1989 Dodge Dakota problems
The Dodge Dakota, known as the Ram Dakota for the final two years of production, is a mid-size pickup truck from Chrysler's Ram (formerly Dodge Truck) division. The first Dakota was introduced in late 1986 as a 1987 model. From its introduction through 2009, it was marketed under the Dodge brand, and for the final two years under the Ram brand.
The Dakota was sized above the compact Ford Ranger and Chevrolet S-10, but below the full-sized pickups such as Dodge's own Ram. It is a conventional design with body-on-frame construction and a leaf spring/live axle rear end. The Dakota was the first mid-size pickup with an optional V8 engine. For its entire production, the Dakota was built in Warren, Michigan.
The Dakota was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award for 2000.
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Common 1989 Dodge Dakota problems
The 1989 Dodge Dakota is known for several common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues include engine problems, transmission issues, and electrical concerns.
Engine Problems:
- Engine Misfires: The 1993 Dakota has 4 complaints about engine misfires. This problem can be caused by worn-out spark plugs, faulty ignition coils, or damaged fuel injectors.
- Rough Idling: Owners of the 1989 Dodge Dakota V-6 3.9L TBFI have reported rough idling, which could indicate a problem with the fuel system or ignition system.
Transmission Issues:
- Transmission Slips: The 1994 Dakota has 2 complaints about transmission slips. This issue can be caused by low transmission fluid levels, worn-out clutch plates, or a damaged torque converter.
Electrical Concerns:
- Cam Sensor Failure: Cam sensor failure is a common problem in the Dodge Dakota, causing no start or stalling issues. This problem can be caused by a faulty cam sensor or wiring issues.
While these are some of the most common problems reported by owners, it is essential to note that not all vehicles will experience these issues. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent many of these problems and ensure the longevity of the vehicle.
Is the 1989 Dodge Dakota a good truck?
Absolute most reliable vehicle I've ever seen.
And I've actually owned two 1989 Dakotas, both full sized 8ft bed trucks with the largest engine option in 89 the 3.9L LA V6 with TBI. Both trucks still running and driving near the 300,000mi mark, with the original engines and trannys.
What was the worst year for the Dodge Dakota?
The 2002 model is easily the worst Dodge Dakota out of all of them, and brakes are the leading trouble with this vehicle. Almost sixty-nine people reported brake problems with this model. Some of the specific brake troubles include: Brake cylinder lockup.
How rare is a 1989 Dodge Dakota?
However, only 2,842 buyers bought the Dakota Sport Convertible in 1989, and fewer than 910 units sold the year after. 1991 was the final model year for the doomed Dakota convertible. Dodge sold fewer than 4,000 units over its two-year lifespan.
Is a Dodge Dakota reliable?
The Dodge Dakota enjoys above-average reliability ratings, with some model years scoring better than others. RepairPal gave it a rating of 3.5 out of 5.0, ranking it 19th out of 32 compact pickup trucks in its category.
Is the 1989 Dodge Dakota a good truck?
Absolute most reliable vehicle I've ever seen.
And I've actually owned two 1989 Dakotas, both full sized 8ft bed trucks with the largest engine option in 89 the 3.9L LA V6 with TBI. Both trucks still running and driving near the 300,000mi mark, with the original engines and trannys.
What was the worst year for the Dodge Dakota?
The 2002 model is easily the worst Dodge Dakota out of all of them, and brakes are the leading trouble with this vehicle. Almost sixty-nine people reported brake problems with this model. Some of the specific brake troubles include: Brake cylinder lockup.
How rare is a 1989 Dodge Dakota?
However, only 2,842 buyers bought the Dakota Sport Convertible in 1989, and fewer than 910 units sold the year after. 1991 was the final model year for the doomed Dakota convertible. Dodge sold fewer than 4,000 units over its two-year lifespan.
Is a Dodge Dakota reliable?
