VehicleVerdict

1989 Dodge Dakota problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1989 Dodge Dakota sits mid-pack among Dakota years: 88 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 238, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 4 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Steering leads the complaint categories with 23 reports (26% of the total).

88

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

4

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1989 compare to other Dakota years?

Dakota NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted1,096 complaints1985: 3 complaints1986: 1 complaints1987: 21 complaints1988: 65 complaints1989: 88 complaints1990: 88 complaints1991: 161 complaints1992: 314 complaints1993: 159 complaints1994: 240 complaints1995: 294 complaints1996: 250 complaints1997: 650 complaints1998: 793 complaints1999: 1,011 complaints2000: 1,096 complaints2001: 945 complaints2002: 946 complaints2003: 419 complaints2004: 287 complaints2005: 598 complaints2006: 384 complaints2007: 167 complaints2008: 131 complaints2009: 23 complaints2010: 48 complaints2011: 53 complaints
Dakota NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Dakota years to avoid →

What are the most common 1989 Dodge Dakota problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering2326%
Brakes1517%
Transmission1517%
Engine1011%
Tires & Wheels56%
Body & Structure45%
Electrical System45%
Fuel System33%
Seat Belts33%
Other33%
Visibility & Wipers22%
Suspension11%

Does the 1989 Dodge Dakota have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

01V232000SteeringJuly 6, 2001 · 4,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 4X2 PICKUP TRUCK CONVERTIBLES EQUIPPED WITH V6 ENGINES (BUILT FROM NOVEMBER 1988 - JUNE 1990) AND 4X2 PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH THE SHELBY PACKAGE (BUILT OCTOBER 1988 - JUNE 1989). 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. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 27, 2001. 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.

96V094000SteeringJune 13, 1996 · 140,000 units

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.

89V237000EngineDecember 27, 1989 · 634,000 units

Defect

THE ENGINE VALVE COVER GASKET MAY DISLOCATE AND ALLOW AN ENGINE OIL LEAK AT THE GASKET.

Consequence

THE LEAKAGE OF OIL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COULD CAUSEA FIRE.

Remedy

REPLACE GASKET COVER WITH REVISED COVER, AND RTV SEALANT WILL BE APPLIED IN PLACE OF A GASKET.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“HAD RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE (#96V094000) & CALLED DEALER. TOOK VEHICLE IN ON APPOINTMENT DATE. WAS TOLD VEHICLE READY & TO TAKE IT HOME. HEARD A POP A FEW HOURS LATER. TOOK IT BACK ON AUG. 7, 1997 TO HAVE IT REPAIRED AGAIN. WAS CHARGED FOR LABOR DONE TO VEHICLE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · August 5, 1997

“ABS BRAKES, WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE FRONT LEFT SIDE BRAKE LINE LINE BLEW OUT. HAD TO CHANGE RIGHT SIDE ALSO. ONCE BRAKE LINE HAS BLOWN ABS BECOMES UNEFFECTIVE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes

“THE TRUCK WAS IN PARK , LEAVING THE ENGINE IDLING AND GOT OUT TO OPEN THE GARAGE DOOR. UPON TURNING AROUND THE TRUCK WAS MOVING BACKWARDS OUT THE DRIVEWAY. RUNNING TO CATCH VEHICLE BEFORE IT REACHED THE STREET, DRIVER OPENED THE DOOR AND TRIED TO ENTER VEHICLE. DRIVER WA SKNOCKED TO THE PAVEMENT.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 6, 1995 · crash

“I WAS DRIVING DOWN 1994 AND THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUSED A HUGE FIRE. MELTING ALL THE WIRING AND DESTROYING THE TRUCK. THE DETROIT FIREDEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND THE TRUCK IS A TOTAL LOSS. MY INSURANCE COMPANY WILL NOT PAY FOR IT BECAUSE I HAD BASIC COVERAGE. I DID NOT KNOW IT WAS A RECALL. I WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 10, 2003 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING, THE RIGHT REAR TIRE DISINTEGRATED, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE DAMAGE FOUND TO THE TIRE WAS CAUSED BY A ROAD HAZARD AND NOT A DESIGN FLAW.(COOPER TRENDSETTER AW RADIAL TIRE P235 75R15, DOT NUMBER, VP HL CNA 7500)*JB ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · April 1, 2002

1989 Dodge Dakota — common questions

Is the 1989 Dodge Dakota reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 88 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Dakota year, with 3 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1989 Dakota problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (23 complaints), brakes (15 complaints), transmission (15 complaints).

Does the 1989 Dodge Dakota have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1989 Dodge Dakota. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Dodge Dakota years should you avoid?

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.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.