1988 DODGE DAKOTA PROBLEMS

Common Complaints and Reliability

• 1. Steering:

  • Aftermarket brake pad rivet failure causing separation
    
  • Belts popped on right front tire causing vibration and jackknife
    
  • Bolts sheered off, causing rear of truck to lock up
    
  • Bolts to rack and pinion broke loose causing damage and misalignment
    
  • Cable holding spare tire rusted out and tire fell off
    
  • Clutch failure
    
  • Power steering unit issue
    
  • Rack and pinion steering issues
    
  • Steering lever not engaging properly
    
  • Steering rack and pinion mounting points stress fractured
    

• 2. Safety:

  • Driver and passenger seat belt buckle issues
    
  • Engine fire
    
  • Sudden acceleration causing accident
    
  • Vehicle hood flew open while driving
    
  • Vehicle parked in idle jumped into reverse causing accident
    

• 3. Mechanical:

  • Clutch assembly breaking off
    
  • Exhaust leak
    
  • Transmission major gear train failure
    
  • Transmission replacement
    
  • Vehicle stalling multiple times
    
  • Steering wheel loose due to missing pin
    

• 4. Miscellaneous:

  • Decorative end covers came off wheel nut
    
  • Vehicle on recall for several issues but no repairs made due to lack of parts
    
  • Vehicle fire
    
  • Spare tire mounting cable corroded causing spare tire to fall off
    
  • Vehicle involved in accident due to various mechanical failures