VehicleVerdict

1993 Dodge Dakota problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1993 Dodge Dakota sits mid-pack among Dakota years: 159 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 241, with 2 recalls and one closed investigation. Complainants reported 17 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (27), transmission (23), and engine (15), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

159

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

15

Crash-involved

10

Fires reported

17

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1993 compare to other Dakota years?

Dakota NHTSA complaints by model year, 1993 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, 1993 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Dakota years to avoid →

What are the most common 1993 Dodge Dakota problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes2717%
Transmission2314%
Engine159%
Steering138%
Body & Structure117%
Electrical System96%
Other96%
Fuel System85%
Seat Belts85%
Suspension85%
Seats74%
Visibility & Wipers64%
Tires & Wheels53%
Speed Control43%
Latches & Locks43%
Lighting11%
Airbags11%

Does the 1993 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.

93V082000BrakesMay 11, 1993 · 2,000 units

Defect

SOME OF THE ABS EQUIPPED VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN UNDERSIZED BRAKE RETURN CHECK VALVE. IN INCIDENTS WHERE HARD BRAKE PEDAL EFFORT IS APPLIED ON LOW FRICTION ROAD SURFACES, LIKE RAIN COVERED STREETS, THE VALVES MAY FAIL, CAUSING THE ABS TO BECOME INOPERATIVE. THIS CREATES EXCESS BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL AND MAY CAUSE THE ABS WARNING LIGHT TO COME ON.

Consequence

LACK OF FRONT WHEEL ABS COULD CAUSE THE FRONT WHEELBRAKES TO LOCK, INCREASING STOPPING DISTANCE WHICH MAY RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy

REPLACE THE RETURN CHECK VALVE WITH THE CORRECT VALVE.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“REAR ANTI-LOCK BRAKES WORK LIKE ANTI-LIKE BRAKES SHOULD..THEY ARE NOT ACTIVE AT ANY TIME OR SPEED .I HAVE HAD DEALERS AND MECHANICS CHECK THEM AND CAN FIND NOTHING WRONG.BUT WHEN I AN STOPPED, I COULD STAND ON THE BRAKES AND LIGHTLY TOUCH THE GAS PEDAL,) AND SPIN THE REAR TIRES EVEN WITH ANTI-LOCK…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 3, 1997 · crash

“THE OVERDRIVE IN VEHICLE, CHEWS UP THE TRANSMISSION DUE TO THE BEARINGS WORKING LOOSE. THIS WAS CAUSED BY A LACK OF LUBRICATION ON THE BEARINGS. THIS CAUSES THE VEHICLE NOT TO BE ABLE TO SHIFT INTO GEARS WHEN THIS HAPPENS. WILL BE TAKING VEHICLE TO DEALER TO HAVE MECHANIC CHECK. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 19, 1999

“VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION FOR ABOUT TEN MINUTES AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CAUSE OF THE FIRE IS UNDETERMINED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 17, 1997 · fire

“WIRING HARNESS FROM COMPUTER AND ENGINE TO STEERING WHEEL AT HOLO SWITCH(IGNITION SWITCH) HEATS UP AND CATHES FIRE AND MELTED PLASTIC SHROULD AT THIS TIME COMING TO A STOP ENGINE WILL DIE IT WILL CONTINUE TO RUN.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · fire

“THE PAINT IS PEELING OFF THE BODY IN HUGE CHUNKS. I HAVE READ THAT THE PAINT COMING LOOSE AND FALLING OFF CAN BE A HAZARD AS THE WINSHEILD CAN COME OFF EASILY IF THE PAINT LOOSENS. I WANT CHRYSLER TO PAY FOR THE COST OF REPAINTING MY ENTIRE VEHICLE. PLEASE CONTACT ME AT [EMAIL] OR [PHONE] THANKS,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · November 16, 2000

1993 Dodge Dakota — common questions

Is the 1993 Dodge Dakota reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 159 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Dakota year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1993 Dakota problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (27 complaints), transmission (23 complaints), engine (15 complaints).

Does the 1993 Dodge Dakota have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1993 Dodge Dakota. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1993 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.