1994 Dodge Dakota Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 12%of 166 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the steering of the 1994 Dodge Dakota, 12% of the 166 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 500 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 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.
“While driving 40 MPH a deer appear out of no where and was hit by consumer's vehicle. It was badly damaged and knocked off the road. Upon impact, driver's air bag failed to deploy. Steering wheel separated and caused severe damage to driver's right leg. Driver was hospitalized. Vehicle had old engine replaced. The Dakota sport was totaled. The consumer stated that the above information is incorrect and sent an updated version which is as follows: the consumer was driving and a deer jumped onto his vehicle. The vehicle crossed the road to the left into a ditch and flipped the vehicle over. …”
NHTSA complaint #10094568, filed 2005-01, 500 miles“Front left door snapped off. I can't open the drivers door from the inside. Also, both seat belts snapped, the air and heat doesn't work, the brakes locked up, which affected the steering. The transmission was replaced three timed, the vehicle would loose power and the engine would die. The catalytic converter rattled. There was a rough idle and then the vehicle would stall. The cruise control was inoperative, the tires wore out prematurely. Also, I had difficulty getting the vehicle out of park. …”
NHTSA complaint #10512159, filed 2013-05“Had received recall notice 95v088000. Took to dealer. Had the repairs done on the steering wheel. The recall remedy has failed. There are holes in the sleeves where keys can catch & shut down vehicle. Has happened at least 4 times while driving in traffic.”
NHTSA complaint #833486, filed 1999-02“Recall #627 modified by carl gregory chrysler has failed resulting in key lodging/locking steering column. Driver has lost control due to failures. Tt consumer states this recall has nothing to do with the problem she is experiencing there is a continual snapping sound from the front right wheel side of the vehicle, it occurs when making leftturns or when making right turns when backing. …”
NHTSA complaint #974773, filed 1995-11“The extra keys on the key ring will get into the steering wheel, causing the pulling vehicle to shut off. Dealer has repaired column under 4 recalls. Owner states that problem still occurs. (95v-088).”
NHTSA complaint #821775, filed 1998-03Related recalls
- 95V088000May 12, 1995While making a turn, the extra keys on a vehicle operator's key ring can become temporarily lodged in the screw access holes in the back cover of the steering…Covers: Dodge Dakota 1994, RAM 1994–1995
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 1994 Dodge Dakota
25 complaintsBrakes
24 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsAir bags
22 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsEngine cooling
14 complaintsSeat belts
11 complaintsSeats
11 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1994 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