NHTSA vehicle safety data

1998 Dodge Dakota Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 1998 Dodge Dakota has 12 NHTSA recall campaigns and 544 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Dodge dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 1998 Dodge Dakota, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

1998 Dodge Dakota owner complaints

Owners have filed 544 complaints with NHTSA about the 1998 Dodge Dakota, describing incidents dated March 1, 1997 to September 10, 2022.

Most-cited components

Suspension 216 complaints
Service Brakes 76 complaints
Power Train 72 complaints
Engine 63 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).

Newest complaints

ODI #11549219 · Filed October 10, 2023
The contact owned a 1998 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at 25 MPH and attempting to slow the vehicle with the brake pedal depressed all the way to the floorboard, the vehicle failed to come to a complete stop. As a result, the vehicle careened off the roadway and…
ODI #11486564 · Filed September 26, 2022
1 Safety recall found,Reprogram Pcm and inspect Catalytic Converter.I never got a recall notice in the mail just happen to go on line and find it.My engine light,Anti -brake light and emergency light stays on.My speedometer and odometer quit working.I took my truck to the Dodge dealership and they…
ODI #11476215 · Filed July 27, 2022
52019555 For Dodge Dakota Pickup Spare Tire Hoist Wheel Carrier Winch Hanger. Defective Spare Tire Hoist Wheel Carrier Winch Hanger The Spare Tire Hoist Wheel Carrier Winch Hanger contains soft rubber part which disintegrates easily with the elements (rain, cold, dirt, wind, etc.). This allows…

Read all 544 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 1998 Dodge Dakota in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Engineering Analysis EA03-023: UPPER BALL JOINT SEPARATION
Closed February 11, 2005
- Recall 04V-596

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

FMVSS 108/REPLACEMENT HEADLAMPS/AMBER REFLECTOR

NHTSA #09E025000 · Exterior Lighting — Headlights · NHTSA notice

Reported May 11, 2009 · DOPE, INC.

Potentially affected: 42,540 vehicles

Owners notified July 28, 2009

Defect description

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Safety consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES PRODUCED BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER.IN ORDER TO DETERMINE IF YOUR AFTERMARKET LAMP ASSEMBLY IS AFFECTED BY THIS NONCOMPLIANCE, PLEASE REVIEW THE LIST OF MODEL NUMBERS PROVIDED TO US BY DOPE, INC.THE LIST CAN BE FOUND UNDER "DOCUMENT SEARCH" LOCATED AT THE BOTTOM OF YOUR SCREEN. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

FMVSS 108/AFTERMARKET COMBINATION LAMPS

NHTSA #09E012000 · Exterior Lighting · NHTSA notice

Reported April 7, 2009 · SABERSPORT

Potentially affected: 16,270 vehicles

Owners notified May 11, 2009

Defect description

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Safety consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES PRODUCED BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER.IN ORDER TO DETERMINE IF YOUR AFTERMARKET LAMP ASSEMBLY IS AFFECTED BY THIS NONCOMPLIANCE, PLEASE REVIEW THE LIST OF MODEL NUMBERS PROVIDED TO US BY SABERSPORT.THE LIST CAN BE FOUND UNDER "DOCUMENT SEARCH" LOCATED AT THE BOTTOM OF YOUR SCREEN.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

REPLACEMENT HUB UNITS/ABS

NHTSA #08E064000 · Suspension — Front — Hub · NHTSA notice

Reported October 20, 2008 · SKF USA, INC.

Potentially affected: 2,805 vehicles

Owners notified November 5, 2008

Defect description

SKF IS RECALLING 2,805 HUB UNITS, PART NO. BR930361, SOLD AS A SERVICE PART FOR 1997-2004 DODGE DAKOTA VEHICLES AND 1999-2003 DODGE DURANGO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2-WHEEL DRIVE & REAR AXLE ABS. DUE TO A SPECIFICATION ERROR, THE ROTOR PILOT FOR THE HUB UNIT MAY BE TOO LONG. THIS RESULTS IN THE WHEEL TO NOT BE SEATED FULLY AGAINST THE HUB FLANGE FACE DURING MOUNTING.

Safety consequence

IMPROPER SEATING OF THE WHEEL CAN RESULT IN EXCESSIVE VIBRATION, BRAKE ROTOR NOISE, DIFFICULTY REMOVING THE WHEEL AFTER INSTALLATION AND OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE, AND POSSIBLY WHEEL-END SEPARATION DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. SHOULD WHEEL-END SEPARATION OCCUR, THE DRIVER COULD LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

SKF WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE HUB UNITS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 5, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SKF VSM NORTH AMERICA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-644-8999.

Notes

SKF'S RECALL NO. SKF PRO 08-029US/CA.THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET SKF HUB UNITS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON DODGE DAKOTA OR DURANGO VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY CHRYSLER.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.

FMVSS 108/AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS

NHTSA #06E065000 · Exterior Lighting · NHTSA notice

Reported July 17, 2006 · AJ MOTORSPORT

Potentially affected: 3,593 vehicles

Owners notified July 31, 2006

Defect description

CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Safety consequence

LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AJ MOTORSPORT AFTERMARKET LAMPS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES.FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE LAMP MODEL NUMBERS, CLICK ON DOCUMENT SEARCH AND VIEW DOCUMENT TITLED "LAMP MODEL NUMBERS."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.

FMVSS 108/AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS

NHTSA #06E026000 · Exterior Lighting · NHTSA notice

Reported March 23, 2006 · PRO-A MOTORS, INC.

Potentially affected: 61,944 vehicles

Owners notified April 3, 2006

Defect description

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Safety consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Manufacturer remedy

PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO PRO-A MOTORS AFTERMARKET LAMPS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES.FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE LAMP MODEL NUMBERS, CLICK ON DOCUMENT SEARCH AND VIEW DOCUMENT TITLED "LAMP MODEL NUMBERS."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.

REPLACEMENT AIR INTAKE SYSTEMS/DEBRIS CAN ENTER

NHTSA #06E024000 · Engine and Engine Cooling · NHTSA notice

Reported March 15, 2006 · K&N ENGINEERING, INC.

Potentially affected: 44,386 vehicles

Owners notified April 20, 2006

Defect description

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT K&N FUEL PERFORMANCE KITS, P/NOS. 57-1509, 57-1511, 57-1511-1, 57-1517, 57-1517-1, 57-1527, AND 57-1530. ALSO, A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THESE KITS WERE SOLD UNDER THE MOPAR PERFORMANCE PARTS BRAND NAME (P/NOS. P5007069 AND P5007070). ALL KITS WERE MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 20, 1999, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 23, 2004. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE MANUFACTURED AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN DODGE PICKUP TRUCKS AND SUVS. A SMALL PIECE OF MATERIAL FROM THE TUBE WALL COULD BE SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE THROTTLE BODY, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BECOME JAMMED IN THE OPEN POSITION.

Safety consequence

A JAMMED OPEN THROTTLE COULD CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH OR INCREASED STOPING DISTANCES WHEN BRAKING.

Manufacturer remedy

K&N WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2006.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO REPLACEMENT K&N FUEL PERFORMANCE KITS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON DODGE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER.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.

BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDER

NHTSA #06E022000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · NHTSA notice

Reported March 13, 2006 · BRAKE PARTS, INC.

Potentially affected: 7,440 vehicles

Owners notified March 20, 2006

Defect description

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.

Safety consequence

LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-323-0354.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AC DELCO, AIMCO, CARQUEST, AND BENDIX BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON DAIMLERCHRYSLER OR FORD VEHICLES.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.

DAIMLERCHRYSLER/CLOCKSPRING MATERIAL

NHTSA #01V153000 · Air Bags · NHTSA notice

Reported May 8, 2001 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Potentially affected: 216,100 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 982 · Owners notified June 18, 2001 · Vehicles built August 15, 1996 – October 31, 2000 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

DAIMLERCHRYSLER/REAR AXLE VENT HOSE/BRAKE HOSE

NHTSA #00V198000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Foundation Components — Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings · NHTSA notice

Reported July 17, 2000 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Potentially affected: 437,000 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 891 · Owners notified August 21, 2000 · Vehicles built July 1, 1996 – August 31, 1999 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH INADEQUATE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE REAR AXLE VENT HOSE AND THE BRAKE HOSE.

