1990 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 1990 Dodge Dakota problems
The Dodge Dakota, produced from 1987 to 2011, is known for its reliability as a mid-size pickup truck. However, certain model years have been associated with common problems that may affect the vehicle's performance and safety.
Engine Problems:
The Dodge Dakota has experienced engine issues, particularly in the 2000 and 2006 models. These problems include loss of oil pressure due to oil sludge, fluctuating idle, and recurring misfire on the same cylinder. These issues can lead to expensive repairs and should be carefully considered before purchasing a used Dodge Dakota from these years.
Brake Issues:
Brake problems have been reported in several Dodge Dakota models, with the 2002 model being the most affected. Specific issues include brake cylinder lockup, smoking hot brakes, and brake lockup. These problems can not only be inconvenient but also pose safety risks and should be taken seriously.
Body/Paint Troubles:
The 2000 model of the Dodge Dakota has been particularly affected by body and paint issues, with customers reporting problems such as paint fading off the top of the roof, oxidation of the clear coat on the roof, and rusting wheel wells. These issues can affect the vehicle's appearance and potentially lead to more serious problems if not addressed.
Coolant Loss and Engine Overheating:
The 2001 Dodge Dakota has been reported to have issues with coolant loss and engine overheating, which can cause the engine to overheat frequently, even in cool weather. Coolant leaks are commonly caused by worn gaskets around the thermostat housing, water pump, intake manifold, and timing cover. These issues can lead to expensive repairs and should be carefully considered before purchasing a used Dodge Dakota from this year.
Intermediate Steering Shaft Noises:
Many owners of the Dodge Dakota have reported intermediate steering shaft noises, which can be a sign of a more serious issue with the vehicle's steering system. This problem has been reported for various model years and should be addressed promptly to ensure the safety of the vehicle.
Damaged Exhaust Manifold Bolts and Upper Ball Joint Failure:
These are some of the top Dodge Dakota problems, affecting various model years. Damaged exhaust manifold bolts can lead to exhaust leaks and reduced engine performance, while upper ball joint failure can affect the vehicle's handling and safety.
Oil Leaks:
Oil leaks have been reported in the 1997 Dodge Dakota, particularly around the valve cover, intake manifold, timing cover, distributor O-ring, and the rear main seal. These leaks can lead to reduced engine performance and should be addressed promptly to prevent further damage.
In summary, the Dodge Dakota has been known for its reliability as a mid-size pickup truck. However, certain model years, such as 2000, 2002, and 2006, have been associated with common problems that may affect the vehicle's performance and safety. Potential buyers should carefully consider these issues before purchasing a used Dodge Dakota from these years.
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.
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.
What engine does a 1990 Dodge Dakota have?
3.9 V6 EFI
Specifications for Dodge Dakota Regular Cab 3.9 V6 EFI 126hp, 1990 1st Generation (1987 - 1996)
How much can a 1990 Dodge Dakota tow?
4,600 lbs.
Used 1990 Dodge Dakota - Specs & Features
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Height | 64.4 in. |
| Wheelbase | 131.0 in. |
| Maximum towing capacity | 4,600 lbs. |
| Maximum payload | 1,450.0 lbs. |
Is the Dodge Dakota a reliable car?
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.
What engine does a 1990 Dodge Dakota have?
3.9 V6 EFI
Specifications for Dodge Dakota Regular Cab 3.9 V6 EFI 126hp, 1990 1st Generation (1987 - 1996)
How much can a 1990 Dodge Dakota tow?
4,600 lbs.
Used 1990 Dodge Dakota - Specs & Features
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Height | 64.4 in. |
| Wheelbase | 131.0 in. |
| Maximum towing capacity | 4,600 lbs. |
| Maximum payload | 1,450.0 lbs. |
How much does a 1990 Dodge Dakota weigh?
