1988 Dodge D250 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MAY CONTAIN A PARK SPRAG ROD ASSEMBLY THAT MAY STICK IN THE TOOTH BUTT UNENGAGED POSITION.
What could happen: THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL WITH THEGEAR SHIFT LEVER IN PARK POSITION.
The fix: ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES WILL HAVE THE PARK SPRAG ROD ASSEMBLIES REPLACED.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1988 D250.
- Book a repair at any authorized Dodge dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 87V194000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
Summary: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MAY CONTAIN A PARK SPRAG ROD ASSEMBLY THAT MAY STICK IN THE TOOTH BUTT UNENGAGED POSITION.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL WITH THEGEAR SHIFT LEVER IN PARK POSITION.
Remedy: ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES WILL HAVE THE PARK SPRAG ROD ASSEMBLIES REPLACED.
Notes: SYSTEM: PARKING GEAR SHIFTVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT TRUCKS AND VANS/WAGONS.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Steering (2), Electrical system (1), Transmission / drivetrain (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (4)
06/21/2001 · Electrical system
SINGLE BOARD ENGINE CONTROLLER FAILS TO POWER IGNITION SYSTEM WHEN UNDER-HOOD TEMPERATURE RISES ON WARM DAYS, SHUTTING THE ENGINE DOWN UNEXPECTEDLY. *AK
02/16/1996 · Steering
TILT STEERING BOX ROD BUSTED OFF FROM THE BUSHING, RESULTING IN WHEEL LOCK UP, STEERING CONTROL LOST, ALMOST ACCIDENT, REPLACE STEERING COLUMN AND SWITCHES. TT
02/16/1996 · Steering
TILT STEERING BOX ROD BUSTED OFF FROM THE BUSHING, RESULTING IN WHEEL LOCK UP, STEERING CONTROL LOST, ALMOST ACCIDENT, REPLACE STEERING COLUMN AND SWITCHES. TT
01/25/1995 · Transmission / drivetrain
THE SHIFT ASSEMBLY BROKE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT