1990 Dodge W350 problems

Common 1990 Dodge W350 problems

The Dodge W350 1990 is known for several common problems based on complaints from owners. One of the most common issues is harshness and shuddering during shifting, which has been reported by 842 people. This problem can be caused by various factors, including a faulty torque converter or transmission fluid issues.

Another common problem with the Dodge W350 1990 is overly rich fuel, which can lead to oily plugs. This issue can be caused by a malfunctioning choke or other fuel system components. One owner of a 1990 W150 reported that their truck randomly stalls out when giving it gas while driving and warmed up, and that they find oil in the air box and on the outside of the plugs.

The 1990 W350 also has issues with rust, particularly in areas that get snow and use salt and brine solutions on the roads during the winter. Rust can be found in the bottom sides of the bed, cab corners, rocker panels, and floor, as well as in the doors if water gets through the vent windows or worn-out weather-stripping.

The automatic transmissions in the Dodge W350 1990 are also known to be weak, particularly in higher mileage or hard-mileage trucks. The kingpins tend to wear out over time, and the automatic transmissions may need to be rebuilt or upgraded, especially if plans to raise the power levels of the 6BT.

Electrical gremlins can also be present or begin to appear over time in the Dodge W350 1990. The headlights in these trucks don't run off of a relay, which can lead to a failed switch or even a fire. Installing relays can help prevent these issues, particularly for supplementary lighting or trailer towing.

Finally, the speedometer failure is a common issue in the Dodge W350 1990, which can lead to the cruise and overdrive going out. The VSS is the culprit in 9 out of 10 cases, and it's cheap and easy to replace. However, if it's the PCM, options include replacing it or running a switched ground to the orange wire leading to the VSS.

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 does a 1990 Dodge Dakota weigh?

Used 1990 Dodge Dakota - Specs & Features

Dimensions
Wheelbase	131.0 in.
Maximum towing capacity	4,600 lbs.
Maximum payload	1,450.0 lbs.
Gross weight	5,080 lbs.

How old is a first gen Dodge?

Dodge Ram - 1st Gen (1981 to 1993)

The first generation of Dodge Ram was introduced for the 1981 model year. The Ram was the successor to the Dodge D-Series, and was offered as a range of Light (100 & 150), Medium (250), and Heavy Duty (350) trucks.

Are Dodge Dakotas 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.

1990 Dodge W350 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Dodge W350 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

• Steering problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Dodge W350 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.