1989 Dodge Dakota Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 30%of 63 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 209,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the steering of the 1989 Dodge Dakota, 30% of the 63 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 209,000 miles. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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). …”
NHTSA complaint #10425814, filed 2011-09, 209,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #896510, filed 2001-09“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.”
NHTSA complaint #816121, filed 1997-08“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.”
NHTSA complaint #890387, filed 2001-06“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.”
NHTSA complaint #861833, filed 2000-05Related recalls
- 01V232000Jul 6, 2001Vehicle description: 4x2 pickup truck convertibles equipped with v6 engines (built from november 1988 - june 1990) and 4x2 pickup trucks equipped with the…Covers: Dodge Dakota 1989–1990
- 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 1989 Dodge Dakota
12 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsTires
4 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1989 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