1991 Dodge Dakota problems
Owners have filed 161 complaints about the 1991 Dodge Dakota with NHTSA. Power train accounts for 42.2% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of steering at 10.6%.
Complaints161
Crashes11
Fires5
Injuries8
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Power train 42.2% · 68
Steering 10.6% · 17
Service brakes, hydraulic 9.3% · 15
Fuel system, gasoline 6.2% · 10
Tires 4.3% · 7
Electrical system 4.3% · 7
Vehicle speed control 4.3% · 7
Engine and engine cooling 4.3% · 7
Severity
Of those complaints, 11 describe a crash, 5 describe a fire and 8 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 18 model years of the Dodge Dakota in this data, 1991 draws comparatively few complaints; 2000 is the outlier year.
Filings are rising — 6 in the last three years against 5 in the three before. For a vehicle this age that usually points to a wear-related failure owners are hitting now.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 75,000 miles.
In owners' own words
Consumer received a recall notification concerning the replacement of the steel manual valve, however consumer was informed that since the vehicle has over a hundred thousand miles on the transmission, in order for the recall repairs to be effective the transmission would need to be rebuilt at consumers expense, consumer feels this is just an excuse in case of a product failure. Power train
While in park consumer puts car in reverse, vehicle will not engage until about 15, to 20 seconds later. Vehicle then unexpectedly jumps back. Consumer feels this is unsafe because someone could get hurt if they come behind vehicle because consumer doesn't know when its going to jump back. Ak Power train
Consumer received nhtsa recall 00vv106000/ manufacturer's recall 871 concerning transmission failure. Took vehicle to john l way Dodge southwest where repairs were done. Vehicle was not having problem of shifting gears until after repairs were done. Referred consumer to manufacturer. Power train
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…