- The problem
- 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 1989). The frame can crack at the steering gear attachment and/or the steering gear mounting bolts can fracture.
- The risk
- The steering gear can separate from the vehicle frame resulting in a loss of vehicle control increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
- The fix
- 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 began august 27, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Vehicle safety record
1990 Dodge Dakota Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 66 complaints about the 1990 Dodge Dakota with NHTSA, most often about the steering (27) and the transmission & drivetrain (15). Those complaints describe 5 crashes and 3 injuries. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in July 2001 for the gear box (other than rack and pinion). For comparison, the 1989 has 64 and the 1991 has 128.
NHTSA data checked
AFar fewer problems than a typical Dakota year, for its age
#25 most complained-about 1990 vehicle
- Complaints
- 66
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 5
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 3
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1990 Dodge Dakota problems
Share of all 66 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1990 Dodge Dakota recalls 3
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- The frame can crack at the steering gear attachment and/or the steering gear mounting bolts can fracture.
- The risk
- The steering gear can separate from the vehicle frame resulting in a loss of vehicle control increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- The engine valve cover gasket may dislocate and allow an engine oil leak at the gasket.
- The risk
- The leakage of oil in the engine compartment could causea fire.
- The fix
- Replace gasket cover with revised cover, and rtv sealant will be applied in place of a gasket.
What owners say
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66 complaints about the 1990 Dodge Dakota
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 3.
Dodge ignition system locked up without warning.*Mr *jb
First tire separation discovered by csaa auto service during routine maintenance, on 11/07/01. Second and third tread separation were during vacation, when driving down highway, at 50mph, the tires started producing rough ride. Stopped to check tires, and noticed separation.*Ak (tiresize: lt21575r15)
Drum, tire and all off axle, when vehicle stopped, almost lost family, dealer neglect. *Ak
While driving heard a rattle, that sounded like water pump was going bad. Next day, consumer heard a loud crash bang, fan blade broke off, cut radiator hose. Fan blade had to be replaced. Consumer felt like if they would have been under hood some one may have been seriously injured.*Ak the customer also noted that one of four blade fan has cracked. Radiator failed. *Yh
I want to know what emission control devices my vehicle has when it was manufactured. Need to know this by using my vin.
I have had trouble finding information on any upgrades, or modification that have been done to the np231d transfer case since date of manufacture on 10-89. I had to replace the range fork and range fork shift hub and am now experiencing difficulties with the replacements. If I can just get some feedback on this it would help me a great deal. Thank you for your time and effort in this situation. *Aky
Anti-lock brake module failed. I took vehicle to mechanic. He could not obtain replacement part because dealer would not provide it to him. Dealer stated that vehicle had to be brought into them for rapair. Dealer mechanic advised us that repair was not necessary bacause brakes worked, just anti-lock feature would not work. We waited for several months to save up for the repair. And had the dealer repair the antilock brakes. I feel the dealer is making a hazard on the road by not providing the necessary replacement...
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parts to other repair shops. The dealer also charges higher prices and this dealer always causes somthing else to go wrong in the process of repairing the problem it was brought in for. That is the main reason we use an independent mechanic to repair problems that were under warranty. We paid for the repairs so the dealer couldn't screw up the truck any more. *Ak
VEHICLE PAINT CHIPPING SINCE 1993.
This vehicle has had problems with the transmission and drivetrain since it came off the lot. The original dealership was extremely helpful while we still lived in the area. However, when we moved to minnesota the first transmission failure occurred. 1St 2nd and 3rd gears were replaced, there was less than 7,000 mi on the truck. The second failure was less than a year later, again 1st 2nd and 3rd crapped out. This occurred again about 6-8 months later. I had asked the service shop to check the drivetrain...
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several times, the response was that everything was within parameters. The whole system jumps and thumps when shifting gears. It also makes similar noises and jumping when going over small bumps or dips in the road. I have had the clutch, pressure plate and throw out bearing replaced at about 40,000 mi. This truck has not been used for towing or hauling any heavy loads. I read in the above list about another. *Ak
The fuel tank cracked, causing the fuel to spill over. If it was to become a source of ignition, it could cause a fire. Dealer will replace fuel tank. *Ak
While loading equipment into bed, 1/2 inch aluminum rivet that holds tailgate chain bracket onto the body failed/ripped off. (Qcaw)
Consumer complainting of transmission overdrive system malfunction with only 67,000 miles of wear, dealer notified and will repair for a cost to the cosumer.
Owner received a recall notice concerning steering gear box. But was unable to get the vehicle repaired because the mechanic at the dealer told them they could only get it repaired monday through friday, not on saturday. Owner stated that's their only means of transportation. *Ak
The truck was idling in park. The truck slipped out of park into reverse and slammed into the house. *Ak
Steering assembnly went out and vehicle was unable to handle properly, check and weld rack and pinions bolts, r &i rack and pinion, weld 2 new pieces of sheet metal where bolts go into the frame.
Rack and pinion steering gear separated per the recall notice.
Vehicle jumped out of park resulting in collision.
FRAME AT STEERING GEAR BOLT STRIPPED OUT.
FRONT STRUT FAILED.
TRANSMISSION FAILED THREE TIMES.
BRAKE ROTORS FAILED.
Front end misaligned, causing vibration/pulling.
TRANSMISSION SLIPPED, CAUSING ACCIDENT.
Transmission failed with virtually no warning. Transmission had been visually inspected and serviced as part of a service call; no signs of failure were detected.
Been waiting for steering parts; was informed by dealership that back order for parts has been 2 months or more. 96V094000. *Ak
Dodge Dakota: every year compared
All Dakota years1990 Dodge Dakota vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 Dodge Dakota | 66 | 3 | A | |
| 1990 Dodge Caravan | 283 | 6 | C | Compare |
| 1990 Dodge Grand Caravan | 55 | 3 | A | Compare |
| 1990 Dodge Dynasty | 54 | 5 | C | Compare |
| 1990 Dodge Daytona | 27 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 1990 Dodge Colt | 13 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 1990 Dodge D250 | 9 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 1990 Dodge D150 | 6 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 1990 Dodge B250 | 5 | 0 | C | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1990 Dodge Dakota
Does the 1990 Dodge Dakota have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 1990 Dodge Dakota: gear box (other than rack and pinion) (July 2001); gear box (other than rack and pinion) (June 1996); engine (December 1989). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1990 Dodge Dakota?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the steering (27), transmission & drivetrain (15), brakes (11).
How many complaints has the 1990 Dodge Dakota had?
66 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on November 29, 1994 and the latest on April 14, 2005. Of these, 5 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 3 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1990 Dodge Dakota a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 85 out of 100 (grade A: far fewer problems than a typical Dodge Dakota year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Dodge Dakota years have the most complaints?
2000 (830), 2002 (689), 1999 (688). See every Dodge Dakota year compared.
What should I do if my 1990 Dodge Dakota has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data