1987 Dodge Dakota recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong, in plain English: A vehicle part that may fail. SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM CABLES MAY PARTIALLY DISENGAGE AND BIND AT THE CARBURETOR THROTTLE LEVER ATTACHMENT.
What could happen: THROTTLE WOULD STAY PARTIALLY OPEN WHEN ACCELERATORPEDAL IS RELEASED.
The fix: INSTALL A WASHER AT SPEED CONTROL CABLE TO CARBURETOR THROTTLE LEVER ATTACHMENT TO ELIMINATE POTENTIAL FOR THIS CONDITION.
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 1987 DAKOTA.
- Book a repair at any authorized Dodge dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 87V050000.
- 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: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
Summary: SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM CABLES MAY PARTIALLY DISENGAGE AND BIND AT THE CARBURETOR THROTTLE LEVER ATTACHMENT.
Consequence: THROTTLE WOULD STAY PARTIALLY OPEN WHEN ACCELERATORPEDAL IS RELEASED.
Remedy: INSTALL A WASHER AT SPEED CONTROL CABLE TO CARBURETOR THROTTLE LEVER ATTACHMENT TO ELIMINATE POTENTIAL FOR THIS CONDITION.
Notes: SYSTEM: SPEED CONTROL CABLES.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH V6 ENGINE AND AUTOMATIC SPEEDCONTROL.
2. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. THESE TRUCKS WERE EQUIPPED WITH REAR PARK BRAKE CABLES WHICH CAUSED LIMITED REAR BRAKE SHOE TRAVEL RESULTING IN THE PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM NOT HOLDING THE VEHICLE IN THE REVERSE DIRECTION WHEN PARKED ON A 20% GRADE, AS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 105. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF THE TRUCK IS PARKED ON AN INCLINE AND THE PARKING BRAKE SET, IT MAY ROLL BACK CAUSING DAMAGE OR AN ACCIDENT.
What could happen:
The fix: REPLACE BOTH REAR PARKING BRAKE CABLES.
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 1987 DAKOTA.
- Book a repair at any authorized Dodge dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 86V115000.
- 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: PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL:LINKAGE AND CABLE
Summary: THESE TRUCKS WERE EQUIPPED WITH REAR PARK BRAKE CABLES WHICH CAUSED LIMITED REAR BRAKE SHOE TRAVEL RESULTING IN THE PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM NOT HOLDING THE VEHICLE IN THE REVERSE DIRECTION WHEN PARKED ON A 20% GRADE, AS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 105. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF THE TRUCK IS PARKED ON AN INCLINE AND THE PARKING BRAKE SET, IT MAY ROLL BACK CAUSING DAMAGE OR AN ACCIDENT.
Consequence:
Remedy: REPLACE BOTH REAR PARKING BRAKE CABLES.
Notes: SYSTEM: REAR PARKING BRAKE CABLES/FMVSS 105. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH STANDARD 9X2 1/2 INCH REAR BRAKES.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1987 Dodge Dakota owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Steering (5), Body / structure (3), Engine (3), Seat belts (3), Fuel system (2).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
06/22/2008 · Body / structure
THE SPARE TIRE RETAINER FAILED, ALLOWING THE SPARE TIRE TO DETACH FROM IT'S MOUNT UNDER THE VEHICLE AND FALL TO THE ROAD WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. THE SPARE TIRE IS HELD UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE BY A RETAINER ATTACHED TO A STEEL CABLE. THE STEEL CABLE IS IN A CONSTANT STATE OF TENSION SUPPORTING THE SPARE TIRE THE STEEL CABLE HAD DEVELOPED CORR…
10/24/2007 · Engine · fire
1987 DODGE DAKOTA CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED IN THE FIRE. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED BEFORE CATCHING ON FIRE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE FUEL PUMP HAD BEEN REPLACED RECENTLY. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT)*JB
10/16/2001 · Steering
THE 1988-1990 DAKOTAS WERE RECALLED FOR THIS CONCERN WHY NOT THE 1987? 01V232000. *AK
04/24/2001 · Engine
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUTDOWN WITHOUT WARNING. *AK
12/22/2000 · Engine · fire
ON RIGHT SIDE OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT A FIRE STARTED. FIRE DEPARTMENT COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE DUE TO FACT THAT IT BURNT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
05/01/1998 · Body / structure
WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 50-55 MPH THE FRAME BROKE. DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROLBEM. PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
02/05/1998 · Seat belts
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED.
08/07/1997 · Body / structure
CROSS MEMBER THAT HOLDS THE RACK AND PINION STEERING BROKE WHERE THE BOLTS HOLD IT TO THE FRAME. *AK