1998 Dodge Dakota
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Vehicles › Dodge › Dakota › 1998
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
These records cover every 1998 Dodge Dakota. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
12 recalls name the 1998 Dodge Dakota. Newest first.
Dope, inc. IS recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on july 28, 2009. owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
Sabersport IS recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on may 11, 2009. owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
Skf IS recalling 2,805 hub units, part no. Br930361, sold as a service part for 1997-2004 dodge dakota vehicles and 1999-2003 dodge durango vehicles equipped with 2-wheel drive & rear axle ABS. due to a specification error, the rotor pilot for the hub unit may be too long. this results in the wheel to not be seated fully against the hub flange face during…
Improper seating of the wheel can result in excessive vibration, brake rotor noise, difficulty removing the wheel after installation and operation of the vehicle, and possibly wheel-end separation during vehicle operation. should wheel-end separation occur, the driver could loose control of the vehicle, possibly resulting in a crash.
Skf will notify owners and replace the defective hub units free of charge. the recall began on november 5, 2008. owners may contact skf vsm north america customer service at 1-800-644-8999.
Certain aj motorsport combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash.
Aj motorsport will notify owners and offer reimbursement for the lamps. the recall began on july 31, 2006. owners may contact aj motorsport at 626-618-2026.
Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain 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.
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. the recall began on april 3, 2006. owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.
Certain replacement k&n fuel performance kits, p/nos. 57-1509, 57-1511, 57-1511-1, 57-1517, 57-1517-1, 57-1527, and 57-1530. also, a small percentage of these kits were sold under the mopar performance parts brand name (p/nos. P5007069 and p5007070). all kits were manufactured from april 20, 1999, through september 23, 2004. these assemblies were…
A jammed open throttle could cause unintended acceleration of the vehicle, possibly resulting in a crash or increased stoping distances when braking.
K&n will provide owners with a free repair kit along with repair instructions. the recall began on april 20, 2006.
Certain aftermarket brake hydraulic master cylinders sold as replacement brake cylinders for certain ford, daimlerchrysler, and jeep passenger vehicles. these brake cylinders were sold under the brand names of napa, raybestos, aimco, ac delco, carquest, bendix, and wagner. only products that were manufactured from july 27, 2005 through january 17, 2006…
Loss of brake fluid can lead to a decrease in brake line pressure and an increase in stopping distance, which can result in a vehicle crash.
Affinia (brake parts, inc.) will replace the subject brake hydraulic master cylinders free of charge. the recall began on march 20, 2006. owners can contact affina group customer service at 1-800-323-0354.
Vehicle description: pickup trucks. sound deadener material inside the steering wheel could become detached from the cover and housing. note: the RAM pickup trucks were built at the warren assembly plant ("s" in the 11TH vin position) from may 16, 2000 through october 23, 2000; st. Louis north assembly plant ("j" in the 11TH vin position) from may…
When this occurs, the material could interfere with the clockspring ribbon and cause an open circuit. the driver air bag system will become disabled, and the air bag warning lamp will illuminate on the instrument panel.
Dealers will replace the clockspring assembly. owner notification began june 18, 2001. also some 1997-200 model year vehicles that, according to warranty records, have had a suspect replacement clockspring installed, will also be included in this campaign. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Vehicle description: pickup trucks built with 2.5L engines. some vehicles may have been built with inadequate clearance between the left front brake tube and the power steering hose.
A puncture of the left front brake tube can result in a loss of braking force at the front wheels, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect the brake tube and power steering hose for wear. if wear IS evident, the brake tube and/or power steering hose will be replaced. a power steering standoff bracket will be installed on all vehicles to ensure that adequate clearance between the brake tube and power steering hose IS maintained.
Vehicle description: pickup trucks. some vehicles may have been built with inadequate clearance between the rear axle vent hose and the brake hose.
A puncture in the rear brake hose will result in a loss of braking force at the rear wheels.
Dealers will inspect the rear brake hose for evidence of wear. worn brake hoses will be replaced. the rear vent hose will be shortened by 3 inches and a clip will be installed to assure clearance between the axle vent line and brake hose IS maintained.
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. these vehicles may have been built with bolts that were not properly hardened. the bolts were used to attach the cab and the core support to the frame.
This condition can allow the cab to separate from the frame increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace these bolts with properly hardened bolts.
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks (2 wheel drive only). the front brake hoses or anti-lock brake system (ABS) sensor wire may be abraded at the front wheels by contact with a front wheelhouse splash shield.
Prolonged brake hose contact can cause a partial loss of the braking system. prolonged ABS sensor wire contact can cause a loss of ABS function.