Used 1990 Dodge Dakota Extended Cab - Specs & Features
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 131.0 in. |
| Maximum towing capacity | 4,600 lbs. |
| Maximum payload | 1,450.0 lbs. |
| Gross weight | 5,080 lbs. |
1990 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 1990 Dodge Dakota vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1990 Dodge Dakota
The NHTSA has received 88 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Dodge Dakota. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1990 Dodge Dakota vehicles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-04-01
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: DODGE IGNITION SYSTEM LOCKED UP WITHOUT WARNING.*MR *JB
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-11-10
- VIN: 1B7FL23X8LS
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: FIRST TIRE SEPARATION DISCOVERED BY CSAA AUTO SERVICE DURING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, ON 11/07/01. SECOND AND THIRD TREAD SEPARATION WERE DURING VACATION, WHEN DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY, AT 50MPH, THE TIRES STARTED PRODUCING ROUGH RIDE. STOPPED TO CHECK TIRES, AND NOTICED SEPARATION.*AK (TIRESIZE: LT21575R15)
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-03-03
- VIN: 2B6HB21Y6LK
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: DRUM, TIRE AND ALL OFF AXLE, WHEN VEHICLE STOPPED, ALMOST LOST FAMILY, DEALER NEGLECT. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-05-07
- VIN: 1B7FL2X1LS7
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING HEARD A RATTLE, THAT SOUNDED LIKE WATER PUMP WAS GOING BAD. NEXT DAY, CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD CRASH BANG, FAN BLADE BROKE OFF, CUT RADIATOR HOSE. FAN BLADE HAD TO BE REPLACED. CONSUMER FELT LIKE IF THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN UNDER HOOD SOME ONE MAY HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED.*AK THE CUSTOMER ALSO NOTED THAT ONE OF FOUR BLADE FAN HAS CRACKED. RADIATOR FAILED. *YH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1B7GL63X6LS
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I WANT TO KNOW WHAT EMISSION CONTROL DEVICES MY VEHICLE HAS WHEN IT WAS MANUFACTURED. NEED TO KNOW THIS BY USING MY VIN.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1B7GG26X3LS
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I HAVE HAD TROUBLE FINDING INFORMATION ON ANY UPGRADES, OR MODIFICATION THAT HAVE BEEN DONE TO THE NP231D TRANSFER CASE SINCE DATE OF MANUFACTURE ON 10-89. I HAD TO REPLACE THE RANGE FORK AND RANGE FORK SHIFT HUB AND AM NOW EXPERIENCING DIFFICULTIES WITH THE REPLACEMENTS. IF I CAN JUST GET SOME FEEDBACK ON THIS IT WOULD HELP ME A GREAT DEAL. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND EFFORT IN THIS SITUATION. *AKY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-09-15
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ANTI-LOCK BRAKE MODULE FAILED. I TOOK VEHICLE TO MECHANIC. HE COULD NOT OBTAIN REPLACEMENT PART BECAUSE DEALER WOULD NOT PROVIDE IT TO HIM. DEALER STATED THAT VEHICLE HAD TO BE BROUGHT INTO THEM FOR RAPAIR. DEALER MECHANIC ADVISED US THAT REPAIR WAS NOT NECESSARY BACAUSE BRAKES WORKED, JUST ANTI-LOCK FEATURE WOULD NOT WORK. WE WAITED FOR SEVERAL MONTHS TO SAVE UP FOR THE REPAIR. AND HAD THE DEALER REPAIR THE ANTILOCK BRAKES. I FEEL THE DEALER IS MAKING A HAZARD ON THE ROAD BY NOT PROVIDING THE NECESSARY REPLACEMENT PARTS TO OTHER REPAIR SHOPS. THE DEALER ALSO CHARGES HIGHER PRICES AND THIS DEALER ALWAYS CAUSES SOMTHING ELSE TO GO WRONG IN THE PROCESS OF REPAIRING THE PROBLEM IT WAS BROUGHT IN FOR. THAT IS THE MAIN REASON WE USE AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO REPAIR PROBLEMS THAT WERE UNDER WARRANTY. WE PAID FOR THE REPAIRS SO THE DEALER COULDN'T SCREW UP THE TRUCK ANY MORE. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1B7GG66X1L5
