMS, HOWEVER CONSUMER NO LONGER OWNS VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #562190 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:CARRIER/RACK
SPARE TIRE WINCH CABLE WAS DISCOVERED TO HAVE BROKEN AND SPARE TIRE HAD FALLEN OFF. DRIVER WAS UNAWARE OF WHEN THE SPARE FELL OFF.
NHTSA complaint #748137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
BAD GAS MILAGE/I GET ABOUT 200MILES TO A TANK OF GAS/IT HOLD 22 GAL. OF GAS
NHTSA complaint #745223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
2 FUEL LINES ROUTED OVER CROSS MEMBERS, HAVE BEEN RUBBING AGAINST THEM. THIS CAUSED FUEL LINES TO CRACK, RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKS.
NHTSA complaint #886901 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.