Dealers will trim the front wheelhouse splash shields and the brake hoses and ABS sensor wires will be inspected. if evidence of abrasion IS found on any hose or ABS wire, they will be replaced.
The contact owned a 1998 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at 25 MPH and attempting to slow the vehicle with the brake pedal depressed all the way to the floorboard, the vehicle failed to come to a complete stop. As a result, the vehicle careened off the roadway and into a ditch. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The occupants were all transported to an area hospital by EMT for treatment. The driver was treated for chest pain caused by the steering wheel; the contact was treated for a broken arm; the oldest rear seat occupant was treated for a facial injury, losing two front teeth; and the youngest rear seat occupant was treated for a concussion. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number: 97V170000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 5,000.
1 Safety recall found,Reprogram Pcm and inspect Catalytic Converter.I never got a recall notice in the mail just happen to go on line and find it.My engine light,Anti -brake light and emergency light stays on.My speedometer and odometer quit working.I took my truck to the Dodge dealership and they said the parts are discontinued and they cannot get them but they did do a inspection and said everything was ok.I still have the same problems and I am concerned about my safety and the safety of others involved while I am driving my truck.
52019555 For Dodge Dakota Pickup Spare Tire Hoist Wheel Carrier Winch Hanger. Defective Spare Tire Hoist Wheel Carrier Winch Hanger The Spare Tire Hoist Wheel Carrier Winch Hanger contains soft rubber part which disintegrates easily with the elements (rain, cold, dirt, wind, etc.). This allows friction between the metal carrier mechanism and the steel wire that holds the tire. The friction eventually “cuts” the wire which holds the 50 lbs+ spare tire setting it free and dropping from under the truck and onto the road while traveling (moving). Issue The "DEFECTIVE" Replacement part (Spare Tire Hoist Wheel Carrier Winch Hanger continues to be sold in the market with NO Modification. The part should be recalled and corrected to prevent an accident. Car models impacted: Dodge Dakota, Ram, Durango, etc. Experience I was traveling about 40 MPH when the spare tire fell off from under the truck due to this defective part. I saw the tire (via rear view mirror) bounce off about 10 feet in the air and roll down the road at a fast rate of speed until it hit a curve and then a tree. With luck there was no one behind me or pedestrians around. This could have caused a fatal injury if the tire had hit a car behind me as it could have hit the windshield due to the high bounce rate and speed. It would have knocked down and injured a cyclist or motorcycle. It could have even hit and injured a pedestrian!. Thank God none of this happen. Request Please consider recalling this part and modifying it to meet safety standard to prevent potentially fatal injuries. The part is being sold on ebay, Amazon and other retailers. See samples below. Please contact me with any questions. 1.https://tinyurl.com/AMZ-Carrier 2.https://tinyurl.com/Mopat-winch 3.https://tinyurl.com/ebay-hoist
The contact owns a 1998 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was restarted and operated as designed. During the failure, there were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. Additionally, while depressing the brake pedal a clicking noise was present and the vehicle would not immediately stop. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 210,000.
Engine mysteriously dies for no apparent reason. It may happen at idle all the way to and including highway speeds. Dry weather or wet weather. Cold weather or hot weather. Cold engine or warm engine. No pattern detected. it doesn't splutter -- it just dies as if the ignition key has been turned off, and it throws no code.
My truck has a bad pcm I have it rebuilt 3 times and the same problem will start once then will not start put a pcm in from a 8CYL runs all day not well because its from 8CYL everything has been replaced and still will not start I have seen a lot of this same thing on line this IS my first dodge nd it will be my last and all of this IS from the dodge dealer
I found a list of recalls on pep boys website
The emine will die amytime! Going around cormers lor on expressway sitting in driveway idling. My family has had this vehicle sine 1999. This just started 6 months ago. Up until then it never happened. Replaced several sensors (tps,iac,map,coolant temp and also computer)so far nothing fixes it. I know dodge knows about this and so do you!!! Something needs to be done there are too many dakota/durangos on the road I am surprised no one has died or at very least been hurt badly. I know it goes on in earlier dakotas and later of both not sure if it ever was fixed since old bodystyle ended in 2004. Happwned first time about feb.1,2018. Afraid to drive it for fear of dying or badly hurt because it dies anywhere anytime including rush hour trffic in tulsa ok
TL* the contact owns a 1998 dodge dakota. The contact stated that the headlamps failed to illuminate. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the wiring in the headlamp assembly was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 214,674.
This car has been a safety nightmare. from steel brake lines rusting through (and the vehicle losing it brakes), to upper ball joints almost separating to steering wheel drive shafts where the u-joints almost separated. these are not items that should fail like this. I spent part of my career looking after global product liability for cummins engine and I am stunned at the poor quality chrysler has used in critical components.