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: VEHICLE PAINT CHIPPING SINCE 1993.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1990-10-01
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND DRIVETRAIN SINCE IT CAME OFF THE LOT. THE ORIGINAL DEALERSHIP WAS EXTREMELY HELPFUL WHILE WE STILL LIVED IN THE AREA. HOWEVER, WHEN WE MOVED TO MINNESOTA THE FIRST TRANSMISSION FAILURE OCCURRED. 1ST 2ND AND 3RD GEARS WERE REPLACED, THERE WAS LESS THAN 7,000 MI ON THE TRUCK. THE SECOND FAILURE WAS LESS THAN A YEAR LATER, AGAIN 1ST 2ND AND 3RD CRAPPED OUT. THIS OCCURRED AGAIN ABOUT 6-8 MONTHS LATER. I HAD ASKED THE SERVICE SHOP TO CHECK THE DRIVETRAIN SEVERAL TIMES, THE RESPONSE WAS THAT EVERYTHING WAS WITHIN PARAMETERS. THE WHOLE SYSTEM JUMPS AND THUMPS WHEN SHIFTING GEARS. IT ALSO MAKES SIMILAR NOISES AND JUMPING WHEN GOING OVER SMALL BUMPS OR DIPS IN THE ROAD. I HAVE HAD THE CLUTCH, PRESSURE PLATE AND THROW OUT BEARING REPLACED AT ABOUT 40,000 MI. THIS TRUCK HAS NOT BEEN USED FOR TOWING OR HAULING ANY HEAVY LOADS. I READ IN THE ABOVE LIST ABOUT ANOTHER. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-08-30
- VIN: 1B7FL16G9LS
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THE FUEL TANK CRACKED, CAUSING THE FUEL TO SPILL OVER. IF IT WAS TO BECOME A SOURCE OF IGNITION, IT COULD CAUSE A FIRE. DEALER WILL REPLACE FUEL TANK. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-04-05
- VIN: 1B7GG26X2LS
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHILE LOADING EQUIPMENT INTO BED, 1/2 INCH ALUMINUM RIVET THAT HOLDS TAILGATE CHAIN BRACKET ONTO THE BODY FAILED/RIPPED OFF. (QCAW)
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-06-11
- VIN: 1B7GL23X9LS
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CONSUMER COMPLAINTING OF TRANSMISSION OVERDRIVE SYSTEM MALFUNCTION WITH ONLY 67,000 MILES OF WEAR, DEALER NOTIFIED AND WILL REPAIR FOR A COST TO THE COSUMER.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-03-16
- VIN: 1B7GL63XXLS
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: OWNER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE CONCERNING STEERING GEAR BOX. BUT WAS UNABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE REPAIRED BECAUSE THE MECHANIC AT THE DEALER TOLD THEM THEY COULD ONLY GET IT REPAIRED MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, NOT ON SATURDAY. OWNER STATED THAT'S THEIR ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-10
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1B7GL26X7LS
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE TRUCK WAS IDLING IN PARK. THE TRUCK SLIPPED OUT OF PARK INTO REVERSE AND SLAMMED INTO THE HOUSE. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-09-07
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING ASSEMBNLY WENT OUT AND VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO HANDLE PROPERLY, CHECK AND WELD RACK AND PINIONS BOLTS, R &I RACK AND PINION, WELD 2 NEW PIECES OF SHEET METAL WHERE BOLTS GO INTO THE FRAME.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-09-07
- VIN: 1B7FL23X8LS
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE, RESULTING IN COLLISION.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR SEPARATED PER THE RECALL NOTICE.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-12-06
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: VEHICLE JUMPED OUT OF PARK RESULTING IN COLLISION.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1B7FL23X6LS
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: FRAME AT STEERING GEAR BOLT STRIPPED OUT.
