VehicleVerdict

1989 Dodge Dakota steering problems

The 1989 Dodge Dakota has 23 steering complaints filed with NHTSA — 26% of the year's total, and roughly flat versus the prior model year.

23

Steering complaints

26%

Share of year

0

Crash-involved

2

Related recalls

Steering complaints by year

Dakota steering complaints by model year78 complaints1987: 5 complaints1988: 30 complaints1989: 23 complaints1990: 29 complaints1991: 17 complaints1992: 9 complaints1993: 13 complaints1994: 22 complaints1995: 19 complaints1996: 8 complaints1997: 35 complaints1998: 48 complaints1999: 78 complaints2000: 69 complaints2001: 49 complaints2002: 48 complaints2003: 14 complaints2004: 77 complaints2005: 48 complaints2006: 47 complaints2007: 12 complaints2008: 18 complaints2010: 5 complaints
Dakota steering complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

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.

What owners report

“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

Common questions

How many steering complaints does the 1989 Dodge Dakota have?

NHTSA has 23 complaints about the 1989 Dodge Dakota steering — 26% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 1989 Dodge Dakota steering?

Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the steering: 01V232000, 96V094000.

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.