The truck has a electrical issue the lights go off and on out of no where I was driving down the road in very dark two lane road and lights go off. Thank god nobody tried passing in oncoming traffic pr we would be dead I replaced light switch a few months ago and it was fine until recently started doing same thing. *tr
While driving a combine was approaching in on coming lane taking up part of my lane, applied brakes and pedal hit the floor (no brakes). I had to go off road to avoid accident. Upon inspection found brake lines rusted through. Repaired and while bleeding lines had another rusted area rupture due to rust ( 4 areas so far). Fearful to drive until all lines replaced......but too costly!
For dodge cars around 98 or ones that have the automatic door locks, they stop working. It sounds like they want to actuate the lock but it won't lock or unlock. All other function remains in the doors opening and closing. Upon my quest of trying to fux the problem on both doors, I took apart the electronic motor housing where the gears are. There IS a little blue piece under all the gears that has broken and appears to be broken from the pressure of the friction spring behind it. Thinking this was the problem with the other one, I tore it apart and was the same thing. The two parts had broken in the exact same spot. I have a feeling this IS due to product defect and not juse in my case.
TL* the contact owns a 1998 dodge dakota. While driving 45-50 mph, the frame detached from the vehicle without warning. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 100,000. updated 10/24/2014*lj updated 04/20/2015 *js
Cant get info...how too make any one fix recalled parts. *tr
Brakes failed due to complete rust through of lines. have had to subsequently replace other lines and hoses due to their defective quality. *tr
Head lights flicker and turn off intermittently whether driving or at a stand still. This has occurred since this vehicle was purchased used and IS a common problem with this and the dodge durango. Have been stopped twice by local law enforcement. The vehicle IS stock with no aftermarket additions. *tr
The spare tire hoist / carrier cable broke, causing the full size spare tire to drop to the road. Fortunately, it happened as I pulled into my driveway. this could have easily been a severe accident on the interstate. *tr
Approaching stop light when hydraulic brake lines suddenly and completely ruptured causing a condition of no brakes and impact with vehicle in front of me. *tr
TL* the contact owns a 1998 dodge dakota. The contact stated that at engine startup, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 150,000 and the current mileage was 160,000. updated 02/01/12 *bf the consumer stated the air bag light intermittently illuminated. The intermittent behavior would occur at idle, when cold, hot, all speeds and when the vehicle was first started. the consumer stated a recall was issued. However, chrysler denied a recall existed. The consumer paid $1,243 for the repair, which included a defective clock spring assembly as noted in the recall. updated 02/10/12
Lower steering shaft u joints are unprotected and rusted out causing sticky steering and difficulty controlling the vehicle in a turn. *tr
1998 dakota brake line (steel) rusted through and ruptured resulting in catastrophic brake failure (right front). The dealer blames the failure on road conditions in western virginia (salt). The truck has only 80000 miles. *tr
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 dodge dakota. The contact stated that the vehicle shut off without warning. the contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic who suggested that the air idle control solenoid be replaced. the contact replaced the idle control solenoid but that did not remedy the issue. the vehicle continued to shut off without warning at 50 mph. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer who was unable to duplicate the problem. the contact stated the vehicle IS unsafe to drive and the dealer needed to diagnose the failure. the contact also noticed online that the ecm needed to be replaced but the dealer did not performed a diagnostic test. the failure mileage was 114,000.
Steering shaft on our dodge dakota went bad.....going to fix it but how many are on the road with the same problem and the fix costs a small fortune. *tr
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 dodge dakota. The contact stated that the driver was traveling 32 mph when he attempted to stop but the brakes failed; as a result, the vehicle rear ended the vehicle in front. The contact experienced the brake failure several times. The local repair shop replaced the calipers and brake pads five times. The vehicle was taken back to the repair shop and the mechanic stated that the ABS could be the cause of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired again. The vin was unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000 and the current mileage was 58,882.
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
Daimlerchrysler corporation (dcc) IS recalling the target population of approximately 600,000 my 2000 through 2003 durango and dakota vehicles with four-wheel drive to replace the front suspension upper ball joints with redesigned parts that do not have the joint integrity concerns and have substantially improved joint retention capacity (nhtsa recall no. 04V-596).though dcc does not admit to a safety-defect in the subject components, odi believes that the facts in this investigation show otherwise.because of the low rates of separation incidents in the remaining subject vehicles, a safety-related defect has not been identified in those populations and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists in those vehicles.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.for additional information, see the attached closing report.
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.