1994 Dodge Dakota
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Dodge › Dakota › 1994
These records cover every 1994 Dodge Dakota. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 1994 Dodge Dakota. Newest first.
Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the passenger vehicles listed above. some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. the recall began on july 1, 2006. owners may contact ck motorsport at 1-909-610-7211.
While making a turn, the extra keys on a vehicle operator's key ring can become temporarily lodged in the screw access holes in the back cover of the steering wheel.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition can hamper the steering wheel return orcause the ignition to be turned off, resulting in loss of vehicle control and an accident.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the steering wheel back cover with a redesigned cover.
Some upper control arm attaching bolts can fail due to improper heat treatment. The bolts are too soft to withstand the stresses in the steering system and can break.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the attaching bolts of the upper control arm break, the vehicle can experience loss of steering control which could result in an accident.
Remedy
Replace the upper control arm attaching bolts.
Two fuel tank support strap attaching studs were not adequately tightened, which could cause one or both of the strap(s) to separate, mislocating the fuel tanks or allow complete separation of the fuel tank from the vehicle.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In either case fuel tank support strap(s) failure results in fuel leakage which could result in a fire.
Remedy
The fuel tank support strap attaching studs will be properly tightened.
Owner complaints
166 complaints33 involved a crash4 involved a fire23 injuries2 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system › Ignition · Engine and engine cooling · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor · Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump · Power train · Service brakes, hydraulic · Steering · Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and attachments · Suspension · Vehicle speed control › Cruise control · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
Front left door snapped off. I can't open the drivers door from the inside. Also, both seat belts snapped, the air and heat doesn't work, the brakes locked up, which affected the steering. The transmission was replaced three timed, the vehicle would loose power and the engine would die. The…
Front left door snapped off. I can't open the drivers door from the inside. Also, both seat belts snapped, the air and heat doesn't work, the brakes locked up, which affected the steering. The transmission was replaced three timed, the vehicle would loose power and the engine would die. The catalytic converter rattled. There was a rough idle and then the vehicle would stall. The cruise control was inoperative, the tires wore out prematurely. Also, I had difficulty getting the vehicle out of park. The idler arm IS in the process of breaking, the ignition broke after the keys became stuck, the fuel pump failed and the bearing and bushing needs to be replaced.
- Structure › Frame and members
Dodge dakota frame rotting out toyota recalled theirs the truck in great shape and I have seen alot of trucks with the same problem could cause death in crash.*tr
- Air bags
Driving down road, about to turn right, but airbag deployed before I was off the main road. had to stop immediately. had slowed down to app. 10 mph to make turn. road clear. had made this turn many times before (on way to work). *Tr
- Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
Night driving, smelled electrical smoke in cab. Headlamps went off then came back on after 5 to 10 seconds. Moved headlamp switch in and out but condition still persisted. Luckily I was less than one mile from home on divided hwy with no traffic. If lamp switch IS off then there IS no smell of…
Night driving, smelled electrical smoke in cab. Headlamps went off then came back on after 5 to 10 seconds. Moved headlamp switch in and out but condition still persisted. Luckily I was less than one mile from home on divided hwy with no traffic. If lamp switch IS off then there IS no smell of electrical smoke. When lamp switch IS in either the parking or the headlamp position, can smell electrical smoke and light work intermittently. This IS second failure in 2 years. Lamp switch failed. *Jb
- Air bags › Frontal
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 55 mph, the vehicle was involved in driver side collision. the airbags did not deploy. there was pre-impact braking. the occupant was wearing a seat belt, but suffered of hyperthermia due to the accident. A police report was taken, and the vehicle was deemed totaled.
- Seats · Seats › Front assembly › Recliner
Front seat bolt-driver side broke with seat going straight back into back seat-reaching for wallet both times it broke!
- Electrical system › Wiring
No failure just yet. Every so often the air bag, ABS light comes on once that happens the fan stops working, the power windows will not work. Now my headlights will not work at all but my parking lights will. I have tried to get the dealer to fix it under a recall they won't do it. I know it could cause a fire.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist
Sudden near-complete brake failure due to defective bolt holding master cylinder in place to hydraulic brake booster pressure accumulator. on 05-14-2005, my 18 year old son completed his shift at work. he went out to our 1994 dodge dakota pickup and started the engine. as he depressed the…
Sudden near-complete brake failure due to defective bolt holding master cylinder in place to hydraulic brake booster pressure accumulator. on 05-14-2005, my 18 year old son completed his shift at work. he went out to our 1994 dodge dakota pickup and started the engine. as he depressed the brake pedal he heard a metallic noise as if something had broken. he drove to our nearby residence at very low speed. there was no collision, but he reported significantly reduced brake performance. at our residence, my mechanic and I inspected the vehicle. I am a 21-year experienced police collision investigator. we found that the left (driver side) bolt holding the master brake cylinder to the hydraulic brake booster pressure accumulator (aka: hydroboost) had broken off. the bolt appears to be a low grade stud that IS pressed into the forward cover of the hydroboost unit. the bolt / stud IS of small diameter for such a critical component. it appeared to be over-tightened at the factory (most likely), or wore out due to metal fatigue (less likely as the vehicle only has approximately 51,000 miles on it). there IS a second bolt holding the master cylinder to the hydroboost. the second bolt held in place, allowing reduced braking ability. the master cylinder was falling down and to the right at about a 35 degree angle. had this defect occurred at highway speeds, or when pulling a load, a catastrophic collision would have likely occurred. the two bolts appear to be too small in diameter for any vehicle, particularly a light pickup truck. although this vehicle IS a 1994 model year, it IS still in excellent condition. I live in a semi-arid area, so there IS no rust. the vehicle has also never been in a collision and IS parked in a garage when not in use. I purchased the vehicle new and have been the only owner. the vehicle has been otherwise extremely reliable.
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint · Suspension › Front › Control arm › Upper ball joint
I have a "pristine" dodge dakota that I purchased from the original owner. It currently has 34,500 miles on it and I recently had to replace all of the ball-joints/ upper & lower/both sides. I have heard of recalls for dakota ball-joints. Did any of the recalls cover a 1994 model ? - please advise. thank you. *Jb
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
Driving down the road and lower ball joint on right side of truck broke . Did not wreck. Wheel fell off of truck along with axle end, brake rotor and caliper. Spindle also broke . I have already replaced spindle and axle but have not yet put all back together because im trying to see if my truck should be in with this big recall on dakotas and durangos. *jb
- Air bags · Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
Srs air bag light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. Cruise control failed to work when applied. consumer took the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the clock spring needed to be replaced. this vehicle was not covered under a recall due to vin. *ak *tc
- Air bags · Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar
While driving 40 mph a deer appear out of no where and was hit by consumer's vehicle. it was badly damaged and knocked off the road. upon impact, driver's air bag failed to deploy. Steering wheel separated and caused severe damage to driver's right leg. driver was hospitalized. vehicle had…
While driving 40 mph a deer appear out of no where and was hit by consumer's vehicle. it was badly damaged and knocked off the road. upon impact, driver's air bag failed to deploy. Steering wheel separated and caused severe damage to driver's right leg. driver was hospitalized. vehicle had old engine replaced. the dakota sport was totaled.*ak the consumer stated that the above information IS incorrect and sent an updated version which IS as follows: the consumer was driving and a deer jumped onto his vehicle. the vehicle crossed the road to the left into a ditch and flipped the vehicle over. airbags did not deploy. the steering column broke from under the dash injuring the consumer. *tc
- Unknown or other
Paint peeling off of roof and hood.
- Seats › Front assembly › Recliner
While at a stop vehicle was rear ended, causing the driver's seat to recline back. *ak
- Seats › Front assembly › Recliner
While waiting at an intersection vehicle was rear ended. This caused the driver's seat to collapse backwards. driver sustained injuries and was transported by ambulance to the hospital . *ak
- Seats › Front assembly › Recliner
While waiting at an intersection vehicle was rear ended. This caused the driver's seat to collapse backwards. driver sustained neck injuries and was transported by ambulance to the hospital. *ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
I have had to purchase at least 3 gas fuel pumps for my 94 dodge dakota for three years in a row. I've taken it to the dodge dealer each time an it seems to be the same problem every time. I only use one gas station when I'm not traveling and just in my neighborhood . I have used the same type of…
I have had to purchase at least 3 gas fuel pumps for my 94 dodge dakota for three years in a row. I've taken it to the dodge dealer each time an it seems to be the same problem every time. I only use one gas station when I'm not traveling and just in my neighborhood . I have used the same type of gas 1993 premium and gas station amoco since ownership of the vehicle. The dealer has been very helpful and has not charged me this time for the work. But they can't seem to find out why I'm having this problem with the vehicle. How can I find out if there IS some other defective part that might be causing the problem, or find out if there IS a defect with the gas fuel pumps for that vehicle. I couldn't find anything on your site.*ak
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
When the consumer attempted to exit the vehicle the front seat belt buckle failed to release. the consumer was forced to cut the seat belt in order to exit the truck. *jb *cb *nlm
- Power train › Automatic transmission
The transmission shifted improperly. The consumer changed the transmission fluid, and the transmission seized up, due to wrong information printed on the dip stick. *jb
- Seat belts › Front
When the consumer stopped the vehicle, the driver side seat belt came apart. *jb
- Structure › Body › Door
No summary. dt
- Exterior lighting › Turn signal › Switch
Several months to a year, a module in the steering column needs to be replaced. this module controls the headlights high/low beam, turn signal, 4-WAY flasher and wiper motion. the headlights will go out while in use following the other components failing. please describe details ts
- Fuel system, gasoline
Fuel gauge reading very erratic. dealer checked wiring from tank to gauge and found no shorted wiring. also checked operations and found fuel sending unit in tank has contacts shorted causing gauge to read very erratic. this IS 5TH time sending will be replaced. *tt
- Air bags
While making a turn at 5 mph driver's airbag deployed. Consumer sustained injuries to her face and lost her voice for 2 weeks due to inhaling fumes.*ak dealer replaced airbag, steering wheel and cruise control and stated that the clockspring was cause of the airbag to deploy. *tt
- Electrical system · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump · Fuel system, other › Storage › Fuel gauge system
Consumer states that the power supply to the main computer failed possibly causing a fire under the dash, entire cab caught on fire. *tt
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Steering column separation
Mr. Larry a. Sackey submitted a petition to the national highway traffic safety administration (nhtsa) by letter dated april 18, 2003, requesting that nhtsafurther investigate the defective collapsible steering shaft system on 1987-1995 vehicles manufactured by the daimlerchrysler corporation.in part because of 49 cfr…
Mr. Larry a. Sackey submitted a petition to the national highway traffic safety administration (nhtsa) by letter dated april 18, 2003, requesting that nhtsafurther investigate the defective collapsible steering shaft system on 1987-1995 vehicles manufactured by the daimlerchrysler corporation.in part because of 49 cfr ? 30120(G), nhtsa has decided to limit the scope of the petition vehicles to 1993-1995 models, excluding the 1993 jeep grand cherokee and 1994-1995 dodge RAM series trucks that were recalled (93v210 & 96v230) for steering column failure.if the analysis of these vehicles had identified a potential problem, the scope could have been expanded in an investigation.a review of odi's data base shows no recent complaints and a lack of a complaint trend concerning the subject issue on the subject vehicles as a whole or by individual models.therefore, the petition IS denied.for details, see federal register notice volume 68, no. 130, july 8, 2003.
- Steering wheel and column
There is no summary currently available
- Steering lock-up/impedimnt
There is no summary currently available
- Engine fires
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10220995Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement please order kit 68253161AA. Insulator only used on Auto-RWD transmission Note: The color of the insulator is not relevant for service.
- 10191460Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10139596Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement please order kit 68253161AA. Insulator only used on Auto-RWD transmission Note: The color of the insulator is not relevant for service.
- 10005298Frame cracking.
- 6092304Subject regarding non-deployed airbag handling procedures.
- 6089800Daimlerchrysler corporation IS now offerinb airbag on / off switches for selected vehicles.
- 6089311Concerns with a/c evaporator odor. *Nlm
- 6089038Information on tire and wheel runout. *Nlm
- 6089000Information on transmission cooler reverse flushing with cooler bypass kit installed. *Nlm
- 6088834Information regarding nhtsa authorized airbag deactivation for medical necessity. *Nlm
- 6088803Information regarding no start - engin failed to crank. *Nlm
- 6088786Concerns with engine coolant usage. *Nlm
- 621898Automatic transmission fluid usage ATF+4.
- 620059Subject regarding airbag / clock spring service for various models including 2002 model year jeep liberty.
- 618049Subject regarding wire splice repairs.
- 612160Subject on the child seat tether anchors. *Mjs
- 610635Subject regarding child seat tether anchors.
- 610005Experiencing spark knock and engine oil consumption due to intake manifold pan gasket oil leak.
- 609995This bulletin provides a revised wire splice procedure and related parts.
- 607963Information on child seat tether anchors.
- 607913Subject regarding spark knock and engine oil consumption due to intake manifold pan gasket oil leak.
- 604710Information regarding front brake caliper mounting to steering knuckle thread repair.
- 603153Subject regarding airbag on - off switches.
- 603144Subject regarding ignition system cross fire/ secondary ignition wire induction.
- 602327The outer exhaust manifold studs may fatigue and break.
- 602318Discussion on airbag on- off switches for selected vehicles
- 600862Information on installation of radio transmitting equipment.
- 54423Authorized airbag deactivation for medical necessity.
- 52970When vehicles in the start position, engine will not crank over.
- 52963Various car owner's have expressed interest in using engine coolants made with propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol.
- 52529Timing chain noise.
- 52527Cold sag/hesitation.
- 51942Difficult to clean light colored "chalky" residue from plastic body components that are molded in black.
- 46371Bulletin supersedes technical service bulletin 08-16-95, dated apr. 14, 1995. If the vehicle operator **repeatedly** presses and releases the set button with their foot off of the accelerator (a 'lift foot set' to begin speed control operation), the vehicle may accelerate and exceed the desired set speed by up to 5 mph (8 km/h) and then decelerate to less than the desired set speed before finally achieving the desired set speed.
- 44048Unknown
- 43056Unknown
- 43051Unknown
- 41040RWD automatic transmission cold temperature cooler bypass kit.
- 39987Slight front brake lead/drift.
- 39734Pick up box tailgate hard to latch in cold temperatures.
Every Dodge Dakota model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.