Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1979 Dodge Sport Utility sits mid-pack among Sport Utility years: 52 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 52, with a single recall and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 11 injuries in total across these filings.
The trouble concentrates in one system: other issues account for 94% of all reports (49 of 52), far ahead of electrical system at 3.
52
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
3
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
11
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other | 49 | 94% | new |
| Electrical System | 3 | 6% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
INNER AND OUTER CARBURETOR THROTTLE RETURN SPRINGS MAY HAVE BEEN MISINSTALLED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN SPRING FAILURE. THIS CAN PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO A CLOSED POSITION WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED.
Remedy
BOTH THROTTLE RETURN SPRINGS WILL BE REPLACED AND PROPERLY INSTALLED WITHOUT CHARGE.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TWO MONTHS AGO, A NEW FRAME WAS INSTALLED ON MY 2002 DODGE DURANGO. ON SEPT. 14, 2003 MY DAUGHTER WAS IN AN ACCIDENT ON INTERSTATE 26 COMING TO MY HOME. SHE SAID THE CAR WENT OUT OF CONTROL AND SHE HIT THE CONCRETE WALL AND ENDED UP IN THE SIDE OF INTERSTATE. THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE AXLE LOOKS LIKE…”
“TRUCK WOULDN'T START, INTAKE MAINIFOLD GASKETS LEAKING OIL ON TO SPARK PLUGS.REPLACED INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS AND PLENUM GASKETS,AT DEALER. HAD TUNE-UP DONE SPARK PLUGS REPLACED AT DEALER. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON 3000 MILES LATER. TOOK TO ANOTHER DEALER CLAIMS PLUGS WERE NOT GAPPED RIGHT. PAID…”
It is close to typical for the Sport Utility: 52 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (49 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1979 Dodge Sport Utility. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sport Utility years to avoid are 1994. The cleanest record among Sport Utility years belongs to 1978.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.