Safety consequence

A PUNCTURE IN THE REAR BRAKE HOSE WILL RESULT IN A LOSS OF BRAKING FORCE AT THE REAR WHEELS.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION IS DIVIDED INTO PHASES BASED ON VEHICLE BUILD CONFIGURATION.NOTIFICATION TO OWNERS OF VEHICLES CONTAINED IN THE FIRST PHASE OF THE RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 21, 2000.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 CONTACTDAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-992-1997. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

DAIMLERCHRYSLER/BRAKE TUBE/STEERING HOSE

NHTSA #00V193000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Foundation Components — Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings · NHTSA notice

Reported July 17, 2000 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Potentially affected: 40,000 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 870 · Owners notified September 11, 2000 · Vehicles built July 1, 1996 – September 1, 1999 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 11, 2000. 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 CONTACTDAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-992-1997. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

CHRYSLER/CAB/FRAME BOLTS

NHTSA #98V208000 · Structure · NHTSA notice

Reported September 8, 1998 · CHRYSLER CORPORATION

Potentially affected: 12,400 vehicles

Owners notified September 21, 1998 · Vehicles built March 31, 1998 – June 15, 1998 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN ALLOW THE CAB TO SEPARATE FROM THE FRAME INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE BOLTS WITH PROPERLY HARDENED BOLTS.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 21, 1998.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 CHRYSLER AT 1-800-992-1997.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

CHRYSLER/FRONT AND ABS BRAKES

NHTSA #97V170000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Foundation Components — Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings · NHTSA notice

Reported October 7, 1997 · CHRYSLER CORPORATION

Potentially affected: 7,500 vehicles

Owners notified November 15, 1997 · Vehicles built July 15, 1997 – August 15, 1997 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 1997.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 CHRYSLER AT 1-800-992-1997.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

1998 Dodge Dakota Extended Cab

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 4, Passenger: 4

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

1 investigation

544 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1998 Dodge Dakota.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

ODI #11549219

Crash 4 injuries

Incident: December 19, 1999 · Filed: October 10, 2023

The contact owned a 1998 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at 25 MPH and attempting to slow the vehicle with the brake pedal depressed all the way to the floorboard, the vehicle failed to come to a complete stop. As a result, the vehicle careened off the roadway and into a ditch. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The occupants were all transported to an area hospital by EMT for treatment. The driver was treated for chest pain caused by the steering wheel; the contact was treated for a broken arm; the oldest rear seat occupant was treated for a facial injury, losing two front teeth; and the youngest rear seat occupant was treated for a concussion. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number: 97V170000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 5,000.

Electrical System; Engine

ODI #11486564

Incident: September 10, 2022 · Filed: September 26, 2022

1 Safety recall found,Reprogram Pcm and inspect Catalytic Converter.I never got a recall notice in the mail just happen to go on line and find it.My engine light,Anti -brake light and emergency light stays on.My speedometer and odometer quit working.I took my truck to the Dodge dealership and they said the parts are discontinued and they cannot get them but they did do a inspection and said everything was ok.I still have the same problems and I am concerned about my safety and the safety of others involved while I am driving my truck.

Tires

ODI #11476215

Incident: July 1, 2022 · Filed: July 27, 2022

52019555 For Dodge Dakota Pickup Spare Tire Hoist Wheel Carrier Winch Hanger. Defective Spare Tire Hoist Wheel Carrier Winch Hanger The Spare Tire Hoist Wheel Carrier Winch Hanger contains soft rubber part which disintegrates easily with the elements (rain, cold, dirt, wind, etc.). This allows friction between the metal carrier mechanism and the steel wire that holds the tire. The friction eventually “cuts” the wire which holds the 50 lbs+ spare tire setting it free and dropping from under the truck and onto the road while traveling (moving). Issue The "DEFECTIVE" Replacement part (Spare Tire Hoist Wheel Carrier Winch Hanger continues to be sold in the market with NO Modification. The part should be recalled and corrected to prevent an accident. Car models impacted: Dodge Dakota, Ram, Durango, etc. Experience I was traveling about 40 MPH when the spare tire fell off from under the truck due to this defective part. I saw the tire (via rear view mirror) bounce off about 10 feet in the air and roll down the road at a fast rate of speed until it hit a curve and then a tree. With luck there was no one behind me or pedestrians around. This could have caused a fatal injury if the tire had hit a car behind me as it could have hit the windshield due to the high bounce rate and speed. It would have knocked down and injured a cyclist or motorcycle. It could have even hit and injured a pedestrian!. Thank God none of this happen. Request Please consider recalling this part and modifying it to meet safety standard to prevent potentially fatal injuries. The part is being sold on ebay, Amazon and other retailers. See samples below. Please contact me with any questions. 1.https://tinyurl.com/AMZ-Carrier 2.https://tinyurl.com/Mopat-winch 3.https://tinyurl.com/ebay-hoist

Electrical System; Service Brakes; Engine

ODI #11465684

Incident: November 1, 2021 · Filed: May 23, 2022

The contact owns a 1998 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was restarted and operated as designed. During the failure, there were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. Additionally, while depressing the brake pedal a clicking noise was present and the vehicle would not immediately stop. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 210,000.

