RecallMyCar

1988 Dodge Dakota Recalls, Complaints & Specs

3 safety recalls list the 1988 Dodge Dakota, and owners have filed 55 complaints with NHTSA. Check your own VIN below.

3
safety recalls
55
owner complaints to NHTSA
2 / 2
complaints citing a crash / fire
13–15
MPG combined (EPA)

3 safety recalls for the 1988 Dodge Dakota

Most recent first. Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. Click a recall for the full defect, consequence and remedy text.

  1. Gear box (other than rack and pinion) (steering)

    NHTSA 96V094000 Reported 140,000 vehicles potentially affected CHRYSLER CORPORATION

    The frame can crack at the steering gear attachment and/or the steering gear mounting bolts can fracture.

    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.

  2. Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs (wheels)

    NHTSA 88V074000 Reported 1,700 vehicles potentially affected CHRYSLER CORPORATION

    Machining error in locating wheel stud holes may prevent full seating of brake drum to shaft flange.

    Remedy: Replace axle shafts as necessary.

  3. Gear position indication (prndl) (power train)

    NHTSA 87V194000 Reported 3,500 vehicles potentially affected CHRYSLER CORPORATION

    Automatic transmission may contain a park sprag rod assembly that may stick in the tooth butt unengaged position.

    Remedy: All involved vehicles will have the park sprag rod assemblies replaced.

55 owner complaints filed with NHTSA

Owners of the 1988 Dodge Dakota have filed 55 complaints with NHTSA; 2 describe a crash and 2 describe a fire. The average mileage at failure in those reports is 83,025 miles. Complaints peaked in 1996 with 21 filed that year.

Most-reported components

What owners are reporting

“Re: steering recall as issued... NHTSA action # pe96003 for dodge dakota vehicle. Recall was for steering box "other than rack and pinion" steering. I'm the original owner of this vehicle and have had”

Owner complaint to NHTSA, April 2, 2008 · Steering

“Decorative end covers came off of wheel nut. Wheel nut catch 1/2 " of the end of lug bolts. *bf *tc”

Owner complaint to NHTSA, December 3, 2004 · Wheels

Fuel economy and specs

EPA ratings for the 1988 Dodge Dakota Cab Chassis (Dakota Cab Chassis 2WD). Ranges cover every tested configuration.

Combined13–15 mpg
City / Highway11–14 / 15–17
FuelRegular
EPA classSpecial Purpose Vehicle 2WD
Engine6 cyl, 3.9 L
TransmissionAutomatic 3-spd; Automatic 4-spd; Manual 5-spd

Compare Dodge Dakota model years

Recall and complaint counts for every Dodge Dakota model year in NHTSA's database.

Model yearRecallsComplaints
1985 Dodge Dakota02
1986 Dodge Dakota01
1987 Dodge Dakota220
1988 Dodge Dakota355
1989 Dodge Dakota363
1990 Dodge Dakota363
1991 Dodge Dakota4128
1992 Dodge Dakota1216
1993 Dodge Dakota1134
1994 Dodge Dakota3166
1995 Dodge Dakota0208
1996 Dodge Dakota1189
1997 Dodge Dakota5446
1998 Dodge Dakota5545
1999 Dodge Dakota4641
2000 Dodge Dakota5806
2001 Dodge Dakota7678
2002 Dodge Dakota5678
2003 Dodge Dakota4296
2004 Dodge Dakota1206
2005 Dodge Dakota6470
2006 Dodge Dakota5285
2007 Dodge Dakota4145
2008 Dodge Dakota291
2009 Dodge Dakota518
2010 Dodge Dakota735
2011 Dodge Dakota644

Checking a specific 1988 Dodge Dakota

How do I know if my 1988 Dodge Dakota has an open recall?

Enter your 17-character VIN above. The VIN is on the driver's side dashboard (visible through the windshield), the driver's door jamb sticker, and your registration or insurance card. The check runs against NHTSA's live database and tells you which campaigns list your vehicle. 3 campaigns currently list the 1988 Dodge Dakota; your car may already have been repaired under some of them.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Under federal law, manufacturers must fix safety recalls at no charge for vehicles up to 15 years old from the date of sale to the first owner. Contact any authorised Dodge dealer with your VIN and the NHTSA campaign number (for example 87V194000).

What is the difference between a recall and a complaint?

A recall is a safety campaign filed by the manufacturer or ordered by NHTSA, with a defined defect and remedy. A complaint is a report an owner sent to NHTSA; it is not verified, but patterns of complaints are what trigger NHTSA investigations and, eventually, recalls.

Other Dodge models

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint databases and EPA fuel economy data, October 2026. Complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. Recall counts are safety campaigns that list this model year; whether a particular car was already repaired depends on its VIN. How this data is compiled.