no report yet
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)
Risk. THE STEERING GEAR CAN SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE FRAME RESULTING IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
1989 Dodge DakotaProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 63 owner complaints about the 1989 Dodge Dakota, most often about the steering. It is covered by 3 safety recalls.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 16, 2011. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 1989 Dodge Dakota has problems
63 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
19Steering1 crash/fire/injury
12Power train2 crash/fire/injury
8Engine and engine cooling1 crash/fire/injury
8Service brakes, hydraulic
4Electrical system
4Structure
4Tires
3Seat belts
3Fuel system, gasoline
54 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 19 | 1 |
| Power train | 12 | 2 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 8 | 1 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 8 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 4 | 2 |
| Structure | 4 | 0 |
| Tires | 4 | 1 |
| Seat belts | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 3 | 0 |
| 4 other systems | 5 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
1989 Dodge Dakota recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)
Risk. THE STEERING GEAR CAN SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE FRAME RESULTING IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
no report yet
Engine and engine cooling: engine
Risk. THE LEAKAGE OF OIL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COULD CAUSEA FIRE.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Dodge.
Best & worst years
1989 vs. every other Dakota year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Dakota median. How we score
'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What Dakota owners report
Recent steering complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 50 MPH WHEN THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED WHICH PREVENTED THE CONTACT FROM STEERING THE VEHICLE IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BOLTS ON THE RACK AND PINION WERE CRACKED. AS…
STEERING COLUMN RIPPED OUT OF THE FRAME W/BOLTS STILL IN PLACE. DRIVER LOST CONTROL RUNNING OFF ROAD. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
RACK AND PINION BOLTS FRACTURED,CAUSING RACK AND PINION STEERING TO SEPARATE FROM FRAME, RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL. A RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED ON VEHICLE. VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED UNDER RECALL. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Own a 1989 Dakota?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.