NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
545 reports107,000 miles · Aug 29, 2007
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DECELERATING AT 3 MPH THE BRAKES FAILED. THE BRAKE LINE WAS COMPLETELY COVERED WITH RUST AND CORRODED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE RUST WAS A NATURAL PHENOMENON AND THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 107,000. UPDATED 12/12/2007 *BF UPD…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DECELERATING AT 3 MPH THE BRAKES FAILED. THE BRAKE LINE WAS COMPLETELY COVERED WITH RUST AND CORRODED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE RUST WAS A NATURAL PHENOMENON AND THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 107,000. UPDATED 12/12/2007 *BF UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR
NHTSA ODI #10201091
63,734 miles · Feb 28, 2007
Steering
I AM THE OWNER OF A 1998 DODGE DAKOTA. WHEN I BROUGHT IN THIS VEHICLE FOR THE MANDATORY SAFETY INSPECTION IN 2006 I WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE MANIFOLD BOLTS HAD BROKEN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED FOR THE VEHICLE TO PASS THE SAFETY INSPECTION. WITHOUT REPLACING THE BOLTS IT WOULD BE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. COST TO ME WAS $561.18. I HAD…
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I AM THE OWNER OF A 1998 DODGE DAKOTA. WHEN I BROUGHT IN THIS VEHICLE FOR THE MANDATORY SAFETY INSPECTION IN 2006 I WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE MANIFOLD BOLTS HAD BROKEN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED FOR THE VEHICLE TO PASS THE SAFETY INSPECTION. WITHOUT REPLACING THE BOLTS IT WOULD BE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. COST TO ME WAS $561.18. I HAD THE REQUIRED SAFETY WORK COMPLETED. THIS YEAR I BROUGHT THE SAME VEHICLE IN FOR THE REQUIRED SAFETY INSPECTION AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE BALL JOINTS WERE WARN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED OR THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT PASS THE SAFETY INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE HAS 63,736 MILES ON IT. I TALKED WITH SEVERAL REPAIR SHOPS AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT BALL JOINTS SHOULD BE WARN OUT AT THIS LOW MILEAGE. I ALSO WENT TO THE CONSUMERS AFFAIRS COMMISSION WEB SITE AND THERE WAS NUMEROUS ARTICLES REGARDING THE PROBLEMS WITH THE DODGE DAKOTAS SUSPENSION AND STEERING ASSEMBLIES. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT OR DAMAGE BUT THERE SEEMS TO BE DEFECTS WITH THESE PARTS. ANY HELP WILL BE APPRECIATED. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10183811
131,000 miles · Jan 17, 2007
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING HIS 1998 DODGE DAKOTA, AT A SPEED OF 25 MPH IN DRY ROAD CONDITIONS, WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE PEDAL GAVE NO RESISTANCE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO TAKE LONGER THAN USUAL TO COME TO A STOP. IN ORDER TO AVOID A COLLISION CONTACT HAD TO STEER THE VEHICLE ONTO THE GRASS MEDIAN. THE CON…
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TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING HIS 1998 DODGE DAKOTA, AT A SPEED OF 25 MPH IN DRY ROAD CONDITIONS, WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE PEDAL GAVE NO RESISTANCE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO TAKE LONGER THAN USUAL TO COME TO A STOP. IN ORDER TO AVOID A COLLISION CONTACT HAD TO STEER THE VEHICLE ONTO THE GRASS MEDIAN. THE CONTACT CAN PROVIDE PICTURES IF NEEDED. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10178926
75,000 miles · Jan 16, 2007
Suspension
I WAS ADVISED TODAY THAT MY 1998 DAKOTA IS PLAGUED WITH THE SAME ISSUE THAT HAS BEEN AROUND FOR QUITE A WHILE. THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS ARE GARBAGE AT ABOUT 75,000. FORTUNATELY I DROVE MY WIFE'S CAR BY A STROKE OF LUCK AND THEY GAVE ME A LOT OF NOISE. SO I CAUGHT IT BEFORE A WHEEL FELL OFF. DODGE SHOULD BE RECALLI…
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I WAS ADVISED TODAY THAT MY 1998 DAKOTA IS PLAGUED WITH THE SAME ISSUE THAT HAS BEEN AROUND FOR QUITE A WHILE. THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS ARE GARBAGE AT ABOUT 75,000. FORTUNATELY I DROVE MY WIFE'S CAR BY A STROKE OF LUCK AND THEY GAVE ME A LOT OF NOISE. SO I CAUGHT IT BEFORE A WHEEL FELL OFF. DODGE SHOULD BE RECALLING OR AT LEAST REPLACING FREE OF CHARGE ALL BALL JOINTS THAT FAILED. NOT JUST THE 2000-2003 MODEL NUMBERS.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10178773
106,657 miles · Jan 10, 2007
Suspension
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE DAKOTA, WHOSE LEFT LOWER CONTROL ARM ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE BROKE OFF DUE TO DEFECTIVE WELDING. THE CONTACT'S DEALER ADVISED HIM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BEYOND THE WARRANTY PERIOD AND NOT REPAIRABLE. PER THE CONTACT, THE LOWER SUSPENSION BOLTS FELL OFF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH. THERE …
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TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE DAKOTA, WHOSE LEFT LOWER CONTROL ARM ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE BROKE OFF DUE TO DEFECTIVE WELDING. THE CONTACT'S DEALER ADVISED HIM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BEYOND THE WARRANTY PERIOD AND NOT REPAIRABLE. PER THE CONTACT, THE LOWER SUSPENSION BOLTS FELL OFF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH. THERE WAS NO COLLISION AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. *AK UPDATED 2/2/2007 - *NM
NHTSA ODI #10178343
90,000 miles · Jun 20, 2006
Fuel System, Gasoline
AROUND 60,000 MILES I WAS LEFT STRANDED AFTER THE FUEL PUMP FAILED. THE REPAIR COST OVER 700 DOLLARS PLUS THE COST OF THE TOW. AT 90,000 MILE THE FUEL PUMP FAILED AGAIN. THIS TIME THE TRUCK QUIT IN THE MIDDLE OF A MAJOR INTERSECTION UP TRAFFIC AND PUTTING MY LIFE AT RISK. THIS TIME THE REPAIR COST 777.00 DOLLARS PLUS THE COST O…
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AROUND 60,000 MILES I WAS LEFT STRANDED AFTER THE FUEL PUMP FAILED. THE REPAIR COST OVER 700 DOLLARS PLUS THE COST OF THE TOW. AT 90,000 MILE THE FUEL PUMP FAILED AGAIN. THIS TIME THE TRUCK QUIT IN THE MIDDLE OF A MAJOR INTERSECTION UP TRAFFIC AND PUTTING MY LIFE AT RISK. THIS TIME THE REPAIR COST 777.00 DOLLARS PLUS THE COST OF THE TOW. I DON'T FEEL THAT A FUEL PUMP SHOULD FAIL SO OFTEN. ESPECIALLY A SUCH GREAT COST FOR REPAIR. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10160297
Mileage unknown · Jun 8, 2006
Structure
OUR TRUCK'S PAINT IS FLAKING. WE WANT DAIMLER CHRYSLER TO RE-PAINT OUR TRUCK. WE FOUND OUT FROM OUR INSURANCE THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURER ISSUE AND SCREWUP. OUR ROOF AND HOOD ARE FLAKING AND IF NOT TAKEN CARE OF SOON IT IS GOING TO RUST. WE HAVE NOTICED THAT OTHER TRUCKS IN OUR AREA THAT IS IN THE SAME YEAR MODEL RANGE IS DOING …
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OUR TRUCK'S PAINT IS FLAKING. WE WANT DAIMLER CHRYSLER TO RE-PAINT OUR TRUCK. WE FOUND OUT FROM OUR INSURANCE THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURER ISSUE AND SCREWUP. OUR ROOF AND HOOD ARE FLAKING AND IF NOT TAKEN CARE OF SOON IT IS GOING TO RUST. WE HAVE NOTICED THAT OTHER TRUCKS IN OUR AREA THAT IS IN THE SAME YEAR MODEL RANGE IS DOING THE SAME AS OURS WITH THE PAINT. WHAT IS THE DEAL? *NM
NHTSA ODI #10159340
62,000 miles · Jun 7, 2006
Suspension
BALL JOINTS SEPERATED...COSTING ME OVER $1000 IN REPAIRS...AND NOW THEY HAVE FAILED AGAIN....ALSO CONTROL ARM BUSHING IS FAILING. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10159259
58,500 miles · May 13, 2006
Suspension
UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINT FAILURES @ 58,500 MILES. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10157504
106,000 miles · Apr 17, 2006
Unknown Or Other
CLEAR COAT ON PAINT IS FLAKING OFF OF TRUCK ON THE HOOD, TOP OF CAB, TOP OF TAILGATE AND BED OF TRUCK. THIS HAS BEEN EXPLAINED TO ME THAT THE RESULT OF THIS IS BECAUSE DODGE DID NOT ALLOW THE PAINT TO DRY BEFORE CONTINUING ASSEMBLY. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10155482
Official recalls
5May 8, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS. SOUND DEADENER MATERIAL INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL COULD BECOME DETACHED FROM THE COVER AND HOUSING. NOTE: THE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS WERE BUILT AT THE WARREN ASSEMBLY PLANT ("S" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 16, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; ST. LOUIS NORTH ASSEMBLY PLANT ("J" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 19, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; LAGO ALBERTO ASSEMBLY PLANT ("M" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 23, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; AND SALTILLO ASSEMBLY PLANT ("G" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 23, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000. IMPORTANT: VEHICLES THAT HAVE ALREADY HAD THE PROPER CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE BEEN EXCLUDED FROM THIS RECALL. IN ADDITION, 1997-2000 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES THAT HAVE HAD A SUSPECT REPLACEMENT CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THIS RECALL.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE MATERIAL COULD INTERFERE WITH THE CLOCKSPRING RIBBON AND CAUSE AN OPEN CIRCUIT. THE DRIVER AIR BAG SYSTEM WILL BECOME DISABLED, AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 18, 2001. ALSO SOME 1997-200 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES THAT, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE HAD A SUSPECT REPLACEMENT CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN. 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.