Engine

ODI #11182413

Incident: January 9, 2019 · Filed: February 25, 2019

ENGINE MYSTERIOUSLY DIES FOR NO APPARENT REASON. IT MAY HAPPEN AT IDLE ALL THE WAY TO AND INCLUDING HIGHWAY SPEEDS. DRY WEATHER OR WET WEATHER. COLD WEATHER OR HOT WEATHER. COLD ENGINE OR WARM ENGINE. NO PATTERN DETECTED. IT DOESN'T SPLUTTER -- IT JUST DIES AS IF THE IGNITION KEY HAS BEEN TURNED OFF, AND IT THROWS NO CODE.

Electrical System; Electronic Stability Control (ESC); Engine

ODI #11120464

Incident: March 12, 2018 · Filed: August 16, 2018

MY TRUCK HAS A BAD PCM I HAVE IT REBUILT 3 TIMES AND THE SAME PROBLEM WILL START ONCE THEN WILL NOT START PUT A PCM IN FROM A 8CYL RUNS ALL DAY NOT WELL BECAUSE ITS FROM 8CYL EVERYTHING HAS BEEN REPLACED AND STILL WILL NOT START I HAVE SEEN A LOT OF THIS SAME THING ON LINE THIS IS MY FIRST DODGE ND IT WILL BE MY LAST AND ALL OF THIS IS FROM THE DODGE DEALER

Steering; Wheels; Service Brakes

ODI #11119297

Incident: August 6, 2018 · Filed: August 11, 2018

I FOUND A LIST OF RECALLS ON PEP BOYS WEBSITE

Power Train; Engine

ODI #11114557

Incident: February 1, 2018 · Filed: July 30, 2018

THE EMINE WILL DIE AMYTIME! GOING AROUND CORMERS LOR ON EXPRESSWAY SITTING IN DRIVEWAY IDLING. MY FAMILY HAS HAD THIS VEHICLE SINE 1999. THIS JUST STARTED 6 MONTHS AGO. UP UNTIL THEN IT NEVER HAPPENED. REPLACED SEVERAL SENSORS (TPS,IAC,MAP,COOLANT TEMP AND ALSO COMPUTER)SO FAR NOTHING FIXES IT. I KNOW DODGE KNOWS ABOUT THIS AND SO DO YOU!!! SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE THERE ARE TOO MANY DAKOTA/DURANGOS ON THE ROAD I AM SURPRISED NO ONE HAS DIED OR AT VERY LEAST BEEN HURT BADLY. I KNOW IT GOES ON IN EARLIER DAKOTAS AND LATER OF BOTH NOT SURE IF IT EVER WAS FIXED SINCE OLD BODYSTYLE ENDED IN 2004. HAPPWNED FIRST TIME ABOUT FEB.1,2018. AFRAID TO DRIVE IT FOR FEAR OF DYING OR BADLY HURT BECAUSE IT DIES ANYWHERE ANYTIME INCLUDING RUSH HOUR TRFFIC IN TULSA OK

Exterior Lighting

ODI #11074988

Incident: August 1, 2017 · Filed: February 26, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLAMPS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRING IN THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 214,674.

Steering; Suspension; Service Brakes

ODI #11053577

Incident: June 1, 2017 · Filed: December 8, 2017

THIS CAR HAS BEEN A SAFETY NIGHTMARE. FROM STEEL BRAKE LINES RUSTING THROUGH (AND THE VEHICLE LOSING IT BRAKES), TO UPPER BALL JOINTS ALMOST SEPARATING TO STEERING WHEEL DRIVE SHAFTS WHERE THE U-JOINTS ALMOST SEPARATED. THESE ARE NOT ITEMS THAT SHOULD FAIL LIKE THIS. I SPENT PART OF MY CAREER LOOKING AFTER GLOBAL PRODUCT LIABILITY FOR CUMMINS ENGINE AND I AM STUNNED AT THE POOR QUALITY CHRYSLER HAS USED IN CRITICAL COMPONENTS.

Other Dodge Dakota model years

Check your 1998 Dodge Dakota VIN

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