Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 21 complaints on file for the 1987 Dodge Dakota — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
21
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
3
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 5 | 24% | new |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 14% | new |
| Engine | 3 | 14% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 14% | new |
| Brakes | 2 | 10% | new |
| Fuel System | 2 | 10% | new |
| Seats | 1 | 5% | new |
| Other | 1 | 5% | new |
| Transmission | 1 | 5% | new |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM CABLES MAY PARTIALLY DISENGAGE AND BIND AT THE CARBURETOR THROTTLE LEVER ATTACHMENT.
Consequence
THROTTLE WOULD STAY PARTIALLY OPEN WHEN ACCELERATORPEDAL IS RELEASED.
Remedy
INSTALL A WASHER AT SPEED CONTROL CABLE TO CARBURETOR THROTTLE LEVER ATTACHMENT TO ELIMINATE POTENTIAL FOR THIS CONDITION.
Defect
THESE TRUCKS WERE EQUIPPED WITH REAR PARK BRAKE CABLES WHICH CAUSED LIMITED REAR BRAKE SHOE TRAVEL RESULTING IN THE PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM NOT HOLDING THE VEHICLE IN THE REVERSE DIRECTION WHEN PARKED ON A 20% GRADE, AS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 105. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF THE TRUCK IS PARKED ON AN INCLINE AND THE PARKING BRAKE SET, IT MAY ROLL BACK CAUSING DAMAGE OR AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
REPLACE BOTH REAR PARKING BRAKE CABLES.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AT 35 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED TO EITHER SIDE, MAKING DRIVER LOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN FIXED, & MANUFACTURER CONTACTED. *AK”
“WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 50-55 MPH THE FRAME BROKE. DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROLBEM. PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK ”
“1987 DODGE DAKOTA CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED IN THE FIRE. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED BEFORE CATCHING ON FIRE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE FUEL PUMP HAD BEEN REPLACED RECENTLY. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT)*JB”
“1987 DODGE DAKOTA CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED IN THE FIRE. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED BEFORE CATCHING ON FIRE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE FUEL PUMP HAD BEEN REPLACED RECENTLY. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT)*JB”
The record is thin — 21 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (5 complaints), seat belts (3 complaints), engine (3 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1987 Dodge Dakota. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Dakota years to avoid are 2000, 1999, 2002, 2001, 1998, 1997, 2005, 2003, 2006, 1994, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2010, 2009. The cleanest record among Dakota years belongs to 1986.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.