Jul 17, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS BUILT WITH 2.5L ENGINES. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH INADEQUATE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE TUBE AND THE POWER STEERING HOSE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A PUNCTURE OF THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE TUBE CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF BRAKING FORCE AT THE FRONT WHEELS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE TUBE AND POWER STEERING HOSE FOR WEAR. IF WEAR IS EVIDENT, THE BRAKE TUBE AND/OR POWER STEERING HOSE WILL BE REPLACED. A POWER STEERING STANDOFF BRACKET WILL BE INSTALLED ON ALL VEHICLES TO ENSURE THAT ADEQUATE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE TUBE AND POWER STEERING HOSE IS MAINTAINED.
Jul 17, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH INADEQUATE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE REAR AXLE VENT HOSE AND THE BRAKE HOSE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A PUNCTURE IN THE REAR BRAKE HOSE WILL RESULT IN A LOSS OF BRAKING FORCE AT THE REAR WHEELS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR BRAKE HOSE FOR EVIDENCE OF WEAR. WORN BRAKE HOSES WILL BE REPLACED. THE REAR VENT HOSE WILL BE SHORTENED BY 3 INCHES AND A CLIP WILL BE INSTALLED TO ASSURE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE AXLE VENT LINE AND BRAKE HOSE IS MAINTAINED.
Sep 8, 1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH BOLTS THAT WERE NOT PROPERLY HARDENED. THE BOLTS WERE USED TO ATTACH THE CAB AND THE CORE SUPPORT TO THE FRAME.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN ALLOW THE CAB TO SEPARATE FROM THE FRAME INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE BOLTS WITH PROPERLY HARDENED BOLTS.
Oct 7, 1997
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS (2 WHEEL DRIVE ONLY). THE FRONT BRAKE HOSES OR ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) SENSOR WIRE MAY BE ABRADED AT THE FRONT WHEELS BY CONTACT WITH A FRONT WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELD.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: PROLONGED BRAKE HOSE CONTACT CAN CAUSE A PARTIAL LOSS OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM. PROLONGED ABS SENSOR WIRE CONTACT CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF ABS FUNCTION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL TRIM THE FRONT WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELDS AND THE BRAKE HOSES AND ABS SENSOR WIRES WILL BE INSPECTED. IF EVIDENCE OF ABRASION IS FOUND ON ANY HOSE OR ABS WIRE, THEY WILL BE REPLACED.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS (2 WHEEL DRIVE ONLY). THE FRONT BRAKE HOSES OR ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) SENSOR WIRE MAY BE ABRADED AT THE FRONT WHEELS BY CONTACT WITH A FRONT WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELD.
Consequence: PROLONGED BRAKE HOSE CONTACT CAN CAUSE A PARTIAL LOSS OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM. PROLONGED ABS SENSOR WIRE CONTACT CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF ABS FUNCTION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL TRIM THE FRONT WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELDS AND THE BRAKE HOSES AND ABS SENSOR WIRES WILL BE INSPECTED. IF EVIDENCE OF ABRASION IS FOUND ON ANY HOSE OR ABS WIRE, THEY WILL BE REPLACED.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS (2 WHEEL DRIVE ONLY). THE FRONT BRAKE HOSES OR ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) SENSOR WIRE MAY BE ABRADED AT THE FRONT WHEELS BY CONTACT WITH A FRONT WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELD.
Consequence: PROLONGED BRAKE HOSE CONTACT CAN CAUSE A PARTIAL LOSS OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM. PROLONGED ABS SENSOR WIRE CONTACT CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF ABS FUNCTION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL TRIM THE FRONT WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELDS AND THE BRAKE HOSES AND ABS SENSOR WIRES WILL BE INSPECTED. IF EVIDENCE OF ABRASION IS FOUND ON ANY HOSE OR ABS WIRE, THEY WILL BE REPLACED.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
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