1989 Dodge Dakota recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
3 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Steering
What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car. 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.
What could happen: 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…
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 1989 DAKOTA.
- Book a repair at any authorized Dodge dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 01V232000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-853-1403.
- 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: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary: 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.
Consequence: THE STEERING GEAR CAN SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE FRAME RESULTING IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: 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.
Notes: ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
2. Engine
What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. THE ENGINE VALVE COVER GASKET MAY DISLOCATE AND ALLOW AN ENGINE OIL LEAK AT THE GASKET.
What could happen: 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 to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1989 DAKOTA.
- Book a repair at any authorized Dodge dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 89V237000.
- 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: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Summary: THE ENGINE VALVE COVER GASKET MAY DISLOCATE AND ALLOW AN ENGINE OIL LEAK AT THE GASKET.
Consequence: THE LEAKAGE OF OIL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COULD CAUSEA FIRE.
Remedy: REPLACE GASKET COVER WITH REVISED COVER, AND RTV SEALANT WILL BE APPLIED IN PLACE OF A GASKET.
Notes: SYSTEM: ENGINE VALVE COVER GASKET.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS, LIGHT TRUCKS, AND MINIVANS.
3. Steering
What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car. THE FRAME CAN CRACK AT THE STEERING GEAR ATTACHMENT AND/OR THE STEERING GEAR MOUNTING BOLTS CAN FRACTURE.
What could happen: 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.
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 1989 DAKOTA.
- Book a repair at any authorized Dodge dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 96V094000.
- 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: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary: THE FRAME CAN CRACK AT THE STEERING GEAR ATTACHMENT AND/OR THE STEERING GEAR MOUNTING BOLTS CAN FRACTURE.
Consequence: THE STEERING GEAR CAN SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE FRAME RESULTING IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: 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.
Notes: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NO RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CALL CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1989 Dodge Dakota owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Steering (21), Transmission / drivetrain (15), Brakes (14), Hydraulic (14), Engine (13).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
09/16/2011 · Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 50 MPH WHEN THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED WHICH PREVENTED THE CONTACT FROM STEERING THE VEHICLE IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BOLTS ON THE RACK AND PINION WERE CRACKED. AS A RESULT, THE RACK AND PINION WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. TH…
03/07/2007 · Transmission / drivetrain
WHEN SWITCHING FROM 4H TO 2H ON 89 DODGE DAKOTA ON FLOOR SHIFTER IT TAKES A FEW MINUTES TO ENGAGE AND WHEN IT DOES IT JARS THE VEHICLE TO A SIDE JERKING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT SUDDENLY. *JB
10/24/2006 · Transmission / drivetrain
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PLACING THE VEHICLE INTO PARK, THE GEAR SHIFTS INTO REVERSE OR IF PARKED ON AN INCLINE WILL ROLL DOWN A HILL. THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT PROPERLY LOCK INTO THE PARKING GEAR. NO EXAMINATION OR REPAIRS WERE MADE. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL # 00V106000 REGARDING POWERTRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL).…
05/24/2005 · Wheels / tires
DT: CONSUMER STATES: WHEEL DIDN'T FIT HUB CORRECTLY AND IT WAS STRIPPING LUGS: NUTS AND STUDS WHEN HITTING SMALL BUMPS. THERE WAS NOTHING TO HOLD THEM. . DODGE SAID NEEDED A FACTORY RIM, AND THEY DIDN'T MAKE THEM ANYMORE. *AK UPDATED 01/09/07. *JB
10/24/2004 · Engine · fire
I WAS DRIVING DOWN 1994 AND THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUSED A HUGE FIRE. MELTING ALL THE WIRING AND DESTROYING THE TRUCK. THE DETROIT FIREDEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND THE TRUCK IS A TOTAL LOSS. MY INSURANCE COMPANY WILL NOT PAY FOR IT BECAUSE I HAD BASIC COVERAGE. I DID NOT KNOW IT WAS A RECALL. I WAS NEVER CONTACTED. I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 1993 AFTER THE RECALL. I…
12/31/2003 · Transmission / drivetrain
THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION OVERHEATED AND MELTED.*MR *PH *NM
08/30/2002 · Wheels / tires
WHILE DRIVING, THE RIGHT REAR TIRE DISINTEGRATED, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE DAMAGE FOUND TO THE TIRE WAS CAUSED BY A ROAD HAZARD AND NOT A DESIGN FLAW.(COOPER TRENDSETTER AW RADIAL TIRE P235 75R15, DOT NUMBER, VP HL CNA 7500)*JB
09/19/2001 · Steering
RACK AND PINION BOLTS FRACTURED ,CAUSING RACK AND PINION STEERING TO SEPARATE FROM FRAME, RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL. A RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED ON VEHICLE. VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED UNDER RECALL. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK