Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 1998 Dodge Dakota
The 1998 Dodge Dakota has several reported issues, particularly in suspension, power train, and brakes, with 544 owner complaints and 12 recall campaigns. The data indicates notable concerns in several components, but evidence on long-term reliability is limited.
NHTSA data on file today
The 1998 Dodge Dakota has 12 NHTSA recall campaigns and 544 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #09E025000 FMVSS 108/REPLACEMENT HEADLAMPS/AMBER REFLECTOR NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #09E012000 FMVSS 108/AFTERMARKET COMBINATION LAMPS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #08E064000 REPLACEMENT HUB UNITS/ABS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06E065000 FMVSS 108/AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06E026000 FMVSS 108/AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06E024000 REPLACEMENT AIR INTAKE SYSTEMS/DEBRIS CAN ENTER NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06E022000 BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDER NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #01V153000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/CLOCKSPRING MATERIAL NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #00V198000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/REAR AXLE VENT HOSE/BRAKE HOSE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #00V193000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/BRAKE TUBE/STEERING HOSE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #98V208000 CHRYSLER/CAB/FRAME BOLTS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #97V170000 CHRYSLER/FRONT AND ABS BRAKES NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Suspension 216 complaints
- Power Train 72 complaints
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic 67 complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 58 complaints
- Steering 47 complaints
- Air Bags 32 complaints
Of the 544 complaints on file, 43 report a crash and 1 a fire; across all 544 complaints, owners report 28 injuries and 6 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Front hub issues
How to check: Inspect hub units for secure fitment and wear.
Brake line clearance issues
How to check: Check for abrasion on brake hoses and lines.
Cooling system issues
How to check: Inspect for overheating or coolant leaks.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises.
Red flag: Loud knocking sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Observe for dashboard warning lights.
Red flag: Warning lights stay lit
- 03
City stop-and-go
What to check: Test the braking response and feel.
Red flag: Spongy or delayed brakes
- 04
Parking maneuvers
What to check: Check steering responsiveness.
Red flag: Excessive play or stiffness
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Monitor for smooth acceleration and shifts.
Red flag: Transmission slippage or jerks
- 06
Cruising at speed
What to check: Listen for suspension noises.
Red flag: Clunking or rattling sounds
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the suspension been serviced?
- Are there any outstanding recalls?
- When was the last brake service?
- Is there a history of engine overheating?
- Has the vehicle been in an accident?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Vehicle history report
- Maintenance records
- Recall repair receipts
- Title and registration
- Repair invoices
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 1998 Dodge Dakota at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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