1988 Dodge Dakota Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 26about this part
- Share
- 47%of 55 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 118,100miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 26 complaints about the steering of the 1988 Dodge Dakota, 47% of the 55 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 118,100 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Re: steering recall as issued... Nhtsa action # pe96003 for Dodge Dakota vehicle. Recall was for steering box other than rack and pinion steering. I'm the original owner of this vehicle and have had a issue with a wandering vehicle at highway speeds for many years. Dealer could never find a problem. I found the steering rack and pinion mounting points stress fractured, weld nut mounts pulled away. Visual cracking around area at the back of the cross member. Dodge said recall was only for the steering gear box mounts. Why was the rack and pinion mounts not included in this recall? …”
NHTSA complaint #10223107, filed 2008-04, 118,100 miles“Received recall notice (#96v094000) rack and pinion steering. Called dealer & took vehicle in to the mechanic. Was told needed to wait for special welder & would notify owner. Received another recall notice. Called back to dealer. Mechanic again said needed to wait with other vehicles for welder specialist to do the repairs on steering.”
NHTSA complaint #822785, filed 1998-04“Had recall work done on dec. 17 and on dec.18 made a right hand turn heard noise underneath and then vehicle became hard to steer. Took vehicle back to dealer and said he needed to call chrysler, rack & pinon was worn out. Chrysler stated that this failure had nothing to do with recall repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #806725, filed 1996-12“Vehicle on recall. According to dealer, was told to bring vehicle in & leave it. Would take one day to fix. Took vehicle & left it. Returned to pick it up & was told nothing was repaired on rack & pinion due to a broken part under vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #824224, filed 1998-06“Recall for rack and pinion steering mount on back order quoted by reigler Dodge in summit nj. Owner has made several attempts to call chrysler manufacturer and was put on hold for over an hour every time. Please describe details.”
NHTSA complaint #805844, filed 1996-12Related recalls
- 96V094000Jun 13, 1996The frame can crack at the steering gear attachment and/or the steering gear mounting bolts can fracture.Covers: Dodge Dakota 1988–1990
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 5 | 14% |
| 2008 | 17 | 19% |
| 2007 | 12 | 8% |
| 2006 | 47 | 16% |
| 2005 | 47 | 10% |
| 2004 | 74 | 36% |
| 2003 | 14 | 5% |
| 2002 | 44 | 6% |
| 2001 | 48 | 7% |
| 2000 | 68 | 8% |
| 1999 | 72 | 11% |
| 1998 | 47 | 9% |
| 1997 | 34 | 8% |
| 1996 | 7 | 4% |
| 1995 | 19 | 9% |
| 1994 | 20 | 12% |
| 1993 | 12 | 9% |
| 1992 | 8 | 4% |
| 1991 | 15 | 12% |
| 1990 | 27 | 43% |
| 1989 | 19 | 30% |
| 1988 | 26 | 47% |
| 1987 | 5 | 25% |
Other parts of the 1988 Dodge Dakota
10 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1988 Dodge Dakota
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology