- The problem
- Dope, inc. Is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." These lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
- The risk
- Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on july 28, 2009. Owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
Vehicle safety record
1998 Dodge Dakota Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 557 complaints about the 1998 Dodge Dakota with NHTSA, most often about the suspension (218) and the brakes (78). Those complaints describe 44 crashes, 1 fire, 29 injuries and 6 deaths. It is covered by 12 recalls, the latest in May 2009 for the headlights. For comparison, the 1997 has 452 and the 1999 has 688.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical Dakota year, for its age
#10 most complained-about 1998 vehicle
- Complaints
- 557
- Recalls
- 12
- Crashes
- 44
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 29
- Deaths
- 6
Most common 1998 Dodge Dakota problems
Share of all 557 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1998 Dodge Dakota recalls 12
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
- Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." These lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
- The risk
- Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on may 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
- The problem
- Skf is recalling 2,805 hub units, part no. Br930361, sold as a service part for 1997-2004 dodge dakota vehicles and 1999-2003 dodge durango vehicles equipped with 2-wheel drive & rear axle abs. Due to a specification error, the rotor pilot for the hub unit may be too long. This results in the wheel to not be seated fully against the hub flange face during mounting.
- The risk
- Improper seating of the wheel can result in excessive vibration, brake rotor noise, difficulty removing the wheel after installation and operation of the vehicle, and possibly wheel-end separation during vehicle operation. Should wheel-end separation occur, the driver could loose control of the vehicle, possibly resulting in a crash.
- The fix
- Skf will notify owners and replace the defective hub units free of charge. The recall began on november 5, 2008. Owners may contact skf vsm north america customer service at 1-800-644-8999.
- The problem
- Certain aj motorsport combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
- The risk
- Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Aj motorsport will notify owners and offer reimbursement for the lamps. The recall began on july 31, 2006. Owners may contact aj motorsport at 626-618-2026.
- The problem
- Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain 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.
- The risk
- Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
- The fix
- Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on april 3, 2006. Owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.
- The problem
- Certain replacement k&n fuel performance kits, p/nos. 57-1509, 57-1511, 57-1511-1, 57-1517, 57-1517-1, 57-1527, And 57-1530. Also, a small percentage of these kits were sold under the mopar performance parts brand name (p/nos. P5007069 and p5007070). All kits were manufactured from april 20, 1999, through september 23, 2004. These assemblies were manufactured as replacement equipment for certain dodge pickup trucks and suvs. A small piece of material from the tube wall could be sucked into the engine throttle body, which could cause the throttle to become jammed in the open position.
- The risk
- A jammed open throttle could cause unintended acceleration of the vehicle, possibly resulting in a crash or increased stoping distances when braking.
- The fix
- K&n will provide owners with a free repair kit along with repair instructions. The recall began on april 20, 2006.
- The problem
- Certain aftermarket brake hydraulic master cylinders sold as replacement brake cylinders for certain ford, daimlerchrysler, and jeep passenger vehicles. These brake cylinders were sold under the brand names of napa, raybestos, aimco, ac delco, carquest, bendix, and wagner. Only products that were manufactured from july 27, 2005 through january 17, 2006 (date codes 0529 through 0602) are subject to this recall. When subject to very cold temperatures, an internal seal in the master cylinder could lose flexibility and may cause brake fluid to leak.
- The risk
- Loss of brake fluid can lead to a decrease in brake line pressure and an increase in stopping distance, which can result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Affinia (brake parts, inc.) Will replace the subject brake hydraulic master cylinders free of charge. The recall began on march 20, 2006. Owners can contact affina group customer service at 1-800-323-0354.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: pickup trucks. Sound deadener material inside the steering wheel could become detached from the cover and housing. Note: the ram pickup trucks were built at the warren assembly plant ("s" in the 11th vin position) from may 16, 2000 through october 23, 2000; st. Louis north assembly plant ("j" in the 11th vin position) from may 19, 2000 through october 23, 2000; lago alberto assembly plant ("m" in the 11th vin position) from may 23, 2000 through october 23, 2000; and saltillo assembly plant ("g" in the 11th vin position) from may 23, 2000 through october 23, 2000. Important: vehicles that have already had the proper clockspring installed, according to warranty records, have been excluded from this recall. In addition, 1997-2000 model year vehicles that have had a suspect replacement clockspring installed, according to warranty records, have been added to this recall.
- The risk
- When this occurs, the material could interfere with the clockspring ribbon and cause an open circuit. The driver air bag system will become disabled, and the air bag warning lamp will illuminate on the instrument panel.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the clockspring assembly. Owner notification began june 18, 2001. Also some 1997-200 model year vehicles that, according to warranty records, have had a suspect replacement clockspring installed, will also be included in this campaign. 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.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: pickup trucks. Some vehicles may have been built with inadequate clearance between the rear axle vent hose and the brake hose.
- The risk
- A puncture in the rear brake hose will result in a loss of braking force at the rear wheels.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the rear brake hose for evidence of wear. Worn brake hoses will be replaced. The rear vent hose will be shortened by 3 inches and a clip will be installed to assure clearance between the axle vent line and brake hose is maintained.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: pickup trucks built with 2.5L engines. Some vehicles may have been built with inadequate clearance between the left front brake tube and the power steering hose.
- The risk
- A puncture of the left front brake tube can result in a loss of braking force at the front wheels, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the brake tube and power steering hose for wear. If wear is evident, the brake tube and/or power steering hose will be replaced. A power steering standoff bracket will be installed on all vehicles to ensure that adequate clearance between the brake tube and power steering hose is maintained.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. These vehicles may have been built with bolts that were not properly hardened. The bolts were used to attach the cab and the core support to the frame.
- The risk
- This condition can allow the cab to separate from the frame increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace these bolts with properly hardened bolts.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks (2 wheel drive only). The front brake hoses or anti-lock brake system (abs) sensor wire may be abraded at the front wheels by contact with a front wheelhouse splash shield.
- The risk
- Prolonged brake hose contact can cause a partial loss of the braking system. Prolonged abs sensor wire contact can cause a loss of abs function.
- The fix
- Dealers will trim the front wheelhouse splash shields and the brake hoses and abs sensor wires will be inspected. If evidence of abrasion is found on any hose or abs wire, they will be replaced.
What owners say
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557 complaints about the 1998 Dodge Dakota
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 23.
The contact owned a 1998 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at 25 MPH and attempting to slow the vehicle with the brake pedal depressed all the way to the floorboard, the vehicle failed to come to a complete stop. As a result, the vehicle careened off the roadway and into a ditch. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The occupants were all transported to an area hospital by EMT for treatment. The driver was treated for chest pain caused...
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by the steering wheel; the contact was treated for a broken arm; the oldest rear seat occupant was treated for a facial injury, losing two front teeth; and the youngest rear seat occupant was treated for a concussion. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number: 97V170000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 5,000.
1 Safety recall found,Reprogram Pcm and inspect Catalytic Converter.I never got a recall notice in the mail just happen to go on line and find it.My engine light,Anti -brake light and emergency light stays on.My speedometer and odometer quit working.I took my truck to the Dodge dealership and they said the parts are discontinued and they cannot get them but they did do a inspection and said everything was ok.I still have the same problems and I am concerned about my safety and the safety of others involved while I am driving my truck.
52019555 For Dodge Dakota Pickup Spare Tire Hoist Wheel Carrier Winch Hanger. Defective Spare Tire Hoist Wheel Carrier Winch Hanger The Spare Tire Hoist Wheel Carrier Winch Hanger contains soft rubber part which disintegrates easily with the elements (rain, cold, dirt, wind, etc.). This allows friction between the metal carrier mechanism and the steel wire that holds the tire. The friction eventually "cuts" the wire which holds the 50 lbs+ spare tire setting it free and dropping from under the truck and onto ...
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the road while traveling (moving). Issue The "DEFECTIVE" Replacement part (Spare Tire Hoist Wheel Carrier Winch Hanger continues to be sold in the market with NO Modification. The part should be recalled and corrected to prevent an accident. Car models impacted: Dodge Dakota, Ram, Durango, etc. Experience I was traveling about 40 MPH when the spare tire fell off from under the truck due to this defective part. I saw the tire (via rear view mirror) bounce off about 10 feet in the air and roll down the road at a fast rate of speed until it hit a curve and then a tree. With luck there was no one behind me or pedestrians around. This could have caused a fatal injury if the tire had hit a car behind me as it could have hit the windshield due to the high bounce rate and speed. It would have knocked down and injured a cyclist or motorcycle. It could have even hit and injured a pedestrian!. Thank God none of this happen. Request Please consider recalling this part and modifying it to meet safety standard to prevent potentially fatal injuries. The part is being sold on ebay, Amazon and other retailers. See samples below. Please contact me with any questions. 1.https://tinyurl.com/AMZ-Carrier 2.https://tinyurl.com/Mopat-winch 3.https://tinyurl.com/ebay-hoist
The contact owns a 1998 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was restarted and operated as designed. During the failure, there were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. Additionally, while depressing the brake pedal a clicking noise was present and the vehicle would not immediately stop. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The...
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cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 210,000.
Engine mysteriously dies for no apparent reason. It may happen at idle all the way to and including highway speeds. Dry weather or wet weather. Cold weather or hot weather. Cold engine or warm engine. No pattern detected. It doesn't splutter -- it just dies as if the ignition key has been turned off, and it throws no code.
My truck has a bad pcm I have it rebuilt 3 times and the same problem will start once then will not start put a pcm in from a 8cyl runs all day not well because its from 8cyl everything has been replaced and still will not start I have seen a lot of this same thing on line this is my first dodge nd it will be my last and all of this is from the dodge dealer
I FOUND A LIST OF RECALLS ON PEP BOYS WEBSITE
The emine will die amytime! Going around cormers lor on expressway sitting in driveway idling. My family has had this vehicle sine 1999. This just started 6 months ago. Up until then it never happened. Replaced several sensors (tps,iac,map,coolant temp and also computer)so far nothing fixes it. I know dodge knows about this and so do you!!! Something needs to be done there are too many dakota/durangos on the road I am surprised no one has died or at very least been hurt badly. I know it goes on in earlier dakotas...
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and later of both not sure if it ever was fixed since old bodystyle ended in 2004. Happwned first time about feb.1,2018. Afraid to drive it for fear of dying or badly hurt because it dies anywhere anytime including rush hour trffic in tulsa ok
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 dodge dakota. The contact stated that the headlamps failed to illuminate. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the wiring in the headlamp assembly was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 214,674.
This car has been a safety nightmare. From steel brake lines rusting through (and the vehicle losing it brakes), to upper ball joints almost separating to steering wheel drive shafts where the u-joints almost separated. These are not items that should fail like this. I spent part of my career looking after global product liability for cummins engine and I am stunned at the poor quality chrysler has used in critical components.
The truck has a electrical issue the lights go off and on out of no where I was driving down the road in very dark two lane road and lights go off. Thank god nobody tried passing in oncoming traffic pr we would be dead I replaced light switch a few months ago and it was fine until recently started doing same thing. *Tr
While driving a combine was approaching in on coming lane taking up part of my lane, applied brakes and pedal hit the floor (no brakes). I had to go off road to avoid accident. Upon inspection found brake lines rusted through. Repaired and while bleeding lines had another rusted area rupture due to rust ( 4 areas so far). Fearful to drive until all lines replaced......But too costly!
