VehicleVerdict

1988 Dodge Daytona problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 23 complaints on file for the 1988 Dodge Daytona — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 1 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

23

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

1

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1988 compare to other Daytona years?

Daytona NHTSA complaints by model year, 1988 highlighted39 complaints1984: 2 complaints1985: 5 complaints1986: 4 complaints1987: 8 complaints1988: 23 complaints1989: 39 complaints1990: 31 complaints1991: 17 complaints1992: 19 complaints1993: 17 complaints1994: 0 complaints
Daytona NHTSA complaints by model year, 1988 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Daytona years to avoid →

What are the most common 1988 Dodge Daytona problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine417%
Transmission313%
Steering313%
Seat Belts313%
Body & Structure29%
Fuel System29%
Electrical System29%
Visibility & Wipers14%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)14%
Lighting14%
Brakes14%

Does the 1988 Dodge Daytona have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

08E033000SuspensionApril 14, 2008 · 6,903 units

Defect

FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.

Consequence

THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THAT EXCESSIVE HEAT IS COMING FROM THE TRUNK ABOVE THE MUFFLER AND IT HAS MELTED THE CARPET IN THE TRUNK. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 1, 1993

“EXPERIENCING ONGOING PROBLEM WITH SEAT BELT INTERMITTENTLY FAILING TO RETRACT PROPERLY; CAUSING SEAT BELT TO BE INOPERATIVE. DEALER/MFR NOTIFED AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT PART WAS NOT UNDER A RECALL/ REPAIRS WOULD BE AT CONSUMER'S COST. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · July 26, 1997

1988 Dodge Daytona — common questions

Is the 1988 Dodge Daytona reliable?

The record is thin — 23 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1988 Daytona problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (4 complaints), steering (3 complaints), seat belts (3 complaints).

Does the 1988 Dodge Daytona have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1988 Dodge Daytona. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1988 Dodge Daytona under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Dodge Daytona years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Daytona years to avoid are 1989, 1990. The cleanest record among Daytona years belongs to 1994.

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.