The Dodge Dakota enjoys above-average reliability ratings, with some model years scoring better than others. RepairPal gave it a rating of 3.5 out of 5.0, ranking it 19th out of 32 compact pickup trucks in its category.
1989 Dodge Dakota car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Dodge Dakota problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Steering problems
- Power train problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Dodge Dakota vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1989 Dodge Dakota
The NHTSA has received 89 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Dodge Dakota. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1989 Dodge Dakota vehicles.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-08-16
- VIN: 1B7FL96Y1KS
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 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 A RESULT, THE RACK AND PINION WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED WHO ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXCEEDED THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS TO RECEIVE REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 96V094000 STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM WHO FILED A REPORT AND ADVISED THAT THEY WOULD CONTACT HIM BACK AT A LATER DATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 209,000. UPDATED 10/12/11*LJ UPDATED 10/14/11 *BF WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN. HE LOST CONTROL OF THE TRUCK, DUE TO NOT BEING ABLE TO STEER AND ULTIMATELY ENDED UP IN A DITCH. UPDATED 10/18/11 UPDATED 10/26/11 UPDATED 10/31/11 UPDATED 3/30/12 *CN
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-03-01
- VIN: 1B7GG66X7KS
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHEN SWITCHING FROM 4H TO 2H ON 89 DODGE DAKOTA ON FLOOR SHIFTER IT TAKES A FEW MINUTES TO ENGAGE AND WHEN IT DOES IT JARS THE VEHICLE TO A SIDE JERKING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT SUDDENLY. *JB
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-10-17
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PLACING THE VEHICLE INTO PARK, THE GEAR SHIFTS INTO REVERSE OR IF PARKED ON AN INCLINE WILL ROLL DOWN A HILL. THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT PROPERLY LOCK INTO THE PARKING GEAR. NO EXAMINATION OR REPAIRS WERE MADE. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL # 00V106000 REGARDING POWERTRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.
TIRES,WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-03-01
- VIN: 1B7FL26XXKS
- Components: TIRES,WHEELS
- Summary: DT: CONSUMER STATES: WHEEL DIDN'T FIT HUB CORRECTLY AND IT WAS STRIPPING LUGS: NUTS AND STUDS WHEN HITTING SMALL BUMPS. THERE WAS NOTHING TO HOLD THEM. . DODGE SAID NEEDED A FACTORY RIM, AND THEY DIDN'T MAKE THEM ANYMORE. *AK UPDATED 01/09/07. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-08-10
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1B7FL69X1KS
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING DOWN 1994 AND THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUSED A HUGE FIRE. MELTING ALL THE WIRING AND DESTROYING THE TRUCK. THE DETROIT FIREDEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND THE TRUCK IS A TOTAL LOSS. MY INSURANCE COMPANY WILL NOT PAY FOR IT BECAUSE I HAD BASIC COVERAGE. I DID NOT KNOW IT WAS A RECALL. I WAS NEVER CONTACTED. I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 1993 AFTER THE RECALL. I BOUGHT IT FROM A DEALER YOU WOULD THINK THEY WOULD HAVE FIXED IT. LUCKILY THE POLICE AND FIRE WERE CLOSE AND THEY PUT IT OUT BEFORE IT BLEW UP. THE FREEWAY WAS CLOSED FOR A WHILE AFTER THIS HAPPENED. DO I HAVE ANY RECOURSE TO MAKE DODGE REPAIR THIS? IT HAS BEEN SITTING FOR 1 YEAR AND I COULD NOT AFFORD TO FIX IT. I AM NOT SURE OF THE EXACT DATE BUT IT WAS A WEEK. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-12-28
- VIN: 1B7GG26X5KS
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION OVERHEATED AND MELTED.*MR *PH *NM