For dodge cars around 98 or ones that have the automatic door locks, they stop working. It sounds like they want to actuate the lock but it won't lock or unlock. All other function remains in the doors opening and closing. Upon my quest of trying to fux the problem on both doors, I took apart the electronic motor housing where the gears are. There is a little blue piece under all the gears that has broken and appears to be broken from the pressure of the friction spring behind it. Thinking this was the problem with the other one, I tore it apart and was the same thing. The two parts had broken in the exact same spot. I have a feeling this is due to product defect and not juse in my case.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 dodge dakota. While driving 45-50 mph, the frame detached from the vehicle without warning. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 100,000. Updated 10/24/2014*lj updated 04/20/2015 *js
Cant get info...How too make any one fix recalled parts. *Tr
Brakes failed due to complete rust through of lines. Have had to subsequently replace other lines and hoses due to their defective quality. *Tr
Head lights flicker and turn off intermittently whether driving or at a stand still. This has occurred since this vehicle was purchased used and is a common problem with this and the dodge durango. Have been stopped twice by local law enforcement. The vehicle is stock with no aftermarket additions. *Tr
The spare tire hoist / carrier cable broke, causing the full size spare tire to drop to the road. Fortunately, it happened as I pulled into my driveway. This could have easily been a severe accident on the interstate. *Tr
Approaching stop light when hydraulic brake lines suddenly and completely ruptured causing a condition of no brakes and impact with vehicle in front of me. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 dodge dakota. The contact stated that at engine startup, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 150,000 and the current mileage was 160,000. Updated 02/01/12 *bf the consumer stated the air bag light intermittently illuminated. The intermittent behavior would occur at idle, when cold, hot, all speeds and when the vehicle was first started. The consumer stated a recall was issued. However, chrysler denied a recall existed. The consumer paid $1,243 for the repair, which included a defective clock spring assembly as noted in the recall. Updated 02/10/12
Lower steering shaft u joints are unprotected and rusted out causing sticky steering and difficulty controlling the vehicle in a turn. *Tr
1998 Dakota brake line (steel) rusted through and ruptured resulting in catastrophic brake failure (right front). The dealer blames the failure on road conditions in western virginia (salt). The truck has only 80000 miles. *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 dodge dakota. The contact stated that the vehicle shut off without warning. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic who suggested that the air idle control solenoid be replaced. The contact replaced the idle control solenoid but that did not remedy the issue. The vehicle continued to shut off without warning at 50 mph. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who was unable to duplicate the problem. The contact stated the vehicle is unsafe to drive and the dealer needed to diagnose the failure. The contact also noticed online that the ecm needed to be replaced but the dealer did not performed a diagnostic test. The failure mileage was 114,000.
Steering shaft on our dodge dakota went bad.....Going to fix it but how many are on the road with the same problem and the fix costs a small fortune. *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 dodge dakota. The contact stated that the driver was traveling 32 mph when he attempted to stop but the brakes failed; as a result, the vehicle rear ended the vehicle in front. The contact experienced the brake failure several times. The local repair shop replaced the calipers and brake pads five times. The vehicle was taken back to the repair shop and the mechanic stated that the abs could be the cause of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired again. The vin was unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000 and the current mileage was 58,882.
Dodge Dakota: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 689 | 12 | F |
| 2001 | 678 | 14 | F |
| 2000 | 830 | 12 | F |
| 1999 | 688 | 10 | F |
| 1998 | 557 | 12 | F |
| 1997 | 452 | 12 | F |
| 1996 | 199 | 2 | C |
| 1995 | 212 | 1 | C |
| 1994 | 0 | 4 | A |
1998 Dodge Dakota vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 Dodge Dakota | 557 | 12 | F | |
| 1998 Dodge Durango | 976 | 6 | F | Compare |
| 1998 Dodge Caravan | 641 | 14 | F | Compare |
| 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan | 571 | 6 | F | Compare |
| 1998 Dodge Intrepid | 376 | 5 | C | Compare |
| 1998 Dodge Neon | 351 | 6 | D | Compare |
| 1998 Dodge Avenger | 58 | 6 | B | Compare |
| 1998 Dodge Dodge Truck | 28 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 1998 Dodge B Series | 18 | 0 | F | 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 1998 Dodge Dakota
Does the 1998 Dodge Dakota have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 12 recalls for the 1998 Dodge Dakota: headlights (May 2009); exterior lighting (April 2009); hub (October 2008); exterior lighting (July 2006) and more. 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 1998 Dodge Dakota?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the suspension (218), brakes (78), transmission & drivetrain (72).
How many complaints has the 1998 Dodge Dakota had?
557 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on October 8, 1997 and the latest on October 10, 2023. Of these, 44 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 29 injuries and 6 deaths.
Is the 1998 Dodge Dakota a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 18 out of 100 (grade F: far more 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 1998 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