1998 Dodge Dakota problems
Owners have filed 793 complaints about the 1998 Dodge Dakota with NHTSA. Suspension accounts for 40.1% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of power train at 10.3%.
Complaints793
Crashes58
Fires1
Injuries32
Deaths6
What owners report breaking
Suspension 40.1% · 318
Power train 10.3% · 82
Service brakes, hydraulic 9.0% · 71
Engine and engine cooling 7.7% · 61
Steering 6.1% · 48
Air bags 4.0% · 32
Electrical system 2.6% · 21
Seat belts 2.5% · 20
Severity
Of those complaints, 58 describe a crash, 1 describe a fire, 32 report an injury and 6 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 18 model years of the Dodge Dakota in this data, 1998 sits 5th by complaint volume. 2000 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 8 in the last three years against 17 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 68,500 miles.
In owners' own words
I have replaced the ball joints twice now on my 1998 Dodge Dakota in the past four years. On a recent visit to my mechanic for an oil change, I was advised that I will again need to replace my ball joints and that one in particular was close to failure and was unsafe. In his words: "you got lucky. This could have failed at any time." I have scheduled another appointment to once again replace my ball joints. Suspension · reported at 67,000 miles
A recent recall announcement for Dodge dakotas and durango only included the model years of 2000-2004 for failed ball joints and wheels falling off. This compliant is to notifiy the nhtsa that early model years also experience the sample problem. In 2001, my 1998 Dodge Dakota had the right front wheel colapse while in motion due to a failed ball joint. The nhtsa should expand this recall to earlier models. Suspension · reported at 36,357 miles
- The contact owns a 1998 Dodge Dakota, whose left lower control arm on the front driver side broke off due to defective welding. The contact's dealer advised him that the vehicle was beyond the warranty period and not repairable. Per the contact, the lower suspension bolts fell off the vehicle while driving 25 mph. There was no collision at the time of the failure. *Ak updated 2/2/2007 - Suspension · reported at 106,657 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…