1990 Dodge Dakota Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 22%of 63 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1990 Dodge Dakota, 22% of the 63 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #708783, filed 1999-07“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #705435, filed 1999-04“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.”
NHTSA complaint #824268, filed 1998-06“Transmission failed with virtually no warning. Transmission had been visually inspected and serviced as part of a service call; no signs of failure were detected.”
NHTSA complaint #546873, filed 1997-02Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 8 | 18% |
| 2010 | 7 | 20% |
| 2009 | 6 | 33% |
| 2008 | 10 | 11% |
| 2007 | 24 | 17% |
| 2006 | 36 | 13% |
| 2005 | 81 | 17% |
| 2004 | 19 | 9% |
| 2003 | 38 | 13% |
| 2002 | 89 | 13% |
| 2001 | 93 | 14% |
| 2000 | 74 | 9% |
| 1999 | 56 | 9% |
| 1998 | 74 | 14% |
| 1997 | 46 | 10% |
| 1996 | 28 | 15% |
| 1995 | 27 | 13% |
| 1994 | 25 | 15% |
| 1993 | 20 | 15% |
| 1992 | 110 | 51% |
| 1991 | 60 | 47% |
| 1990 | 14 | 22% |
| 1989 | 12 | 19% |
| 1988 | 10 | 18% |
| 1987 | 1 | 5% |
Other parts of the 1990 Dodge Dakota
27 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1990 Dodge Dakota
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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