1991 Dodge Dakota Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1991 Dodge Dakota, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Transmission5538.7%
- Steering1510.6%
- Brakes149.9%
- Fuel system85.6%
- Powertrain (other)74.9%
- Driver assistance74.9%
- Engine64.2%
- Electrical64.2%
- Body & structure53.5%
- Other / unspecified42.8%
- Tires & wheels42.8%
- Seat belts32.1%
- Airbags21.4%
- Heating & air conditioning21.4%
- Interior & seats21.4%
- Suspension10.7%
- Visibility10.7%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE CONTACT'S DRIVEWAY, IT SUDDENLY ROLLED IN REVERSE WITH THE SHIFTER IN THE PARK POSITION. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THIS FAILURE. THE VEHICLE'S DOOR CRASHED INTO THE GATE AND WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR THE SAME FAILURES MENTIONED IN THE RECALL NOTICE. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V034000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION). THE CONTACT WAS DISPLEASED TO KNOW THAT THERE WAS NOT A SUFFICIENT REMEDY WITH THE RECALL DEFECT REPAIR. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 120,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 DODGE DAKOTA. THERE ARE TWO SAFETY RECALLS THAT THE CONTACT WOULD LIKE TO HAVE REPAIRED ON THE VEHICLE: NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER'S 00V106000 (POWERTRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)) AND 95V089000 (STEERING: WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE RECALLS APPLY TO HIS VEHICLE, BUT THEY COULD NOT GET THE PARTS. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 151,139.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 DODGE DAKOTA. THERE ARE TWO SAFETY RECALLS THAT THE CONTACT WOULD LIKE TO HAVE REPAIRED ON THE VEHICLE: NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER'S 00V106000 (POWERTRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)) AND 95V089000 (STEERING: WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE RECALLS APPLY TO HIS VEHICLE, BUT THEY COULD NOT GET THE PARTS. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 151,139.
POWER STEERING PUMP IS LEAKING FLUID, CAUSING VEHICLE TO BE INOPERABLE. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS *TR
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
ABS FOUND FLASHING CODE 7,PERFORMEDPPT, FOUND MODULE BAD.( CHECK SAFETY RECALL F05) WHEN PERFORMING RECALL A/T MANUAL VALVE , FOUND DISCOLORATION IN TRANSMISSION FLUID POSSIBLE COOLER RESTRICTION IS A MAJOR FACTOR IN CONDITION .. TECH TOLD THIS CUSTOMER THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THIS TRANSMISSION TRUCK ONLY HAS 75000 ACTUAL MILE...
THE ABS BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED, RESULTING IN AN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE, THERE HAVE BEEN REPLACEMENTS MADE UNDER WARRANTY, THE INDICATOR LIGHTS COMES ON WHEN DRIVING AND IN HOT WEATHER THE LIGHT STAYS ON, THE DEALER CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK CONSUMER STATED DEALER DID NOT TRY TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, THE REAR SPEED SENSOR, AND ANTI-LOCK BRAKE MODULE WERE REPLACED, ALSO REAR BRAKE SHOES WERE REPLACED AND CONSUMER IS STILL EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE ABS LIGHT COMING ON.*JB
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE FUEL SUPPLY TUBE WORE THROUGH THE FIREWALL AND FLOOR PAN WHICH CAUSED A FUEL LEAKAGE. *PH THE FUEL SUPPLY TUBE WAS INSTALLED SO THAT IT WAS DIRECTLY AGAINST THE JUNCTION OF THE FIREWALL AND FLOOR PAN. THIS WAS A SHARP WELDED JUNCTION WHICH WORE THROUGH THE STEEL FUEL SUPPLY TUBE AND CAUSED THE FUEL LEAK. (DEFECTIVE AT THE FACTORY AND PRESENTED A FIRE/EXPLOSION HAZARD) *SCC *JB
BAD GAS MILAGE/I GET ABOUT 200MILES TO A TANK OF GAS/IT HOLD 22 GAL. OF GAS
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
ABS FOUND FLASHING CODE 7,PERFORMEDPPT, FOUND MODULE BAD.( CHECK SAFETY RECALL F05) WHEN PERFORMING RECALL A/T MANUAL VALVE , FOUND DISCOLORATION IN TRANSMISSION FLUID POSSIBLE COOLER RESTRICTION IS A MAJOR FACTOR IN CONDITION .. TECH TOLD THIS CUSTOMER THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THIS TRANSMISSION TRUCK ONLY HAS 75000 ACTUAL MILE...
CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO ENGAGE 4-WHEEL DRIVE AND HEARD A LOUD "METAL SCRAPING" NOISE. CHECKED BY DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT AXLE IS DEFECTIVE. TS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE CRUISE CONTROL ON THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER ENGAGED. THE REAR END OF THE TRUCK IS ALSO CAUSING SOME STEERING PROBLEMS. *AK
THROTTLE CABLE HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF THE THROTTLE STICKING. WHEN RELEASING THE THROTTLE DOESN'T GO BACK, CAUSING THE VEHCILE TO IDLE AT A HIGH SPEED. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
1991 DODGE DAKOTA CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *KB THE CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE PRIOR TO THE FIRE ERUPTED. THE VEHICLE TRANSMISSION HAD BEEN SERVICE A WEEK BEFORE THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE BURNED COMPLETELY. *NM
ENG./ALT. BELTS SYSTEMATICALLY FAIL AVERAGING EVERY 2 YRS SINCE PURCHASE: EXCESS NOISE, THEN BREAKAGE & REPLACEMENT.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. VEHICLE COULD NO LONGER BE DRIVEN. *AK
AFTER RECALL REPAIR 00V-106 THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO OVERDRIVE AND CAUSED THE WATER PUMP TO FAIL, THE VEHICLE NEVER HAD TRANSMISSION TROUBLE UNTIL THE RECALL REPAIR WAS DONE. NLM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
PAINT FLAKING OFF. I AM THE ONLY OWNER OF THE TRUCK. THE PAINT STARTED FLAKING OFF OVER A YEAR AGO.*AK
A SHOCK IS GIVEN UPON OPENING THE DOOR AT TIMES. DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
SPARE TIRE WINCH CABLE WAS DISCOVERED TO HAVE BROKEN AND SPARE TIRE HAD FALLEN OFF. DRIVER WAS UNAWARE OF WHEN THE SPARE FELL OFF. *AK
SPARE TIRE SUPPORT BROKE AND THE TIRE DROPPED ONTO PAVEMENT WHILE THE TRUCK WAS MOVING. LUCKILY, I WAS IN A PARKING LOT WHEN THIS HAPPENED AND NO CARS WERE FOLLOWING CLOSELY BEHIND ME. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING, RIGHT REAR TIRE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION, CAUSING CONSUMER TO RUN OFF THE ROAD AND CAUSING DAMAMGE TO VEHICLE, FIRESTONE AFFINITY, P215/70R15, CLAIM 46-0351-405. *SLC
WHILE DRIVING, RIGHT REAR TIRE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION, CAUSING CONSUMER TO RUN OFF THE ROAD AND CAUSING DAMAMGE TO VEHICLE, FIRESTONE AFFINITY, P215/70R15, CLAIM 46-0351-405. *SLC
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT WILL NOT PULL OUT WHEN THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE REACHES 25-30 DEGREES, DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. NLM
DRIVER'S SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON AS I TURN A CORNER AT LOW SPEEDS AND THEN IT EVENTUALLY GOES OFF AS I STRAIGHTEN OUT. IT HAS DONE THIS INTERMITTENTLY FOR A COUPLE YEARS BUT NOW IT'S GETTING MUCH WORSE AS IT HAPPENS ALMOST EVERY DAY. *TR
VEHCILE WAS STRUCK IN FRONT AND AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY, SEAT EXTENDED ALL THE WAY OUT.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
AIR COMPRESSOR PULLEY ASSEMBLY; SERPENTINE BELT REPLACED FOUR TIMES.
AIR CONDITIONING FAN MOTOR SHORTED, CAUSING FIRE/INJURY.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED AN ELECTRICAL FIRE UNDER THE DASH; BELIEVED THIS WAS CAUSED BY A SHORT FROM A FAULTY WIRE HARNESS. DEALER/MFR. NOTIFIED. *AK
BOLT THAT GOES THROUGHT THE BOTTOM ON THE DRIVER SIDE, PUNCTURED THROUGH THE GAS LINE, RESULTING IN LEAKAGE. TT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE BALL JOINT NUT CAME OFF AND WHEEL WENT UNDER THE FENDER AND LOCKED UP.DRIVER SLID OFF THE ROAD. TT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE PASSENGER'S SIDE WINDOW SHATTERED AS IT WAS PARKED. WAS TOLD CAUSED BY STRESS. HAVE NOT TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER AS OF YET TO BE REPAIRED. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .