VehicleVerdict

1992 Dodge Dakota problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 1992 Dodge Dakota sits mid-pack among Dakota years: 314 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 240, with 2 recalls and 3 closed investigations. Complainants reported 26 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: transmission issues account for 40% of all reports (126 of 314), far ahead of brakes at 63.

314

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

3

Investigations

22

Crash-involved

11

Fires reported

26

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1992 compare to other Dakota years?

Dakota NHTSA complaints by model year, 1992 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, 1992 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Dakota years to avoid →

What are the most common 1992 Dodge Dakota problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission12640%
Brakes6320%
Engine248%
Electrical System237%
Body & Structure155%
Fuel System155%
Speed Control103%
Steering93%
Suspension83%
Tires & Wheels72%
Other41%
Seat Belts31%
Latches & Locks21%
Seats10%
Lighting10%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%
Child Seat10%
Visibility & Wipers10%

Does the 1992 Dodge Dakota have recalls?

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

06E049000LightingMay 24, 2006 · 27,176 units

Defect

CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

00V106000TransmissionApril 11, 2000 · 123,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH A500 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. INADVERTENT PLACEMENT OF THE SHIFT LEVER IN REVERSE CAN OCCUR WHEN THE DRIVER BELIEVES THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN PLACED IN PARK.

Consequence

THIS CAN CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY WITH THE ENGINE ON AFTER THE DRIVER HAS LEFT THE VEHICLE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEEL MANUAL VALVE IN THE TRANSMISSION WITH AN ALUMINUM VERSION.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THE ENGINE WAS ON AND THE CAR SHIFTED INTO REVERSE AND CAUSED DAMAGE.*AK CONSUMER PULLED INTO DRIVEWAY WITH ENGINE RUNNING OPENED DRIVER DOOR STARTED OUT AND THE TRUCK STARTED ROLLING BACKWARDS AND SHIFT SLIPPED INTO REVERSE, DRIVER DOOR STRUCK FRONT PORCH AND CRUMPLED.*JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 1, 1996 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 30MPH APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE TRUCK DID NOT STOP, THE PEDAL DID NOT HOLD. THERE ARE TWO LIGHTS ON NOW; ONE IS ABS LIGHT, AND THE OTHER ARE THE BRAKE LIGHTS. THESE LIGHTS WERE NOT ON UNTILL THE TRUCK WAS INVOLVED IN THIS ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE BRAKES WOULD NOT HOLD. *AK A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 10, 1997 · crash

“WELL MY TRUCK WHEN I AM DRIVING DOWN THE RD AT NIGHT THE LIGHTS WILL TURN OFF OUT OF NO WHERE AND I ALMOST GOT IN A COUPLE OF WRECKS BECAUSE OF IT FLICKERING AND I HAVE CHANGED AND FIXED EVERYTHING AND IT STILL DOSE IT SO IT LIKE A WIRE ISSUE OR SOMETHING BUT I DON'T FEEL SAFE AT ALL DRIVING AT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 26, 2016 · fire

“WIRING HARNESS CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD WHILE DRIVING. DEALER WILL BE NOTIFIED. *AK REPLACED HARNESS STILL HAD PROBLEM. *YH”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 18, 2000 · fire

“15 DAYS AFTER PUCHASING THIS VEHICLE IT CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT. THE FIRE DESTROYED EVERYTHING UNDER THE HOOD BUT THE METAL ENGINE PARTS AS WELL AS MELTED PART OF THE DASH & CARPET ON THE INTERIOR. AFTER PRYING OPEN THE HOOD & DOUSING THE FLAMES COMPLETELY, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TOLD ME…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 15, 2002 · fire

1992 Dodge Dakota — common questions

Is the 1992 Dodge Dakota reliable?

It is close to typical for the Dakota: 314 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 3 investigations on file.

What are the most common 1992 Dakota problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (126 complaints), brakes (63 complaints), engine (24 complaints).

Does the 1992 Dodge Dakota have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1992 Dodge Dakota. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1992 Dodge Dakota under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations 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.