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-04-01
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, THE RIGHT REAR TIRE DISINTEGRATED, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE DAMAGE FOUND TO THE TIRE WAS CAUSED BY A ROAD HAZARD AND NOT A DESIGN FLAW.(COOPER TRENDSETTER AW RADIAL TIRE P235 75R15, DOT NUMBER, VP HL CNA 7500)*JB
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 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
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-04
- VIN: 1B7FL69X6KS
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE BACKING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY AND TURNING RACK AND PINION STEERING SEPARATED FROM CROSS MEMBER OF VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 96V094000. *AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-21
- VIN: 1B7FL66X5KS
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: FRONT-LEFT TIRE BEGAN TO PEEL OFF THE CASING, SIMILAR TO THE 23575R15'S( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 21575R15 )
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1B7FL66X1KS
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: RECALL 96V-094000/ STEERING GEAR MOUNTING BOLT FAILURE. CONSUMER STATED THAT AFTER RECALL REPAIRS WERE DONE, DRIVEABILITY OF THE VEHICLE WORSENED. CONSUMER HAS NOTIFIED THE DEALER ABOUT THE PROBLEM. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1B7GG26X3KS
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: HAVING ALOT OF HOWLING IN THE DRIVESHAFT??AND THEY DON'T WHY.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1B7FL16G1KS
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL AND IT TAKE A WHILE TO RESTART. YH
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-01-15
- VIN: 1B7GG26X4KS
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: SPARE WHEEL FELL FROM CARRIER WHEN WINCH CABLE PARTED DUE TO WEAR/CORROSION. WHEN REPORTED TO DEALER, HE SAID THAT IT WAS HAPPENING A LOT LATELY. I ASKED IF THERE WAS A RECALL AND HE RESPONDED NO. A TIRE FALLING FROM UNDER VEHICLE AT FREEWAY SPEEDS CAN EASILY KILL PEOPLE IN OTHER VEHICLES, YET DEALER (AND MANUFACTURER?) SEEMED TO NOT CARE. SINCERELY BELIEVE THAT THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE TRACKED AND A MORE PERMANENT DEVICE OTHER THAT FLIMSY, CORROSION PRONE CABLE BE USED TO SECURE THESE SPARE TIRES. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-11-26
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: MOTOR FAILED
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-11-01
- VIN: 1B7FL26XXKS
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40MPH HEARD A CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR. THEN IT MADE A CLUNKING NOISE.THE DRIVESHAFT WAS DEFECTIVE & THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVEABLE. WAS TOWED TO SHOP THE REAR END OF DRIVESHAFT WAS SHOT. HAD THE WRONG REAR END PUT IN VEHICLE. HAD TO REPLACE IT. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-05-01
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTON BROKE APART, CAUSING SEAT BELT TO BECOME INOPERATIVE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE FRAME IS CRACKED FROM THE STEERING GEAR ON THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE, CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1990-07-05
- VIN: 1B7FL16G2KS
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE PAINT ON THE TRUCK STARTED BUBBLING UP AND BURSTING OFF WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS JUST OVER A YEAR OLD.I CONTACTED THE REGIONAL OFFICE. THEY SENT A PERSON DOWN WHO TRIED TO TELL ME THAT THE PAINT WAS BUBBLING UP AND PEELING OFF BECAUSE OF THE OZONE. I EXPLAINED TO HIM THAT THERE WERE OLDER VEHICLES IN THE JUNK YARD THAT HAD BETTER PAINT JOBS THAN MY TRUCK. I WAS TOLD THAT IF I HAD BOUGHT THE ADDITIONAL WARRANTY WITH THE VEHICLE, THEY WOULD TAKE CARE OF IT. I TOLD HIM THAT IF HIS VEHICLE WAS AS GOOD AS ADVERTISED, THAT I SHOULD NOT NEED THE ADDITIONAL WARRANTY. AS IT WAS, I GOT THE 7/70,000, BUT THAT DID NOT COVER THE PAINT. I WAS TOTALLY DISSATISFIED WITH THE REGIONAL OFFICE. I WROTE A LETTER THAT WAS NEVER ANSWERED. I EVEN CALLED THE MAIN CHRYSLER OFFICE WITH NO RESPONSE FORTHCOMING.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-02-01
