Verdict · NHTSA data
Among the better years
The 1988 Dodge Dakota is among the quieter years of the Dakota on NHTSA's books: 65 complaints (73% below the model's median year), 3 recalls, and no open investigations.
The trouble concentrates in one system: steering issues account for 46% of all reports (30 of 65), far ahead of transmission at 10.
65
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
0
Investigations
3
Crash-involved
3
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 30 | 46% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 10 | 15% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 4 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 4 | 6% | new |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 5% | — flat |
| Brakes | 2 | 3% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 2 | 3% | new |
| Fuel System | 2 | 3% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 2 | 3% | new |
| Other | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 1 | 2% | new |
| Speed Control | 1 | 2% | — flat |
3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE FRAME CAN CRACK AT THE STEERING GEAR ATTACHMENT AND/OR THE STEERING GEAR MOUNTING BOLTS CAN FRACTURE.
Consequence
THE STEERING GEAR CAN SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE FRAME RESULTING IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL ADD REINFORCEMENTS TO THE FRAME AND REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR MOUNTING BOLTS. IF THE FRAME IS ALREADY CRACKED, THE STEERING GEAR WELD NUTS WILL ALSO BE REPLACED.
Defect
MACHINING ERROR IN LOCATING WHEEL STUD HOLES MAY PREVENT FULL SEATING OF BRAKE DRUM TO SHAFT FLANGE.
Consequence
WHEEL STUDS COULD LOOSEN, ALLOWING WHEEL TO SEPARATEFROM THE TRUCK.
Remedy
REPLACE AXLE SHAFTS AS NECESSARY.
Defect
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MAY CONTAIN A PARK SPRAG ROD ASSEMBLY THAT MAY STICK IN THE TOOTH BUTT UNENGAGED POSITION.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL WITH THEGEAR SHIFT LEVER IN PARK POSITION.
Remedy
ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES WILL HAVE THE PARK SPRAG ROD ASSEMBLIES REPLACED.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE (#96V094000) RACK AND PINION STEERING. CALLED DEALER & TOOK VEHICLE IN TO THE MECHANIC. WAS TOLD NEEDED TO WAIT FOR SPECIAL WELDER & WOULD NOTIFY OWNER. RECEIVED ANOTHER RECALL NOTICE. CALLED BACK TO DEALER. MECHANIC AGAIN SAID NEEDED TO WAIT WITH OTHER VEHICLES FOR WELDER…”
“VEHICLE PARKED IN IDLE POSITION, JUMPED OUT GEAR INTO REVERSE, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT, IMPACT 6:00 POSITION, SPEED UNKNOWN. *AK”
“BELTS POPPED ON RIGHT FRONT TIRE (GOODYEAR WRANGLER HT- TIRE SIZE P235/75R15- DOTMKHLTH2R392)CAUSING VEHICLE TO VIBRATE AND JACKNIFE RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE BEING TOWED BEHIND TRUCK. NLM”
“RECALL NOTICE SENT CONCERNING REINFORCEMENT OF THE FRAME CROSSMEMBER WHERE THE STEERING GEAR ATTACHES, HOWEVER WORK DENIED DUE TO LACK OF PARTS.”
Its record is better than the model's norm: 65 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Dakota year, with 3 recalls and no open investigations.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (30 complaints), transmission (10 complaints), tires & wheels (4 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1988 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.