VehicleVerdict

1990 Dodge Dakota problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1990 Dodge Dakota sits mid-pack among Dakota years: 88 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 238, with 3 recalls and one closed investigation.

Steering leads the complaint categories with 29 reports (33% of the total).

88

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1990 compare to other Dakota years?

Dakota NHTSA complaints by model year, 1990 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, 1990 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Dakota years to avoid →

What are the most common 1990 Dodge Dakota problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering2933%
Transmission1922%
Brakes1719%
Engine67%
Body & Structure45%
Suspension22%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)22%
Other22%
Electrical System22%
Tires & Wheels22%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Fuel System11%
Seat Belts11%

Does the 1990 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.

“WHILE MAKING TURN; STEERING WHEEL TURNED TO RIGHT, HOWEVER WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN; TIE ROD BROKE; VEHICLE WENT OVER TWO ASPHALT CURBS; TOTALED; SPEED 35 MPH. TT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · April 16, 1995 · crash

“I HAVE HAD TROUBLE FINDING INFORMATION ON ANY UPGRADES, OR MODIFICATION THAT HAVE BEEN DONE TO THE NP231D TRANSFER CASE SINCE DATE OF MANUFACTURE ON 10-89. I HAD TO REPLACE THE RANGE FORK AND RANGE FORK SHIFT HUB AND AM NOW EXPERIENCING DIFFICULTIES WITH THE REPLACEMENTS. IF I CAN JUST GET SOME…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission

“ABS: WHILE APPLYING BRAKES VERY LIGHTLY, VEHICLE PULLED TO LEFT ONTO ANOTHER LANE; SPEED 45 MPH; RAINY WEATHER; REAR CYLINDERS WERE FROZEN. TT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 17, 1995

“WHILE DRIVING HEARD A RATTLE, THAT SOUNDED LIKE WATER PUMP WAS GOING BAD. NEXT DAY, CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD CRASH BANG, FAN BLADE BROKE OFF, CUT RADIATOR HOSE. FAN BLADE HAD TO BE REPLACED. CONSUMER FELT LIKE IF THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN UNDER HOOD SOME ONE MAY HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED.*AK THE CUSTOMER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 7, 2000

“WHILE LOADING EQUIPMENT INTO BED, 1/2 INCH ALUMINUM RIVET THAT HOLDS TAILGATE CHAIN BRACKET ONTO THE BODY FAILED/RIPPED OFF. (QCAW)”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · April 5, 1998

1990 Dodge Dakota — common questions

Is the 1990 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 1990 Dakota problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (29 complaints), transmission (19 complaints), brakes (17 complaints).

Does the 1990 Dodge Dakota have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1990 Dodge Dakota. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1990 Dodge Dakota under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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.