- VIN: 1B7FL16G6KS
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONING.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-06
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1B7GL26X3KS
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE TRUCK WAS IN PARK , LEAVING THE ENGINE IDLING AND GOT OUT TO OPEN THE GARAGE DOOR. UPON TURNING AROUND THE TRUCK WAS MOVING BACKWARDS OUT THE DRIVEWAY. RUNNING TO CATCH VEHICLE BEFORE IT REACHED THE STREET, DRIVER OPENED THE DOOR AND TRIED TO ENTER VEHICLE. DRIVER WA SKNOCKED TO THE PAVEMENT. VEHICLE PROCEEDED ACROSS THE STREET AND HEADWD TO MAIN ENTRANC EOF HOSPITAL. RUNNIN GOVER CEMENT PARKING STOPS OR THE CURB TURNED FRON TWHEELS TRUCK MADE A CIRCLE AND LANDED BACK OUT ON THE STREET. ATTAMPTING TO ENTER VEHICLE A SECOND TIME, DRIVER WAS AGAIN KNOCKED TO THE PAVEMENT, SUSTAINING A BROKEN COLLAR BONE/HEAD CONCUSSION AND SEVERE TISSUE AND KNEE DAMAGE. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-06
- VIN: 1B7GL26X3KS
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-12-07
- VIN: 1B7GL26X1KS
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ANTI LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT CONTINUES TO BLOW FUSES.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-03-18
- VIN: 1B7GL26X3KS
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILED CAUSING ACCIDENT. RECALL WORK DONE ON THE SYSTEM PRIOR TO INCIDENT, HOWEVER DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-08-05
- VIN: 1B7FL66X5KS
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: HAD RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE (#96V094000) & CALLED DEALER. TOOK VEHICLE IN ON APPOINTMENT DATE. WAS TOLD VEHICLE READY & TO TAKE IT HOME. HEARD A POP A FEW HOURS LATER. TOOK IT BACK ON AUG. 7, 1997 TO HAVE IT REPAIRED AGAIN. WAS CHARGED FOR LABOR DONE TO VEHICLE. *AK
1989 Dodge Dakota recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1989 Dodge Dakota.
- Manufacturer: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 4X2 PICKUP TRUCK CONVERTIBLES EQUIPPED WITH V6 ENGINES (BUILT FROM NOVEMBER 1988 - JUNE 1990) AND 4X2 PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH THE SHELBY PACKAGE (BUILT OCTOBER 1988 - JUNE 1989). THE FRAME CAN CRACK AT THE STEERING GEAR ATTACHMENT AND/OR THE STEERING GEAR MOUNTING BOLTS CAN FRACTURE.
- Consequence: THE STEERING GEAR CAN SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE FRAME RESULTING IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD REINFORCEMENTS TO THE FRAME AND REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR MOUNTING BOLTS. IF THE FRAME IS ALREADY CRACKED, THE STEERING GEAR WELD NUTS WILL ALSO BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 27, 2001. 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.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
- Summary: THE FRAME CAN CRACK AT THE STEERING GEAR ATTACHMENT AND/OR THE STEERING GEAR MOUNTING BOLTS CAN FRACTURE.
- Consequence: THE STEERING GEAR CAN SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE FRAME RESULTING IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD REINFORCEMENTS TO THE FRAME AND REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR MOUNTING BOLTS. IF THE FRAME IS ALREADY CRACKED, THE STEERING GEAR WELD NUTS WILL ALSO BE REPLACED.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
- Summary: THE ENGINE VALVE COVER GASKET MAY DISLOCATE AND ALLOW AN ENGINE OIL LEAK AT THE GASKET.
- Consequence: THE LEAKAGE OF OIL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COULD CAUSEA FIRE.
- Remedy: REPLACE GASKET COVER WITH REVISED COVER, AND RTV SEALANT WILL BE APPLIED IN PLACE OF A GASKET.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1989 Dodge Dakota problems:
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