The 1988 Dodge Dakota has 30 steering complaints filed with NHTSA — 46% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.
30
Steering complaints
46%
Share of year
0
Crash-involved
1
Related recalls
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.
“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…”
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the 1988 Dodge Dakota steering — 46% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the steering: 96V094000.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.