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1B7FL23X4LS
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: AIR CONDITIONER FAILED.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1B7FL23X4LS
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: WIRING UNDER DASH FAILED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1B7FL23X4LS
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: RIGHT FRONT BRAKE HOSE SPLIT.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1B7FL23X4LS
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VACUUM HEAT CONTROL LEAKS.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1B7FL23X4LS
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: RADIATOR LEAKS.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1B7FL23X4LS
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: POWER STEERING FAILED.
1990 Dodge Dakota recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1990 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.
Negative 1990 Dodge Dakota car reviews
Positive 1990 Dodge Dakota car reviews
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My dad bought his 1990 Dakota SE Club Cab brand new, and it was used as a truck and as a commuter vehicle. When it was finally traded during the Cash for Clunkers era (admittedly a terrible fate for such a faithful pickup), it had almost 400,000 miles on it. The 3.9 V6 is rock solid and incredibly reliable, and everything else about the truck was the same except for the automatic transmission, which required 2 rebuilds in the 19 years that this truck was in our family. Even that's not terrible, besides that, the Dakota only required normal maintenance and was extremely reliable. I would love to have this truck today. It was tired when it was traded, but it was absolutely still drivable and solid. I hate that my dad traded it during the Cash for Clunkers program, but he doesn't have the emotional connection to cars that I do. Also, I noticed that the 'model' dropdown box doesn't offer an option for the 3.9 V6 and automatic trans in any trim. My understanding was that the Club Cab was only offered with the V6 and auto, but perhaps I'm wrong.
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Hello! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to say that I've owned this 2WD truck for 8 years and it has been an absolute trooper. It has even outlasted two of my wife's Grand Caravans! Every morning, I turn the key, put it in gear, and head off to work. It's been a reliable companion, even when I fill it with hundreds of pounds of Scout gear and 2-4 Boy Scouts. I have to admit, I'm not always easy on this truck, but I make sure to change the oil, keep it lubed, and wash it 2-3 times a month. The only rust on it is both doors have surface rust, 1/2
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This truck is a top quality vehicle. It's not quite a compact truck and not quite a full-size truck; therefore, it's a mid-size. It can haul more than my friend's 1998 Ford F-150 and is more reliable. The only downside is its transmission, which went out around 74,000 miles, and now I have 80,000 miles on it. Overall, I would highly recommend this truck because it's both fun and reliable.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1990 Dodge Dakota problems:
1990 Dodge Dakota Problems and Complaints - 14 Issues
Problem with your 1990 Dodge Dakota? Our list of 14 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1990 Dodge Dakota.
**FAQ -----General Info, Common problems, Factory Service ...
Aug 29, 2006 ... ... Gen Dakota Tech - **FAQ -----General Info, Common problems ... (This problem is common to not just the Dakota ... 1990 Dodge Dakota(PDF, 5.6MB) 1994 ...
Common 1990 Dodge Dakota Problems: Q&A with Throttle Body ...
Mar 14, 2016 ... I have a 1990 dodge Dakota throttle body with 2 fuel injectors when I turn the engine it floods whith gas, that is it I - Answered by a ...
1990 Dodge Dakota Reviews - Carsurvey.org
Nov 2, 2007 ... Faults: Master cylinder leaked (not a big deal). Fuel leak in the fuel line a while back. As of lately (it sat ...
Q&A: 1990 Dodge Dakota - Common Issues & Solutions
Jun 16, 2012 ... Was this answer helpful? up Yes. down No. Finish.
Other years of Dodge Dakota
Are you having problems with your 1990 Dodge Dakota?
Trevor Dare 2024-11-04
I've had some good and bad experiences with this lemon. I understand that with a used truck, problems are to be expected, but this one seems to have more than its fair share. When I first got it, it had an oil leak, then a coolant leak, and now a gas leak. I can't help but wonder what else is going to leak on this thing. Even setting the cruise control causes it to rev itself up going downhill, which seems odd. A month ago, the headlights went out while I was on my way to school. I took it to a Chrysler place, and the guy there said, 'You have a Dakota, it will last forever.' Well, if it will last forever, mine is about to die. The transmission also seems to get a bit happy when you first start going in the morning. All in all, I wouldn't recommend this truck to anyone.