1988 Dodge Daytona recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Suspension
What's wrong, in plain English: Parts can break and cause loss of control. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
What could happen: THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POS…
The fix: FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.
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 DAYTONA.
- Book a repair at any authorized Dodge dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 08E033000.
- 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: SUSPENSION
Summary: FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
Consequence: THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.
Notes: THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS. CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1988 Dodge Daytona owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (4), Steering (3), Seat belts (3), Transmission / drivetrain (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)
08/02/2000 · Fuel system
MANY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS ALSO FUEL ING.QUIT. *AK
09/16/1999 · Steering
RACK AND PINION STEERING BECAME LOOSE AND CAUSED VIBRATION WITHIN STEERING. *AK
01/29/1999 · Seat belts
EXPERIENCING ONGOING PROBLEM WITH SEAT BELT INTERMITTENTLY FAILING TO RETRACT PROPERLY; CAUSING SEAT BELT TO BE INOPERATIVE. DEALER/MFR NOTIFED AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT PART WAS NOT UNDER A RECALL/ REPAIRS WOULD BE AT CONSUMER'S COST. *AK
06/10/1998 · Transmission / drivetrain
PLASTTIC PIECE ON STICK SHIFT BREAKS INSIDE THE SHIFTER, VEHICLE CAN NOT GO INTO REVERSE WHEN THIS HAPPENS.
08/11/1997 · Electrical system · fire
WHILE DRIVING TEMPERATURE GAUGE WENT UP, SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERHOOD, PULLED ASIDE, OPENED HOOD, ENGULFED WITH FLAMES, DAMAGE MOSTLY IN AREA OF BATTERY, ACCORDING TO FIRE DEPT. CAUSED BY ELECTRICAL SHORT, VEHICLE TOTALED. *AK
05/06/1997 · Engine · fire
WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. *AK
02/24/1997 · Brakes · crash
DRIVER HIT BRAKES AND BRAKES DIDN'T RESPOND/ CAR THEN SPON OUT OF CONTROL, THEN HIT A PICKUP TRUCK. *AK
01/12/1997 · Engine
ENGINE HEADS FAILED.