Owners have filed 240 complaints
about the 1994 Dodge Dakota with NHTSA between 1995 and 2013.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 11 of 19 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 27
Against the median year of the Dodge Dakota. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
32.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 38
22% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
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.
Under 1,000 miles
211.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
211.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
316.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
316.7%
150,000+ miles
844.4%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
1994 Dodge Dakota Regular Cab
—
—
—
—
When owners complained
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.
Jan 1995peak 15May 2013
NHTSA investigations into the 1994 Dodge Dakota
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.
1
investigation is
still open.
RQ97012Opened 25 Sep 1997Still openSTEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN
DP03002Opened 7 May 2003Closed 22 Jul 2003STEERING:COLUMN
STEERING COLUMN SEPARATION
MR. LARRY A. SACKEY SUBMITTED A PETITION TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) BY LETTER DATED APRIL 18, 2003, REQUESTING THAT NHTSAFURTHER INVESTIGATE THE DEFECTIVE COLLAPSIBLE STEERING SHAFT SYSTEM ON 1987-1995 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION.IN PART BECAUSE OF 49 CFR ? 30120(G), NHTSA HAS DECIDED TO LIMIT THE SCOPE OF THE PETITION VEHICLES TO 1993-1995 MODELS, EXCLUDING THE 1993 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE AND 1994-1995 DODGE RAM SERIES TRUCKS THAT WERE RECALLED (93V210 & 96V230) FOR STEERING COLUMN FAILURE.IF THE ANALYSIS OF THESE VEHICLES HAD IDENT...
PE94038Opened 2 May 1994Closed 9 Aug 1994STEERING
STEERING LOCK-UP/IMPEDIMNT
PE94013Opened 9 Feb 1994Closed 30 Jun 1994ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ENGINE FIRES
Recalls on the 1994 Dodge Dakota
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 199510825,215 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles, the operator's key ring keys may bind on the steering wheel back cover while turning and hamper steering wheel return. This could adversely affect steering control and result in a possible crash. Correction: The steering wheel back cover will be replaced with a redesigned 1995 model year style cover. note: This campaign supersedes chrysler recall #627, t.c. 94-133.
Recall 199413325,212 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles, the extra keys operator's key ring may become temporarily lodged in the airbag screw access holes on the steering wheel back cover, hampering steering wheel return. In some cases, the force used to return the wheel may also cause the vehicle ignition to be turned off. Correction: Plugs will be installed in the steering wheel back cover airbag screw access holes to prevent the potential for any key interference. *note: Chryler recall #642 supercedes this recall campaign, t.c. 95-108.
Recall 1994047212 units in Canada
Suspension
ON CERTAIN 4X4 VEHICLES, AN IMPROPERLY HEAT TREATED UPPER CONTROL ARM ATTACHMENT BOLTS MAY BREAK RESULTING IN SEPARATION OF THE UPPER CONTROL ARM. THIS COULD CAUSE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH. CORRECTION: UPPER CONTROL ARM ATTACHING BOLTS WILL BE REPLACED WITH BOLTS THAT MEET THE HARDNESS SPECIFICATION.
Recall 1994011507 units in Canada
Fuel System
THE FUEL TANK SUPPORT STRAP ATTACHING STUDS MAY NOT BE ADEQUATELY TIGHTENED. THIS COULD RESULT IN DISENGAGEMENT OF THE SUPPORT STRAP JOINT WHICH COULD IN TURN CAUSE THE FUEL TANK TO DROP DOWN. CORRECTION: FUEL TANK SUPPORT STRAP ATTACHING STUDS WILL BE TIGHTENED TO SPECIFIED TORQUE.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 180,000 milesAckley, IACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN DRIVER SIDE COLLISION. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WAS PRE-IMPACT BRAKING. THE OCCUPANT WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT, BUT SUFFERED OF HYPERTHERMIA DUE TO THE ACCIDENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN, AND THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED TOTALED.
NHTSA complaint #10173364 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 500 milesSummerfield, ILCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH A DEER APPEAR OUT OF NO WHERE AND WAS HIT BY CONSUMER'S VEHICLE. IT WAS BADLY DAMAGED AND KNOCKED OFF THE ROAD. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. STEERING WHEEL SEPARATED AND CAUSED SEVERE DAMAGE TO DRIVER'S RIGHT LEG. DRIVER WAS HOSPITALIZED. VEHICLE HAD OLD ENGINE REPLACED. THE DAKOTA SPORT WAS TOTALED.*AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE ABOVE INFORMATION IS INCORRECT AND SENT AN UPDATED VERSION WHICH IS AS FOLLOWS: THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND A DEER JUMPED ONTO HIS VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CROSSED THE ROAD TO THE LEFT INTO A DITCH AND FLIPPED THE VEHICLE OVER. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE STEERING COLUMN BROKE FROM UNDER THE DASH INJURING THE CONSUMER.
NHTSA complaint #10094568 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 500 milesSummerfield, ILCrash1 injured
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH A DEER APPEAR OUT OF NO WHERE AND WAS HIT BY CONSUMER'S VEHICLE. IT WAS BADLY DAMAGED AND KNOCKED OFF THE ROAD. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. STEERING WHEEL SEPARATED AND CAUSED SEVERE DAMAGE TO DRIVER'S RIGHT LEG. DRIVER WAS HOSPITALIZED. VEHICLE HAD OLD ENGINE REPLACED. THE DAKOTA SPORT WAS TOTALED.*AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE ABOVE INFORMATION IS INCORRECT AND SENT AN UPDATED VERSION WHICH IS AS FOLLOWS: THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND A DEER JUMPED ONTO HIS VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CROSSED THE ROAD TO THE LEFT INTO A DITCH AND FLIPPED THE VEHICLE OVER. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE STEERING COLUMN BROKE FROM UNDER THE DASH INJURING THE CONSUMER.
NHTSA complaint #10094568 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesWest Palm Beach, FLCrash
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
WHILE AT A STOP VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED, CAUSING THE DRIVER'S SEAT TO RECLINE BACK.
NHTSA complaint #10055967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rochester, NYCrash1 injured
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
WHILE WAITING AT AN INTERSECTION VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED. THIS CAUSED THE DRIVER'S SEAT TO COLLAPSE BACKWARDS. DRIVER SUSTAINED NECK INJURIES AND WAS TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE TO THE HOSPITAL.
NHTSA complaint #10050380 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gainesville, VACrash1 injured
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
WHILE WAITING AT AN INTERSECTION VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED. THIS CAUSED THE DRIVER'S SEAT TO COLLAPSE BACKWARDS. DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES AND WAS TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE TO THE HOSPITAL .
NHTSA complaint #10050382 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Payson, AZ
POWER TRAIN
FRONT LEFT DOOR SNAPPED OFF. I CAN'T OPEN THE DRIVERS DOOR FROM THE INSIDE. ALSO, BOTH SEAT BELTS SNAPPED, THE AIR AND HEAT DOESN'T WORK, THE BRAKES LOCKED UP, WHICH AFFECTED THE STEERING. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED THREE TIMED, THE VEHICLE WOULD LOOSE POWER AND THE ENGINE WOULD DIE. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER RATTLED. THERE WAS A ROUGH IDLE AND THEN THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS INOPERATIVE, THE TIRES WORE OUT PREMATURELY. ALSO, I HAD DIFFICULTY GETTING THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK. THE IDLER ARM IS IN THE PROCESS OF BREAKING, THE IGNITION BROKE AFTER THE KEYS BECAME STUCK, THE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND THE BEARING AND BUSHING NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10512159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Payson, AZ
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
FRONT LEFT DOOR SNAPPED OFF. I CAN'T OPEN THE DRIVERS DOOR FROM THE INSIDE. ALSO, BOTH SEAT BELTS SNAPPED, THE AIR AND HEAT DOESN'T WORK, THE BRAKES LOCKED UP, WHICH AFFECTED THE STEERING. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED THREE TIMED, THE VEHICLE WOULD LOOSE POWER AND THE ENGINE WOULD DIE. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER RATTLED. THERE WAS A ROUGH IDLE AND THEN THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS INOPERATIVE, THE TIRES WORE OUT PREMATURELY. ALSO, I HAD DIFFICULTY GETTING THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK. THE IDLER ARM IS IN THE PROCESS OF BREAKING, THE IGNITION BROKE AFTER THE KEYS BECAME STUCK, THE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND THE BEARING AND BUSHING NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10512159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Payson, AZ
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
FRONT LEFT DOOR SNAPPED OFF. I CAN'T OPEN THE DRIVERS DOOR FROM THE INSIDE. ALSO, BOTH SEAT BELTS SNAPPED, THE AIR AND HEAT DOESN'T WORK, THE BRAKES LOCKED UP, WHICH AFFECTED THE STEERING. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED THREE TIMED, THE VEHICLE WOULD LOOSE POWER AND THE ENGINE WOULD DIE. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER RATTLED. THERE WAS A ROUGH IDLE AND THEN THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS INOPERATIVE, THE TIRES WORE OUT PREMATURELY. ALSO, I HAD DIFFICULTY GETTING THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK. THE IDLER ARM IS IN THE PROCESS OF BREAKING, THE IGNITION BROKE AFTER THE KEYS BECAME STUCK, THE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND THE BEARING AND BUSHING NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10512159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Payson, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
FRONT LEFT DOOR SNAPPED OFF. I CAN'T OPEN THE DRIVERS DOOR FROM THE INSIDE. ALSO, BOTH SEAT BELTS SNAPPED, THE AIR AND HEAT DOESN'T WORK, THE BRAKES LOCKED UP, WHICH AFFECTED THE STEERING. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED THREE TIMED, THE VEHICLE WOULD LOOSE POWER AND THE ENGINE WOULD DIE. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER RATTLED. THERE WAS A ROUGH IDLE AND THEN THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS INOPERATIVE, THE TIRES WORE OUT PREMATURELY. ALSO, I HAD DIFFICULTY GETTING THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK. THE IDLER ARM IS IN THE PROCESS OF BREAKING, THE IGNITION BROKE AFTER THE KEYS BECAME STUCK, THE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND THE BEARING AND BUSHING NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10512159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Payson, AZ
STEERING
FRONT LEFT DOOR SNAPPED OFF. I CAN'T OPEN THE DRIVERS DOOR FROM THE INSIDE. ALSO, BOTH SEAT BELTS SNAPPED, THE AIR AND HEAT DOESN'T WORK, THE BRAKES LOCKED UP, WHICH AFFECTED THE STEERING. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED THREE TIMED, THE VEHICLE WOULD LOOSE POWER AND THE ENGINE WOULD DIE. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER RATTLED. THERE WAS A ROUGH IDLE AND THEN THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS INOPERATIVE, THE TIRES WORE OUT PREMATURELY. ALSO, I HAD DIFFICULTY GETTING THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK. THE IDLER ARM IS IN THE PROCESS OF BREAKING, THE IGNITION BROKE AFTER THE KEYS BECAME STUCK, THE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND THE BEARING AND BUSHING NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10512159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Payson, AZ
SUSPENSION
FRONT LEFT DOOR SNAPPED OFF. I CAN'T OPEN THE DRIVERS DOOR FROM THE INSIDE. ALSO, BOTH SEAT BELTS SNAPPED, THE AIR AND HEAT DOESN'T WORK, THE BRAKES LOCKED UP, WHICH AFFECTED THE STEERING. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED THREE TIMED, THE VEHICLE WOULD LOOSE POWER AND THE ENGINE WOULD DIE. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER RATTLED. THERE WAS A ROUGH IDLE AND THEN THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS INOPERATIVE, THE TIRES WORE OUT PREMATURELY. ALSO, I HAD DIFFICULTY GETTING THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK. THE IDLER ARM IS IN THE PROCESS OF BREAKING, THE IGNITION BROKE AFTER THE KEYS BECAME STUCK, THE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND THE BEARING AND BUSHING NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10512159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Payson, AZ
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
FRONT LEFT DOOR SNAPPED OFF. I CAN'T OPEN THE DRIVERS DOOR FROM THE INSIDE. ALSO, BOTH SEAT BELTS SNAPPED, THE AIR AND HEAT DOESN'T WORK, THE BRAKES LOCKED UP, WHICH AFFECTED THE STEERING. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED THREE TIMED, THE VEHICLE WOULD LOOSE POWER AND THE ENGINE WOULD DIE. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER RATTLED. THERE WAS A ROUGH IDLE AND THEN THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS INOPERATIVE, THE TIRES WORE OUT PREMATURELY. ALSO, I HAD DIFFICULTY GETTING THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK. THE IDLER ARM IS IN THE PROCESS OF BREAKING, THE IGNITION BROKE AFTER THE KEYS BECAME STUCK, THE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND THE BEARING AND BUSHING NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10512159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FRONT LEFT DOOR SNAPPED OFF. I CAN'T OPEN THE DRIVERS DOOR FROM THE INSIDE. ALSO, BOTH SEAT BELTS SNAPPED, THE AIR AND HEAT DOESN'T WORK, THE BRAKES LOCKED UP, WHICH AFFECTED THE STEERING. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED THREE TIMED, THE VEHICLE WOULD LOOSE POWER AND THE ENGINE WOULD DIE. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER RATTLED. THERE WAS A ROUGH IDLE AND THEN THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS INOPERATIVE, THE TIRES WORE OUT PREMATURELY. ALSO, I HAD DIFFICULTY GETTING THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK. THE IDLER ARM IS IN THE PROCESS OF BREAKING, THE IGNITION BROKE AFTER THE KEYS BECAME STUCK, THE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND THE BEARING AND BUSHING NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10512159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Payson, AZ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
FRONT LEFT DOOR SNAPPED OFF. I CAN'T OPEN THE DRIVERS DOOR FROM THE INSIDE. ALSO, BOTH SEAT BELTS SNAPPED, THE AIR AND HEAT DOESN'T WORK, THE BRAKES LOCKED UP, WHICH AFFECTED THE STEERING. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED THREE TIMED, THE VEHICLE WOULD LOOSE POWER AND THE ENGINE WOULD DIE. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER RATTLED. THERE WAS A ROUGH IDLE AND THEN THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS INOPERATIVE, THE TIRES WORE OUT PREMATURELY. ALSO, I HAD DIFFICULTY GETTING THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK. THE IDLER ARM IS IN THE PROCESS OF BREAKING, THE IGNITION BROKE AFTER THE KEYS BECAME STUCK, THE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND THE BEARING AND BUSHING NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10512159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Payson, AZ
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
FRONT LEFT DOOR SNAPPED OFF. I CAN'T OPEN THE DRIVERS DOOR FROM THE INSIDE. ALSO, BOTH SEAT BELTS SNAPPED, THE AIR AND HEAT DOESN'T WORK, THE BRAKES LOCKED UP, WHICH AFFECTED THE STEERING. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED THREE TIMED, THE VEHICLE WOULD LOOSE POWER AND THE ENGINE WOULD DIE. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER RATTLED. THERE WAS A ROUGH IDLE AND THEN THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS INOPERATIVE, THE TIRES WORE OUT PREMATURELY. ALSO, I HAD DIFFICULTY GETTING THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK. THE IDLER ARM IS IN THE PROCESS OF BREAKING, THE IGNITION BROKE AFTER THE KEYS BECAME STUCK, THE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND THE BEARING AND BUSHING NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10512159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Payson, AZ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
FRONT LEFT DOOR SNAPPED OFF. I CAN'T OPEN THE DRIVERS DOOR FROM THE INSIDE. ALSO, BOTH SEAT BELTS SNAPPED, THE AIR AND HEAT DOESN'T WORK, THE BRAKES LOCKED UP, WHICH AFFECTED THE STEERING. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED THREE TIMED, THE VEHICLE WOULD LOOSE POWER AND THE ENGINE WOULD DIE. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER RATTLED. THERE WAS A ROUGH IDLE AND THEN THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS INOPERATIVE, THE TIRES WORE OUT PREMATURELY. ALSO, I HAD DIFFICULTY GETTING THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK. THE IDLER ARM IS IN THE PROCESS OF BREAKING, THE IGNITION BROKE AFTER THE KEYS BECAME STUCK, THE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND THE BEARING AND BUSHING NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10512159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Payson, AZ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
FRONT LEFT DOOR SNAPPED OFF. I CAN'T OPEN THE DRIVERS DOOR FROM THE INSIDE. ALSO, BOTH SEAT BELTS SNAPPED, THE AIR AND HEAT DOESN'T WORK, THE BRAKES LOCKED UP, WHICH AFFECTED THE STEERING. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED THREE TIMED, THE VEHICLE WOULD LOOSE POWER AND THE ENGINE WOULD DIE. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER RATTLED. THERE WAS A ROUGH IDLE AND THEN THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS INOPERATIVE, THE TIRES WORE OUT PREMATURELY. ALSO, I HAD DIFFICULTY GETTING THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK. THE IDLER ARM IS IN THE PROCESS OF BREAKING, THE IGNITION BROKE AFTER THE KEYS BECAME STUCK, THE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND THE BEARING AND BUSHING NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10512159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 235,000 milesMontrose PA, PA
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
DODGE DAKOTA FRAME ROTTING OUT TOYOTA RECALLED THEIRS THE TRUCK IN GREAT SHAPE AND I HAVE SEEN ALOT OF TRUCKS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM COULD CAUSE DEATH IN CRASH.
NHTSA complaint #10384678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 109,580 milesPiffard, NY
AIR BAGS
DRIVING DOWN ROAD, ABOUT TO TURN RIGHT, BUT AIRBAG DEPLOYED BEFORE I WAS OFF THE MAIN ROAD. HAD TO STOP IMMEDIATELY. HAD SLOWED DOWN TO APP. 10 MPH TO MAKE TURN. ROAD CLEAR. HAD MADE THIS TURN MANY TIMES BEFORE (ON WAY TO WORK).
NHTSA complaint #10362526 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,102 milesLargo, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
NIGHT DRIVING, SMELLED ELECTRICAL SMOKE IN CAB. HEADLAMPS WENT OFF THEN CAME BACK ON AFTER 5 TO 10 SECONDS. MOVED HEADLAMP SWITCH IN AND OUT BUT CONDITION STILL PERSISTED. LUCKILY I WAS LESS THAN ONE MILE FROM HOME ON DIVIDED HWY WITH NO TRAFFIC. IF LAMP SWITCH IS OFF THEN THERE IS NO SMELL OF ELECTRICAL SMOKE. WHEN LAMP SWITCH IS IN EITHER THE PARKING OR THE HEADLAMP POSITION, CAN SMELL ELECTRICAL SMOKE AND LIGHT WORK INTERMITTENTLY. THIS IS SECOND FAILURE IN 2 YEARS. LAMP SWITCH FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #10173803 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesAckley, IACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN DRIVER SIDE COLLISION. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WAS PRE-IMPACT BRAKING. THE OCCUPANT WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT, BUT SUFFERED OF HYPERTHERMIA DUE TO THE ACCIDENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN, AND THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED TOTALED.
NHTSA complaint #10173364 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 169,900 milesKernersville, NC
SEATS
FRONT SEAT BOLT-DRIVER SIDE BROKE WITH SEAT GOING STRAIGHT BACK INTO BACK SEAT-REACHING FOR WALLET BOTH TIMES IT BROKE!
NHTSA complaint #10122295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 169,900 milesKernersville, NC
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
FRONT SEAT BOLT-DRIVER SIDE BROKE WITH SEAT GOING STRAIGHT BACK INTO BACK SEAT-REACHING FOR WALLET BOTH TIMES IT BROKE!
NHTSA complaint #10122295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 161,000 milesPlainfield, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
NO FAILURE JUST YET. EVERY SO OFTEN THE AIR BAG, ABS LIGHT COMES ON ONCE THAT HAPPENS THE FAN STOPS WORKING, THE POWER WINDOWS WILL NOT WORK. NOW MY HEADLIGHTS WILL NOT WORK AT ALL BUT MY PARKING LIGHTS WILL. I HAVE TRIED TO GET THE DEALER TO FIX IT UNDER A RECALL THEY WON'T DO IT. I KNOW IT COULD CAUSE A FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10121159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 51,000 milesWenatchee, WA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST
SUDDEN NEAR-COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE DUE TO DEFECTIVE BOLT HOLDING MASTER CYLINDER IN PLACE TO HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER PRESSURE ACCUMULATOR. ON 05-14-2005, MY 18 YEAR OLD SON COMPLETED HIS SHIFT AT WORK. HE WENT OUT TO OUR 1994 DODGE DAKOTA PICKUP AND STARTED THE ENGINE. AS HE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL HE HEARD A METALLIC NOISE AS IF SOMETHING HAD BROKEN. HE DROVE TO OUR NEARBY RESIDENCE AT VERY LOW SPEED. THERE WAS NO COLLISION, BUT HE REPORTED SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED BRAKE PERFORMANCE. AT OUR RESIDENCE, MY MECHANIC AND I INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. I AM A 21-YEAR EXPERIENCED POLICE COLLISION INVESTIGATOR. WE FOUND THAT THE LEFT (DRIVER SIDE) BOLT HOLDING THE MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER TO THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER PRESSURE ACCUMULATOR (AKA: HYDROBOOST) HAD BROKEN OFF. THE BOLT APPEARS TO BE A LOW GRADE STUD THAT IS PRESSED INTO THE FORWARD COVER OF THE HYDROBOOST UNIT. THE BOLT / STUD IS OF SMALL DIAMETER FOR SUCH A CRITICAL COMPONENT. IT APPEARED TO BE OVER-TIGHTENED AT THE FACTORY (MOST LIKELY), OR WORE OUT DUE TO METAL FATIGUE (LESS LIKELY AS THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS APPROXIMATELY 51,000 MILES ON IT). THERE IS A SECOND BOLT HOLDING THE MASTER CYLINDER TO THE HYDROBOOST. THE SECOND BOLT HELD IN PLACE, ALLOWING REDUCED BRAKING ABILITY. THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS FALLING DOWN AND TO THE RIGHT AT ABOUT A 35 DEGREE ANGLE. HAD THIS DEFECT OCCURRED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, OR WHEN PULLING A LOAD, A CATASTROPHIC COLLISION WOULD HAVE LIKELY OCCURRED. THE TWO BOLTS APPEAR TO BE TOO SMALL IN DIAMETER FOR ANY VEHICLE, PARTICULARLY A LIGHT PICKUP TRUCK. ALTHOUGH THIS VEHICLE IS A 1994 MODEL YEAR, IT IS STILL IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. I LIVE IN A SEMI-ARID AREA, SO THERE IS NO RUST. THE VEHICLE HAS ALSO NEVER BEEN IN A COLLISION AND IS PARKED IN A GARAGE WHEN NOT IN USE. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW AND HAVE BEEN THE ONLY OWNER. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN OTHERWISE EXTREMELY RELIABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10120936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,000 milesTowanda, PA
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
I HAVE A "PRISTINE" DODGE DAKOTA THAT I PURCHASED FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. IT CURRENTLY HAS 34,500 MILES ON IT AND I RECENTLY HAD TO REPLACE ALL OF THE BALL-JOINTS/ UPPER & LOWER/BOTH SIDES. I HAVE HEARD OF RECALLS FOR DAKOTA BALL-JOINTS. DID ANY OF THE RECALLS COVER A 1994 MODEL ? - PLEASE ADVISE. THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #10106359 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,000 milesTowanda, PA
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT
I HAVE A "PRISTINE" DODGE DAKOTA THAT I PURCHASED FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. IT CURRENTLY HAS 34,500 MILES ON IT AND I RECENTLY HAD TO REPLACE ALL OF THE BALL-JOINTS/ UPPER & LOWER/BOTH SIDES. I HAVE HEARD OF RECALLS FOR DAKOTA BALL-JOINTS. DID ANY OF THE RECALLS COVER A 1994 MODEL ? - PLEASE ADVISE. THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #10106359 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesHixson, TN
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND LOWER BALL JOINT ON RIGHT SIDE OF TRUCK BROKE . DID NOT WRECK. WHEEL FELL OFF OF TRUCK ALONG WITH AXLE END, BRAKE ROTOR AND CALIPER. SPINDLE ALSO BROKE . I HAVE ALREADY REPLACED SPINDLE AND AXLE BUT HAVE NOT YET PUT ALL BACK TOGETHER BECAUSE IM TRYING TO SEE IF MY TRUCK SHOULD BE IN WITH THIS BIG RECALL ON DAKOTAS AND DURANGOS.
NHTSA complaint #10104063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mayville, WI
AIR BAGS
SRS AIR BAG LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO WORK WHEN APPLIED. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
NHTSA complaint #10098997 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mayville, WI
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
SRS AIR BAG LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO WORK WHEN APPLIED. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
NHTSA complaint #10098997 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.